Mauritius - A Paradise Island Written by Nidhi Kirpal Jayadevan
Photographed by Olivier Jacob
Mauritius is a seemingly small island that floats literally like
a leaf on the pellucid Indian Ocean. It is a land of great diversity
and history that is rooted deeply in the sweetness of its numerous
sugarcane fields. This sweetness not only underscores the atmosphere
of the country, (thanks to the occasional sugary whiffs), but
is a marked personality trait of its amicable people.
Mauritius is many things to many people
- a popular Bollywood hotspot, almost calm for those in the wired-fast
lane, a wanderer’s paradise, an adventure sports hub, a
shoppaholic’s treat, an ideal honeymoon getaway…
From lush green mountains to translucent aquamarine seas and naturally
rainbow colored dunes at Shyamaghrel, Mauritius is as versatile
as gets!
Historic
Declared a Republic recently in 1992 (though it attained independence
in 1968), this fledgling state is a rather harmonious potpourri
of the Portuguese, Dutch, French, English, and Indian lifestyles
that started influencing the country as early as the sixteenth
century. Dotted with palm trees along its well-maintained roads,
the island country’s capital – Port Louis, particularly
embodies that harmonious ‘spirit.’ Sporting beauty
almost unassumingly, the city, with a rich history was founded
in 1935 by the French and named after Louis XV. Smatterings of
colonial architecture can be seen throughout the city. The Government
House and the Municipal Theatre, the Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals,
the stately Supreme Court, the eighteenth century barracks, and
the National Museum are conspicuous examples that come to mind.
A high degree of aesthetic ingenuity can also be discerned in
the city’s carefully detailed and delicately designed day-to-day
venues. For instance even the lively tin roofed paved markets
are mounted with beautiful wrought-ironed floral patterns. It
is perhaps little architectural touches like this that make Mauritius
a visual delight. As if straight out of a fairytale book!
The Rich and Famous
Mauritius also boasts one of the first racecourses in the Southern
Hemisphere. It is located at Champ de Mars. This, coupled with
its exotic white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts lazily dotting
their shores, and immaculately manicured golf courses and casinos,
it is no surprise that Mauritius also lures a motley of the ‘rich
and famous.’ The petite island country offers an impressive
portfolio of bohemian extravagance and pleasant adventitious discoveries
and wonders. Examples of some of these quaint discoveries are
an old biscuit factory at Mahebourg, the textile museum at Floral
Square, anthurium greenhouses at La Saint, the Blue Penny Museum
(exhibiting post office stamps that made Mauritius the fifth country
in the world on September 12, 1847 to issue postage stamps), abandoned
chimneys of yore strewn nonchalantly on sugarcane fields, and
the Martello Towers that mark the end of slavery, to name a few.
What more?
The Ile Mauri experience is not complete without water sports
and other adventurous brushes with aquatic life. To begin with,
the ocean bed walk at Grand Baie definitely goes down memory lane.
The feeling is a heady one, as you waft below the Indian Ocean
feeding resplendent fishes pieces of bread crumbs, while your
suave instructor David insists on kissing them and making sure
you’re not out of the water until he has waltzed with you
at the end of it all! Other places for water sports are Flie En
Flac, Pereybere, Malheureux, Blue Bay, Belle Mare, Le Morne, and
Tamarin.
Nature Haven
Besides all this, Mauritius is also a nature lover’s haven.
With lush National Parks at Pamplemousse, La Vanille Crocodile
Park, Grand Bassin, and the Black River Gorge, the little island
country is undoubtedly a land of great floral diversity. These
natural parks and sanctuaries also offer a variety of walking
trails and paths for walking enthusiasts. What could delight a
nature lover more than the sight of a Mauritian Pink Pigeon? It
is by far the most photographed creature on the island.
While you let the enchanting fragrance of the beautiful yellow
ylang ylangs trail haunt you, do not miss experiencing the splendor
and romance of yore. Simply strut into Trou Aux Cerfs and Domains
Les Pailles, and relive the ‘old ways of living’ as
you inhale the softness of spices – vanilla, tea, and sugar.
Raised out of violent volcanic eruptions, this calm easy going
island country is a land of hidden treasures and pleasant discoveries.
As you walk around marvelling at its simplicity and composure,
eating spicy pamplemousse (pineapple), a local delicacy, its natives
pass you by always smiling, forever welcoming you to this baffling
land of sugar and molasses, Sega, and fish.
Nidhi Kirpal
Jayadevan has a Masters in Communication. She loves
to travel and learn about different cultures. She also enjoys
writing about her experiences, mostly, as notes to herself.
She re-visits them every once in a while to refresh the memorable
experiences of her travels.
