Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Mauritius



Mauritius Islands can be described as 'the paradise on earth'. The name Mauritius islands conjures up vibrant images of pristine beaches, blue sea with a backdrop of beautiful mountain ranges, lush green vegetation and exotic places of tourist attractions.

Mauritius Islands or the Republic of Mauritius is located in the middle of Indian Ocean. Spread over an approximate land area of 2,040 square kilometers the island is located within the geographical co-ordinates of 20.17 degrees South and 57.33 degrees East. The geographical location of Mauritius has influenced its climate. Climate of Mauritius Islands is essentially tropical characterized by warm, hot and humid summers and cold winters. Mauritius archipelago comprises of two islands. First is Mauritius, and the other island is Rodriguez located some 500 kilometers away from the main island. Peak tourist season in Mauritius is during the Christmas and New Year Period. Apart from that, the best time to visit Mauritius is from July to September.


Mauritius Islands is a favored tourist destination as it is dotted with tourist attractions. Port Louis the capital city is nestled in the foothills of the mountains. The French style architecture adds to the charm of this city. Several museums like the Natural History Museum and the Worldwide Masks Museum offer are places of interest. Chamberer is one of the oldest sites in the island. It is also known as the seven colored earth as it is made up of patches in blue, green, red and purple. These are probably the result of erosion of volcanic rocks. Royal Botanical Garden of Pamplemousness, Grand Bass in, Ilse Aux Cerf's and the Black River Gorge are among the other attractions.


Chagos Archipelago is one of the most beautiful group of islands in Mauritius. Chagos Archipelago consists of nearly 60 small islands which are spread over an area of about 50,000 square kilometers. Chagos Archipelago is characterized by the large number of faultless coral reefs that surround it. Mauritius acquired administrative rights over this archipelago in 1903.

Location of Chagos Archipelago

Chagos Archipelago is situated in almost the center of the Indian Ocean. Chagos Archipelago lies 450 kilometers on the southern part of Addu and is 1,460 kilometers away from Sri Lanka.

Islands of Chagos Archipelago

The largest island of Chagos Archipelago is known as Diego Garcia. Diego Garcia alone covers an area of 28 square kilometers. Chagos Archipelago also consists of five atolls, which are known as Blenheim Reef, Egmont Reef, Diego Garcia, Salomon Islands and Peros Banhos. There are also a number of small islets in Chagos Archipelago such as Ile Aigle, Ile Pierre, Ile de Coin, Ile Sude-Est, Ile de Coin and Ile Boddam.

Climate of Chagos Archipelago

The sea winds make the weather of this island pleasant and comfortable. The south-easterly winds cause a moderate winter between the months of June and September. The Chagos Archipelago receives maximum rainfall between the months of December to January.

Fauna of Chagos Archipelago

These islands provide shelter to a large number of rare birds such as Red Footed Booby, Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern, and Lesser Noddy. Green and Hawksbill Tortoises can also be spotted in this island.


Rodrigues
is one of the most popular and most beautiful Mauritius islands. It is situated at a distance of 550 km from Mauritius and is known as the tenth district of Mauritius. The capital of Rodrigues is Port Mathurin, which is situated in the northern part of the island. Creole is the most commonly spoken language in the island.

The best way to reach Rodrigues is to avail the flights to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Plaisance. From this location a boat ride ensures a comfortable journey for the tourists into Rodrigues.

Attractions of Rodrigues

The sandy beach of Rodrigues provides an ideal spot to enjoy the sunbath for the tourists. The tourists can also enjoy fishing to the heart's content. Few of the other attractions in the island include Port Mathurin's stadium, Saint-Gabriel Cathedral, Mosque of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues Regional Assembly. Rodrigues is also popular for its rich flora and fauna.

Climate of Rodrigues

The climate of Rodrigues remains pleasant almost throughout the year. The summer temperature remains in between 29?C to 34?C, while the winter temperature fluctuates between 15?C to 29?C.

Accommodations in Rodrigues

Few of the renowned hotels in Rodrigues include La Ravenal, Cotton Bay Hotel, Pointe Venus Hotel. The hospitality in these hotels has been highly praised by the guests.

Economy of Rodrigues

Fishing and animal rearing are the two most important sectors of the Rodrigues economy. The economy of Rodrigues earns most of its revenues from fishing and animal rearing. The handicraft industry of the country also proves to be very beneficial for the economy of Rodrigues.




Tromelin
is one of the most beautiful and important Mauritius islands, and according to the history, this island was first discovered by the French in 1776.

