your personalised ebrochure mauritius all inclusive · the east coast is best for beach lovers the...

12
njt Iow Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive Mauritius All Inclusive Mauritius All Inclusive Mauritius All Inclusive eBrochure ref: PDF457649 PDF457649 PDF457649 PDF457649 created: 24 September 2015 call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on: 01983716727 01983716727 01983716727 01983716727

Upload: others

Post on 03-Oct-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

njt Iow

Your personalised eBrochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649created: 24 September 2015

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on:

01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 2: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

Holiday Quotation

Date: 24/09/2015  

Agent: Not Just Travel Isle of Wight  web: www.gotravelto.co.uk

Agent Phone: 01983716727 Agent email: [email protected]

 

Please find below details of the quotation we have created for you. Should you have any further queriesplease contact us on the details supplied above

 

Passengers

Passenger Names Age

PASSENGER 1PASSENGER 2

AdultAdult

 

Travel Details

Flights   

Departing (Stops 1)From: London (LGW) 14:25 Wed 03-Aug-2016 Flight: EK16 Aircraft: 388 Duration: 7h 0mTo: Dubai (DXB) 00:25 Thu 04-Aug-2016     Cabin: Economy Distance: miles

 From: Dubai (DXB) 03:20 Thu 04-Aug-2016 Flight: EK701 Aircraft: 388 Duration: 6h 35mTo: Mauritius (MRU) 09:55 Thu 04-Aug-2016     Cabin: Economy Distance: miles

 Returning (Stops 1)

From: Mauritius (MRU) 16:25 Wed 17-Aug-2016 Flight: EK702 Aircraft: 388 Duration: 6h 40mTo: Dubai (DXB) 23:05 Wed 17-Aug-2016     Cabin: Economy Distance: miles

 From: Dubai (DXB) 02:50 Thu 18-Aug-2016 Flight: EK11 Aircraft: 388 Duration: 7h 30mTo: London (LGW) 07:20 Thu 18-Aug-2016     Cabin: Economy Distance: miles

TransfersShuttle transfer is included in this holiday

 

AccommodationDuration: 13 nightsAccommodation: Tropical Attitude, Trou d'eau Douce, MauritiusRoom Type: 1 x Couple Superior Sea ViewBoard Basis: All Inclusive

 

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 3: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

Travel Insurance

We will be pleased to offer a competitive quote for your travel insurance

 

Price

Price Breakdown:    Adult Price 2 x £1570.00 £3140.00      TOTAL   £3140.00

 

All prices shown are subject to change without prior notice.

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 4: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

Mauritius

Coconut-white beaches, gin-clear waters, and mountains coated in bottle-green forest –paradise island clichés come thick and fast on Mauritius.

Mauritius’ number-one pull is its beaches – imagine sweeps of silvery-white sand backedby slim palms and you’ll be on the right track. Away from the edges, you’ll find sugar-canefields, waterfalls straight out of a Herbal Essences advert, and thick jungle that hidesfamilies of macaque monkeys. And the island is volcanic, which means you can count onan impressive backdrop of jagged, deep-green mountains.

Offshore, the textbook turquoise waters play host to Disney-esque creatures. Slip on apair of flippers and you’ll come mask to face with rainbow-bright parrotfish, skinny trumpetfish and stripy, Nemo-like clownfish. Sea turtles and dolphins sometimes put inappearances, too.

The star of the north coast is Gran Baie, where you’ll find a lively restaurant and barscene. Short bus rides put this spot in arm’s reach of the peaceful beaches of Calodyneand Anse le Raie. The east coast is best for beach lovers – the sands in Belle Mare aretoothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds, it’s also a good surf spot. Theisland’s south-west corner is a family favourite, with resorts like Bel Ombre dishing uphuge beaches and calm waters. Some of the best dive sites are here, too.

On the culture front, Mauritius is a bit of a mish-mash – you’ll find a jumble of influenceshere, particularly French and Creole. It makes for a pretty interesting mix, especially whenit comes to food – everything from coq au vin to rice and beans crops up on menus.

Approximate Flight Time11 hours and 45 minutes

Destination AirportMauritius International Airport

Key ResortsGran Baie, Belle Mare, Bel Ombre

Weather ReportMauritius sees sunshine all year round. Temperatures linger in the high 20s and early 30sbetween December and April, but the tropical climate in these parts means the odd rainshower will cool you down from time to time. And if you’re diving, this is the best time tovisit. It cools down a bit between May and November, but temperatures are still beach-friendly – think mid-20s. It’s drier, too.

