The Other Side Of Mauritius

Mauritius is known as the perfect holiday destination for relaxing on a sun lounger and sipping cocktails. The island’s white sands and turquoise sea makes it the ultimate paradise in which to put your feet up and get pampered. If relaxing on a beach all day sounds a little too dull for your liking then Mauritius has a lot more to offer than just a great suntan.

The small island is situated just east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and is steeped in history and culture. Discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1507, Mauritius is a great place for historians and inquisitive visitors alike. To find out more about Mauritius’s early history you can a visit to the Naval and Historical museum in Mahebourg. This museum is dedicated to the famous battle of the English and French who fought on the Indian Ocean for ownership over the island in 1810. The island’s other early inhabitant, the dodo, is also represented on the island. The famous bird is present on the national coat of arms and there are reminders of the funny birds to be found all over the island, from their presence on stamps to wood carvings found in the local markets.

If you’re looking to learn about the traditional side of Mauritius then there are an abundance of sites to discover. You can take an organised tea route excursion, which includes a trip through a Mauritian tea plantation, where you can witness how the tea is harvested and processed. The tradition of tea making is kept alive at the local museum where you can learn all about the process of making the perfect cup of tea, you can also treat yourself to a tasting session the
Bois Cheri chalet nearby.

If you want to truly experience the culture of Mauritius then a trip to one of the local markets is a must. The island has an array of bazaars offering everything from local crafts to exotic fruits and vegetables. The most popular market with tourists can be found at Port Louis but to experience the real Mauritius stray a little further from the beaten track where some of the more traditional markets can be found. Haggling is common practice here and sellers will not expect you to accept their first offer so, if you have the gift of the gab, you can pick up some fantastic local goods at a great price. The markets are also a perfect place to find an authentic Mauritius meal and can be a great alternative to the pricey hotel restaurants.

Mauritius holidays have a lot more to offer guests than just pampering and relaxation. The small island is pack full of historical and cultural treats to greet visitors so, no matter your interests there are plenty of opportunities to experience the other side of Mauritius.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.