What do you know about Mauritius?
Mauritius or Ile’Maurice, as it is known in French, is a small island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Densely populated, it is one of the wealthiest countries of Africa. Geographically, it lies to the east of Madagascar Island near South Africa. The Portuguese explorers unearthed this beauty of an island in the early 1500’s; then the French and lastly the British annexed it until it became independent in 1968 and a republic in 1992, after which it was renamed the ‘Republic of Mauritius’. The small city of Port Louis is the capital of this island country. Here are some intriguing facts on this tourists’ paradise:
1. The Island was a result of volcanic eruption in the Indian Ocean, millions of years ago.
2. The extinct bird of Dodo found only in this island is the national bird of Mauritius.
3. The small capital city of Port Louis is the economic seat of the island housing more than 40% of its population.
4. Sugarcane is the most important cash crop cultivated in this island, occupying almost 80 percent of this charming island. Both Tea and Sugarcane are the main crops exported from here contributing to the country’s economy
5. Tourism is the next bigger earner as it is surrounded by breath-taking turquoise- coloured ocean waters, white sand and mesmerizing beaches
6. The island, though small in area, has diverse flora, climate and variations in topography
7. Interestingly, there are no wild animals in the country, and snakes that inhabit the island are, by nature, non-poisonous.
8. There were no terrestrial animals before the Portuguese invasion in 1507. This allegedly helped in the import of large number of large reptile species and flightless birds
9. There are no railways in Mauritius currently.
10. The most popular form of musical style here is Sega Music. Other popular musical genres are its Seggae, Bhojpuri songs and fusion music.
11. Mauritius is the only country within the African continent having the largest number of Hindu population.
12. The average life expectancy of people in Mauritius is 73 years making it the highest amongst developing countries.
13. The social structure of the country is made of innumerable ethnic groups whose actual figures are still unknown; thanks to the constitutional amendment of 1982 which prohibits the survey of these ethnic groups.
14. It does not maintain armed forces
15. The population of Mauritius is made of Muslims, Hindus and Creoles, who are primarily Catholic. The official languages of the island include French, Bhojpuri, English and Creole.
16. The island is full of coral reefs which keep the temperature of ocean water comparatively lower than the high seas, and protects the tourists from attacks by jellyfish, sharks and other aquatic lives.
17. The island is prone to be hit by topical storms mainly because it lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
18. The local food of the islanders is a mix of Indian, Chinese and Creole with many dishes that are island-exclusive. An assortment of spices flavours the island’s local cuisines.
19. The island’s public holidays comprise local cultural festivals, in addition to those celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Chinese.
20. The island’s Parliament is a 70-member constitution that elects a president through elections held every five years.
21. Another intriguing sight here is the presence of ‘seven coloured earth’ in Charamel where the relatively small area of sand dunes, formed by volcanic activities, has sands of seven distinct colours. The samples are collected and sold as souvenir in local shops.
Things to do in the Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius
The Black River Gorges National Park is the largest national park in Mauritius in terms of area. This delightfully charming national park is enclosed by two sides – a drier lowland and humid upland. Formed in 1994, the park caught public attention quickly with stunning gorges and exciting hiking activities. It is also the home to several exotic species of animals like wild pigs, Rusa deer and endangered species of birds such as the echo parakeet, the pink pigeon, Mauritius grey white-eye, Mauritius olive white-eye, Mauritius fody, Mauritius cuckoo-shrike and the Mauritius kestrel. It boasts of having 700 species of flora. There a multitude of activities you can catch up with including hiking in the Macchabée Trail, the Grosse Cateau Verte trail, the Black River Piton, the Savanne sud and Cascade des Galets (Cascade 500 feet)
Birdwatching is another popular activity that tourists get immediately hooked to because it allows them to enjoy what nature has to offer in their very own way.
The Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius is located in the west region. These gorges make a strikingly lovely canon-like shape which is often compared to the likes of the Grand Canyon in the US. This said it lends a lusher and even more verdant green and refreshing look to it.
How to reach?
The Black River Gorges National Park is close to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. You can reach the park entrance boarding private busses plying regularly from the airport. There are taxis available outside of the airport which can drive you all the way to the outskirts of the park. For information on the Black River Gorges, there are two information centres, one separated by 8km from the Trois Bras Junction, and the other is situated on the east side, some 2km off the Grand Bassin. The best to visit the park is between January and September. The park is open from 7 AM to 4 PM for public, and there is no entry fee to the Black River Gorges National Park.
