Mauritius Island with its exotic locales is simply a bliss. Every year tourists throng to Mauritius to experience the unique beauty and charm. Tourism in Mauritius is the backbone of the country's economy.
The beautiful island of Mauritius is geographically located in the middle of the warm Indian Ocean in the east of Madagascar. Situated approximately 2400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa, Mauritius covers a land area of approximately 1,865 square kilometres. Surrounded by sea on all sides, Mauritius is a land of exotic beaches, lush tropical vegetation and panoramic landscape.

Mauritius has a typical coastal tropical climate. The best time to visit Mauritius is during winter from the months of July to September and for keen divers the best season is from December to March when the waters are crystal clear. The vibrant island of Mauritius is easily accessible by air and by water. Several international aviation majors have scheduled flights to Mauritius from important destinations of the world. Monthly shipping services are available between Mauritius and Reunion.

Getting around in Mauritius is also easy and comfortable. Several car rental agencies operate their taxis in and around Mauritius. Major tourist hot spots can also be reached by boats. There are numerous tourist attractions in Mauritius and sightseeing options that keep the tourists busy. There are large numbers of beautiful islands in Mauritius, which are simply loved by the tourists. Some of the important tourists attractions of Mauritius are the Grand Bay: a shopping and leisure paradise, the Triolet Shivala; popular for being the longest village and endowed with the most cultural attractions and of course the numerous beaches, Mauritius being an Island.
Mauritius was named after Dutch Prince Maurice Van Nassau. The island is located on latitude 20º south of the equator and longitude 57.5º east. English is the official language. French and Creole are commonly used. With a population of 1.2 million, the literacy rate in Mauritius hovers around 90%.

Mauritius will enchant you, will uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again. Your stay in Mauritius will remain engraved in your memory forever.
Climate:
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.
What to wear
Recommended is your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months however (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings. Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.
Culture
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population
consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.
Geography
Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 1865km_ with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.
Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English
and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.
Visa & entry requirements
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate.

Attractions to visit while in Mauritius

The Grand Bay
Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

The Triolet Shivala
The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha

The Labourdonnais Orchards
Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colorful and perfumed exotic flowers at the Labourdonnais Orchards. Pereybère
The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.

Dutch Ruins
At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Excavation work is underway in a bid to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.

Ile aux Aigrettes
Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Martello Towers
The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.

Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin
Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.

Black River Gorges
This national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area.

Invigorate yourself. Go mountain climbing or explore nature through forests, plants or endemic flowers. Enjoy the spectacular beauty of waterfalls or live an exciting adventure by going down the waterfalls.