According to the famous American author 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 tourists 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: 1.2 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 author 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 nations 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. In 2007, 906,971 tourists (almost equal to the population of the island republic) from around the world visited Mauritius — an increase of 15 percent over 2006, generating a revenue of Rs.4,000 crore (cf. Indias Rs.4,050 crore). 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, theres more than they can handle. Add to all this, its warm and friendly people, and the food and service in restaurants is superb. I was charmed by the bustling capital and business centre of Port Louis, where most multinational companies have their offices. However, hotels are expensive in Mauritius and only affluent tourists can holiday here, says Chennai-based management consultant Raghu Reddy who recently visited Mauritius. 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, Telegu 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. Although some reports indicate that Mauritius was visited by Dravidian and Austronesian seafarers as early as the 10th century and Arab sailors reportedly visited the islands and named them Dina Arabi…
