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Attractions
PLACES OF INTERESTS
Nature
- Pamplemousses
- Grand Bassin
- Chamarel
- Trou Aux Cerfs
- Eureka
Domaine Les Pailles
At a stone's throw from
Port-Louis lies the Domaine Les Pailles, a natural park spreading over 3,000
acres at the foot of a mountain range. Here visitors discover old ways of living
in an enchanting environment. Domaine Les Pailles also offers a wide range of
facilities: a gastronomic restaurant, "Le Clos St Louis" a reception hall "La
Canelle Rouge", an Indian restaurant "Indra", exclusive Chinese at "Fu Xiao", a
pizzaeria
Domaine Du Chasseur
"Domaine des grands Bois"
:Hidden in the hills at Anse Jonchee near Mahebourg on the South-Eastern side of
the island is a magnificient park covering 2,000 acres. On forest-clad slopes at
an altitude of 300 to 500 metres live stags and deers, monkeys and wild boars in
a luxurious vegetation of ebony, eucalyptus, revenala, palm trees and wild
orchids.
Rare species of birds such as the kestrel can be seen in the woods. The domain
also boasts 4 thatch-roofed lodge-type bungalows and open restaurant overlooking
the sea. A wide choice of venison and seafood is available.
Tel : (230) 634 5097 ,Fax : (230) 634 5261
Domaine de l'Ylang Ylang
Rests at the foot of Anse
Jonchees Mountain, Vieux Grand Port. It's the main resource is the plantation of
Ylang Ylang from whose fragrant yellow flowers, perfume is distilled. The domain
commands a panoramic view over the bay of Vieux Grand Port and the neighbouring
islets. Hiking possibilities exists for nature-lovers and food sampling of farm
products can be organized on request.
Tel:(230) 634-5668, Fax:(230) 634-5230
Black River Gorges National Park
This 6,574 hectare park,
proclaimed in 1994, protects much of the remaining native forests of Mauritius
and provides opportunities for the visitor to enjoy spectacular natural scenery
and some of the unique endemic plants and birdlife. The National Park is easily
reached from Vacoas or Curepipe, via La Marie and Mare aux Vacoas.
At Le Petrin a visitor information centre has been set up with picnic
facilities. A boardwalk provides access to the typical dwarf forest of the
region and a fenced conversation management area from which invasive non-native
plants have been removed protects a sample of the remaining heathland. From here
visitors can walk to Maccabee forest (7 km return) or down through the Gorges to
Black River (15 km). From the road across Plaine Champagne towards Chamarel
there is easy access to viewpoints at Alexandra Falls, over Bel Ombre and over
the spectacular Black River Gorges. There are also a number of longer walking
trails, including one to the island's highest point, Black River Peak (828 m.)
Details containedin a brochure are available free from the National Parks and
Conversation Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Reduit.
Road access into the Black River Gorges from the coast road has been upgraded
and a visitor Centre and camping area has been developed.
Tel: 464-4016
Park
Casela Bird Park
Set in the district of Black River, this park stretches over 20 acres and
carries more than 140 varieties of birds from five continents. But the main
attraction is the Mauritian Pink pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world.
Tel: (230) 452 0693
Fax: (230) 212 2585
La Vanille
Crocodile Park
Near Riviere des Anguilles,
nestled in the wild South, lies this farm of Nile crocodiles imported from
Madagascar. The site offers a nature walk through luxuriant forest studded with
fresh water springs. A small zoo of local animals found in the wild adds to the
attraction. The adjoining shop sells leather crafts as well as numismatic items
and historical documents from Mauritius, Reunion and Madagascar. The restaurant
: 'Le Crocodile Affame' serves normal lunch and snacks, but also specialities in
crocodile meat dishes for the gastromonically adventurous.