1. Snorkelling and Scuba DivingThe bath-warm waters around Mauritius are home to a standout cast of underwatercharacters. You don’t have to be a pro diver to spot them – you’ll be able to tick off a fairfew armed with just a snorkel. But if you are a scuba fan, make for the west coast. It’shome to some of the island’s top dive sites.

2. GolfGolfers have got it made in Mauritius. There are a dozen-odd courses to pick from, andthey come paired with Indian Ocean views and tropical garden backdrops. Tee off at BelleMare Plage Hotel’s The Legend course – home of the Mauritius Open – or sail across to LeTouessrok’s world-famous 18 holes, set on the island of Ile aux Cerfs.

3. Black River Gorges National ParkBlack River Gorges is Mauritius’ only national park, so it’s a must-do for nature fans. Thereare loads of different types of plants, plus wildlife that you’ll only see here. Hiking trailscriss-cross the park – pick one and head off into the forest where you’ll find rivers ripe for

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 5: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

a quick dip. Or channel your inner adrenalin junkie and abseil down canyon walls andthundering waterfalls.

4. Pamplemousses Botanical GardenThe botanical gardens at Pamplemousses have been around since the mid-1700s, nabbingthem the title of the oldest in the southern hemisphere. Spend a few hours moochingaround the greenery and you’ll clap eyes on baobabs, lotus flowers, and a whopping 85varieties of palm tree, plus giant water lilies that Monet would’ve had a field day with.

5. Port LouisFor a dose of Mauritian city life, point yourself in the direction of the capital, Port Louis.Haggle for souvenirs at the Central Market, then make your way to the CaudanWaterfront. Set alongside a posh marina, it’s got a more-than-generous helping of shops,bars and restaurants.

Trou d'eau Douce

Holidays to Trou d’eau Douce don’t just give you sandy beaches and snorkeller-friendly waters – they also put you in easy reach of Ile aux Cerfs.

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 6: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

Tropical Attitude Trou d'eau Douce,

Double room

Le Cocotier buffet restaurant

This adults-only, water-side hotel has the Mauritian spirit down to a T, with a peaceful pooland traditional beach houses.

Tropical Attitude bumps up against Trou d’eau Douce’s lagoon, so the calm waters are justa few steps away. It’s got an intimate atmosphere, with a quiet pool and a sea-viewrestaurant. There’s a narrow beach, plus a grassy sunbathing area above the sand withloungers and hammocks strung between palms. Rooms are in pretty, Creole-style beachhouses and all come with sea views.

Transfers1 hour

Activities• Small spa* • Volleyball • Snorkelling • Glass-bottom boat • Table tennis • Pétanque • Darts• PADI diving* • Speedboat trips* • Deep-sea fishing* • Catamaran cruise* • Pool table*

Location• Overlooks Trou d'eau Douce's lagoon • 2km from resort centre • Complimentary shuttleto Ile aux Cerfs, 5km away • 1km from Palmar and Belle Mare beach with 10km of finewhite sand

Distance to beach:Beachfront

Main Facilities• Free Wi-Fi in public areas • 24-hour reception • Bicycle hire* • Laundry service* •Boutique* • Money exchange*

Swimming pool• Swimming pool • Sunbeds • Sun terrace

Entertainment• Bar • Evening Sega show once a week • Board games

Official Rating3 Star plus

RoomsAll rooms have air-conditioning, bathroom with shower, TV, tea and coffee facilities, minibarwith select drinks included, phone, hairdryer and balcony or terrace. Double rooms sleepup to 3, with a double bed and an extra bed in the bedroom. Double rooms for singleoccupancy and Family rooms sleeping up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children with adouble bed and 2 single beds in a separate bedroom when needed, are also available.

All InclusiveFood: Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Le Cocotier restaurant. Picnic basketsavailable for guests going on day excursions.Drink: Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including water, beer, wine, spirits, tea,coffee and soft drinks 11.00 to 23.30 at La Canne à Sucre bar. Selected drinks from theminibar. Tea and coffee available throughout the day in the bar and restaurant.Sports and Activities: All are included except where indicated *.

Meals• Le Cocotier buffet restaurant serves local and international cuisine, open for breakfast,lunch and dinner • At dinner time, gentlemen are required to wear long trousers in the

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 7: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

restaurant and bar areas

* extra charge

Tropical AttitudeTo view a video of this propertyclick on the play button.

