Map of Mauritius

Visitors to this enchanting island nation have always been awed-awed by the impressive way in which so many cultures- Indian, African, French and Chinese coexist together. A modern nation comfortably existing with its ancient heritage, Mauritius is a treat to explore. An impressive collection of beaches and stunning coral reefs remain the focus of visit for tourists in Mauritius. Tourism in Mauritius provides a comprehensive holiday package, which covers all the major tourist attractions in Mauritius.

The epitome of Indian Ocean paradise, Mauritius island of pristine sea beaches and a well stocked marine life that are an object of fascination for the majority of tourists. Spend your time lazing around on the beaches or if you are the type of the person who craves adventure, indulge in the various water sport activities that this beautiful island has to offer.

The warm crystal clear waters of the lagoons and white sandy beaches are ideal for any water sport activities such as sailing, diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing. Snorkeling and scuba diving will provide the perfect opportunity for guests to marvel at the rich marine life of Mauritius with its amazing coral reefs that are home to splendid multicolored fishes. Also, with record catches of blue and black Marlins, sharks and other marine fauna, Deep sea fishing in Mauritius has its own special charm.

Cuisine of Mauritius

Mauritius is a paradise for the palate where the ethnic diversity of the local people is reflected in its cuisine. The cuisine of Mauritius is a testament to the influence of the culinary traditions of France, India, China and Africa that the people of Mauritius have incorporated with their local fruits, vegetables and other ingredients. The cuisine of Mauritius, with its with its variety of flavors and aromas is indeed a gastronomic delight.

Mauritian cuisine is mix of Creole (African), Indian, French and Chinese cuisine. Hence starting from Creole rougailles, Indian curries and biryanis, Chinese chopsuey to French civet de lièvre, everything is a part of cuisine in Mauritius. The most basic and the common ingredient used in Mauritian recipes are the tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic and chilies while the traditional base is definitely the curries and "rougailles" which is made from the blends of home crushed spices. Spices also constitute a major part of Mauritian cuisine. The extensive use of spices such as saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves provide a powerful, yet subtle flavor to the dish.

The combination of curries and rougailles along with white rice and other beans is popular with the locals and is generally included in their everyday food. The unique interblending of spices with vegetables, meat and fish is what lends that distinctive, unique charm to the food of Mauritius.

Along the years each community has adapted and mixed each other's cuisine to their liking, which resulted in a Mauritian cuisine that brings to the front the cultural richness of the pluri-ethnical Mauritian society. As a result, Creole rougaille served with a variety of achars (pickles) or dals (pulses) and rice from Indian origin is a very common sight in Mauritius.

While on a trip to Mauritius, tourists must savor the Mauritian food to the fullest. Some of the must-eat Mauritian dishes are dholl purri, farata, gâteaux piment and samosas. For sea food lovers, they must treat themselves to the "Millionaire's salad" comprising of oysters, shrimps, crayfish, crabs, Rosenbergi prawns that is served with sauce rouge (red sauce) and the heart of a palm tree. To get the taste of real Mauritian food, have a dholl puri with a large glass of Alouda or tamarind juice. It can be said for the dishes of Mauritius that just by savoring it one can travel to all corners of the globe without leaving the table. Indeed tourists in Mauritius can begin their day with a continental breakfast, followed by a Chinese lunch and finish with an Indian dinner along with some French wine.