Mauritius - The island nation of Mauritius is located south of the equator in the western Indian Ocean, near the island of Madagascar. Tourists in Mauritius be unforgettable: the beautiful golf course and tennis courts, almost all types of water sports: surfing, paraplaning, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing and fishing on the fascinating blue marlin. In this tropical exotics are successfully combined with a high level of service. The island is one of the favorite holiday destinations of many international celebrities. It often rest heirs of European thrones, world-famous actors and businesses.
Geography
 
Mauritius - an island nation located in the south-west Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. The country consists of the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega and Cargados Carajos. The total area of 2045 square meters. km. Together with the surrounding islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Cargados Carajos, the island forms the Mascarene Archipelago.
Climate

Moderate rain. Hot, but easy to carry thanks to abundant moisture brought by the monsoon. The average annual temperature is +27 ° C. The highest daily temperature observed from January to April, and rises to 35 ° C. The coldest period from July to September, when the temperature drops to 24 ° C during the day and 16 ° C at night. The highest humidity occurs between October and June.
Capital

Port Louis
Population

About 1130000 people. Indo-Mauritanians (68%), Creole (27%), Sino-Mauritanians (3%), the French-Mauritanians (2%)
Language

Official - English and French. You can also listen to Hindi, Urdu and many other languages of the Indian subcontinent, China. But more often they say here in the local Creole dialect, formed on the basis of the French language
Currency

The national currency - Mauritius Rupee

Traveler's checks in any of the common currency in Mauritius can be exchanged easily, besides the exchange rate have a more advantageous than cash. (The exchange rate set by the state, so there is no bank fees). Credit cards are widely used, cash available from most major banks.

Banks are open from 09.15 to 15.15 Monday to Thursday and from 09.15-15.30 on Friday (some banks are open from 9.00 to 17.00), and some are also open on Saturdays from 09.15 to 11.15

Banks are in all the towns and large villages. Road and checks and can be exchanged in the Arrivals hall of the international airport, as well as in major hotels.
Time zone

Kiev ahead of time by 2 hours. On the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October ahead of time Kiev for 1 hour.
Religion

Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and people of other faiths. No religion does not dominate
Political Structure

Mauritius - a parliamentary republic. The Constitution was adopted in March 1968 (amended in 1992). The head of state is the president, who is elected by parliament for a five-year term. Parliament - unicameral legislature (is also called the "National") assembly, which consists of 70 members. Her term - 5 years. President - Carl Hoffman, (elected February 25, 2002), Vice President - Rauf Bundum.
Customs regulations. Visa regime
 
Duty-free import 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine or beer, 25 ml of spirits. Weapons and ammunition must be declared. To transport the animals must have permission Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture, dogs and cats must be quarantined for six months from the date of their arrival. The Ministry of Agriculture also need permission to export of plants and fresh fruit. The export of sugar is strictly forbidden.
Transport. Car

Small distance in Mauritius, traffic - the left. Roads in Mauritius, except with respect to the general highway that crosses the island vertically - from north to south, are narrow and winding. Although the machine a little bit, and on the roads freely. Where there are no settlements, roads are like corridors cut through in sugar cane.

You can catch a taxi at the airport or near the hotel. The cost of travel to come to terms with the driver in advance, as most taxis do not have meters, and many still get a percentage of the owners of the places where they are supposedly "on the way" imported tourists. Cost of travel to an average of about 15-20 MUR per mile traveled long distances slightly cheaper. Haggle when discussing the cost of travel is not only appropriate but also necessary. Often you can negotiate with the employees at that advise or trusted taxi drivers, or will order the machine yourself.

On the island you can take a car hire - this service is involved in both branches of major international companies as well as small local companies. The local companies are generally lower rates, but they are inferior to the majors technical support and modern fleet, plus they do not always make out the insurance.

To rent a car, you must be over 23 and have the rights of international standard, issued at least one year before the commencement of the lease. Some companies reduce the voting age to 21 years and accept national rights. Should take the car, the "age" of not more than four years (year usually indicate the last two digits), and numbered yellow. Gasoline is recommended to stock up in advance, as it is payable in cash only at gas stations (cards not accepted).
Shops

Opened in Port Louis:
Monday - Friday from 9.30 to 17.00
Saturday from 9.00 to 12.00
Markets:
Monday - Saturday from 6.00 to 18.00
Sunday from 6.00 lo 12.00

Kurepayp, Beau Bassin, Rose Hill, Quatre-Bornez, Vacoas and Phoenix
Monday - Wednesday from 10.00 to 18.00
Friday and Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00
Thursday and Sunday from 10.00 to 12.00

The reputation of the island as a paradise for shoppers, all the while strengthening due to the diversity and quality of things that are out there you can buy. Duty-free shops, created especially for tourists (for proof to whom to present a passport and a return ticket) multiplied in recent years, besides the prices are quite low.
 
