10 Intriguing Facts About Mauritius

Mauritius is a tiny island nation, situated in the Indian Ocean, off the South East Coast of Africa. It is famous for its continuous white sandy beaches dotted with aquamarine lagoons, lush vegetation, sugar cane plantations, and striking mountain ranges. Besides, the island’s blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French traditions gives it the status of being an exotic destination.

Here are 10 facts about the island nation that will surely make you want to discover this picturesque locale.

  1. Mauritius was named after a Dutch ruler

Back in 1598, a Dutch squadron named Mauritius after the Dutch ruler, Prince Maurice van Nassau. The French went on to rename the island nation as Isle de France, but the British started calling it by its old name after they seized it from the French.

  1. It was said that heaven was a replication of Mauritius

According to the famous American writer Mark Twain, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius”. This statement would not be completely incorrect if you considered the island’s warm weather, sun-kissed beaches, azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, and towering mountains. Almost all Mauritius tour packages will ensure you get to visit and explore this untainted beauty.

  1. Mauritius’ unique flora and fauna cannot be found elsewhere

Mauritius has several species of flora and fauna that are exclusive to the island. Exploring the vegetation, birds, reptiles, insects, and more will leave you reaching out for your camera every time. Several Mauritius holiday packages offer you the chance to discover regions such as the Black River Gorges National Park where these species thrive in their natural habitat.

  1. Mauritius also encompasses several other islands

Mauritius mainland is not the only place you can visit. Rodriguez Islands, Agaléga Islands, and Cargados Carajos Shoals, along with several tiny islets form the island nation of Mauritius. Some of these are available for private hire, making them perfect for a private party or wedding. One of the main things to consider for a private island wedding is the weather, but fortunately, Mauritius is blessed by the sub-tropical sun for the majority of the year.

  1. The island is the ideal beach destination

Mauritius is the place to be if you crave much more than a simple dip in the pool. If you love to party by the beach, there are a variety of clubs you could visit. However, if you prefer tranquility and solitude, places like Tamarin Bay or islets in and around Cargados Carajos Shoals are ideal for the discerning beach explorer in you. Mauritius also has several beaches for watersports enthusiasts.

  1. Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures

Mauritius’ distinct culture has been largely influenced by its diverse immigrant population. Intermingling of Europeans, Africans, Chinese, and Indians over hundreds of years has given birth to a culture that is truly unique and worth experiencing.

  1. The destination has a rich colonial past

Mauritius was colonized by the Dutch, French, and later the British. Several places are a reminder of this heritage, with Port Louis being just one of them. It is among the best places to visit in Mauritius, if you wish to catch a glimpse of the classic French colonial architecture.

  1. Mauritius has seven-colored earth that seemingly never erode

Chamarel, a small village in Mauritius, has sand dunes of seven distinct colors. These dunes do not seem to erode, even during torrential showers in monsoon.

  1. It was the habitat of the now-extinct dodo bird

The dodo is known to have made the island its habitat more than 4 million years ago. Till date, Mauritius is considered to be the only-known habitat for this extinct species.

  1. Mauritius is deeply connected to India

With more than 70 percent of the population having Indian roots, Mauritius’ connection with the subcontinent runs deep. The island nation has destinations such as Ganga Talao and Aapravasi Ghat, which unravel the history of Indian workers who were brought to the island centuries ago by the colonists.

These facts add a distinct appeal to Mauritius, apart from its image as the quintessential beach destination. With a deeper understanding of the culture, history, and wildlife of the island nation, you can set off on your own exploratory journey by opting for a Mauritius package this holiday season.

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