Trou Aux Biches is a pretty white sandy beaches shaded by casuarinas trees. Novice snorkellers will enjoy the colourful reefs which can be easily reached from the shore.
It stretches north from Trou Aux Biches to Grand Bay in a shiny strip of silver sand curving along a turquoise bay.
A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay is also the place that Mauritians head for if they want a night out as it abounds with restaurants, bars and discotheques. Accommodation possibilities range from luxury resorts to small holiday hotels and even guesthouses. Grand Bay is one of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. The bay is also one of the favourite anchoring places for sailboats and the meeting point for day excursions on the islets around the main land.
La Cuvette beach is now provided with adequate amenities.
This remarkable small cove halfway between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux is one of the finest bathing spots on the island. Pereybere public beach is extremely popular because of its exceptional beach quality, its shopping facilities and its numerous restaurants and pubs.
Cap Malheureux, with its red roofed church, offers magnificent a view on the islets of the north coast. The village has a large community of fishermen.
|
Grand Bay is the centre of sailing activities. You can join a yacht tour, a catamaran cruise or charter privately. Conditions for sailing are usually excellent and yachts can be chartered to cruise around Mauritius or to visit some of the Northern offshore islands.
There are wonderful spots for the adventurous kite surfers in the north; Cap Malheureux and Anse La Raie.
Deep Sea Fishing
Modern boats, equipped for deep sea fishing can take up to 5 persons beyond the reefs for fishing for 5 - 10 hours.
|
|
Diving Area
|
Specials
|
|
Gunner’s Coin ( 26m)
|
On the left of Gunners’ Coin Island in the north of Mauritius, you will explore a magnificent wall covered in gorgonians, with beautiful casts rising up to the surface, sheltering a reef fauna where big parrotfish can be spotted during each dive. Big predators sometimes stop by. This dive can be difficult in the presence of strong current. The cruise ends at Baie des Confettis, with all sorts of colourful corals, anemones and clownfish.
|
|
Whale Rock (26 - 38 m)
|
This site is so wide that it has been divided into two distinct areas according to depth and dive level so that any diver can explore the abundance of its fauna. Up to 20 metres you will discover a very wide sample of reef fauna: angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, small moray eels, parrotfish, wrasses, clownfish… In the 38- metre area you will meet leopard moray eels flirting with their two-metre long body, big pufferfish, groupers and occasionally, a small shark. In summer, big species such as sailfish and hammerheads make their appearance.
|
|
Moray Eel Reefs
( 13 m)
|
Small reefs scattered over a white sandy bottom, offering a spectacular turquoise luminosity. Schools of juvenile fish, several species of moray eels, flying scorpionfish, red lionfish, stonefish, young octopus as well as some rare or endemic fish species, can be seen. This site is specially famous for underwater photography or refresher dives.
|
|
Holt’s Rocks ( 16 - 25 m)
|
Huge granitic blocks surrounded by corals and their usual reef fauna form ideal hiding spots for titan triggerfish, which come and greet you as soon as you dive in, among wrasses, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, lyretail,groupers, triggerfish, clownfish, schools of snappers, scorpionfish,stonefish, crayfish
The highlight of this cruise however is when you meet the giant moray eels, which are at least 2 metres long and curious enough to come and beg for gentle strokes and attention.
|
|
One of the most spectacular ways to explore the ocean bed is to go on board the Blue Safari submarine or the sub scooter. You will enjoy a superb encounter with the marine life and get a chance to see various wrecks dating back to the 17th century.
“Le Nessee”, a semi-submarine, will take you on a safe and comfortable discovery trip under the sea. It offers a rare and unforgettable experience that provides optimal viewing facilities for all age groups.