Tel:(230) 626-2503
Fax:(230) 626-5802
Le Val Nature Park
Is situated in the South East
of the Island at Cluny in the Grand Port District. Le Val derives its name from
the valley that lies between its luxuriant mountains. It offers attractions like
spring water and natural aquatic life like shrimps, eels and carps ; anthurium
and andreanum green houses, pawn ponds, watercress ponds, deer park, monkeys, birds, endemic plants and animals.
Tel:(230) 633-5051, Fax:(230) 633-5139.
Le Waterpark
Unforgettable, splashing,
fantastic moments with your family… be it on the giant slide for non stop action
or just relaxing. It promises lot of fun. Coastal Road, Belle Mare
Tel:(230) 415-2626
Fax:(230) 415-2929
E-mail: lewaterpark@intnet.mu
Historical Places
Martello Towers
The Martello Towers are mute
reminders of colonial superpower rivalry and
symbols of human ingenuity and resilience. The Martello Towers witness a
major turning point in Mauritian history, namely the end of slavery and the
beginning of Indian immigration. The five Martello Towers are among the
last but the finest of the 220Martellos Towers built around the world and
based on the single prototype located in Northern Corsica.
Tel :(230) 493 6648
Souillac (Gris-Gris)
A small seaside resort along
the rugged coast in the Savanne district. The appeal of Souillac lies in its
scenery, as it is not a bathing spot. In striking contrast to the soft curves of
the northern coastline, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea to face
the bracing winds of the Indian Ocean as it blows all year round. A charming feature is
the garden overlooking the sea, named after Dr. Charles Telfair. At the southern
end of the village, right on the cliff top is the popular view-point of
Gris-Gris. Facing it, the sea engulfs itself into the dark rocks hollowed out by
the timeless crashing of waves.
Capital-Port-Louis
Capital and main port of
Mauritius was founded by the French governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais, in 1935.
The harbour lies sheltered in a semi-circle of mountains. The town has plenty of
character, and proudly signs of its historical elegance. Its main square, is
Place s'Armes, so conspicuous with its row of palm trees. Close by are some fine
French colonial buildings, namely the Government House and the Municipal
Theatre, both built during the 18th Century. Other symbols of proud heritages
are two Cathedrals, Anglican and Catholic, a Mosque, the Supreme Court, some
18th Century Barracks and a Natural History Museum. To see a fascinating
cross-section of Mauritian life the lively market covered Prot-Louis market.
Completed towards 1844, the tin roofed, delicately paved market stands close to
the harbour. Its low stones walls, mounted with wrought iron works and floral
designs are symbols of high ingenuity. Following a fire in 1981, part of the
rebuilt wing has been converted into a handicraft, curio and souvenir shop.
Champ de Mars, originally laid out by the French for military parades is now a
racecourse. The best high-up views of the racecourse, town and harbour are from
the splendid boulevard called Edward VII Avenue
and from Fort Adelaide, a citadel fortified in the name of William IV.
Museum
Mahebourg
One of the main fishing
centres, it lies in the bay of Grand Port. For an
incursion into the past, visit the aged old biscuit factory where
traditional methods are used in the preparation of biscuits from
manioc (cassava) following a proudly held family receipt. Typical Mauritian
lunch is available on reservation. (Min. 10 people).
Le Saint Aubain
Discover a traditional and
the anthurium greenhouses. Finally, enjoy the
Mauritian easy-way of life in a Colonial House - Le Saint Aubin - built in
1819. Here a gastronomic meal is served in the peaceful surroundings of an
exotic garden.
Tel : (230) 626 1513 ,Fax : (230) 626 1535
Floreal Square
Only a few minutes away from Curepipe, Floreal Square is a beautiful destination
which includes a Textile Museum, a shopping center and a café. The Floreal
Textile Museum illustrates the various steps of garments making. Be enchanted by
the soft touch of materials, the brilliance of colors, the technical aspect of
machinery and the capability of the people at work. Twelve duty free boutiques
and factory shops welcome you inside for a complete range of products. At
Floreal Café terrace, relax and enjoy a good meal or simply drink in the
peaceful atmosphere of the centre.