By Nivi Shrivastava
In my previous blog about Mauritus, I mentioned some guided experinces and local tourist places to explore in the beautiful République de Maurice (aka the Republic of Mauritius). If you have more days in hand, do check out the local sugarcane rum distilleries like Rhumerie de Chamarel and Labourdonnais to taste and buy the authentic Mauritian rhum. Set in a charming chalet with tropical views of the mountains, the Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery provides a guided tour to provide a detailed explanation of the rum-making process inside the distillery. Whereas, wine lovers can make a pitstop at the unique lychee wines of Takamaka Boutique Winery to try the fruit-based wines, and buy some for home. Visit the L’Aventure du Sucre (sugar world) museum to learn all about the sugar factory and the production of 14 varieties of sugar, which you can also pick up for yourself.
Gastronomical delights:
Mauritian food also reflects a delightful mix of flavours and techniques that were bought to the land centuries ago by their ancestors from various parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. If you are fond of salads and seafood, this is the place to be. The palm heart salad is a delicacy made with a vegetable harvested from the inner core and growing bud of certain palm trees. Another interesting dish that you’ll find here is the fritters (Indian pakoras) that are served in most places and are a local favourite.
To sample the oriental flavors, head to the Ming Court in Sofitel Mauritius L’Impérial Resort for the popular Mauritian Chinese food, which will remind you much of the desi Chinese flavours we have back home. And, if you are fond of yummy cocktails and gourmet dining by the beach, try Horizon at Anantara Iko Mauritius for some extraordinary culinary innovations. There are some amazing upscale multicultural eateries like the Hotel Labourdonnais , Varangue Sur Morne, Wapalapam Restaurant, and Karay Mario, where you can enjoy a hearty meal with local sugarcane rum and order fresh seafood delicacies like calamari, octopus, various freshwater fish and prawn curries.
To experience the real hospitality and authentic Mauritian cuisine, we also visited a local family with an Indian heritage at Pointe aux Piments (a village near Balaclava). The experience arranged by the Ravenala Attitude Hotel was indeed a memorable insight into the Mauritian way of life – where everyone cooks, eats, and celebrates together.
Tips for travellers: While there are multiple resorts, luxury hotels, and guest houses to choose from, for a longer stay you can book a beachside villa and rent a car to travel across the island. And, when you pack your flowing kaftans, swimwear, shorts, sunscreen with high SPFs, and hats for an exotic holiday in Mauritius, don’t forget to carry a raincoat or an umbrella along as the weather swings between unexpected tropical rains and clear sunny weather throughout the year.
Experience and FAM trip courtesy : MTPA
(The writer is a Delhi-based journalist and can be reached at newspeakwork@gmail.com )