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EXPLORE MAURITIUS: |
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When you travel to Mauritius, this enchanting island situated in the turquoise waters of the
Indian Ocean will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes Mauritius
so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday.
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You will have the opportunity to taste a unique sort of luxury and
refinement that will uplift your soul. Mauritius offers an essential
beauty that will compel you to return to its shores time and time
again. Mauritius was named after Dutch Prince Maurice van Nassau.
Mauritius is located on latitude 20° south of the equator and
longitude 57.5° east. English is the official language. However, French
and Creole are commonly used. The population of Mauritius is 1.2
million and the literacy rate in Mauritius is around 90%.
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Clear, warm waters and white beaches make your tropical dream come true when you travel to Mauritius. |
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The sea surrounding Mauritius is famous for indulging in numerous
water sports. Most beach hotels in Mauritius provide complimentary
water sport facilities to their clients. Mauritius marine life conceals an
infinite sea treasure with its crystal-clear lagoons and magnificent
marine life. In the evenings, whilst enjoying the sunset, try out the
trendy bars, restaurants and clubs buzzing with life.
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| Getting There |
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Mauritius can easily be reached by a number of superb airlines
including Air Mauritius, Virgin, British Airways and Emirates. The flying
time is around 12 hours which to be honest is a long time on a plane
but rest assured it is all worthwhile when you get there!
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| Entry Requirements |
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Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of
entry. It is to be noted that all visitors must hold valid tickets and
documents for their onward or return journey and must have a
adequate funds for their intended stay.
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| Mauritius in General |
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Languages - English is the official language in Mauritius. French and
Creole are commonly used. Hindi & Bhojpuri are also spoken. Many
hotel employees I Mauritius are fluent in German, Italian and Spanish.
Religion - In the multi-ethnic culture of Mauritius, Hinduism,
Christianity, Islam and Buddhism co-exist peacefully.
Tele-communications - International Direct Dialling facilities available
in Mauritius. International phone cards available at retail shops. Post
offices operate in most towns and villages. Internet services are easily
available at cybercafes and GSM networks. Most hotels in Mauritius
provide postal and internet services. Currency - The Mauritian Rupee
(Rs) Coins: 5c, 20c, 50c, Rs 1, Rs 5 & Rs 10 Notes: Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs
200, Rs 500, Rs 1000, Rs 2000 Change counters at the airport. Foreign
currency notes, drafts, travellers cheques and other banking
instruments may be carried to Mauritius without restriction. Working
Hours - Private Sector: Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 4.15pm / Saturday:
9am - noon (some offices) Public Sector: Monday to Friday: 9am - 4pm
/ Saturday 9am - noon (reduced staff) Banking Hours - Monday to
Thursday: 9am - 3.15pm / Friday: 9.15am - 5pm Banks operate at the
arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur
Ramgoolam International Airport
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| When to Travel to Mauritius |
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Climate - Mauritius enjoys a relatively mild climate. Though temperatures are rather moderate
throughout the year with occasional rainfall, the most pleasant times to travel to Mauritius are
between the months of April and June and between September and December.
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As Mauritius is located in the southern hemisphere, the summer and winter months are opposite to seasons in Europe.
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| Summer: |
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November to April - The weather is hot and humid with peaks in
temperatures occurring in the months of December, January and
February. Rainfall is abundant, especially on the central plateau.
The highest rainfall in Mauritius normally occurs in the months of
February and March. Daylight lasts between 05 h30 and 19 h 00. This is
the best time for scuba diving (December to March) and for deep-sea
fishing in Mauritius (October to April).
Time, the cyclones manage to miss Mauritius because of the small size
of the island. However, if they come close enough, the bad weather
may affect the vegetation and certain wooden buildings. Please rest
assured that most beach resorts have been constructed in such a way
as to resist the strong winds.
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| Winter: |
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May to October - The temperature is cooler. During this season, the
prevailing winds blow over Mauritius from the east and southeast. The
lowest temperatures are felt in August (20°C on the coast). The day
lasts between 06 h 45 and 17 h 45. This is the best season for surfing in
Mauritius (June to August). On the central plateau in Mauritius, which
is at 600 metres above sea level, the average day temperature is
between 20°C in August and 26°C in February. On the coast, the
temperatures are higher by about 3 to 5 degrees. The northern and
western parts of Mauritius are warmer and drier than the eastern and
southern parts.
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| Cuisine |
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The local cuisine in Mauritius originates from 3 continents just as the origin of its inhabitants.
Visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of foods - Indian, Chinese, Creole and
European at one table.
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Mauritian cooking is in a class of its own. It's a combination of flavours
nurtured through its people of different cultural heritages and
cooking traditions. Mauritians are adventurous with food, mixing
various styles in a menu and happy to try out recipes from Creole,
European, Chinese, Indian or Muslim cuisine. One can choose to
experience the pleasure and taste of local fare in various specialised
restaurants.
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| Nightlife |
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When you travel to Mauritius, warm, starlit evenings provide an idyllic setting for al fresco
dining, dancing and romantic strolls on the beach.
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There is a lively atmosphere with nightclubs, pubs and restaurants
along the north and the west coast of Mauritius. International DJs are
often invited for special occasions. French, English, techno or jazz
music are all on offer. Try your luck at the different casinos around the
towns of Mauritius.
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| Shopping |
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Taking a little something back home, be it a diamond necklace or a cashmere pashmina, a
rack of spices or a colourful basket, Mauritius has shopping opportunities for all.
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Furthermore, duty-free items now include popular photographic and
cinematographic equipment and accessories, watches and clocks,
cellular phones and other types of telephony elements, paintings,
engravings and antiques, sunglasses and binoculars. In Mauritius
there is also no duty on leatherwear and jewels. Special orders can be
placed and delivered within a few days.
In Mauritian jewellery shops, east meets west in unique styles and
designs. Customs duty has also been reduced on perfumes and
cosmetics. Visitors returning home from Mauritius can claim a VAT
refund at the airport by showing receipts and the goods bought.
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| Festivals and Holidays |
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Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population, coming from 3
continents, has brought traditions and beliefs from their ancestral countries.
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Religious festivals in Mauritius are celebrated in a spirit of peace and
harmony throughout the year. There are 15 public holidays in
Mauritius every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: 1st & 2nd
January, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th
December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals which
vary from year to year.
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16 May - 15 Jun 2013 |
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16 May - 05 Jul 2013 |
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01 Sep - 30 Sep 2013 |
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16 Sep - 19 Oct 2013 |
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01 May - 05 Jul 2013 |
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01 Jun - 30 Jun 2013 |
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16 May - 05 Jul 2013 |
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01 Oct - 15 Dec 2013 |
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01 Dec - 15 Dec 2013 |
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16 Jun - 05 Jul 2013 |
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22 Apr - 05 Jul 2013 |
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07 Apr - 05 Jul 2013 |
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01 Sep - 27 Sep 2013 |
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16 Oct - 30 Nov 2013 |
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01 Sep - 30 Sep 2013 |
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08 Apr - 05 Jul 2013 |
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13 May - 30 Jun 2013 |
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