Models of ancient ships elaborately detail, according to ancient descriptions - very beautiful souvenirs. Remember that on the plane for them surcharge depending on size and weight.

Women like jewelry. Shops with decorations are an old tradition of Mauritius, especially Hindus and Muslims, talented artisans who work with the gold in the 18 - 22 ct. The most famous jewelers in Mauritius are Ponchini, Konhaye (Costume Bienvenu) Jewelry Shiva, Adamas, Wahed Essa, Gold Finger and Matikola. Most of these stores also sell jewelry watch is very well known brands.

Enviable place is textiles. Very famous are Bonaire, Floreal Nitver, Shibani and Tara for their sweaters and other knitwear. So many famous brands manufacture their products placed in Mauritius.

Since a quota for export, all the rest is sold in the country at low prices - shirts, pants, suits, dresses, swimsuits known manufacturers cost three times less than in Europe. The costume can be sewed for 48 hours (Karl Kaiser - Hugo Boss in Europe), the Cotton Club and Costa - the master in this case.

Development of craft - making baskets, embroidery, pottery, silk painting, sculpture in stone.

Bargain in most places is not only possible but necessary.
Link

A large number of telephone booths, working on a phone card to Port Louis and Grand Baie.

International code of the island 230. International calls can be arranged by calling 10091. The cost of the first 3 minutes of conversation with Europe - $ 4 for each additional $ 1 per minute paid additionally.

Mail works Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 12 to 16 hours.
Electricity

Mains voltage 220 V, 50 Hz. Three-prong electrical outlet.
Tip

Tipping in Mauritius are not mandatory, but it is quite relevant. In bars, restaurants and taxis are 10% of the order or service.
Health. Water

In Mauritius, there are no deadly viruses such as malaria, so any vaccinations before going to the island to do.
 
Sanitary-epidemiological situation in Mauritius is calm. The water can be drunk from the tap, it is quite thorough cleaning, but it is recommended to drink bottled beverages. Products can be bought in the markets - often they are safe enough (apart from the abundance of spices in the local cuisine), but still recommended to have a stomachic, as even the mineral composition of the water and food is quite different from the usual European stomach .

Poisonous animals and insects on the island there, but the bites of many of the local fauna are painful and can cause allergic reactions. In the sea, be careful - although large predators and practically does not occur, the thorns and spines of many sea creatures leave very painful wounds
Tips and tricks

Mauritians are very welcoming and friendly to tourists. The island is often called "Japan's Indian Ocean" for the reluctance of local residents say "no" even the most trifling matter. Therefore, in order not to put in the uncomfortable position of Mauritians should ask questions clearly and unambiguously to avoid "wrong" answer. Before visiting mosques and Hindu temples to dress modestly and be sure to take off your shoes before entering the temple. You should not talk loudly or laugh near places of worship. Pictures of churches not officially banned, but it is better to ask permission before taking pictures in the clergy. Also caution should apply to photographing local people - not all of them will accept the attempt quietly. There have dinner quite early - at 11:00 most of the offices are closed for a break until 12.15.

In Mauritius, the growing and almost uncontrollably sold on the beaches (allegedly sellers shells) special drug grass. To use and have it with you is a serious violation of the law, for which the police can impose a heavy fine or even expelled from the country, regardless of whether it is for a foreigner or a local. Police officers on the streets a lot, and the crime rate is very low. Pickpocketing and petty theft are found almost exclusively in the major tourist areas, and most of all - because of the apparent carelessness of the "victim."
 
In the open sea fishing is only allowed for larger fish from specially equipped boats. Spearfishing and lifting objects from the bottom of the sea is prohibited or made only by special permission of the local authorities. Gathering and breaking of corals severely punished enough. The same applies to buying them from local merchants.
Weekends and holidays

January 1 - New Year.
January-February - the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year).
March 12 - Independence Day in Mauritius.
April-May - Ugadi (Hindu New Year).
May 1 - Labour Day.
September 9 - devout celebration of Jacques Désiré Laval.
November 1 - All Saints Day.
December 25 - Christmas Day.

Some Hindu and Catholic holidays are tied to the lunar calendar and in different years on different days. With their culture and at the same time, multi-ethnic population, it is not surprising that in Mauritius celebrated a great many different occasions and events.

Timidi (Teemeedee) Indian and Tamil lights lighting ceremony is held in honor of the gods, occurs several times a year, mostly in December and January.

