The island of Mauritius is situated in the South-West of the Indian, 800 km East of Madagascar and forms a part of Mascarene Island group. It is of volcanic origin and is situated in the crater of a long extinct volcano. Short mountains (till 900 meters) have been preserved mainly in the South-West. This is called “Mauritanian Switzerland”. The island is surrounded by coral reefs along the perimeter. They protect the snow-white sandy beaches from storms and high waves.

Mauritius was explored by Arab navigators at the beginning of the 16th century, and the Portuguese became the first Europeans, who settled on the island in 1510. In the 18th century the Dutch colonized Mauritius making it a transshipment point on the way to India. They brought here slaves from India and Madagascar, devastated flora and fauna, and destroyed the famous Dodo bird once and for ever, though left an important heritage for the island: sugarcane and deer. Mauritius was occupied by the French in the 18th century, and at the beginning of the 19th century the island became an English colony. The English brought their traditions and the language. The population readily accepted the English supremacy, while keeping the Creole French language. Mauritius became independent in 1968, and in 1992 the country was proclaimed a republic.

The island of Mauritius is an exclusive resort, and one of the most prestigious ones in the world. It includes everything: volcanic mountain masses, valleys, rolled in luxurious greens, air saturated with tropical aromas, bright colors of exotic flowers and finally the wonderful lagoons, in a frame with cozy beaches. But the most important are the excellent hotels with extremely high level of service, wonderful cuisine, spacious rooms, refined Spa centers and snow-white beaches. But Mauritius offers not only elite beach rest, but also a wide range of excursions both for fans of nature and active rest. You can travel along the island, accompanied by a guide or by taxi (many taxi drivers are wonderful guides), by bicycle or helicopter, explore luxurious beaches and secluded bays on yacht. New findings, picturesque landscapes and unforgettable impressions are awaiting you.

Capital

Port Louis

Ethnical structure

Hindu, Hindu-Muslims, Creoles, Chinese, descendents of European colonizers

Language

Creole, English, French

Religion

Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism

Climate

Sea subtropical climate is characteristic to Mauritius. The hottest period lasts from January to March, though the temperature is never higher than +33-35 °С. The “coldest” months are July-September. The majority of precipitations occur in December-February (Mauritian summer). But it is not at all like days-long downpours on the mainland during the period of highly expressed “rainy season”. It is consumed that the best seasons on the island are from October till December, and from March till May, but the hotels are also 100% full from January till February.