There is indeed a major reason to visit the beauty scenery abounding around Mauritius and its island.
One of such is what Mark Twain described in this sentence, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
The island country of Mauritius geographically lies in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.
The landmass of the country is estimated to be twice the size of Hong Kong with about a million population. The island country of Mauritius is a destination to behold numerous natural aesthetics.
The low population density of the country brings an even distribution of nature across it, and which in turn pitches Mauritius at the centre stage of Tourism in the Africa continent.
Mauritius is one of the few countries in the world that was actually populated from scratch by “foreigners”, so the blend of cultures and traditions makes the island unique.
The demographics of Mauritius truly describes its historical facts with the population predominantly Indian-Mauritians, with a sandwich of African-Mauritians and Europeans.
This composition of theirs has made a unique culture, spanning from language to religion.
Large number of the population speak Mauritian Creole, a French-based language with English words being mixed, south Eastern Asian and continental African languages.
The island country’s clear blue waters, long mountain ranges, lush planes, and stunning waterfalls have made it an adventure destination for tourists across the globe. The island used to be the home for Dodo bird before its extinction.
Festivals
There are several festivals which hold in Mauritius, most of which are attributed to religion practice.
For instance, the Hindu pilgrimage in Mauritius is one of the largest outside India. About 500,000 people do visit in February for a pilgrimage to Grand Bassin on foot. It is a lake by which the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva (Mangal Mahadev) stands.
Also, there’s the festival of lights, Diwali, that is celebrated in autumn. Sweet Potato lovers can also visit during the feast on gâteau patate – sweet potato and coconut cakes made and offered as gifts between families and neighbours, a great time to spend and converse with the indigenes..
Other festivals include Ugadi, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam and Ganesh Chathurthi, all these offer a broader insight into the diverse cultures that is woven into Mauritius social life.
Food
Are you looking for one of the best destinations in the world to have classes of cuisine on the row to consume your appetite, Mauritius is just the best fit country for you to visit. Mauritian cuisine has been hugely influenced with Asian, African, and Indian food that brings fascinating flavors to consume.
Are you planning to visit, then be in anticipation for fish vindaye chicken or fish kalia (mixed with vegetables) daube and mutton halim (a soup), which a traditional tomato-based chicken stew and a local take on Indian vindaloo whenever you visit any restaurant.
When it comes to snacks dhal puri, a traditional flatbread filled with spicy ground split peas and served with chutney is quite popular.
There are some sweet tasteful fruits like mango, lychee, papaya, guava, star fruit, sweet sops (with a green bark with oval coarse grains and delicious flesh).
Available also on the island are custard heart, passion fruit, golden apple (fruit de Cythère), tamarind, sour sops, avocado, jamrosa, bibasse, longan, jamalac, jackfruit (large oval fruit) and the classics like banana, pineapple, watermelon and melon.
Nature
The low population density is obviously keeping the island’s natural resources and botanical gardens unexplored. Mauritius can boast of over a dozen natural reserves and botanical gardens.
Worth of being explored are also its waterfalls, tropical forests and mountainous vistas.
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the southern part of the island, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses has 500 species of plant, as well as giant water lilies and more than 80 types of palm.
In the Île aux Aigrettes, off the southeast coast of Mauritius, there are endemic species like pink pigeons and kestrels including giant tortoises.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Le Morne Cultural Landscape, with a view called Maconde, is a mind blowing mountain that protrudes from the ocean; its peninsula protected runaway slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Island trotting
The volcanic main island of Mauritius is engulfed by coral reefs; there are also several smaller islands. What better way to enjoy the island than boarding a ferry or catamaran ride to all the smaller islands? It’s indeed a great way to appreciate the country that is described as ‘heaven on earth’.
Some of the smaller islands include Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ilot Gabriel, Ile d’Ambre, Ile au Ronde, Ile Benetiers, Ile de deux Cocos, Coin de Mire and Flat island.
Sega
One of the most popular traditional dances on the Island Country is known as ‘Sega’, a dance that was originated in Africa. The music that goes with the dance is sang in Creole. The dance begins slowly with a solemn tune that later picks up tempo which becomes more animated along the way.
Three instruments are used to start the music, this is an ensemble of the ravanne, the maravanne, and the triangle, however. These are presently being replaced with the modern orchestra ensemble. Irrespective of the paradigm shift from these traditional instruments to the modern day instruments, the locals still find it fun-filling and fulfilled using the traditional instruments.