All about the Toy Train in Ooty (Ootacamund) or Nilgiris
Riding in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a bandwagon activity for those visiting Ooty (Ootacamund) in the Nilgiris hills. The reason for Nilgiri Mountain Railway to draw attention amongst other activities is that it gives the riders the pleasure to sight steep mountains, in-depth valleys, rocky terrains, dense forests, darken tunnels and tea plantations along the rail track.
Though the construction began in the late 18th century, the railway was open to the public in the early 19th century. There are several toy trains that run between Mettupalayam and Ooty (Udagamandalam) via Coonoor. The trains are referred to as Toy trains because it works on a narrow gauge system to commute past the steep Nilgiris hills. In addition, the small tracks make the carriages smaller and resemble a toy. The track is 46 kms long and it takes approx. 250 minutes for the uphill and 210 minutes for the downhill journey. Hence, the time and money are worth spending the journey making the trip etched in memory.
In those days, these vintage trains worked on coal. Owing to recurring technical issues, sourcing quality coal, and forest fires, these engines have been replaced by oil-fueled steam engines. However, the retired engines are exhibited at the Nilgiri Mountain Railway museum in Mettupalayam for observation.
The highlights of this spectacular stretch and toy train include:
1. Recognized as Asia’s steepest track going from 1069 to 7228 feet
2. The only meter gauge and rack railway in India that uses pinion system to climb the clinches
3. The carriages have remained in same Blue and cream colour since its making
4. In 2005, this was awarded the UNESCO’s world heritage site
5. Featured in many documentary and other movies to highlight the strengths of Indian Railways
This cog train accommodates first class, middle class, and unreserved class. It costs Rs.205 per person in First Class, Rs.30 per person in Second (middle) Class and Rs.15 for Unreserved. For the ones, who wish to avoid the crowd and wanted the luxury of a cushioned seat, it is recommended to take first class. The schedule of each toy train is available online to look into and make reservations.
You can reach Mettupalayam railway station via Coimbatore, the nearest city that has a well inter-connected means of transportation.
All about the famous French War Memorial in Pondicherry
Goubert Avenue, the 1.5km seafront that runs along the beach, often dubbed the ‘Pride’ of Pondicherry, houses the famous French War Memorial, a must-visit place while you are in the erstwhile French colony of Pondicherry.
Goubert Avenue, the 1.5km seafront that runs along the beach, often dubbed the ‘Pride’ of Pondicherry, houses the famous French War Memorial, a must-visit place while you are in the erstwhile French colony of Pondicherry. The French War Memorial is built in the living memory of those valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country in World War I (1916-1919). Located close to the Gandhi statue, the French War Memorial is surrounded by eight pillars.
Every year on the 14th of July, the war memorial is brightly illuminated to commemorate the first French victory on Bastille Day in 1789. People from Pondicherry and other areas gather at the war memorial to pay homage to the soldiers in the line of duty.
Erected in 1937 and opened to public view on April 3, 1938, by the then Governor Crocicchia, the war memorial comprises a bronze bas-relief that represents the arrival of the Governor-General of French India Dupleix in Pondy in 1742. The statue of a soldier resting on a rifle that stands at the centre of four stark tall white columns— two on both sides is very much “life-like”, carrying French inscription ‘Aux combatants des Indes Francaises morts pour la Patrie, 1914 – 1918” over him.
The monument itself makes a fantastic sight, but the large sculptural metal plaque on its rear face can only be witnessed when the enclosing area is opened, as during the ceremony seen above. The monument is just a stone’s throw away from the beach, and you can take a good view from a fair distance. The magnificence and importance of the war memorial have caught the attention of several filmmakers. The landmark features in several scenes of the Bollywood comedy film ‘One Two Three’ (2008).
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I don’t think the war memorial is built on a sprawling landscape, unlike most war memorials in other parts of the world – it is pretty small in area, yet an intriguing tourist destination. Visitors are usually restricted from walking into the grounds of the war memorial.
You can take a Gorimedu bound bus, auto-rickshaw or taxi either from the Bus Stand or the Railway station, and alight at the Government Hospital (GH). This touching war memorial is about 500 meters from the Bus stand.
Interesting facts about the Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari
The moment you think of Kanyakumari, popular tourist destinations such as Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the exotic Kanyakumari Beach, Thiruvalluvar Statue and Gandhi Memorial would pop up on your mind in a flash. Interestingly, Kanyakumari has a good bit of history: that, if one wishes to understand should visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace, once the hotbed of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore. Situated in Padmanabhapuram of Kanyakumari District, formerly the capital city of the Kingdom of Travancore, separated by 64kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 20 km from Nagercoil, the Padmanabhapuram Palace was built in 1601 AD by a ruler called Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, who bestowed the entire stately structure to his family deity.