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 8: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

MauritiusOverview

Mark Twain is quoted as having said that 'Mauritiuswas made first, then heaven was copied from it', andanyone who has experienced the island would nodoubt agree with him.

It is easy to run out of adjectives when attempting todescribe the natural beauty of the small tropicalIndian Ocean island paradise of Mauritius. Thevolcanic island, covered with lush forest, streamsand waterfalls, and fringed with palms, dazzling whitesands and teeming coral reefs, lies east ofMadagascar just south of the Equator. Mauritius,covering just 720 square miles (1,864 sq km), is thearchetypal dream destination for an idyllic beachholiday, equipped with modern resorts that have beencarefully developed to preserve the island's beauty.

Along with its natural beauty, Mauritius has a valuabletourist resource in the warmth and friendliness of itsmulticultural population. Since being officially 'discovered' in 1505 by the Portuguese, the island has beenoccupied by the Dutch, the French and the British. All have added to the melting pot that constitutes theisland's human heritage, along with injections of African slaves, Arab traders and Chinese indenturedlabourers over the centuries.

Most of the tourist resorts in Mauritius are situated along the 205 mile (330km) coastline, with the capitalPort Louis, on the west coast, being the centre of operations for most visitors. The bulk of the population,however, reside on the central plateau around Curepipe, the island's other major town.

Although everybody who takes a holiday in Mauritius comes for the sandy beaches and blue lagoons, mostare delighted to discover that the island has plenty of other attractions too, from some of the world's rareststamps to the first ever race course to open in the southern hemisphere. Of course no holiday would becomplete without good food and entertainment and Mauritius offers both, with some delicious local cuisinethat makes use of tropical fruits and vegetables, and the chance to learn the island's indigenous wilddance, the Sega, which originated among the African slaves of yore.

Places to Visit

Attractions Overview

Of course, most travellers in Mauritius have been lured by the beautiful stretches of coastline, the warmocean, plentiful sunshine, numerous watersports, and high-quality resorts. However, things to see and do inMauritius extend far beyond its white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. See a replica of thelegendary Dodo at Port Louis' Natural History Museum, and explore the Central Market, a bustling hub ofculture, colour and bargains. Visit the impressive and historic manor houses in Moka and take inChamarel's rainbow of coloured sands, the 'Seven Coloured Earth'. Black River Gorges National Park isgreat for picnics, hiking and scenic drives and is home to wonderful waterfalls and wildlife, while La VanilleReserve des Mascareigne is home to thousands of crocodiles and giant tortoises. It is well worth takingexcursions inland to learn about the island's interesting history and culture, and to see how local Mauritianslive outside of the fancy beach resorts. Learning the local Sega dance is a delight for visitors, and it isparticularly special to seek out night spots frequented by locals rather than just sticking to the resortentertainment. Its lovely weather makes Mauritius a perfect year-round holiday destination.

Port Louis Central Market

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 9: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

Region/City:Port LouisThe diversity of the Mauritian population is never more obvious than during a visit to the lively, bustlingand colourful Central Market in Port Louis, accessed from Farquhar Street, near the harbour. When youenter take note of the intricate ironwork on the gates, erected in 1844, and dedicated to Queen Victoria.Inside the market you will find a whirl of Muslim traders, swarthy Indian touts, Chinese and Creoles, alldemanding attention as they offer their wares. You can buy almost anything in the market including freshproduce, clothes, crafts, art and souvenirs. Textiles, carved wooden figurines, essential oils and spices areall good buys. It is advisable to visit the market early, before the heat of the day descends (it opens at6am every day including Sundays), and be prepared to have your senses assailed with a variety of odoursfrom the fruit, herbs, spices, potions, lotions and various other goods offered for sale. Visitors will beexpected to haggle and should be firm but friendly; as many of the stalls sell the same merchandise it isalways a good idea to compare prices before settling. Tourists are generally charged far more than localsand having a local friend along is a big asset.

