The Island of Mauritius is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating vacation destinations in Africa. Mostly renowned for its tropical beauty and sandy beaches, Mauritius also offers a cultural travel experience sometimes easily overlooked. The traditions, religion, and culture of Mauritius borrows from the many immigrant populations that have been to the island's shores in different periods of Mauritius history. Today, the culture of this Island is a beautiful amalgam of several cultures.
Europeans, Africans, Chinese, and Indians are just some of the populations that have shaped culture in Mauritius. Most of these communities have had religious and cultural customs and festivals as old as four centuries or even more.
What makes Mauritius an interesting destination for cultural travel is the harmonious co-existence of diverse cultures. In the island, it is common to find mosques right next to a church, or a Chinese pagoda adjacent to a Hindu temple. A journey through the island is really a study into amazing ancestral traditional practices.
Another proof of Mauritius rich cultural diversity is in the variety of the country's cuisine. There are traditional western dishes coming from the colonial past of Mauritius as well as more exotic oriental dishes brought by the Chinese and Indian migrants. Some of these dishes are unique to Mauritius as they have been adapted to suit the taste of Mauritius which combines flavors of the east to the finest of the west.
Mauritian folklore is also a living tribute to the variety and depth of Mauritius culture. This is illustrated by the many different folkloric dances that are unique to the people of Mauritius. There are also numerous chances of watching sophisticated Indian dances if not the Chinese lion and dragon ones.
Mauritius has a fair share of wildlife and bird species, including some brightly colored birds. The game parks are a great place to see most of these. Other places worth visiting for relaxation include the capital city - Port Louis, and the neighboring Mahebourg town. Adventure travel enthusiasts will also find it worthwhile visiting Rodrigues for diving, Caverne Patate for caving, Mount Limon and Mount Malartic for trekking expeditions, and the area around Port Mathurin for coastal hiking.
All travelers to the island require a visa to get there, with the exception of USA, EU, and Japan passport holders, and citizens of commonwealth countries. Before traveling to Mauritius it is advisable to check the most up-to-date visa requirements information. A number of international airlines and shipping companies can get you to the Island. You can obtain comprehensive information on the shipping services between Reunion and Mauritius Islands from the Mauritius Shipping Corporation based in Port Louis.
Mauritius' national airline - Air Mauritius - operates scheduled flights to Rodrigues Island. Within the island, you can travel by bus and taxi or you can hire a rental car. Taxi fares are high especially at night, and you have to negotiate the fares before starting your trip. At some tourist hotspots, boats for hire are available.
The best period to go on luxury holiday in Mauritius is from July to September, when both the temperatures and humidity are lower. The time between January and April experiences tropical rain, and is therefore suitable when you plan to spend most of the time indoors in a romantic vacation.
Europeans, Africans, Chinese, and Indians are just some of the populations that have shaped culture in Mauritius. Most of these communities have had religious and cultural customs and festivals as old as four centuries or even more.
What makes Mauritius an interesting destination for cultural travel is the harmonious co-existence of diverse cultures. In the island, it is common to find mosques right next to a church, or a Chinese pagoda adjacent to a Hindu temple. A journey through the island is really a study into amazing ancestral traditional practices.
Another proof of Mauritius rich cultural diversity is in the variety of the country's cuisine. There are traditional western dishes coming from the colonial past of Mauritius as well as more exotic oriental dishes brought by the Chinese and Indian migrants. Some of these dishes are unique to Mauritius as they have been adapted to suit the taste of Mauritius which combines flavors of the east to the finest of the west.
Mauritian folklore is also a living tribute to the variety and depth of Mauritius culture. This is illustrated by the many different folkloric dances that are unique to the people of Mauritius. There are also numerous chances of watching sophisticated Indian dances if not the Chinese lion and dragon ones.
Mauritius has a fair share of wildlife and bird species, including some brightly colored birds. The game parks are a great place to see most of these. Other places worth visiting for relaxation include the capital city - Port Louis, and the neighboring Mahebourg town. Adventure travel enthusiasts will also find it worthwhile visiting Rodrigues for diving, Caverne Patate for caving, Mount Limon and Mount Malartic for trekking expeditions, and the area around Port Mathurin for coastal hiking.
All travelers to the island require a visa to get there, with the exception of USA, EU, and Japan passport holders, and citizens of commonwealth countries. Before traveling to Mauritius it is advisable to check the most up-to-date visa requirements information. A number of international airlines and shipping companies can get you to the Island. You can obtain comprehensive information on the shipping services between Reunion and Mauritius Islands from the Mauritius Shipping Corporation based in Port Louis.
Mauritius' national airline - Air Mauritius - operates scheduled flights to Rodrigues Island. Within the island, you can travel by bus and taxi or you can hire a rental car. Taxi fares are high especially at night, and you have to negotiate the fares before starting your trip. At some tourist hotspots, boats for hire are available.
The best period to go on luxury holiday in Mauritius is from July to September, when both the temperatures and humidity are lower. The time between January and April experiences tropical rain, and is therefore suitable when you plan to spend most of the time indoors in a romantic vacation.
About the Author:
The Author works with Africa Point, online travel agents for Africa. Find great offers on Mauritius beach holidays and also make online reservations for Mauritius hotels at the Africapoint website
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