For those who want to experience the feeling of walking on the sea bed, “Captain Nemo’s Undersea Walk ” will help you enjoy this safe and particular thrill, while you are feeding small fish swarming boldly around you. Underwater Walk Ltd. has developed a unique solar powered diving system that sends a constant stream of fresh air to helmets worn by the undersea explorers.
|
Green Tourism
Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and exotic scented flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking can be organised. You should not miss the anthuriums plantation, the boutique and the flower plantation. You can also taste freshly made jams and fruit juices
|
|
Main Gate
|
Donated by Francois Lienard.
The original gate was transferred to the Supreme Court in Port Louis and is believed to have won a prize at Crystal Palace Exhibition in England in 1862,
|
|
Telfair Avenue
|
Telfair Avenue displays a number of interesting palms:
·The famous Talipot (Corypha umbraculifera) believed to flower every hundred years, actually flowers after 40-60 years. It dies soon after. It has enormous leaves of up to 3m50 in diameter
· Queen Palms (Arecastrum romanzoffianum).
· Monuments
> 7 August 1901, in honour of HRH the Duchess of Wales and York .
> June 1927 , HRH the Duchess of York.
|
|
Avenue Labourdonnais
|
Lined by a rather rare species of Latanier palms from Madagascar
Lienard Obelisk bearing the engraved names of great contributors to the development of the island by 1862.
|
|
Charles Darwin Avenue
|
Largest Mahogany Trees (Swietena Mahagoni) in the Country Planted in 1870
|
|
Giant Nenuphar Pond
|
One of the main attraction of the garden.
The pond contains at least three types of nymphaea (lotus) as well as the giant nenuphar from the Amazon. (Victoria amazonica).
|
|
Barkly Avenue
|
This avenue is lined with areca nut palms. The thin stems are quite remarkable. In Asia this nut is wrapped in betel leaf and chewed. The pond contains white and yellow lotus flowers.
|
|
Land Grant
|
Opposite a rubber plant, a small alley leads to one of the markers of an early land grant from the 18th century. This is one of the few relics still remaining from the 18th century.
|
|
Chateau Mon Plaisir
|
The path on the left leads to the mansion. Although called Mon Plaisir, this was not the castle built originally by Labourdonnais. The British erected the building in mid-19th century. It is a protected monument.
|
|
Old Sugar Mill
|
This model mill was constructed in 1953 by the Chamber of Agriculture as part of the commemoration of its centenary. Cattle were used to turn the rollers to crush the cane.
|
|
Samadhi
|
The first Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, was cremated in the garden. A monument (the Samadhi) was built on the site of the cremation.
|
|
Tortoise
|
The garden hosts a number of very old tortoises coming from Aldabra Island in Seychelles. Mauritian tortoises are extinct and the Aldabra tortoise was brought in around 1875.
|
|
Paul and Virginie Avenue
|
This avenue bears the names of the two fictitious characters from Bernardin de St Pierre’s famous book. The ' tomb ’ actually pictures the Goddess Flora amongst Bamboo palms and Cycas.
|
|
The Bridge of Sighs
|
Nobody knows where this name comes from but many stories have gone around. It leads to the small garden which was formerly part of Mon Gout sugar estate. Two pillars once part of a gate, are left from that time.
|
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden of Pamplemousses is hosting a botanical phenomenon : a talipot palm is in bloom. The talipot flowers once every 30 to 100 years and it is commonly known as the centenary tree in Mauritius. The talipot palm bears the largest inflorescence of any plant, 6 to 8 m long, consisting of one to several million small flowers borne on a branched stalk that forms at the top of the trunk. This event is even more attractive because the plant dies after fruiting. Those who wish to witness this phenomenon are warmly invited to visit the SSR Botanical Garden.
La Nicoliere
This lake is surrounded by forest and as it is on higher grounds, it has some beautiful views over the sugarcane fields.
The Mauritius Aquarium, the only aquarium in Mauritius, is situated at Pointes Aux Piments, a coastal and charming village in the North of the island.
