Excitement and pleasure await every tourist who set foot in
the island paradise of Mauritius. The country is blessed with breathtaking white
sand beaches, rich marine life, and lush greeneries that make it one of the most
popular destinations this side of the world. Mauritius is also dotted with
progressive, popular cities that offer a good sampling of urban living.
Why visit these cities? Simple- going to these popular cities is a major part of
anyone’s Mauritian itinerary because more often than not, they offer the best in
accommodations and services. Top hotels and resorts are usually found in popular
cities in Mauritius. Other services such as banking and medical care are also
adequately provided in these popular cities.
One of the more popular cities in the country is Port Louis, which also happens
to be the capital of Mauritius. As the premier city in the country, Port Louis
offers a great variety of attractions and activities that can excite even the
most exhausted of travelers. There are classy bars and trendy restaurants that
line up the streets of Port Louis and serve the best servings of Mauritian and
Asian cuisine. World class hotels are all over town, giving the best
accommodations and services. Museums, race courses and old houses dot the city
outskirts, giving visitors a good impression of the historic past of the city.
Across town is a rich coastline that provides a wide range of activities such as
windsurfing, boating, undersea walking, and boating. And being the seat of
government, most of the embassies and consulates hold office here in Port Louis.
Another of the more popular cities in Mauritius is Curepipe, a progressive area
that is located around 30 kilometers from Port Louis. According to history,
Curepipe was considered by French colonizers as the town that reminded them most
about their home country, especially with its temperate climate. In fact, one of
the villages here is named Nouville France, which literally translates to New
France.
Curepipe may not be the largest city in Mauritius but it definitely has a lot of
things to offer to the casual visitor. It is a melting pot of various cultures,
which is a testament to the excitement and diversity of the city. Curepipe is
also known as a health resort for its wide array of establishments offering
various health care services. Across Curepipe are must-see destinations such as
the municipal gardens, and old colonial buildings. There is also a dormant
volcano at Trou aux Cerfs, just a few kilometers outside of Curepipe. Just a few
miles away from Curepipe is another eco tourism destination, the Tamarind Falls.
Curepipe, being one of the more popular cities in the country, also has its
share of good, classy hotels and resorts. There’s the Hotel Continental which
dominates the row of shops and commercial establishments in the city. It has
become a favorite destination for foreign visitors because of its homey appeal
and quiet atmosphere. Around town are scores of tourist services offering
minibus tours of the countryside, particularly trips south to Souillac and Rose
Hill.
Speaking of Rose Hill, this is also one of the most popular cities in Mauritius.
Rose Hill or Beau-Bassin is a busy commercial district with a large residential
area. Here, houses are magnificently designed and maintained. The area is also
populated with huge, landscaped gardens that bring a relaxed atmosphere. Rose
Hill is also an acclaimed shopping district. Many designer shops are located in
Rose Hill. There is also an Arab Town which is famous for selling affordable
goods.
There are also a lot of food specialties to enjoy in Rose Hill. There’s Dhol
Puri, a tasty Mauritian bread spiced up with tomato sauce, lentils, and pickles.
There’s Camarons or fresh prawns spiced up by hot sauce. Indeed, Rose Hill packs
a lot of surprises for every tourist to enjoy!
Quatre Bornes, meanwhile is referred to as the town of flowers. It lies about 20
kilometers south of Port Louis, situated in the southwest part of the country.
Many flowers and plants bloom in the surrounds of this city, providing a fresh
and cool spectacle. There are also other attractions such as a colorful and
vibrant market where some of the best Mauritian goods are on sale. This market
is open on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tourists are also advised to visit the town
during the start of the year. Around January to February, Quatre Bornes
celebrates the festival called Cadavee. The festival is an annual celebration
that pays homage to Mauritian-Indian culture.
Phoenix, meanwhile, is also among the popular cities in Mauritius. It boasts of
a cool climate, making it a good choice for residential homes and agriculture
based industries. Phoenix has a large plantation dedicated to the propagation of
sugar cane and vegetables. The city can be easily reached through land from
anywhere in the country.
The number of commercial establishments and industrial zones has also increased
in the past few years, proof of the development it has enjoyed in recent past.
There are a handful of multinational companies that have established their ties
in the city. Phoenix also has its share of commercial establishments such as
shopping centers, sports centers, museums, and restaurants.
Situated beside Phoenix is Vacoas, which is the fifth most populous in the
country. It is located between Curepipe and Quartre Bornes. Vacoas has a
promenade called Père Laval which is such a lovely place. Originally conceived
as a walking trail, Père Laval has become a popular spot for residents who play
football. Others also troop here for picnics and similar gatherings.
In the central district of Vacoas lie the bus station and a number of old shops.
Also located here is a reputable all-girls’ college, the Dr Maurice Curé SSS.
The rest of Vacoas is primarily residential, although there are other spots for
joggers, football enthusiasts, and athletes.
So, the moment you go to Mauritius, don’t forget to make a stop in any of these
popular cities. It’s a guarantee that your experience in the island will be more
enjoyable and complete when you do so.
