Last month, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) and IndiGo airline had announced the launch of Bengaluru-Mauritius direct flights starting November 19, 2024. In an association with a free visa-on-arrival scheme, the launch is a significant boon for leisure and business travelers from Bengaluru as well as the Karnataka region.
As the island opens its arms to more Indian tourists, there couldn’t be a better time for Bangaloreans to explore the endless attractions on offer . Here are some must-visit attractions to add to your list of inclusions in your Mauritius itinerary:
· Black River Gorges National Park Nature lovers will love the distinct varieties of flora and fauna here in this large park. As there are several trails of hikes passing through dense forests and waterfalls as well as breath-taking lookout points, one merely waits to be explored. Do keep an eye out for the rare Mauritian wildlife; these include the echo parakeet and the pink pigeon.
· Grand Baie This vibrant seaside village superbly infuses play and nightlife into the rest of the activities. Schedule a sun-kissed day of beach relaxation, aquatic sports, or shopping for local treasures. As dusk falls, the destination is set aglow with beachside bars and restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisines.
· Le Morne Brabant Le Morne Brabant is an iconic mountain renowned for its beauty and historical value as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trekking to its summit will reward you with sweeping views of the lagoon and the surrounding landscape, and as a former refuge for runaway slaves, it contains a poignant layer from history.
· The Seven Colored Earths This natural wonder, located in Chamarel, presents dunes of seven colors-almost alien. Close by, the Chamarel Waterfall pours down an enormous scale, great for photographs. Do not miss the Chamarel Rhumerie to learn how the rum produced in the island comes about.
· Port Louis The bustling capital city contains a melange of cultures and experiences. Spend your morning at the Central Market, where you can smell spices wafting in the air, buy fresh produce and street food and handcrafted souvenirs from a local vender. Visit the Blue Penny Museum to gain knowledge of history and the famous Blue Mauritius stamp.
· La Vanille Nature Park This eco-park is the perfect family destination, as it houses giant tortoises, crocodiles, and other wildlife. Guided tours amidst such lush surroundings and informs you about conservation efforts while immersing you in the island’s natural beauty.
· La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park Famous for its beautiful sceneries and colorful landscapes, one of the attractions offered by the park is La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park. A perfect blend of nature with adventure, it consists of lush greenery, waterfalls, zip-lining, and quad biking-an ideal spot for both the thrill-seeker and the nature lover alike.
· Île aux Cerfs
Only a short boat ride from the shore, this stunning island boasts beautiful beaches and water activities. Relax the whole day on the soft sands, get excited in participating in water sports, or just pamper yourself in a delectable barbecue by the local chefs. Vibrant coral reefs make the island a haven for snorkelling.
· Île aux Aigrettes This small island off the southeastern coast is actually a nature reserve for the rare species. Among its attractions are the unique flora and fauna, such as the pink pigeon and the giant Aldabra tortoise. Guided tours are also available that introduce visitors to the details about the restoration projects of the island and importance about the preservation of natural habitats.
Mauritius is not a scenic island, but also a place of rich history and warm hospitality, a call to those seeking adventure as well as a relaxing experience. Consider experiencing both on your trip here as you start planning:
· Culinary adventure: Mauritius’ multicultural identity is reflected in its dishes, including Indian and French. Try out local specialties: dholl puri, fish vindaye, and gateau piments in the markets. Join a cooking class to dive into culinary traditions and take-home recipes that remind you of your tropical adventure.
· Underwater Wonders: The island boasts some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the world. Explore the vibrant marine life at Blue Bay Marine Park or dive into crystal-clear waters off Flic en Flac to experience colorful coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish, including whales and dolphins.
· Cultural Immersion: The island’s culture can also be explored through attendance at a Sega dance performance, which is representative of much of the island’s history and is always performed to the traditional music. Further insight into the crafts and traditions of the island are gained by visiting the local artisan markets in towns such as Mahébourg.
· Wildlife Encounters: Visit La Vanille Nature Park to see gigantic tortoises and walk on the Nepalese Bridge—the Indian Ocean’s longest. You can visit Casela World of Adventures that contains zip-lining, safari tours, or an encounter with wild cats, such as lion and cheetah.
· Helicopter Ride: One of the best ways to explore Mauritius, Helicopter rides offer view that are magnificent and unforgettable. The bird’s eye view of the island includes an astounding view of the fabled Underwater Waterfall, just near Le Morne. This ride is ideal for small families or couples on romantic tour and is surely not to be missed.
· Skydiving: Mauritius invites people to experience its beauty through skydiving. Jump from 10,000 feet and enjoy the island’s divine landscapes from a different perspective. With expert instructors and state-of-the-art equipment, this exciting activity is as safe as it is exhilarating.
With the launch of direct fights from Bengaluru, Mauritius’ connection with Southern India would be further bolstered, both in terms of tourism and trade. It is a call for Indian tourists to pack up their bags and embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Mauritius.