The aquarium has adopted a new ecological system of operation & a circuit of tanks will guide you to the depths of the ocean. Our largest tanks, ‘ The Deep ’, 150 metres long, hold a variety of sea creatures which can be seen at close quarters. You can feed the sharks, play with the turtles, enjoy a lunch at the snack bar, and buy a small souvenir
|
|
Cap Malheureux is the most northerly point of the island and the place where General John Abercrombie landed his troops when the British attacked the island. A tiny chapel famous for its red roof, the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice is worth a quick visit. Be sure to look out for the intricate woodwork of its interiors and a holy-water basin fashioned out of a giant clamshell.
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 most famous story in Mauritius folklore, ‘Paul et Virginie’ was inspired by the shipwreck of the St Geran which came to grief just off the North East Coast at Poudre d’or. A small monument marks the spot where the boat sunk.
While Paul, the son of a slave, waits for Virginie, his bourgeois sweetheart, to return from overseas, her boat the St Geran flounders on the rocks. Paul swims out to his lover, but she modestly refuses to remove her clothing to swim back to shore with him. Eventually her Victorian clothes drag her down into the depths and she drowns. Paul then dies of a broken heart.
|
If one wishes to have a close look at the rich historical past of Mauritius, then why not take a walk through the streets and surroundings of Pamplemousses.
Across the road from the botanical gardens, the cemetery is found next to the Presbytery and was the first one to be established in the village. Among some of the most important people buried there, one can find the tomb of Monseigneur Buonavita (1752-1833). He was Corsican and was the chaplain of Napoleon on St Helena Island. After coming to Mauritius, he became Vicar of the Parish of St Louis. His tomb is a protected historic monument.
The keepers of the cemetery will also give you innumerable details about the cemetery.
The Church and the various buildings attached to it were a focal part of the village and its activities in the 18th century. Pamplemousses was the third parish to be established on the island. The Church was established in 1743 and the first one to be built in the dioceses of Port Louis.
According to oral testimony this 'Bassin' was the place where slaves would be washed before being sold. The monument is situated on the grounds of the present Village Hall.
If you want to discover the origins of the Mauritian cosmopolitan culture and the soul of the Mauritian people, try a visit to L’Aventure du Sucre.
This ancient sugar factory, converted into an extraordinary and ultra modern exhibition space, shows the construction and evolution of the island, with a permanent link to the sugarcane industry over nearly four centuries…. not forgetting the processes of sugar manufacturing, explained in a very vivid way with pictures and real machines and implements.
At the end of your visit, experience a free tasting of tempting special sugars and the local rum at the 'Village Boutik'. A variety of authentic and original souvenirs with ‘L’Aventure du Sucre’ brand name are also available. There is also a restaurant/ tea room which is set in a luxuriant park.
Shoppers should visit the major shopping centres in Grand Bay as well as the Comptoir des Mascareignes in Pamplemousses where the warm, eye-catching architecture hosts a number of shops for a relaxing time through handicraft, gift stands, local fashion, ship and plane models, paintings and jewelry.
Maritime Models is a locally renowned manufacturer of model ship and souvenirs. The shop specializes in the construction of sailing ships from the America’s Cup as well as Mauritian ‘pirogues’.
Goodlands, a village of 14 000 inhabitants , is full of life on Tuesdays and Fridays,the market days for textile garments, and Wednesdays and Saturdays for vegetables and fruits.
The North is home to many Art Galleries. Take some time to visit and appreciate the marvellous paintings and handicrafts of the cosmopolitan Mauritian artists
This cluster of small islets off the north coast has become a favourite stop for sailboats and diving groups. Catamaran cruising can be booked from the hotels desks or with local operators. Snorkel off Gunner’s Coin which rises sharply above the water and harbours sea birds nests in the cliffs. Go for a picnic and swim near Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel in crystal-clear water. A bit further up, one can see the striking shape of Round Island, a natural reserve area where access is restricted to protect the indigenous species of palms and reptiles that have been reintroduced. This island and its neighbour, Ile aux Serpents, are under intensive conservation management by the government and the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation. Permits are needed to visit and can be obtained locally.
|
