Port Louis, Mauritius
Description
Port Louis is the capital of the island of Mauritius. A volcanic island situated in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Mauritius is lush and beautiful, with lovely mountain ranges, fine beaches, stunning coral reefs and picturesque villages.
Mauritius amazingly remained uninhabited until the 16th century. Dutch, British and French traders came to the island, followed by slaves from Africa to work the plantations and then laborers from India. The flavor here remains predominantly French, as does the language, however, the present population is fifty percent Indian. Today, Mauritius is independent and the economy prospers due to exports of sugar and textiles, plus it caters to tourism.
Points of Interest
- Port Louis
- Chamarel
- Casela Nature and Leisure Park
- Eureka Colonial House
- Sugar World (L'Aventure du Sucre)
- Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens
- Black River Gorges
More about Port Louis, Mauritius Points of Interest
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Port Louis -
Lively Port Louis boasts a busy market selling spices, fruits and craft-works, plus a colorful China Town district, and the vibrant Le Caudan Waterfront, with its many shops, cafes and boutiques.
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Chamarel -
The fascinating multi-colored sand dunes at Chamarel have never been thoroughly explained, but visitors are enthralled by this lunar landscape, which is made up of mineral rich volcanic ash.
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Casela Nature and Leisure Park -
Casela Nature and Leisure Park, founded in 1979, is one of the biggest attractions on Mauritius. Located in the Black River district, it is home to the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world.
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Eureka Colonial House -
The Eureka Colonial House, set in five glorious acres, is a stunning monument to the island's past. Built by a British businessman in the 18th century, it contains antique furniture, books and rugs.
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Sugar World (L'Aventure du Sucre) -
This former sugar factory turned museum tells the story of the early cultivation of sugarcane, and the technology used in sugar manufacture. View the massive vats and pipes used in sugar production.
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Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens -
Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens boasts a large collection of indigenous and exotic plants. Species here include the talipot palm, which is said to flower once every sixty years and then die.
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Black River Gorges -
For stunning views head to Black River Gorges, and the Grand Bassin; this natural lake, that rests in the crater of an extinct volcano, is also the site of the island's most important Hindu festival.