Mauritius is an island off the coast of Madagascar. Although there are no active volcanoes on the island, Mauritius is part of a volcanic range of islands that includes Reunion. Population approx 1.3 million. There was no native human population on the island prior to European colonisation.
Flic en Flac is the resort strip on the west coast of the island. Famous for its beautiful beaches and premier diving destinations. The following photos were taken from my resort hotel.
Le Morne (the 'mournful one') is a spectacular 556 metre high rock crag on the south west tip of the island. It has a deep resonance with the islanders. A group of escaped slaves took to hiding on the summit and not knowing slavery was abolished threw themselves to their death rather than risk capture
In the south west of the island Chamarel waterfall drops 100 metres into the valley below.
Earth of Seven Colours (Terres de 7 Couleurs) is due to the uneven cooling of molten rock. The property once belonged to Charles de Chazal de Chamarel who entertained Mathew Flinders when he was imprisoned on the island during the Napoleonic Wars.
Giant Tortoises are also seen on the property. These are from the Seychelles and only these islands and Galapagos are the natural home to these impressive animals that live to 250 yrs of age. The tortoises of Mauritius and Reunion were driven to extinction many years ago.
Mauritius has only one native mammal - the fruit bat. Others were introduced later and include the mongoose, macaque monkey, java deer and wild pig.
Chamarel Rum Distillery is a working distillery where you can observe the process of production, sample the final product and enjoy a magnificent meal in their restaurant.
Black River Gorges National Park spreads over 2% of the island area. Famous for hiking, camping and bird watching. The park is the habitat of three endangered species - Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet and the pink pigeon.
Indo-Mauritian people make up nearly 70% of the population and Hindu is the major religion. Bassin Blanc crater lake is an important pilgrimage site for the island's Hindu population. The remaining population includes Creole 27% (descendants of slaves), Chinese, French and South Africans 3%.
Great views can be had of the island from the heights of the central plateau.
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