Journalism of Courage
There are the Indian-style havelis and there are the French chateaus. There are even French villas with a Hindu temple on the porch. These villas are mostly home to ethnic Biharis, who speak fluent French. And then there are beaches, mountains, old forts, flora and fauna. Add to all this a liberal dose of flavours and aromas and that's Mauritius for you. (Text and photos: Divya A)
It was in 1715 that the French colonised Mauritius and rechristened it Isle de France. The reign that lasted for a century has left an everlasting impact on the country's culture and architecture. Even today, you will find inumerable French villas and chateus in dotting the island's landscape. The photo shows the interior of Chateau de Labourdonnais in the southern part of Mauritius, which dates back to 150 years. (Text and photos: Divya A)
Most of the chateaus, as the picture demonstrates, were located in the middle of sugar-cane fields and functioned as the field supervisor's office. Many of them have now been converted into tourist attractions, offering visitors a feel of yesteryears and a chance to sample the Franco-Mauritian cuisine as well. Some of them also house small museums. (Text and photos: Divya A)
This is what they call a 'Godon' in Mauritius. Curious name? Not really, if you consider their Anglo-French lingusitic heritage. Godon is actually another name for a godown. The picture shows a godon inside Chateau de Labourdonnais. (Text and photos: Divya A)
A rare old French-style oven at a chateau. (Text and photos: Divya A)
In 1598, the Dutch touched the island for the first time, and introduced sugar cane here. Even though they abandoned the island in 1710, sugar cane fields can be seen everywhere even today. One of the old sugar cane field-cum-factory is now a tourist attraction in Mauritius. Now called Sugar World, it offers all things sugary — history, varieties, recipes, varieties of sugar and even rum, which is a by-product of sugar cane. (Text and photos: Divya A)
At Sugar World, you can indulge in no less than 30 varities of sugar, each holding a special place on the culinary chart. While one variety is good for coffee, other is ideal for baking and a third is best suited for cooking. Take your pick! (Text and photos: Divya A)
On display at Sugar World is also the entire process of making sugar out of sugar cane, transporting it, packaging it and notes from history. (Text and photos: Divya A)
Most houses on the street are French-villa style. What marks the home of ethnic French or African population from that of Indian Hindus (mostly from Bihar) is a small temple in the main porch. (Text and photos: Divya A)
While driving past on the clean but narrow highways, you can also spot big Hindu temples, like the one in the picture. (Text and photos: Divya A)
There are signs of India everywhere. For instance, this roadside eatery in Port Louis called Delhi Taj, thronged by localites for Dal Puri, the most popular street food in Mauritius. (Text and photos: Divya A)
You thought a part of Bihar. No, it's actually a Bihari area off Port Louis. And you will find many such oh-too-familiar hoarding dotting the island. (Text and photos: Divya A)
These days, Mauritius is also touting to be a golfer's paradise. There are many picturesque golf courses here, such as Heritage Golf Course, Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course, etc., which offer not only a stunning lush green view of the meadows, but a perfect playing environment as well. (Text and photos: Divya A)
Not only are these golf courses beautiful, the facilities are also upgraded from time to time to cater to the well-heeled golfers. Besides, the Pro shops are also well-equipped from golfing gear. (Text and photos: Divya A)
There is no dearth of flavours and aromas in the island. Street food aside, there are countless fine-dining and even a few Michelin-starred restaurants here, offering speciality cuisine. A photo above shows a helping of Palm Heart Salad. (Text and photos: Divya A)
Air Mauritius is the best way to fly to Mauritius. For nearly Rs 45,000 for a return ticket, you can get in Port Louis in about six-seven hours from Delhi or Mumbai. (Text and photos: Divya A)
