~ Republic of Mauritius ~

Country Statistics
Land area: 2,030 sq km
Population: 1,230,602 July 2005 est.
Capital City: Port Louis (pop 150,000)
People: Indo-Mauritian (68%), Créole (27%), Sino-Mauritian (3%), Franco-Mauritian (2%)
Language: Bhojpuri, Urdu, French, English
Religion: Hindu (51%), Christian (30%), Muslim (17%), other (2%)
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Head of State: President Sir Anerood Jugnauth
Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam

Facts for the Traveler
Malaria - (vivax) still exists in localized rural areas only. Chloroquine alone is sufficient prophylaxis, although no prophylaxis is needed if your stay is restricted to urban and tourist areas.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC + 4
For 2004-2006 inclusive, the summer time periods will begin and end respectively on the following dates at 1.00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time.
2005 - The Sundays of 27 March and 30 October
2006 - The Sundays of 26 March and 29 October
Dialling Code: +230
Electricity: 220V or 125V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

When to Go
Apart from the busy Christmas to New Year period, Mauritius doesn't really have a high or low season. The depths of Mauritian 'winter' occur from July to September, when daytime temperatures drop from sticky to balmy.
With less rain and humidity, this is one of the choicest times to visit but can be a little chilly in the evening. The hottest period is from January to April, when the long days are hot and humid and is the cyclone season with extra-heavy rains.
December through March is the best time for diving, when the waters are at their clearest; June through August is best for surfing.
October through April is excellent for big game fishing, when the large predators feed close to shore.

Visa & entry requirements
All visitors are required to have a passport and onward ticket in order to enter the country.Most visitors do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days
Contact a Mauritian embassy prior to your visit to check if you are unsure.
A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks, one month or three months upon arrival.
Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate.
-----A Link to Mauritian Embassies Abroad-----
The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office at Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis.
Tel (+230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 or Fax (+230)210-9322.

What to wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings.
Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.

Banking hours
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm
Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm
Saturday :9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only)
Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport

Climate
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer.
The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February.
The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.

Conferences
Almost all of our large hotels are equipped and ready to cater for conferences.
The number of people that can be accommodated varies from 30 to 500.
The International Conference Centre in Grand Bay and the Freeport Exhibition Centre in Mer Rouge can easily accommodate 600 and 1,000 people respectively.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

Culture
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions.
The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.

Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth approximately Rs. 30 and 0ne GBP approximately Rs.50

Customs
Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items:
250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes). 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, ale or beer, one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml.

•  A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.

•  It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.

•  All imported animals including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.

•  Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties.

•  Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.

Driving
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.
Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius but must carry it with them when driving.

Economy
The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism, Sugar and Services.

Emergency Services
Police :999, Police : 208-7018/20 Fire : 995, Samu : 114 (ambulance)

British Council in Mauritius
Kathrada Building
Royal Road
Rose Hill Mauritius.
Telephone +230 454 9550.

Flights from Europe
Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris.
British Airways operates four weekly flights.
Emirates Airlines three and Condor one.

Geography
Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E.
The country covers an area of 1865km_ with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.

Government
Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability.

Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.

History
Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons.
Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially «discovered» in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas.
The island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris.
On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent and Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French.
Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

Medical services
Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.

Public holidays
There are 15 public holidays every year, seven of them are fixed holidays.
January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December.
The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.

Security
A tourist police service has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones.
An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed. A specific law relating to all tourist activities and corrupt practices has also been voted.

Tourists should be advised :
• Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.

• Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.

• Do not leave anything inside your car.

• (For trips or purchases) use only recognised operators or suppliers.

• Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.

• For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.

• During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.

• Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.

Shopping
Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday).
Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays.
Many duty free shops and modern shopping centres
(Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products.
Please note that there are no shops open in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on Thursday afternoon.

Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory.

Time & Telecommunications
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time.
Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.

TV channels
Satellite TV and local tv & radio are available in most of the hotels.

VAT
A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills.

Working Hours
Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm
Saturday : 9 am - noon (skeleton service).

~ Northern Touristic Zone ~

Grand Bay
Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom.
A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

Pereybere
The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

Balaclava Ruins
A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.

The Triolet Shivala
The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

The Labourdonnais Orchards
Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

~ East of the Island ~

Flacq Market
Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East boasts the country’s largest open air market. The extremely colourful market attracts a large number of people.

The Waterpark Leisure Village
Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes, with family or friends. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.

Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.

~ South East ~

Dutch Ruins
At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Excavation work is underway in a bid to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.

Ile aux Aigrettes
Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Mahebourg
Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaën

Domaine du Chasseur
Nestling in the Anse Jonchée hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside.One can watch a few species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view. Take an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal of venison. Tel: (230) 634-5011, Fax: (230) 634-5261

Souillac
A small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A famous feature is the garden overlooking the sea and named after Dr. Charles Telfair. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top : Gris Gris.

