In style with honeymooners in addition to households on the lookout for unique getaways, Mauritius options among the many world’s finest island retreats

Port Louis, Mauritius; (Photograph: Norbert Figueroa)

Rediscovered within the sixteenth century (although Arab and Malay sailors are recognized to have visited the island as early because the tenth century) by the Portuguese, Mauritius was uninhabited till 1598 when first the Dutch, then French and eventually the British colonised the tiny island earlier than it turned impartial in 1968.

Although the British rule lasted a comparatively longer interval, the French roots are extra evident within the Mauritian way of life and folks nonetheless desire to talk Creole and French over the official English language. Proper from the time if you set foot on the SSR Worldwide Airport at Plaisance, likelihood is that for those who say you might be from India, the locals, who proudly seek advice from the island as ‘Little India’—a moniker attributed to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, gives you a hotter welcome. Not stunning since over 68 per cent of Mauritians are of Indian origin whose forefathers migrated to Mauritius as indentured labourers in the course of the British rule.

Although India is seventh amongst prime 10 nations within the Mauritius tourism pie, it contributes solely a fraction to the market dominated by Europe until now. Nonetheless, the Mauritian Tourism minister Nando Bodha plans to alter that. He just lately introduced plans to draw over 100,000 Indian vacationers throughout the subsequent 5 years, greater than doubling the quantity from the present 49,779 (as per February 25, 2011 knowledge). Says the minister, “Being initially frequented by honeymooners solely, at present we now have completely different section of travellers from India visiting the island.”

“Each Mauritius and India have an extended standing historic and cultural join. It provides the Indian travellers an ideal really feel of residence away from residence whereas taking a global trip with household, buddies or partner,” provides Bodha.

Deputy director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) Vijaye Haulder agrees. “We converse Hindi, our tradition and meals habits are related, what’s to not like,” he says.

This ‘rainbow’ nation provides a mix of cultures, Indian, African, Chinese language, French and British. And there’s a lot to do, from numerous sporting actions to visiting leisure parks, undersea walks, submarine rides to watching tons of of dolphins accompanying your catamaran, lazing on seashores or lengthy drives on the ‘tea route’ lined by tea estates are only a few of the wonderful choices. For a elegant expertise go to the Belle Mare seaside earlier than the primary mild to view the right dawn and head to Flic en Flac at nightfall for essentially the most surreal sundown you might be prone to see, ever.

At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlement in southeast Mauritius, you’ll be able to see the ruins of the primary Dutch fortifications. Or go to a former sugar manufacturing facility at Beau Plan’s Aventure du Sucre. The museum right here tells the story of sugar, the unique financial system booster as soon as upon a time, and alongside the way in which covers the historical past of Mauritius.

Have you ever heard of the Talipot Palm which flowers as soon as in 60 years and withers thereafter? In case you are fortunate you may simply see one in full bloom on the SSR Botanical Backyard in Pamplemousses which additionally homes 500 completely different species of crops.

With rising spending energy, the Indian vacationer, who tends to spend over `16,000 per particular person per day, is more and more being wooed by the island which depends on tourism as certainly one of its prime sources of earnings. “Mauritius is an especially common mid-haul vacation spot particularly among the many honeymoon travellers,” agrees Amal Rakeshi, Thomas Prepare dinner’s affiliate vice chairman Leisure Journey Outbound.

“Up to now few years it has caught up with households additionally. Honeymooners and households on the lookout for a calming vacation with a deal with water sports activities take a look at Mauritius as a perfect vacation spot,” provides Rakeshi. Arrivals from India, the nation’s prime supply for Asian vacationers, went up by 26.8 per cent in 2010 to 49,779 (39,252 in 2009).

In response, the authorities within the island nation are taking a look at new methods to woo the Indian vacationer too. “We organise worldwide golf tournaments and purpose to introduce polo to draw the highest section of travellers,” says MTPA’s Haulder.

Bodha’s ministry can also be selling the island as a marriage vacation spot for Indians looking out for modern choices for this most memorable day. Within the final six months MTPA has helped in organising over 5 massive Indian weddings. “It’s a must to give us at the very least a 3 month prior discover, we’ll care for the remaining for you,” says Haulder including that they needed to flip down half a dozen requests because of lack of time just lately. The MTPA has instituted a particular committee to push the marriage tourism technique.

Travelling to the island might be comparatively costly although. It has 4 direct entry factors from India—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore, although solely the Mauritian nationwide service flies on this route.

Rakeshi attributes the sustained curiosity to particular offers at common resorts which greater than make up for the airfare. “Direct flights, no crime and discrimination, folks of Indian origin works with travellers. It’s a mixture of actions and sightseeing to households who’re on the lookout for greater than leisure. It’s the secure, straightforward to get round, extra unique than the Far East vacation spot picture that sells,” he says.

“Good resorts with non-public entry to good pristine seashores, lack of Thailand-like nightlife makes it extra unique than the opposite seaside locations nearer residence,” provides Rakeshi. Whether or not you’re the gung-ho exercise seeker or on the lookout for a romantic interlude, Mauritius provides greater than you’ll be able to count on to pack in in your common three- to seven-day journey. So pack your swimsuits and head for this unique island nearly seven hours by flight from India.

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