Location: Island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.
Capital: Port Louis
Tourist Attractions: Mauritius is a scenic volcanic and mountainous island, famous for its exceptionally beautiful islands, beaches, waterfalls, colonial towns and cities. Port Louis, the capital city, is known for its fine French colonial buildings, fort and Chinese style pagodas. Other major tourist attractions in Mauritius include the Black River Gorges National Park, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens, Domaine Les Pailles (nature park), 18th century Pamplemousses Gardens, Casela Bird Park (home to Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world), La Vanille Crocodile Park, Chamarel Waterfall, and the exquisite white sand beaches of Tamarin, Belle Mare and Blue Bay. Visitors can also enjoy a choice of excellent beach and water sports activities like sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, yachting and windsurfing.
Access: Many airlines including Air France, Emirates, British Airways, Air India, and South African Airways fly to Mauritius. Cruise services also operate between Port Louis and Reunion and Rodriguez Island.
Climate: Mauritius enjoys a warm tropical climate, tempered by southeast trade winds. It has only two seasons – dry winters from May to November and hot and humid summers from November to May.