Mauritius Information

Earlier the islands of the Indian Ocean were virtually unknown as a tourist destination. It was just the palm trees, trade winds, white sands and blue seas that formed the Pacific or the Caribbean. Today the scenario is different; Mauritius is making a name for itself as the most accessible island in the region, boasting as much tropical paradise as Maui or Martinique.

Of late, the bargains offered by Mauritius have made this tropical paradise the perfect destination for budget tourists also. Its British and French ties influence Mauritius. Mauritius' range of tourist facilities runs the gamut from breathtakingly beautiful beach resorts and organized excursions to people who rent their cars for daytrips. Mauritius is the picture perfect destination for a lazy beach house or villa holiday in luxury.

Mauritius is of volcanic origin and sheltered for its major part by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons. Mauritius has for long been a dream destination. Known to Arabs as early as the 10th Century, but officially "discovered" in 1505 by the Portugese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712), the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On March 12, 1968 Mauritius acceded to Independence. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

In Mauritius, the climate is fairly acceptable to everyone and the heat is never unbearable. Citizens enjoy good year- round weather. The temperature varies in summer (November to April) from 32 degrees on the costal areas to 24 degrees on the Central Plateau. In winter (May to October) the temperature may vary from 22 degrees in costal areas to 18 degrees on the Central Plateau. In summers take light clothes; beach and casual wear for summer. In winter months of June, July, August and September carry some light woolens for the cool evenings.

Country Facts -
Capital: Port Louis
Area: 1860km² or 725mi²
Population: 1.2 million - Indian 68%, Créole 27% Chinese 3%, European 2%
Language:  English, French and local dialect Créole.

Time - In July GMT +4hrs
UK +3hrs

Voltage - 220V UK three-pin plug

Mauritian Currency - Mauritian Rupees
GBP1 = Rs 60.0
US$1 = Rs 29.0
12% value-added tax (15% from 1 July)
Generally no tipping

Visas - British passport holders not required. Check with the Mauritian Embassy in London or passport office.

Vaccines - Please check with your Doctor or pharmacy.

Weather - In July, expect: Sunny and dry Warm in the day Cool at night 17-25ºC / 63-77ºF So, bring summer clothes plus an extra layer for the evening

Phones - Country code: 230 Mobile: GSM standard Roaming available with most GSM countries Prepaid SIM cards sold locally by two companies Emtel and CellPlus.