Blue Penny Museum

Region/City:Port LouisThe lively Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis features the Blue Penny Museum, which is primarily devoted toMauritian art and history, but whose place of pride is given to two of the rarest stamps in the world: theMauritian 1847 'Post Office' Penny Red and Twopence Blue, estimated to be worth more than US$1 millionapiece. Mauritius was the fifth country in the world to begin issuing postage stamps, back in 1847, andsome of the few remaining early island stamps are now highly valued around the world. The museum is runby the Mauritius Commercial Bank, which formed a consortium of local companies to purchase the stampsat an auction in Switzerland in 1993, and bring them home for posterity. The originals are housed in themuseum but are not always on display; for preservation purposes the Blue Penny Museum also displaysreplicas. There is a gift shop at the museum which sells all sorts of souvenirs - the shop has somewonderful merchandise but it is relatively expensive. Tours of the museum are available and take between30 and 90 minutes. It is a small museum and is not interactive or particularly exciting but it iswell-organised and has some fascinating exhibits for visitors interested in artefacts of this sort.

Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses

Region/City:Port LouisAbout seven miles (11km) northeast of Port Louis, and easily reached by regular buses, lies one of theisland's premier tourist attractions, the Pamplemousses Gardens (now officially called the Sir SeewoosagurRamgoolam Botanical Gardens, in honour of the late Prime Minister, but still colloquially referred to by theiroriginal name). The gardens are enclosed by beautiful wrought iron railings which are today in disrepair butwhen first manufactured in 1862 won a prize at an international exhibition at Crystal Palace in London. Thegardens were first laid out in 1735 around a mansion house called Mon Plaisir as a vegetable garden tosupply ships calling at Port Louis. Later the house was bought by horticulturalist Pierre Poivre, whointroduced plant species from around the world interspersed with indigenous species.The garden is redolentwith the perfume of fruit and spice trees, and the 24 hectares (60 acres) also sport a collection of statelypalms, ebony, mahogany, latania and pandanus. A great attraction is a pond full of the Giant Amazon waterlily. There are some animals in the gardens, including giant tortoises. There are usually guides available togive informative tours of the gardens for those who are interested, but it is also just a charming place tostroll or picnic, particularly on hot days when the shade and greenery is refreshing.

Beaches in Mauritius

Region/City:Port LouisThe beaches of Mauritius are close to perfect, with fine white sand and clear water running to heavenlyshades of blue. Some of the island's best beaches, on the west coast, are easily reached from Port Louis.Flic en Flac is the longest beach in Mauritius and features a beautiful lagoon. Grand Baie, 12 miles (20km)to the north of the capital, is a major tourist centre, offering watersports, shops, nightlife and restaurants tocomplement its splendid beach and deep sheltered bay. Also on the north coast road is Pereybere, one ofthe island's favoured swimming spots. Close to Pereybere visitors can find the gorgeous little beach, LaCuvette, which is a weekend favourite with locals. The Baie du Tamarin is at the mouth of the TamarinRiver, in a beautiful setting, and is popular for surfing, with Indian Ocean rollers washing the beach all yearround. In the southwest is Le Morne Brabant, characterised by a basaltic outcrop and beaches shaded by

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 10: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

casuarinas and coconut trees. Snorkellers enjoy Trou-aux-Biches which has shallow waters and coral reefs.The peaceful east coast of the island offers Constance Belle Mare Plage, a long stretch of beach which isthe ideal spot to watch sunrises and sunsets. Another east coast favourite is Roche Noires, named for thedramatic black volcanic rocks that line the water. The east coast is great for sailing.

Domaine Les Pailles

Region/City:Port LouisA short taxi ride to the south of Port Louis is the Domaine Les Pailles cultural centre and nature park,covering more than 1,500 hectares (3,707 acres) in the foothills of the Moka Mountains and offering plentyof entertainment for visitors. The centre was once a sugar cane estate and some of the 18th-centuryfeatures can still be seen. Activities include horse-drawn carriage and train rides, viewing a working replicaof an ox-powered sugar mill, a rum distillery museum, exploring a herb garden and natural spring, andadventure safaris into the mountains in 4x4 vehicles. There is also an onsite horse riding centre, severalrestaurants, a jazz club and a casino. The centre is a wonderful excursion for families travelling in Mauritiuswith children; the perfect place to enjoy a long, drawn-out meal while the children scamper all over thelovely grounds. Visitors should note, however, that Domaine Les Pailles doesn't always offer all the toursand activities listed above, especially outside of the peak tourist season. It is best to phone ahead to findout what's on offer at any given time, and to see which of the four restaurants are open, to avoiddisappointment. The drive from Port Louis to the estate takes only ten minutes.

