Attractions in Mauritius
The tropical island of Mauritius receives an average of 850,000 tourists every year, and it has one of the world's highest rates in the number of visitors who return to the country. In only 15 years, the tourist industry has grown by a staggering 340 per cent. What makes Mauritius so attractive to foreign visitors? The number of Attractions in Mauritius can’t be summed up in just a few paragraphs. Some of Mauritius' tourist attractions include the welcoming nature of the locals, the abundance of sunshine and warm weather all-year-round, and its breath-taking natural beauty.
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The island nation is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, thanks to the revenues generated by the flourishing luxury tourist industry. In fact, some visitors consider that the numerous top-class hotels and resorts are some of the most alluring Attractions in Mauritius.
Attractions in Mauritius: Local Food and Cuisine
The local cuisine is one of the most celebrated Attractions in Mauritius. Due to its unique geographical location, Mauritius Food presents an interesting array of Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences, which blend to perfection with the local Creole cuisine.
Some typical dishes that exemplify the variety of influences that come together in Mauritian cuisine include mine-bouillie carri gros-pois (a bean curry noodle dish with obvious Indian overtones), bulettes (similar to Chinese dumplings), rabbit stew (a local version of a French dish), mines frire (stir-fried noodles that use most of the ingredients of Chinese chowmein), mari bon (a local version of the Indian biryani staple), and samosas. Traditional desserts are also known Attractions in Mauritius, due to their unique mix of ingredients and flavours. Visitors are recommended to sample ladou (made of coconut, almond, nutmeg, and other spices), undé (fragrant rice biscuits), and gateau patates (pasties made of sweet potatoes, coconut, and spices).
Rum has been produced in the island for several centuries, and many desserts feature this ingredient. Thanks to the prolonged French presence in the island, wine is widely available in Mauritius, and it is used to prepare some traditional French dishes like coq au vin (chicken in red wine sauce).
Attractions in Mauritius: Safari Tours
Given the privileged location of the island, between the Indian subcontinent and Africa, it is not surprising that the local fauna is one of the biggest Attractions in Mauritius. Lions, tigers, and cheetahs can be spotted at Mauritius' Nature Parks, and some local entrepreneurs have capitalised on this by offering safari tours to visitors and tourists.
Typical safari tours will include a 4x4 trip during which lions, tigers, and cheetahs can be observed in their natural habitat. Tours range from half-day visits to week-long outings. Other operators offer personalised safari experiences, as well as family and honeymoon safari trips, where visitors
have the opportunity to spot rare species, like kestrels, the pink pigeon bird, or the green gecko Phelsuma, which make up for some of the most unique Attractions in Mauritius. There is also a bird park in the island, which is home to more than 140 spectacular bird species.
Some Mauritius Safari tours allow visitors to interact with the lions, tigers, and cheetahs, under the supervision of expert zoologists. Some safari operators offer private interactions with these stunning animals, which often take place in the early morning or late afternoon.
Attractions in Mauritius: Water Sports
With almost 100 miles of the most beautiful coastline, it is understandable that water sports are among the most popular Attractions in Mauritius. Diving in Mauritius is a favoured activity, and the island is considered a world class diving destination. The immediate surroundings of the island are home to more than 300 fish species, many of which are unique to the island of Mauritius. Biologists have identified more than 160 different species of corals.
Some resorts and tour operators have recently begun to offer a unique experience, which is one of the most sough-after Attractions in Mauritius. Undersea walks allow tourists to experience first hand the fascinating sea bed that surrounds Mauritius. Moreover, visitors are allowed to feed the numerous species of fish during their underwater experience. Undersea walks are currently being offered at the idyllic beaches of Belle Mare and Gran Baie.
Other popular activities include deep- sea fishing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, and of course, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
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Attractions in Mauritius
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