Tromelin is situated in the Indian Ocean and lies east of Madagascar. The total land area of Tromelin an island in Mauritius is estimated to be 1 square kilometer. Tromelin Island is located at the latitudinal coordinates of 15 ? 52’ South and the longitudinal coordinates of 54? 25’ East. It is an uninhabited island and there is no option for a long stay for the tourists.

Tromelin is mostly visited by the scientists. A meteorological station has been established in this island. This station helps considerably in the forecast of cyclones on the Indian Ocean. The landscape of Tromelin consists of plains, and low lying areas. There are also sandy areas in this island. The coral reefs surround a big portion of the island.

Tromelin island experiences tropical type of climate. Therefore, the climate of Tromelin island supports the survival of different types of vegetation in the island. The soil is also very fertile and enables good growth of the trees. Tall grasses and different types of bushes can be seen in most part of the island.

Tromelin island is also known to be one of the important wild life havens in the world and bird watching can really be interesting here. The spectacular island supports a large tortoise population and other species of sea animals.

There is an airstrip in the island, where the tourists can catch a flight to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius. The tourists can reach Tromelin Island in Mauritius by availing flights. Within the island, the tourists can take walk and enjoy the different species of flora and fauna.




The Agalega Islands of Mauritius comprises of two islands namely the North Island and the South Island. These beautiful islands are located in the Indian Ocean, at a distance of 1122 kilometers north of Mauritius. A stretch of sand bank separates the two islands. The Agalega Islands cover a land area of 70 square kilometers.

Tourists are able to reach this island either by sea or by air. The boat ‘Mauritius Pride’ sail to the Agalega Islands everyday with thousands of tourists. By air the visitors can reach this island by a Dornier aircraft, which belongs to the Coast Guard Department of the Mauritian Police Force.

Agalega Islands at Mauritius are dotted with small picturesque villages. Vingt Cinq and la Fourche are the two villages in the North island and Ste Rita is the only village in the South Island. The Vingt Cinq village is the main village, housing all the administrative infrastructures. This small village also has schools, a hospital and a church. A meteorological and a wireless transmitting and receiving station is there in this island. La Grande Case is the main administrative headquarters of Agalega Island. Tourists can have their meal in La Grande Case. Both the islands have generator sets for supply of electricity from 10.00 am to 11.00 am in the morning and 6.00 to 10.00 pm in the evening.

Agalega Islands in Mauritius is famous for coconut trees. These islands produce copra and coconut oil for export. Animal husbandry and poultry are the prime source of livelihood and different kinds vegetables are also grown in these islands. Visitors can also spot the Agalega Island Day Gecko, an endemic species of gecko, unique to these islands.

Agalega Islands of Mauritius charm the tourists with an inherent rustic charm. The natural beauty is simply appealing.




Cargados Carajos is a collection of low islets, coral reefs and sandbanks located 350 kilometers north east of Mauritius. It is popularly referred to as Saint Brandon. Cargados Carajos shoals are a group of 16 small islands and islets. These islands support scanty population spread over a total land area of 1.3 square kilometer. This group of islands is a popular tourist attraction of Mauritius because of the exotic coral reefs and the rich variety of flora and fauna found in these islands.

Cargados Carajos Islands

Numerous unnamed islands are located in Cargados Carajos. There are around 40 islands located on this reef. The Siren Island, Frigate Island and the Pearl are located on the western reef. Albatros Island is famous, as it is the single coral island located 18 kilometer north. Majority of the population is concentrated in the Raphael Island. This beautiful island houses a fishing station, a meteorological station and a coast guard. Avocare, Cocos and Sud are smaller settlements.

Cargados Carajos Flora and Fauna

Thickets, bushes and shrubs are the main vegetation that covers these islands. A carpet of thick granular sands cover these islands. It is a result of coral erosion from the reefs. They form an ideal nesting site for the green sea turtles for laying and hatching their eggs. Cargados Carajos islands also supports a large migratory sea bird population. Keen birdwatchers can spot different varieties of sea birds in this area. Roseate Tern, Brown Noddy, Lesser Noddy, Common White tern afe different kinds of birds found in this island.

The fascinating Cargados Carajos attracts thousands of tourists with its coral reefs and diverse species of flora and fauna.

The Islets of Mauritius
The main island of Mauritius is surrounded by a number of islets. Some of the islets of Mauritius are close to the shore, while others are located far away and some are inaccessible. Some of these islands have rich natural reserves of endemic species of flora and fauna. Some of these islands are also known for their beaches and coconut plantations and are frequented by tourists.

The islands of the Islets of Mauritius include Ile Aux Aigrettes, Ilot Aigrettes, Ile De La Batterie, Ile Aux Benitiers, Pte Bernache, Ile Camisard, Ile Aux Cerfs, Ile Aux Chats, Ile Des Deux Cocos, Ilot Flamants, Ile De L’Est, Ile Aux Fous, Ile Aux Fouqets, Ilot Fourneau, Ilot Gabriel, Matapan Island , Ilot Levrettes, Ile De La Passe, Ile Marainne and many more.