Casela Bird Park

Region/City:Home to nearly 150 species of birds, including ostriches and flamingos, Casela Bird Park is a paradise forbirdwatching in Mauritius. The park opened in 1979, and is home to many other kinds of animals as well,including zebras, giant tortoises, lions, monkeys, cheetahs, tigers and various antelope. There are severaldifferent ways to explore the 14-hectare grounds of Casela, and visitors will enjoy exciting modes oftransportation like ziplines, segways, quad bikes, and hanging bridges. The park is very family-friendly andthere are programmes for kids and teenagers, as well as a petting farm and restaurant. Kids will love beingable to hand feed animals and pet them and the whole family can enjoy game safaris. The park is perhapsmost celebrated for its big cats and going walking with lions or petting a cheetah is indeed a once in alifetime experience; sometimes there are even cubs to meet and cuddle. Some of the animals are kept incages, but those visitors who disapprove of animals kept in captivity can avoid this section and still enjoysafaris to see the animals that roam the territory. The park should appeal to people of all ages and it caneasily keep visitors occupied for a full day of fun.

Ile Aux Cerfs

Region/City:Port LouisThe small island of Ile aux Cerfs (Stag Island), off the east coast of Mauritius, is one of the country'smost popular tourist destinations, managed by the adjacent Touessrok Hotel, but open to the public. Theisland, featuring splendid tropical vegetation and encircled by magnificent sandy beaches, can be reachedby boat from the small fishing village of Trou d'eau Douce. The boat trip only takes about 15 minutes. Theisland is equipped with a number of bars, restaurant and shops, as well as watersports facilities includingparasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and glass bottomed boat trips. There is also a coral reef and lagoonwhich are perfect for snorkelling. The most recent, and somewhat controversial, development on the islandis an 18-hole Bernhard Langer designed championship golf course, which affords a sea view from eachhole and promises the novelty of hitting a tee-shot over a natural sea inlet onto the fairway. Although thereare many activities on offer, it is also possible to just wander along the idyllic beaches and enjoysunbathing, swimming and picnicking. The beach near the landing jetty is usually quite crowded but a shortstroll will reveal more secluded slices of paradise.

Black River Gorges National Park

Region/City:Port LouisSituated in the southwest of the island, the Black River Gorges National Park is a popular spot for picnics,hiking and scenic drives. The park encompasses thick pine forests, gorges and rugged mountains and is asanctuary for local flora and fauna. In fact, the park protects much of the island's remaining rainforest andsome of Mauritius's endemic species, including the Mauritian flying fox. Bird-watchers will love the park andshould look out for the Mauritius kestrel, the green echo parakeet and the Mauritius cuckoo shrike. The

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 11: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

park's Chamarel Waterfalls are the highest in Mauritius at 83m (270ft) and are best seen after heavy rains.The best viewpoints are at the Alexandria Falls or the Black River Gorges viewpoint. Cars cannot entermuch of the park, which has been designed primarily for walkers, with 37 miles (60km) of hiking trails. Carscan be safely left in the car park. Trails vary in length and difficulty and there are two visitor centreswhere tourists can get maps and advice. There are usually souvenir and snack stands at the popularviewing points, but the best way to enjoy the park is to come prepared with a packed picnic and enjoy oneof the lovely picnic spots.

La Vanille Reserve des Mascareigne

Region/City:Port LouisLa Vanille Reserve des Mascareigne is a nature reserve in the unspoilt south of Mauritius, best known forits thousands of crocodiles and giant tortoises, which they are helping re-introduce to the island ofRodrigues. Reptiles in the park include Nile crocodiles, iguanas, caimans, geckos, chameleons andtortoises, and there are also monkeys, bats, mongooses, wild boars and some domestic farm animals forchildren to meet. The park boasts a huge population of butterflies and an insectarium as well. Many of theanimals are kept in enclosures and cages, making it more of a zoo than a nature reserve, but the animalsseem well cared for and the breeding programmes are for conservation purposes. The enormous tortoises,which roam freely, are a highlight, and kids can ride and feed them. The vegetation in the park is lush andthere is some interesting flora to investigate, and plenty of shade. Guides are available to show visitorsaround and give information on the various animals. There is a children's playground area, a shop sellingsouvenirs (including crocodile skin products) and a restaurant which serves crocodile steak, among otherthings. La Vanille Reserve des Mascareigne is a wonderful attraction for families visiting Mauritius.