Indians also celebrate Thaipusam Kavadi (Thaipoosam Cavadee) in January and February in the castles on the island. Look at the procession, carrying tsyetami covered wooden arches and pots of milk, people protykyut their tongues and cheeks in homage second son of the supreme god Shiva. At the same time, Tamils celebrate the harvest, feeding rice pudding dressed up cows on Pongal festival (Pongal), and the Chinese New Year, followed by the customary salutes and ugascheniyami. Maha Shivaratri (Maha Shivaratri) occurs within three days in February and March and I vlyaetsya important holiday of Indians outside of India. Most of the Indian population carries the pilgrimage to the glory of Lord Shiva to the holy volcanic lake Grand Bassin, where they spent the sacrifices and fill the container with holy water.

If you find yourself at a celebration of Holi (Holi), the Indian festival of colors, prepare vymoknut well as celebrating with emotion splash colored powder and dyed water for everyone who comes their way, it takes place in February or March.

Independence Day / Republic Day is celebrated on March 12. The celebration is very similar to Timidi, Indians and Tamils arrange performances fought with swords, extending generally between April and July. Père Laval holiday in September means the anniversary of the death of the king, who turned the country into the Catholic faith. Pilgrims from all over the world visit his chapel at Ste-Croix to pray for miracle cures and the like.

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr (Eid-al-Fitr) - end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar. Celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is different from year to year. In the next few years it will be held in January. This holiday can celebrate it.
Main Attractions

Port Louis. Hidden in the mountains north-east of the capital of Port-Louis - a big city (by the standards of Mauritius), but is home to a small percentage of the total population

Happy and full of seething city business, but at night it fades, and life goes on only in the new district of Le Kaudan where a casino, cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants. Integrate into city life can be in the main market in Port Louis, close to the seafront in the heart of the city. On its endless rows where they sell fruits, meat, fish, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing and spices, you can "work out" in the ability to negotiate.

Next to the market is the Museum of Natural History, where you can see the effigy of the strangest of the species of pigeons - the dodo, which is extinct in the 17th century. Here, too, the disappeared and other stuffed animals still living birds, animals and fish.

The Mauritius Postal Museum, which regularly hosts exhibitions, huge collection of Mauritian stamps and stamps from other countries. If you're interested in Islamic architecture, visit the Jumma Mosque, built in the 1850s. in Chinatown, and Fort Adelaide, like the Moorish buildings. Fort Adelaide is the only of the four forts of Port Louis, which is virtually destroyed and access to open; views from the top of the building, located on the waterfront, just great.

Per Laval tomb lies in the north-east of the town of Saint-Crewe. Père Laval converted to Catholicism over 67,000 people in 23 years of his life in Mauritius, on top of his tomb set his painted plaster statue. Pilgrims believe that this statue has a certain force, and come here to touch it.
 
Sivuzagura Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. These botanical gardens were created in the village of Pamplemousses in 1735 by order of the Governor Mahe de la Burdone lock Monplaisir. The gardens were designed by the French horticulturist Pierre DAMAGE in 1768, but then were abandoned until 1849, when a British horticulturalist, James Duncan, took over the care of the gardens. He left a legacy of magnificent palm alley. These modest but well kept gardens are one of the attractions of Mauritius. While growing in the gardens of little flowers, here you can admire the water lilies of Queen Victoria, whose homeland - the Amazon. These huge flowers open white, and red are closed. Other attractions are the gardens: the golden bamboo, rubber trees, poisonous trees, the 200-year tree Buddha tree with leaves shaped like a cross. The gardens also grow ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg tree, kamforovoe and sandalwood trees that anywhere else on the island do not occur. It is home to the Javanese deer and giant tortoises. In addition to the gardens there is an art gallery and a cemetery. Pamplemousses is located 11 km north-east of Port Louis and has with him a regular bus service.

Mock city and surrounding area. At 12 km from Port Louis is the town of Moca - the second most important place of the island after the capital. This is not only academic center of the island, but also a place famous for its natural landscapes, mountains and buildings. Here is the University of Mauritius, which educate the majority of Mauritian students, and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, whose main function is to preserve Indian culture of the island. The Institute of Gandhi Indian immigrants Folk Museum, which houses the archives of the 2,000 volumes in the period from 1842 to 1910., And a small collection of jewelry, musical instruments, books, and household items. Historical interest is Le Redyut, the former governor's mansion, built in 1874, which is now used by the military. While the building itself is open to the public only two days a year (in March and October), but you can take a walk through the gardens of the mansion, but with accompaniment. Another attraction is the Eureka House, built in 1830., Which has been restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1986. The museum is dedicated to music, art, cartography, Chinese and Indian households. Be sure to take a stroll along the stone buildings surrounding the museum and gardens. This place is located 1 km from the Moki: Eureka to the north and south of Le Redyut. Not far from Port-Louis is Domeyn le Pyle - a cultural center where equipment and facilities for horse riding or train, working model of the sugar mill, driven by a pack animals; distiller Roma with spicy herb garden, a natural source, and a children's play playground. At the local riding horses and have little Welsh ponies for dressage and driving. In the center there is also a small ethnic restaurant, a jazz club and casino. Domeyn Les Pyle is 10 minutes away by taxi from Port Louis and Moki, in addition, you can take the bus, plying between the two cities and then make a half-hour walk from the main road to the center. Mock city is located halfway between Kyurpipom and Port Louis. And here you can take a bus or taxi on the eastern highway M2.
 
