Your entrée to Mauritius
THE VIBRANT CAPITAL Port Louis provides a powerful entrée into the real Mauritius, two steps removed from all the picture-perfect, luxury beach resorts. Here on the island nation’s north-west coast, you find a spicy mix of beautiful landscapes, bustling city life and diverse cultures, as well as the option to sail out to near-perfect islets in the surrounding Indian Ocean.
SOAK UP THE HISTORY of the island’s exploration, settlement and colonial period at the Blue Penny Museum. Explore galleries dedicated to Mauritius’ diverse population, indigenous flora and fauna and the pivotal role it played in Indian Ocean trade. Two of the world’s rarest stamps – the red one-penny and blue two-penny issued in 1847 – are central to the collection.
COLONIAL LANDMARKS CROP UP throughout the city, notably Government House, Fort Adelaide, St James Cathedral and a statue of King Edward VII within the grounds of Champ de Mars Racecourse. There’s also Aapravasi Ghat, which served as an immigration depot for indentured labourers in the 19th century.
HEAD TO THE CENTRAL MARKET come nightfall, where you can browse stalls selling everything from fresh produce to herbal medicines and aphrodisiacs. Take a seat and sample traditional Mauritian street food like dholl puri (split pea-stuffed flatbread), Gateau Piment (chilli cake) and alouda, a refreshing milky drink laced with agaragar and basil seeds.
PORT LOUIS IS THE ONLY NATURAL HARBOUR in Mauritius and one of the deepest in the Indian Ocean. Take a leisurely stroll along Caudan Waterfront, the city’s main commercial and entertainment hub to shop for local crafts, or simply soak up the lively local vibe. The waterfront is home to many shops, restaurants and bars, as well as a casino and a cinema.
VISIT THE OLDEST BOTANICAL GARDEN in the Southern Hemisphere, located a 15-minute drive from Port Louis. SSR Botanic Garden, commonly known as the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, is must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Lose yourself amidst the lush greenery and vibrant blooms, and grab a photo of the famous giant water lilies.
GLORIOUS TAMARIND BEACH has one of the most spectacular backdrops in the country. Just a 10-minute drive from Port Louis, it once offered wave hunters some of the best surfing on the planet. Today, it provides something of a Robinson Crusoe experience, as the currents have changed and the surfing diehards have moved down the coast to Le Morne.
