Do It Go

As opposed to the sparsely populated district of the Black River, the Mauritius district of Pamplemousses is one of the more populated areas, and also one of the most beautiful.  Triolet is the capital of this district and is home to many five star hotels.  Mauritius is an island of tropical beauty with many activities taking place in nature, in the forests, along the beaches and the surrounding waters of the Indian Ocean.  The village of Triolet offers a bit more of the cultural aspect of the island and the people on the island.  The district of Pamplemousses is home to a large number of the historical sites on the island, with remnants and reminders of the times when the island was under colonial rule.

This is also home to the largest Hindu temple on the island, that of Maheswarnath Temple. One of the attractions that should not be missed when traveling on the island is the the Pamplemousses Garden.   This is a garden of botanical wonders that was created almost three hundred years ago by the French governor.  The garden is a collection of many plants that were transported to the island throughout the years of trade ships and explorers.  There is a pond featuring the water lilies of Queen Victoria and there are paths throughout the garden that are lined with Palm Trees.  During Colonial times the grounds of the garden were used for research by French and British horticulturists.  The garden is also known as the Botanical Gardens of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.  The Java deers that were transported to the island find refuge in these gardens, and for nature lovers this is a paradise for the senses.

Also of interest to those in love with the outdoors is the fact the Pamplemousses is home to a variety of beaches, forest filled landscapes and many ranges of mountains.  Tourists travel to the district for the outdoor adventures as well as the cultural sites such as the galleries and the museums, as well as the restaurants and nightlife.  This has long been one of the most loved and well visited districts on the island, a district wherein one can immerse themselves in natural and cultural beauty that is characteristic of the entire island of Mauritius.

Tags: five star hotels, Maheswarnath Temple, Mauritius, Pamplemousses District, Pamplemousses Garden, Queen Victoria
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Scuba diving an exciting adventure into the depths of sea, and offers the opportunity to catch glimpses of creatures, some bizarre while some are beautiful, that are like no others found on dry land.  Among the many wonderful aspects about a vacation on the island of Mauritius, including the hiking excursions, the cruises and some of the world’s best hotels, Mauritius offers a variety of waters in which to do just that, to scuba dive.

While this is one of the many sports that take place surrounding the island on and in the waters of the Indian Ocean, scuba diving is one of the favorites, with the locals as well as the tourists.  Various spots have gained fame due the underwater sights one will capture, such as the various reefs and coral expanses, to a myriad of wildlife that makes its home under the sea.  This is one of the most beautiful regions of the Indian Ocean, and these shores draw many a diver throughout the entire year.

Not only are their private businesses which specialize in the training for new divers, as well as offering up the rental equipment necessary, most of the resorts and hotels do the same.  For those who are not necessarily skilled in swimming or for those who have never dove before, many of the instructors will come along on the dives to provide support and to ease one’s worry.  Many of these divers are the trained instructors who are members of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

Along with the company, these divers know the best locations for some really incredible sights.  They know where the shipwrecks are located, as well as the best locations to swim along side of the dolphins.  Any major diving attraction, they will know where to find it.  The best time to dive off the coast of Mauritius, the time of the year when the visibility under the water is best, is during November through March.  Although should one find themselves there at any time of year, one should not hesitate to jump right in.

Tags: best hotels, Mauritius, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, scuba diving
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Given the range of beliefs and customs in Mauritius, hardly a week goes by without a celebration. One not to miss is the Teemeedee, the Tamil, Hindu, fire walking ceremony.  It is held throughout the year to honor to the various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. For the most part the ceremonies are held in December and January. The devotees prepare themselves for this horrifying ordeal by fasting, bathing and praying. They then walk across the red hot coals without any injury whatsoever.  All the time they are being encouraged to get through the fire. There’s lots of cheering and chanting going on. Although this is a local celebration, the majority of the observers are tourists.

The fiery red embers represent the stretched out sari of the vengeful Hindu Goddess, Draupadi. So why is this Goddess so angry? According to the Hindu religion and the Mahabharata epic, Draupadi was the wife of of a chronic gambler. During a rigged game her husband puts her up as collateral for a bet. He loses.  In fact he loses everything he owns ( including his wife). She contests this travesty arguing that no one has a right to own her or use her as payment for  a lost bet.  Despite her outrage, she’s overpowered and is dealt with swiftly and degradingly. The winner of the bet orders her to strip in front of many others and she refuses.  She then loosens her hair and lets it fall down around her to cover her.  Attempts are made to disrobe her and her sari keeps unwinding and unwinding. The more its pulled away the longer it becomes.  It is for this reason that the Hindu Goddess Draupadi becomes ruthless and unforgiving, hence the burning coals. The Hindu temples in Quatre Bornes and Camp Diable (near Riviere des Anguilles) and the Vale (near Goodlands) are noted for this event.

These places are a bit off the beaten path, so if you’re looking for luxury hotels Mauritius, stick to the areas near the coastline. There isn’t much else to do in these areas.

Tags: hotels, luxury, Mauritius
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Mauritius part the Mascarne Islands is located off the east coast of Africa. The tropical climate which exhibits a warm dry climate from spring to fall and hot, wet and humid for the remainder of the year.  The island is well known for its natural beauty. Author Mark Twain for example, noted in ‘Following the Equator’ his personal travelogue, “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius”.

The capital and largest city on the island is Port Louis, located on the northwest corner of the island. Originally settled by the Dutch in 1638, it became an item of contention between the powerful European countries, France and England.  Under the French reign of power a flourishing economy was created by the cultivation of sugar. Like many other countries with that grow sugar, rum production became a secondary and very important source of revenue for the Island of Mauritius.  Mauritius won its independence in 1968 and since then has focused upon the expansion and diversification of their economy. As of 2009, the financial services industry, small manufacturing and tourism industry are still experiencing growth.

A paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun, the beaches have become a popular destination for vacationers. There are many types of accommodations ranging from a guest rooms to the five star hotels Mauritius. Grand Bay, one of the first areas of the island developed for tourism, is a shopping & leisure delight. It is also an area most popular with the locals who consider it the place for a vibrant nightlife.  Ile aux Cerfs is perfect for those who prefer to be physically active. There are many water sports available and it has one of the most beautiful beaches. This is an area that must be seen and experienced.

Tags: five, hotels, Mauritius, star
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