Mauritius – A paradise on earth

My understanding of East African island nations was completely vague until I received a cordial invitation from the Mauritius Island Tourism Promotion Board to participate in a project to create promotional images and an exhibition for this beautiful island nation.

Le Morne Underground Waterfall

After two flights, Mauritius gradually emerges against the deep blue backdrop of the Indian Ocean. With an area of only 2,040 km² and a population of nearly 1,300,000, it is the island nation with the second highest GDP per capita in Africa, boasting strengths in agriculture , tourism, textiles, fisheries, and financial services.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport boasts a modern, arched design inspired by the ravenala palm, a typical tropical tree of Mauritius. From here, a 47km northwest journey leads to the capital, Port Louis. Built by the French in 1736, Port Louis served as a transit point for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope on their voyages from Asia to Europe. While not large or bustling, Port Louis possesses the historical, cultural, and economic essence of a quintessential capital city. The Le Caudan Waterfront commercial district features a row of restaurants and cafes with beautiful waterfront promenades along the harbor, while a vibrant street leads to the Caudan shopping district and arts center, hosting performances and art exhibitions. This is also where my panoramic photographs were exhibited to commemorate the island nation's 50th Independence Day.

A panoramic view of the sugarcane fields.

In contrast to the modern architecture of Le Caudan Waterfront is Chinatown, steeped in the traditions of the Chinese community, primarily those who migrated from Guangzhou in the late 18th century to settle and establish businesses here. This area is always bustling and lively. But for a truly authentic experience of the local culture, there's no better place than the markets; the Port Louis Bazaar is always brimming with the colors and aromas of tropical fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Not only blessed with blue skies, white clouds, and golden sunshine, Mauritius also inherits a rich cultural heritage from the colonial periods of France, Portugal, and England, making every region—east, west, south, or north—a fascinating destination. The north offers a vibrant atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and seaside golf courses. The most impressive, however, is the red-roofed church in Cap Malheureux, built in 1938, a popular spot for photos. For those seeking tranquility, the Bel Ombre coastline in the south is a perfect choice. A 25km journey north from there leads to the sacred Grand Bassin Lake nestled in the Savanne Mountains, a significant spiritual site for Hindu devotees in Mauritius.

Little Town area

Belle Mare Beach in the east is one of Mauritius' longest beaches, over 10km of white sand with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for water sports, swimming, and snorkeling. To the west lies the majestic Le Morne Brabant, a symbol of the struggle for freedom of enslaved people from Africa, Madagascar, and India during the 18th and early 19th centuries. People of color and enslaved people also sought refuge in the caves here, sheltered by the isolated cliffs. It is said that after the British passed the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1834, authorities came to Le Morne to inform the enslaved people that they were finally free. But upon seeing the soldiers, the enslaved people panicked. They climbed to the top of the mountain and jumped to their deaths. Le Morne Brabant was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 precisely because of its tragic history, endemic ecosystem, and a magnificent underground waterfall when viewed from above. From Le Morne Brabant, traveling 15km east along the B9 road leads to the Seven Colors Geopark, a rainbow-like area on the continental shelf, covering approximately 8.5 hectares, where visitors can explore geological heritage sites.

Despite its modest size, Mauritius possesses all the elements of favorable natural conditions, geographical advantages, and human resources. Only by experiencing it firsthand can one truly understand the accuracy of the American writer Mark Twain's statement, "Paradise is a copy of Mauritius."

Source: https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/mauritius-noi-thien-duong-ha-gioi/