Ile Aux Cerfs is one of the most charming islands near the east coast of the island of Mauritius. This is an island with exotic beaches and is the most coveted tourist destination. Tourists can dabble in various water sports, and enjoy their excursion with their whole family. For accommodation the visitors can stay in the five star hotel with a golf course. Isle de la Passe is a unique island situated in the bay of Grand Port on the island of Mauritius. This island is a witness to the gory and the fierce battle between the British and the French. Coin du Mire is popularly referred to as Gunner’s Quion. This islet of Mauritius is of its eastern coast. The Dutch settlers had occupied and settled in this island. The remains of sugarcane plantation validate their existence. The Coin du Mire Hotel is a favorite abode for the tourists.

Ile D’ Ambre is one of the largest islets surrounded by other satellite islands. Ile Mounick, Matapan Island and Ilot Canarde are the small islands. Point Bernache is a stunning islet of Mauritius located near Ile D’Ambre. The island is surrounded by a lagoon, which is apt for angling and fishing. The Flat Island is the extreme north islet in Mauritius. This island houses two magnificent lighthouses in Mauritius. The Grand Port Islets of Mauritius are made up of small volcanic island. Most of these islets have submerged with the rising tide.

The Round Island lies 22.5 kilometers north of Mauritius. This island features as an exclusive nature reserve. Spread over an area of approximately 1.69 kilometers it supports different endemic species of fauna including the Round Island skink, Round Island day gecko and Round Island Boa. The Serpent Island is one of the inaccessible and remote islets of Mauritius. This island is void of any kind of vegetation and is covered with a layer of guano, a type of volcanic ash. This makes it a favorite abode for nesting of sea birds. Most common seabird species spotted in this islet are the Sooty Tern, Brown Noddy and Lesser Noddy.

The islets of Mauritius offer a variety of experience to the foreign tourists. Some of the islets have exotic beaches and other are of historical significance, while some others charm the visitors with their untouched natural beauty and the rich flora and fauna.

The island of Rodrigues in Mauritius has attracted flocks of tourists with its usual charm. It is also the tenth district of the Republic of Mauritius. The island of Rodrigues is located 550 kilometers north east of Mauritius. The volcanic island covers an approximate land area of 110 square kilometers and is 18 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide. Visitors also throng to see the sheltered lagoon, which covers an area of 200 square kilometers. Port Mathurin, the capital of Rodrigues is located in the north. Surrounded by a dozen of islets, Rodrigues is an ideal island retreat of Mauritius.

The tranquil and serene surroundings of Rodrigues has a lot to offer to the tourists. The simple and yet charming life of local people here have impressed the travelers. The local inhabitants of Rodrigues believe in preserving their natural environs. Many endemic species of flora and fauna are abundant in this island. Among other activities the tourist can enjoy birdwatching and test their angling skills. A visit to some of the caves in this island is a wonderful experience. The natural stalactites and stalagmites take different shapes and are interesting to watch. Hikers can even enjoy a hike around the island enjoying the scenic beauty. Climate of Rodrigues island is soothing and pleasant. Summer temperatures vary between 29 degrees to 34 degrees celcius and the winter temperature varies between 15 degrees to 29 degrees celsius.

Rodrigues in Mauritius is easily accessible by air. There is a thin air strip in this island. Rodrigues offers the best of breathtaking natural beauty coupled with variety of leisure activities.


Round Island is one of the islands in Mauritius situated 22 kilometers north east of Mauritius. This island is a part of a an extinct volcanic cone, which has been partly submerged under water. Covering a land area of approximately 150 hectares, the altitude of Round Island is around 300 meters above the sea level. Round Island in Mauritius is made of layers of volcanic ash, which have been deposited over the years to form hard compact layers.

Round Island in Mauritius is an ideal refuge for numerous species of sea birds and a diverse species of flora and fauna. These form the main tourist attractions of Round Island. Government of Mauritius have taken initiatives to evolve and develop Round Island as a rich ecological reserve. In the early 19th century extensive damage was done to the natural vegetation due to the grazing of animals like goats and rabbits. Grazing loosened up the soil and there was 90% soil erosion. From 1986 Don Merton and his team were consciously engaged in reviving and restoring the natural habitat of this island by planting unique plant species.

In the recent years, Round island though a deserted island supports some of the endemic species of fauna like the Round Island day gecko, Round Island skink and Round Island Boa. The untouched rustic beauty of Round Island charms and enthralls the tourists.




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