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Mauritius

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The island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean provides visitors with an exotic location for a vacation without charging the inflated prices of the more mainstream choices such as Maui. It is here that one can find their own personal paradise complete with crystal clear water and palm trees. Although one could get lost in the number of things that can be done here, there are five sites that cannot be missed when you come looking for rest and relaxation in Mauritius. Naturally, with lower prices, and more privacy, there are also a lot less tourists.

Black River Gorges National Park will sum up nicely what the beauty of Mauritius is all about. Hiking through this complex infrastructure of trails will allow for many opportunities to spot parakeets, cuckoo-shrike, and pink pigeon as well as many exotic flowers and plants. Keep a particular eye out for pink pigeon. They are still quite rare and are currently rebuilding the species as they were recently feared to be heading towards extinction. Lion Mountain is another wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the island. This mountain is very much shaped like an actual lion with the peak being its ‘head.’ The hike takes approximately half a day and although it can be tricky in areas, it is well worth it when you view the entire island once at the top.

Another top site in Mauritius that is well worth investigating is Tamarin Falls. These are situated in Henrietta and it’s best to find a local guide in the area before setting out to find this site. The Falls are in a very secluded place that can be easily overlooked but once you’ve found it, you will truly feel as though you have stumbled upon a small piece of heaven on earth! Bring your swimsuit and take a dip in the water below the seven breathtaking waterfalls! While you are absorbing the natural beauty of the island, check out the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. Here exotic flowers and plants will bloom at your feet as you walk towards the giant water lily pond in the center of the garden. And last but certainly not least, learn about one of the island’s greatest resources, sugar, by visiting L’Aventure du Sucre. This museum offers sugar sampling with videos and displays about sugar and the island’s history. This is a great way to get to know the island!

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Port Louis In the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Madagascar lie the two small islands of Reunion and Mauritius. The easternmost of these islands; Mauritius lies some 1000 miles from mainland Mozambique with a diameter of around 25 miles across at its widest point. Mauritius' capital is the district of Por...