~ West of the Island ~

Martello Towers
The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.

Chamarel
A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.

~ The Interior ~

L’Aventure du Sucre
Visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters! Then, let yourself be tempted by our tropical boutik with its unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum. Do not miss the opportunity to relish authentic Mauritian cuisine with refined flavours at our restaurant "Le Fangourin".
Open 7 days a week from 09h00 to 18h00 - Free access to the restaurant and the Village Boutik
Beau Plan-Pamplemousses Tel: 243 06 60

Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin
Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva. Black River Gorges
This national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area.

Eureka
An old Creole residence built in 1830, Eureka is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius if you wish to immerse yourself in tropical sweetness Tel: (230) 433 8477,
Fax: (230) 433 4951

~ Culture ~
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions which our immigrant population brought from their ancestral countries. Their festivities are celebrated in a spirit of peace and harmony throughout the year.

• Cavadi
Cavadee is celebrated in January/February. Along with the five-walking and sword-climbing ceremonies. Cavadee is among the most awesome Tamil events. Their bodies pierced with needles and their tongues and cheeks with skewers, devotees, trancelike and in penance, trek along bearing the 'Cavadee', a wooden arch covered with flowers with a pot of milk at each end of its base, to place it before the deity in the temple. At this point, despite the long, hot trek the milk should not be curdled. Bodies are pierced with needles, tongues and cheeks with pins, devotees in a trance carry the ‘Cavadi’ on their shoulders as a penitence.

•  Divali
The Festival of Lights is celebrated in a spirit of pure joy, in the month of October or November. Small clay lamps line the walls, balconies and yards. They are lit at sunset. Their golden light, which is believed to guide the Goddess of wealth and good fortune, can be seen everywhere. Divali represents the victory of truth (light) over ignorance (darkness). The Festival of Lights, Divali, is a celebration of joy, happiness and for many Mauritians, a time for sharing.

• Father Laval
Every September 9, Mauritians of all faiths walk or drive towards the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Désiré Laval, the «Apostle of the Black People» at Ste-Croix, Port-Louis. The belief in Père Laval, to whom powers of healing are attributed, reminds us of the Lourdes Pilgrimage in France.

• Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the lunar month of August/September, as the birthday of Ganesha, the God of wisdom and remover of all obstacles by Hindus of Marathi faith.

•  Holi
This Hindu festival is as colourful as the many legends from which it originates. It is above all a festival of joy during which men and women throw coloured water and powder on each other and wish one another good luck.

• Id-El-Fitr
Id-El-Fitr is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadhan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, Prayers are offered at mosques during the day.Though the date of Eid-al-Fitr varies from year to year - for the next few years, it's in January and is always a public holiday

•  Ougadi
Ougadi is the Telugu New Year and is usually celebrated in March.

• Chinese Spring Festival
The Chinese New Year is celebrated each year on a different date, owing to the differences between the lunar and the solar calendars.
Houses are thoroughly cleaned before the festival.
No knife or scissors are used on the actual day of the festival. Red is used as a symbol of happiness and is the main colour of the day.
Food offerings are made to ensure that the following year will be plentiful a Hand traditional ‘Wax’ cakes are distributed to parents and friends.
Firecrackers are set off to drive away the evil spirits.

• Christian Festivals
Mauritius has a big Christian community, mostly of Catholic faith. As such, most Christian celebration like Easter and Christmas are celebrated here with some of the same tradition as in Europe. During Easter, you will find the traditional Easter chocolate eggs on sale everywhere on the island. For Christmas, the living room is decorated with a Christmas tree and gifts are offered to the children. The sight of Santa Claus who make his appearance in shopping centres everywhere and shops decorated with Christmas winter decorations, can be quite peculiar under the tropic. But it adds to a festive period celebrated by most and which continues until the end of year.

~ Mauritian Cuisine ~
Mauritius is a paradise for the senses, not only for the eyes with its beautiful landscape, but also for the palate. Gastronomes will find a variety of flavours and aromas inherited from the different migrations through its history. Culinary traditions from France, India, China and Africa, the best-known and appreciated cuisines in the world, have been passed on through generations.

Depending on the region, rice or a variety of flat bread called chapattis or roti is eaten with curries. The extensive use of spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves are the common ingredients that provide some powerful, yet subtle, savour. Dals, vegetables and beans, and pickles accompany the dishes. Dholl puri and roti, originally an Indian delicacy have become the fish and chips of Mauritians.
Biryani from Mughal origins is a dish expertly prepared by the muslim community, with meat mixed with spiced rice and potato.

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