Kyurpip and its surroundings. Kyurpip city owes its existence to an epidemic of malaria in 1867, when thousands of people are leaving Port-Louis in search of a healthier place. Most of the Franco-Mauritian population live in remote places, and in Kyurpipe appears only when you have to make a purchase. A bit like English market town Kyurpip a center of shipbuilding and the tea industry, and the most expensive places on the island. If you are not interested, do not care to visit this city, because the nature of the surrounding area are striking. Main street Kyurpipa - Elizabeth Street. Here is the newly renovated Town House in a colonial style, where the town hall is located. His garden is a statue of Paul and Virginia, the heroes of the novel by Bernadine de Saint Pierre, written in 1788. To the west of the city center are Kyurpipa botanical gardens, which, although not as impressive as in the Pamplemousses Gardens, but behind them are well cared for and there are many natural trails. To the north of the botanical garden is a volcano crater Trou Surf, the largest natural attraction of the city. The volcano has long been dormant, and the slopes of the crater are covered with forest, and on the top of the crater with great views. A few kilometers to the south-west of the city are Tamarind Falls, to which it is very difficult to get to without your own transport or good hiking boots, but the beauty of this place is worth the effort. At the foot of a series of seven waterfalls, you can explore the underwater depths, or take a walk through the neighborhood. Kyurpip located in the central highlands of Mauritius and hence there is a bus to Port Louis, which is located 12 kilometers to the north, and in the other towns and villages.

National Park Black River. This is a great place in the highlands to the south-west of Kyurpipa unlikely to any other part of the island. 6 km from Kyurpipa is the only mountain road in Mauritius, which leads to the walls of the large reservoir park Mar-a-vacuum. Local landscape, lush greenery and pine trees cassowaries, more like North America than an island in the Indian Ocean. 6 km to the south-east of the March of the vacuum is a sacred lake for Hindus - Grand Bassin, and farther to the east of it is plain Champagne is the most humid and virtually the only place in Mauritius, where the preserved wild wilderness. At the eastern end of the plain are Riviere Noire (Black River), and the highest mountain in Mauritius Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (830 meters above sea level). It is best to come to this national park in flowering of various plants, that is, from September to January. Here there are such rare species of trees as tambalakoke and ebony, in the branches of which settled various tropical birds. They live here, basically, monkeys, deer and wild pigs. The park is located about 30 km south of Port Louis and can be reached by bus, passing through a Kyurpip or private transport.

Rodrigues Island. This volcanic island 18 km long and a width of 8 is like a miniature replica of Mauritius. He is surrounded by a coral reef, has the same climate and vegetation. But Rodriguez is not a green island, and there are not many tourists. The pace is more relaxed. His depression are more prone to cyclones, which are sometimes attacked region. For example, in 1991 there was a cyclone Bella, and the wind speed is greater than 200km/chas. The island is relatively small, but you can have a pleasant time. The surrounding mountains and Lemon Malartik, higher than 390 meters above sea level, there are wonderful walking trails. The best coastal route leads from Port Mathurin along the east coast to Port Sud-Est. Coton, located on the east coast, the best beach of the island, but there are also other beaches Saint-France, and Petit Trou d'Arzhe gravel. In the waters off the island of Rodrigues - a magnificent diving, all the necessary equipment is available in one of the big hotels on the island. Some small islands near Rodriguez, such as Ile Cocos and Ile-au-Sable, a natural reserve, and to visit them to have a permit, while others, such as the Ile-a-Krabs and Île Hermitage, are also beautiful and open to public access . Rodrigues lies 560 kilometers north-east of Mauritius. These two islands are serviced daily by aircraft and several times a month ships. But remember that the minimum stay on the Island - 5 days and the maximum - 30 days.

Belle Mare. Long, covered with cassowary Beach Belle Mare on the east coast of Mauritius, is best viewed from the top of the restored lime kiln, which was transformed into a lookout tower. A road that runs parallel to the beach are the ruins of the sugar mill ruins still can be found near the village of Belle Mare. This beach just perfect conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Until Belle Mare bus from Port Louis.