Mauritius - Emerald of the Indian Ocean

Mauritius is a small island nation off the Eastern coast of Africa in the southern part of Indian Ocean. Its area is about 2040 sq. km. (790 sq. miles) and has a population of about 1.2 million people. 

The island is well known for its White sand beaches, Lush green forests and Sugarcane plantations. Its capital is Port Louis. As the island was ruled by French followed by British in the past, French and English both are widely spoken in Mauritius, along with native Mauritian Creole. 

Belle Marre beach, Mauritius

Ile Aux Cerfs (Deer Island), Mauritius

Many Bollywood movies and their song sequences have been shot in Mauritius since the 1990s. The island is popular amongst the well-to-do and affluent people in India for Honeymoons and Destination Weddings. 

One of the popular Places to visit is Ile Aux Cerfs, which is a french word meaning "Deer Island". Ile Aux Cerfs is popular for Water Sports like Jet skiing and Parasailing. Other places recommended to visit in Mauritius are SSR Botanical Garden, Chamarel village and Casela Park. 

Chamarel Water Falls, Mauritius

Majority of Mauritian people are of Indian origin and hence, Hindi, Bhojpuri and Tamil are commonly spoken here. Majority of the population practices Hinduism along with Christianity and Islam. The Local currency is Mauritian Rupee (MUR). 

Ganga Talao Hindu Temple, Mauritius 

Indian Tourists can enjoy Visa free access to Mauritius up to 90 days. The Island Nation has only one international airport - SSR Airport (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport) named after the nation's first prime minister when it got independence from the British in 1968. Air Mauritius - the nation's flag carrier has direct flights to Mauritius from Mumbai and Delhi while Vistara offers direct connections only from Mumbai as of now. Tourists from other cities can fly via Emirates with a single Stopover at Dubai airport.