According to the famous American writer Mark Twain, Mauritius was made first and then heaven was copied after it. Known for its powder-soft, palm fringed beaches and translucent lagoons, the island is particularly attractive for Indian tourists because 75 percent of its population comprises ethnic Indians. A resplendent dot in the Indian Ocean, 2,400 km off the eastern coast of Africa, the Republic of Mauritius dominated by the tiny, volcanic island of Mauritius (2,040 sq. km) is a tourist’s paradise. The white, powder-soft, palm fringed beaches, spectacular coral reefs, and translucent lagoons of the four islands of the republic (St. Brandon, Rodriquez, Mauritius and Agalega), make Mauritius (pop: 1.3 million) one of the most scenically endowed island nations worldwide. To these marine charms add its imposing mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, thick tropical forests, sugarcane fields and salubrious year-round climate. Little wonder that in his travelogue Following the Equator, the famous American writer Mark Twain was moved to remark: “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” Unsurprisingly, after enduring economic hardship for a decade following the island nation’s independence from British rule in 1968, the socio-economic profile of this Commonwealth nation experienced a metamorphosis when its government, under Sir Sewoosagar Ramgoolam, took the decision to improve its infrastructure and develop the tourism industry. Since the early 1980s, Mauritius, which offers world-class hotels, night clubs, casinos, water sports, wildlife, deep sea fishing, shopping and other exciting leisure options, has transformed into a highly preferred holiday and tourism destination. The pleasant weather, unspoilt natural beauty and exotic beaches are the main attractions of Mauritius. The beaches and plush resorts are ideal for rest and recreation. And for those seeking action and enjoyment, there’s more than they can handle. Added to all this, its warm and friendly people, and the food and service in restaurants is superb. The island is particularly attractive for Indian tourists because 75 percent of its population comprises ethnic Indians with African Creoles, Muslims, French and Chinese who live and work in harmony, lending it a cosmopolitan charm. Languages spoken include English, French, Creole, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Telugu and Mandarin. The richness of Asian, European and African cultures is reflected in the variety of customs, religions and delectable cuisines that Mauritius presents to appreciative tourists. Mauritius has a long history of colonial rule. In 1598, a Dutch naval squadron under the orders of Admiral Wybrand Van Warwyck anchored in the Grand Port, the first port in the south-east of the island and named it Mauritius in honour of Prince Maurice Van Nassau, stadtholder of the Netherlands. But unlike the Portuguese, the Dutch stayed put until 1715, when a French expeditionary force took possession of the island, and established Port Louis as its naval base and shipbuilding centre. Thereafter, until 1767 the island was administered by the French East India Company after which French government officials took charge. During the Napoleonic wars, Isle de France became a base…
