Sitting proudly off the coast of East Africa, the country of Mauritius has always enjoyed the benefit of having a strategic location. Coveted by colonizing forces such as the Dutch, French and British, the country was since shaped by its international influences. Heavily inspired by the African and Indian communities (with an undercurrent of Middle Eastern), especially in terms of architecture and cuisine, the country is full of things to witness.
Savour the Cuisine
Looking at the country’s local fare, both in the streets and within buildings, will show you the influences that Mauritius has been subjected to. A few must-try dishes – vindaye and rougail, are examples of the range of countries (India and Creole respectively) that have had an apparent effect. Most hotels, such as the Anantara Iko Mauritius will have a buffet that consists of such dishes. Otherwise, you may simply stroll the streets and take a look at what the vendors have to offer.
Visit the Local Markets
Better than being cooped up inside a room, you may have an interesting experience visiting the local markets! Examples such as the Curepipe Market display the interesting architectural builds and windows into local Mauritian life. With hand-painted stalls, Chinese shophouses, and fruit vendors all trading amidst a maze of little structures, it’s truly a sight to see; interestingly, it adds to the contrast of the many luxurious Mauritius resorts you’ll be sure to be seeing a lot of in the area as well.
Tour the Tea Routes of Mauritius
From the cane fields of the Frederica Reserve to the depots of the Aapravasi Ghat, the traditional tea route of the 1800s is a welcome experience for those looking for a little culture and history. Find out about the unmistakable marks on history left by a history of slavery and trade, through artefacts preserved and even crumbling sugar mills.
Witness the culture of the Grand Bassin Sacred Lake
The Grand Bassin, or Ganga Talao as it may be known, is Mauritius’s holiest Hindu site – which receives hundreds of thousands of those willing pilgrims every year, who come for such events as the Maha Shivaratri. Celebrated with fervour, the pilgrims walk past enormous statues and elaborate sacred structures to deliver their respects – so make sure to dress appropriately if you’re thinking of visiting.
Rainforest Hiking
Not just content with its strategic location and abundant history, Mauritius also has much in the way of natural beauty! The national park of the Black River Gorges is a massive enclosure of over 6,700 hectares, stretching across landscapes, hills, and valleys once home to the now-extinct dodo bird. Currently, it is home to nine species of birds that cannot be found outside of Mauritius, and over 300 species of endemic flora. Unique in its environment, there are also hiking trails for the casual footprint.