There's no reason why Mauritius should not be on your radar when planning a beachy getaway. Its pristine shores, azure waters, and multi-ethnic culture make the island a perfect candidate for a happening holiday destination. At first, it may seem like a go-to place only and only if you love the beach, but we promise you, there's so much more.
Whether you are a nature lover or have the heart of a history buff or an adventurer, Mauritius covers all grounds perfectly. For instance, you can go on a hiking expedition at the Black River Gorges National Park, delve deep into how Mauritius embraces Hinduism at Grand Bassin, thrill yourself with water sports at La Cambuse or enjoy a laidback tropical vacay at Le Morne. But before you get started on planning your trip to the dreamy destination, read our list of things you must know that could come in handy and make your trip a smooth one.
Mauritius Visa For Indian Travellers: What Are The Documents Required?
For Indian travellers, Mauritius' currency is favourable as 1 Mauritian Rupee translates to 1.82 Indian Rupee as of current rates. While you can use your international debit or credit card at most places, carrying some cash with you is advised. You can exchange it from India or at the airport for the best rates. All across Mauritius, USD is also widely accepted, so you can keep that handy. In case you miss out on a chance to exchange money, many banks operating in India, such as Bank of Baroda, Standard Chartered, and HSBC Bank, also have branches there, so you can withdraw some cash from their ATMs.
If you are planning a vacation to more offbeat locales, we strongly recommend carrying cash with you as it gets tougher to spot an ATM.
Is Mauritius Budget-Friendly?
While the currency may be favourable for Indian travellers, Mauritius isn't exactly as budget-friendly unless you plan it right. If you want to visit the beautiful country without breaking the bank, plan your trip during the offseason, which falls from September to November and March to May. However, consider that round-trip airfares will likely cost more than 50,000 INR.
It should also be noted that public transport like taxis is not fairly cheap either. The best option is to take the bus (tickets can be obtained from the local bus shelter), which boasts an extensive connection between all the major attractions, or hire a car for a day instead of for the whole week. Another great hack for saving money is not spending a bomb on food. Mauritius has many budget-friendly shacks and joints whipping up delicious local fares.
Is Mauritius Safe?
Mauritius is considered a safe place to visit, especially for solo female travellers, and is one of Africa's safest countries. However, there is a risk of minor crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching. To stay safe while on vacation, you must take certain precautions, such as not walking alone in poorly lit areas at night, avoiding solo hikes on less-travelled trails without a guide, and being cautious when using public restrooms or ATMs on the streets. Using ATMs located within resorts, banks, and reputable shops is recommended.
What Are The Essentials You Must Pack?
Mauritius can get quite hot during the summer, so it's advisable to pack light and breathable cotton clothing. However, remember to include some light woollens for cooler evenings. If you plan to visit places of worship or religious sites, it's important to pack modest and decent clothing. And it goes without saying, pack swimwear.
The tropical sun in Mauritius can be intense, so pack sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen cream to shield yourself from harmful UV rays. Remember to include insect repellent to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
What's The Best Time To Visit Mauritius?
Similar to other tropical regions, this country experiences distinct wet (summer, December through April) and dry (winter, June through September) seasons. During the dry months, the highland areas of Mauritius can become quite cool, offering excellent conditions for exploring the archipelago. The prime period for discovering Mauritius is from October to December. March is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and a low of 21 degrees Celsius. If you want to save money, the low season, from September to November and March to May, is the best time to visit Mauritius.
What To Eat In Mauritius?
Mauritius is renowned for its delectable seafood offerings, such as crab curry, vindaye ourite (octopus), crispy fried squid, and vindaye poisson (fish). You'll find mobile food vendors along the beaches, particularly on Pereybere Beach, offering delightful vegetarian samosas, locally known as "samoussa legumes." Another savoury option is the "gateau piment," akin to masala vada, available for approximately MUR 4. If you are a vegetarian, Mauritius has you covered with various Indian restaurants serving dishes as delicious as you'd find back home.
