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What you can buy – Mauritius has an enviable reputation for textiles production, namely for pull-overs and knitwear. Basketwork, embroidery, pottery,
cut stones and recycled glass are very much in demand as are models of old ships. Food lovers will be able to take back fruit jellies, chillies, and
other types of spices and pickles. Do not forget to buy some vanilla tea.
Where you can buy – Only accredited shops are allowed to sell duty-free goods to tourists. Flacq Market boasts the country’s largest open air market.
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Do not deny yourself the pleasure of eating local food, at a table d’hôte or in the various specialised restaurants. Do not hesitate to try the dholl purri
(wheat pancake stuffed with dholl and served with a tomato sauce), the farata, the gâteaux piments or the samosas.
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The Cavadi festival is celebrated in January/February. Bodies are pierced with needles, tongues and cheeks with pins, devotees in a trance carry the
‘Cavadi’ on their shoulders as a penitence. The ‘Cavadi’ is a wooden arch, covered with flowers and with a pot of milk at each end. In the month of
October or November, the Divali or The Festival of Lights is celebrated in a spirit of pure joy. At sunset, small clay lamps are lit. Their golden light,
which is believed to guide the Goddess of wealth and good fortune, can be seen everywhere. Divali represents the victory of truth (light) over ignorance
(darkness). Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the lunar month of August/September by Hindus in honour of the birth of Ganesha, God
of wisdom. Holi, a Hindu festival is as colour ful as the many legends from which it originates. It is above all a festival of joy during which men and
women throw coloured water and powder on each other and wish one another good luck. Ougadi is the Telugu New Year and is usually celebrated in
March. Spring Festival The Chinese New Year is celebrated each year on a different date, owing to the differences between the lunar and the solar
calendars. Red, a symbol of happiness is the main colour of the day. Food offerings are made to ensure that the following year will be plentiful and
traditional ‘Wax’ cakes are distributed to parents and friends.Firecrackers are set off to drive away the evil spirits.
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Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens give you the chance to see giant Victoria regia water lilies, golden bamboo, chewing-gum trees,
fish poison trees and a 200-year-old Buddha tree. These attractive gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius. Hiking trails
criss-cross the wild and empty Black River Gorges National Park where you can look out for the rare tambalacoque or dodo tree and wild guavas. For
the more adventurus hiker, Tamarin is awkward to reach, but it’s worth the effort for a beautiful, deep, cool bathe at the bottom of a series of seven
spectacular water falls.
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Deep sea fishing is a favorite pastime in the Mauritius. Fishing boats can be hired from almost all hotels. The most prestigious deep sea fishing
competition is the Marlin World Cup which is hosted in December by La Pirogue Hotel. Those seeking well-being during their holidays should be sure to
visit the spas. Mauritius offers several world-class items. For fans of golf, several of hotels have excellent golf courses, three of which have 18 holes.
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By night all is quiet - except for the swish Le Caudan Water front, where you’ll find a casino, cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants. There’s a distinct
Muslim area around Muammar El Khadafi Square and a Chinatown around Royal St. The wonder ful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its
shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.
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