Tourist attractions in the south of Mauritius.
Tourist attractions in Mauritius.
Attraction means a feeling of liking for the charm, fascination or glamour spelled out by a feature, a place or a person. The south opens the colorful history of Mauritius with the richness of the past vestiges of the colonial era flourishing in the remains of their trace. Those looking for the wilder side of Mauritius can opt for relaxing trips across green landscapes in the southerly regions that encompass breathtaking beaches..
Fort Frederick Hendrick Museum located at Vieux Grand Port harbors the ruins of the very first Dutch settlement on the island which is a recollection of Mauritius, to be visited absolutely. It displays archaeological excavations artifacts and reproductions of historical paintings plus maps of the seventeenth century.
Another attraction in the south is the Mahebourg National History Museum sheltered in the French colonial building of 1772. It exhibits a collection of paintings, sculptures, maps, documents and various artifacts recuperated from shipwrecks. It was also a hospital where two wounded captains of the English and French fleets in the naval battle of 1810 were treated side by side.
Another southerly attraction is the Robert Edward Hart Museum found near souillac. Robert Edward Hart, famous poet and writer, owned the bungalow that actually harbors the museum. The personal belongings of the poet are showcased in the museum. This dwelling called “La Nef” was built with coral and donated to Robert by his friend.
The Nature Reserve at Vallée de Ferney, another attraction, has a surface area of 200 hectares, which is home to more than 100 plant species. It also harbors many animals. Managed by the Mauritian government and CIEL group, a part of the money spent by the tourists on the domain is injected in the conservation project. On the spot amenities are a restaurant, a coffee museum, and a souvenir shop where gift items are sold.
Ile aux Aigrettes is located at a distance of 800 metres off the coast of Vieux Grand Port. It is covered partially with sand and salt deposits. The island is a conservation site declared Nature Reserve in 1965.
Today, the wildlife foundation is trying to restore this natural habitat to its natural state of 400 years ago. You will appreciate the splendid scenic views of the South East Coast of Mauritius which has a rich and glorious history regarding French invasion and English conquest. Know that all revenues accruing from the tour are re-invested in preservation and restoration projects.
La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes is a nature park where strolling through the luxuriant green vegetation allows your eyes to feast on a variety of plants and animal species in total safety from the dangerous reptiles. In the nature park, crocodiles are reared primarily for their skin, but also as an attraction. Other attractions are the insectariums, the aquarium, a fossil museum, monkeys, tortoises, geckos, iguanas, deer and bats.
Rochester falls. This waterfall is found in a wild area of the south of the island surrounded with sugarcane fields. It is easily accessible. This gives you the opportunity of changing from the museum and taking a stroll in the heart of nature. You may, of course if you wish, attain the waterfalls
after a short walk in the river or a brief swim.
Le Morne Beach provides exceptional visibility in its clear waters. The bordering trees offer exceptional shades. This white coral sand beach is a perfect destination for a weekend trip or picnic. Besides it is a windsurfing spot.
La Prairie Beach is protected by a coral reef barrier which renders the lagoon secure for safe swimming. Located between Le Morne and Baie du Cap, this beach offers a green space for picnickers.
The Bel Ombre Beach also known as St Martin Beach is about six kilometers long. The clear water of the lagoon is splendid. Many resorts have been built along this beach.