The palace was later renovated in 1750. Once the capital of Travancore was shifted, the palace was stripped of its original charm and recognition. Built on a sprawling landscape, the palace, which houses a palatial complex, upholds the traditional culture and values of Kerala architecture.
One of the most beautiful historical monuments out of the many palaces belonging to the royal family, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is a quaint palace marked by serenity and simplicity. This palace, now a major tourist attraction, has several divisions: the Mantrasala, or the King’s Council Chamber, where the king used to hold official and personal consultations and meetings with his ministers. Decorated with ritzy mica windows and lavish interiors, the Mantrasala is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture.
The Thai Kottaram, or the Queen Mother’s palace, was built around the mid of 16th century. This structure is supported by four massive pillars. In addition to these divisions, you can find a Central building, Nataksala (or Hall of Performance), Clock Tower, Thekee Kottaram (or Southern Palace) and a Big Hall. The palace also possesses several murals belonging to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Interestingly, tourists can get to see royal chairs made of Chinese carvings, teak carved ceilings, ancient rosewood, musical bow in mahogany and many more. Step into the King’s bedroom, and you won’t be disappointed by the sight of mural paintings, pictures of Lord Krishna, medicinal bed and a magnificent hall. The royal splendour of Travancore is sure to tickle your fancy. The palace, though located in Kanyakumari, comes under the administration of the Kerala Government. Nagercoil (Tamilnadu), which is about 16 km from Kanyakumari, is the nearest railway station. The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport.
All about the famous Kodaikanal Lake
People who have travelled to Kodaikanal, one of the most popular hill stations of South India, next only to Ooty (Nilgiris) in terms of natural charm and beauty, would have probably visited the famous Kodaikanal Lake, located in the heart of the Kodaikanal city. The lake is spread over a total area of 60 acres; Kodaikanal comes from two Tamil words ‘Kodai’ meaning forest and ‘Kanal’ meaning gift. Kodaikanal, as its name tells us, is a gift of the forest.
Enveloped by the north-western Palani Hills, the Kodaikanal Lake plays host to a number of adventure sports like cycling, horse riding and boating. In case you plan to hit this place, there are quite a number of resorts around the lake for you to stay if you stop by. Here are some of the must-know facts about Kodaikanal Lake if you think it’s the best hill station for your next holiday:
The Kodaikanal is a not a natural lake, it is a manmade water body first excavated by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the collector of Madurai, in 1863, and this means the lake is a century and a half old! He translated his vision of turning this place into a popular tourist spot at his own expense!
The lake, originally, was three streams of water, and it was Sir Vere Henry Levinge again who transformed the marshy land by building bunds across the three water streams. A reservoir, shaped in the form of a four-point star, was constructed adding to the beauty of the lake. The lake was filled with aquatic life.
The first boat that floated on the lake was bought by Sir Vere Henry Levinge from Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), a port city in the state of TamilNadu, which was famous for boat building including mechanised fishing boats.
The lake, today, is a point of recreational use. However, there was a time when people used to swim for pleasure in the see-through waters of the lake. Later, punts, or flat-bottom boats, were used for recreational boating. Later, a boathouse and boat club was set up near the lake to give a fillip to tourism. Several hill station resorts mushroomed as tourism started to boom.
The recommended time to visit the hill station is between October and December, as the hills receive monsoon during the end of the year. Lose yourself at the sight of the lush green slopes, gushing waterfalls, picturesque estates, murmuring streams and exotic flora with the calm Kodaikanal Lake shining as a backdrop.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari
If you are in Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin, the lovely scenic coastal town in TamilNadu on India’s southernmost tip, you get to visit the world-famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, considered to be one of the country’s most sacred rock monuments. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial or the Vivekananda Mandapam has a grand structure and an impressive entrance that would remind one of Sri Ramakrishna Temple of Belur. The only way to reach the Vivekananda Mandapam is to use the ferry service operated by the Tamil Nadu Department of Tourism which provides leisure Cruises into the sea at affordable charges.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is built on the top of two rocks that are about 500 metres off the island. It was constructed in 1970 by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to honour the visit of the great spiritual sage and philosopher Swami Vivekananda to Shripada Parai on December 24 1892, prior to his taking part in the 1893 ‘World Religious Conference’ in Chicago. It is said that he did intense spiritual meditation on the rock for two days to attain enlightenment.
