Port Louis:

Port Louis is the Capital city and also the harbour of Mauritius. It lies on the north-western coast & is surrounded by a semi circle of mountains. The city covers only 45 square kilometers. It is the hub of all business activities in Mauritius. Port Louis shows the signs of its past elegance through the Government House off the Place d' Armes, the Supreme Court, the Museum and also the colonial houses lodged between modern buildings.

There is a bustling market with stalls selling everything from spices to T-shirts, postcards to pareos & dried fish to jewellery. From the heights of the Fort Adeaide, now an open air theatre, magnificent views of the Champ de Mars race course, the town & the harbour can be enjoyed.

The Caudan Waterfront:

In November 1998 Port Louis got a new look with the addition of 'The Caudan Waterfront' to its skyline. It's an architectural marvel. It houses large & spacious shopping centers, fast food outlets, restaurants, cinemas, casino apart from a luxury hotel. Overlooking the harbour this place is a must see.  

Pamplemousses  Garden :

 This famous botanical garden was started in year 1735 by Mahe de Labourdonnais, with Mon Plaisir Castle, once his residence. The 60 acre garden boasts of 500 different species of plants of which 80 are palms. Of particular interest are the giant water lilies, a spice garden & the Talipot Palms. Talipot Palms are said to flower once every 60 years after which they die.

Domaine  Les Pailles :

 A unique site where Mauritius can be observed as it used to be. Discover the traditional way of making sugar from freshly crushed sugarcane and see rum being distilled from sugarcane syrup. The train, a horse-driven carriage and the colonial architecture blend in to complete the picture.  Tours can be done in the  natural reserve on horse back or in land rovers. Equestrian sports are also available at the stables.There are a selection of the finest restaurants here specializing in Chinese, French, Indian & Creole Cuisine.    

Ile Aux Cerfs:

Located on the east coast, this emerald lagoon is easily accessed through the regular half-hour boat service that runs to the island from Pointe Maurice. With clear calm waters & long beaches fringed by fialo trees, Ile Aux Cerfs is a heaven for lovers of the sea, the sand & the sun. Abundant watersports facilities & the two open - air restaurants are available on the island. It is a must visit.  

Chamarel Coloured Earth :

 Located in the district of Black River these are coloured dunes of volcanic ash which are naturally displayed in an orderly pattern of seven distinctive colours, result of weathering - a fascinating phenomenon worth the visit.  

Trou aux Cerfs:

This is a crater of an extinct volcano located in Curepipe. It is 85 metres deep & more than 200 metres wide. From here one can have a panoramic view of the western part of the island. It is also possible to go down the crater.

Undersea Walk :

This is one of the most unique & enthralling activity that one MUST experience when in Mauritius. Just off the coast from a floating platform one goes under the water, which is about 3 meters deep. A Helmet with a transparent visor is placed on your head. A special apparatus allows normal breathing under the water. Life Guards assist in taking you down. Once there it gives the feeling of walking on the moon.   You witness the beautiful fauna, corals & the wide variety of fish in their natural habitat with assistance from a guide who takes you around.

You could make it a photo opportunity too. Offering a piece of bread brings in fish by the droves to you. The Guide could then click you with them with his special underwater camera & give you the roll for developing.

Catamaran Cruises :

Reach the jetty in Pereybere ( North ) or Riviere Noire ( West ) and get on board the catamaran boat. You are on the high seas for most part of the day, at times touching a nearby uninhabited island. Throughout the cruise, juices, soft drinks and snacks are offered. Lunch is served on board the catamaran in an abundance of drinks and food. One can indulge in snorkelling as well during the cruise. If you undertake the cruise from the Riviere Noire then there is a distinct possibility of sighting dolphins and hence a catamaran cruise from this location is highly recommended.

Blue Safari :

The BLUE SAFARI 600, a unique Submarine in the Indian Ocean, can make your dreams of a nice trip under the sea come true. The Safari will last one hour. The submarine can accommodate 5 passengers and the pilot.  The submarine is air-conditioned with  fully transparent-glassed cabin at atmospheric pressure. You will thus enjoy exceptionally clear panoramic views of the extraordinary underwater world. At 25 or 30 meters undersea, you may notice some rare species, just like on any other traditional safari. Around a coral massif, at the foot of a ridge, or even at a wreck spot, you will discover a vivid fresque made up of fish and coral. The amazing maneuverability of the submarine and the pilot's dexterity, will allow you to move around or follow a fish or even watch, remaining standstill, a morray eel, coming in and out of its hole. Diving in the night is also possible. Under powerful spotlight beams, you can well witness the most fascinating show on earth, a silent symphony, fish performing a memorable ballet, a colourful choreography.

Safari schedules

Every hour from 9 am to 9 pm, everyday. (Please allow 2 hours time for the Safari)
It's worth a try.  

Sega :

It is a local specialty dance which is a must see. The music for the Sega is derived from the African music of the old slave days, with added Creole patois lyrics. Listening to its beats & the overall atmosphere it creates will make the most inhibited & introvert visitor join the dance floor trying to match the swaying hips. Most of the hotels have a Sega performance once a week.  

Port Louis Waterfront. Tel: 2103833

Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel. Tel: 2024000

Grand Baie. Tel: 2635314

Grand Baie. Tel: 2638540

Port Louis

Air Mauritius Centre; Le Caudan Waterfront; Happy World Centre; Port Louis Waterfront

Grand Baie

Sunset Boulevard

Quatre Bornes

Orchard center

Curepipe

Le Manhattan; Jan Palach Gallery; Salaffa; & Currimjee Arcade

Atrium; Galeries Evershine