by Frances Stanford

Created on: March 03, 2008   Last Updated: July 06, 2009

Glorious Mauritius beckons you to come and enjoy its world-class spas, resorts and beaches. This is a tropical island extraordinaire in the wealth of things it offers for visitors to see and do. It is the site of the third largest coral reef in the world and a land of endless sunshine that you can spend on the beaches of silky sand.

The capital of Port Louis is a wonderful city for walking. Enjoy a visit to the Government House situated at the top of Place d'Armes, which is surrounded by palm trees. Visit the Penny Museum to see one of the rarest stamps in the world. Children and adults alike will stare in amazement at the dodo skeletons of the Natural History Museum. Walk from the town to the village of La Laura and climb to the top of the Thumb from which you will have the most outstanding view.

Every visitor to Mauritius wants to bring home souvenirs and there is no better place for this kind of shopping than the craft markets along the Caudan Waterfront. Of course, shopping is a divine experience in Mauritius with the many shopping centers in the capital and the Chinese and Indian markets in the towns farther inland. Whether or not you are a bird watcher, you just have to see the more than 140 varieties of birds at the Casela Bird Park. Here you will find one of the rarest birds in the world - the pink pigeon.

Pamplemousses Gardens are the oldest botanical gardens in the world. See the giant Amazon lilies and the famous talipot palm tree that flowers once in sixty years and then dies. Children will enjoy the touch pool at the Mauritius Aquarium, where there is a collection of more than 200 species of underwater life native to the waters of the island. You have to take the route of the pilgrims to the Grande Basin, which is a natural crater lake and follow the path to sacred Hindu shrine at Plaine Champagne. No doubt you will snap many pictures at the sight of the Shiva Statue located at the entrance of this shrine.

Learn about the shipwrecks and legends of the island when you explore the exhibits of the Natural History Museum in Mahebourg. This is a town filled with character and is the site of a famous battle in 1810. In Blue Bay, you can take a ride in a glass-bottomed boat for a look at the underwater world. If you want to get up close and personal, engage in snorkeling or diving in the waters. The southern coast of the island has a more untamed atmosphere and is quite stunning. Marvel at the natural rock formations, such as the blowhole at La Souffleur and the rock shaped like a witch at Gris Gris.

If you want to take in some hiking, then Black River Gorges National Park is the perfect destination with its walking and hiking trails. Tour the Moka Mountains on horseback or by quad and visit the pristine Domaine les Pailles nature park.

This small island has numerous accommodations and restaurants that will cater to your every whim. Pamper yourself in a spa or spend your days lazing on the beach. There is so much packed into a small place that you will already be making plans to return before you even leave.

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