The infinite love for the motherland made Vivekananda, the greatest patriot monk ever, tour all over the country. His three-day meditation on the mid-sea rock or Vivekananda Paarai proved a turning point in his life, for it is here he contemplated on the past, present and future of the country, and put forth the idea of the glorious Bharatvarsha. Later, Vivekananda became the country’s most illustrious Hindu spiritual reformer and philosopher.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial houses two main structures namely Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam, turning out to be small coastal town’s main attraction. It was the late Eknath Ramkrishna Ranade, the social activist and leader, who mobilized support in the construction of the rock memorial that today is an embodiment of India’s rich cultural ethos and values. The Vivekananda Rock is generally open to the public on all days and draws tourists in large numbers every day. This place is also known as Best Road trip in South India, Where we could see a lot of tourists coming in bikes & cars just to explore the Ocean views.
A peep into the “The City of a Thousand Temples” – Kanchipuram
The city of Kanchi, more popularly Kanchipuram (or Kancheepuram) is the ‘cradle of Tamil Dravidian tradition and culture’. Known in the world over for its delicate and intricate weaving style, the Conjeevaram or Kanjeevarum Sarees are woven from the purest mulberry silk. Several dynasties that ruled the region such as the Pallavas left an indelible mark in the construction of ‘world-famous’ temples of sound structure and rich architecture. Let us take a quick stroll along the city…
9 Things to do in Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island is probably the most popular and well-known among all of the islands off the coast of Georgia. It has lots to see and do whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or a weekend of exploration.
Here are some of the top things to do when you visit Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Here are some of the top things to do when you visit Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Waterfalls to Enjoy During Monsoons
Waterfalls are a breathtaking sight. These astonishing surges of water surrounded by natural beauty, and lush greenery are a sight to behold and many people take trips just to see waterfalls.
India is blessed with many beautiful and famous waterfalls, which are ideally situated in scenic locations in the lap of nature’s bounty. Here are some of the well known waterfalls in popular tourist attractions that you must visit during the monsoon.
Athirapally Waterfall, Kerala
Athirapally Waterfall comes to life at the onset of monsoon. The journey to the waterfall is lovely as you have to pass through evergreen nature, and quaint villages. You can trek down to the base of the waterfall. Standing at the foot of this majestic waterfall is a magical experience to say the least. It will refresh your body and soul.
Dudhsagar Waterfall, Goa
The most sought after waterfall in the country during the monsoon is the Dudhsagar Waterfall in Goa. It is surrounded by verdant forests, and a mountain peak. People from all over the world come here to experience its beauty. You can also swim in its small pools, which make Dudhsagar a great place for an outing with family and friends.
Jog Waterfall, Karnataka
Jog is a sight to behold with lush green grass and trees surrounding it. It is the second highest dropping waterfall. It has 83 scenic points. During the monsoon its spray, roar, and the huge flow of water are incredible. The region is one of the UNESCO ecological hotspots in the world.
Talakona Waterfall, Andhra Pradesh
What makes this waterfall unique is its 270 foot fall. This waterfall, which forms a lovely pool at the bottom, is visited by many pilgrims, thanks to the Lord Siddheswara Swami Temple nearby. You also get to see exotic butterflies and wild flowers here as a national park is situated in the area nearby. During the monsoon this waterfall can be seen in all its glory. Its mighty roar can be heard from several kilometres away.
Khandadhar Waterfall, Orissa
When it falls Khandadhar waterfall looks like a horse’s tail. It is the highest waterfall in the state, and is surrounded by exotic flora and fauna and dense forests.
Dhuandhar Waterfall, Madhya Pradesh
One of the most powerful cascades in India is the Dhuandhar Waterfall. The water falls from a height of around 25m and create a smoky effect and hence the name.
Iruppu Falls, Coorg
Coorg is a very popular hill station in India blessed with natural beauty and amazing weather. The best time to visit Coorg is during the monsoon. The Iruppu falls here is at its mightiest during the monsoon and is worth a visit while it rains.
Chitrakot Waterfall, Chattisgarh
Chattisgarh is a tourist’s paradise with a number of sightseeing possibilities. The Chitrakot waterfall, known as the Niagara Waterfall of India, is a feather in its cap. If you want to enjoy tribal India then you must visit this waterfall, which is breathtakingly beautiful.
Kune Falls, Maharashtra
There are numerous stunning waterfalls in the Lonavala-Khandala province that come alive during the monsoon. One of the best falls in this region is the Kune Falls. It is a 3-tiered waterfall that falls from a height of 200 meters.
Langshiang Fall, Meghalaya
The third highest waterfall in India is the Langshiang waterfall. It is a chain of waterfalls, and during the monsoon its beauty is indescribable. To enjoy its real beauty you must see it up close and personal.
Choose the best domestic tour packages for family trip from your favorite travel agency and just utilize this holiday and pack your bags!