Souillac

Region/City:Port LouisThe small seaside resort of Souillac is situated along the rugged coast in the southern Savanne district. Theappeal of Souillac lies in its scenery, as it is not a bathing spot. In striking contrast to the soft curves ofthe northern coastline, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea to face the bracing winds of the IndianOcean, which seem to blows all year round. The dramatic Gris-Gris cliffs are constantly smashed bywaves (they are called the weeping cliffs - Roche qui Pleure - as a result) and tourists flock to the area toenjoy the rugged coastline. Souillac developed around, and was named after, the port built by the French,which gave the area strategic importance. Later, the English also relied heavily upon the port for thetransport of trade goods, but after the introduction of railways to the island, in about 1877, the portgradually went into decline. Places of interest in Souillac for tourists include the Telfair Garden, which iswonderful for picnics, the old port area, the Gris-Gris cliffs and the beautiful Rochester Falls. There aresome great restaurants in the town and good accommodation for visitors. Souillac is special because itallows visitors to experience a different, wilder side of Mauritius.

Seven Coloured Earth

Region/City:Promoted as Mauritius' first attraction back in the 1960s and located on the Mauritian island of Chamarel,the Seven Coloured Earth is a magical sight and still quite a mysterious phenomenon. The Seven ColouredEarth is a geological formation of sand dunes comprised of seven distinct colours which give the rollingdunes a fantastical, psychedelic look. The colours are usually defined as red, brown, violet, green, blue,purple and yellow. These warm colours are all the more striking in contrast to the bright green of thesurrounding forest. The dunes are also interesting in that they never seem to erode, despite the tropicalstorms which lash the region. The sands have formed from the decomposition of volcanic rock and thecolours can be traced back to certain mineral deposits and varying stages of decomposition, but thephenomenon that keeps the vivid colours so resolutely separate is still not completely understood. Visitorscan no longer climb on the dunes, which are now protected by a wooden fence and ringed by a woodenboardwalk. The estate which houses the sands is full of lovely lush vegetation and there are somedramatic waterfalls to check out nearby. You can buy test tubes of the colourful sand at a number of giftshops and stalls in the area. Visitors should note that the weather and time of day plays a role in howdramatic the colours look - they often look best at sunrise.

Rodrigues Island

Region/City:

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727

Page 12: Your personalised eBrochure Mauritius All Inclusive · The east coast is best for beach lovers the sands in Belle Mare are toothpaste-white and run for miles. Thanks to trade winds,

Sometimes called the 'Cinderella of the Mascarenes', Rodrigues is a tiny island roughly 348 miles (560km)east of Mauritius, and a popular excursion from there. The island is volcanic in origin and is surrounded bystunning coral reef; there are some even smaller, uninhabited islands off the coast. The reef that fringesRodrigues forms a calm lagoon, which shelters the inlets and beaches of the island and creates wonderfulconditions for swimming and snorkelling. There are some glorious little beaches to lounge on. Less touristythan the resort towns of Mauritius, Rodrigues Island offers visitors a glimpse of a simpler and moreauthentic way of life. The island itself is scenic, with unspoiled flora and fauna offering good opportunitiesfor bird-watching, hiking, fishing, and exploring the wonderful caves. It is the only island in the archipelagothat has extensive limestone deposits and caves. Rodrigues has a unique environment and a number ofendemic species, including the critically endangered Rodrigues flying fox. Although it was once a district ofMauritius, Rodrigues became an autonomous region of Mauritius in 2002. The best way to get to RodriguesIsland is by plane from Port Louis to Plaine Corail Airport.

Ganga Talao

Region/City:Located in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne, and bordering a national park, Ganga Talao(or Grand Bassin) is a crater lake considered to be the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius. According tolegend, Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati were travelling over Mauritius carrying the Ganges River, and a fewdrops spilled and formed Ganga Talao. On the shores of the lake is a temple dedicated to Shiva, and anumber of other shrines, and every year many Hindus from around Mauritius make a pilgrimage to thesite, often walking barefoot from wherever they live. One of the main sights at Ganga Talao is the 108-foot(33m) statue of Lord Shiva in the middle of the lake which is the tallest statue on the island, and an exactreplica of the Shiva statue of Sursagar lake in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. The lake, deep in the heart ofMauritius, is a popular attraction and has become quite commercial, with plenty of stalls selling souvenirsand snacks. It is nestled in a picturesque mountainous area and is well worth a stop if you are in the region.There are some monkeys living around the lake and temple which can be very entertaining but are liable tosteal anything you leave lying around.

Your personalised e-Brochure

Mauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveMauritius All InclusiveeBrochure ref: PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649PDF457649

call Not Just Travel Isle of Wight direct on 01983716727019837167270198371672701983716727