## Discover some of the historical places of Mauritius


**Table of Content** 

- Aapravasi Ghat
- Mauritius Glass Gallery
- Eureka House

Amidst the beautiful beaches and natural wonders that Mauritius has to offer, our island has rich historical facts to share as well.

We have come up with three not-to-be-missed historical visits during your stay in Mauritius.

## Historical Tour – Aapravasi Ghat

The Aapravasi Ghat is an exclusive UNESCO world heritage site is a historical symbol of 70% of our ancestors who came to Mauritius between the year of 1850 to 1923.

You can visit spots like ‘The Immigrant’s Kitchen’ and the ‘Sardar’s Quarters’ which is a tribute to indentured labourers.

Aapravasi Ghat Mauritius opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 12 PM
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays.

## The Mauritius Glass Gallery

The ultimate goal of the Mauritius glass gallery is to protect the environment by recycling glass waste.

Founded in 1991, you will find unique pieces of art crafted locally and is 100% recycled glass. You will even have the chance to assist artistic workers and skilled glassblowers working their magic.

You can also have your name engraved in one of the glasses to take back as souvenirs.

## Eureka House

The eureka house which was once a grand mansion in the year 1800 has now been transformed into an antique museum.

This majestic place hosts various antiques, furniture and has 109 doors along with servant quarters!

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Eureka Colonial House Mauritius

Amidst the beautiful beaches and natural wonders that Mauritius has to offer, we have come up with several not-to-be-missed historical places to visit.

Top historical places to visit in Mauritius

## Discover some interesting places in Port Louis Mauritius

**Table of Contents**

- Caudan Waterfront
- Champ de Mars
- Central Market
- Mauritius Photography Museum

Named after King Louis IV,  Port Louis Mauritius capital is known as the busiest city in the country.

However, it is also the town where everything is available in terms of food, shopping centres, and cultural heritage.

## Caudan Waterfront

Step into the heart of our capital Port-Louis Mauritius and discover Le Caudan Waterfront where you will encounter various local artisans at the Craft Market.

On your way down the craft market, don’t miss out on our unique sugar cane juice – ‘fangourin’!

You will stumble upon PEM, the sculptor whose soul resides in distinctive woodworks created out of magnificent trees.

## Champ de Mars

Founded in 1812 and located in Port-Louis, Champ de Mars is the second-oldest racecourse in the world and is now the most popular sport in Mauritius.

The horse races are usually held on Saturdays where you can enjoy a live sporting event among the locals.

You can book VIP seats as well to get a better view from the top.

## Central Market (Bazaar)

Known as “Bazaar Port Louis” or Port Louis Central Market to every Mauritian, the Bazaar is located along La Corderie street. Get fresh vegetables and fruits in the mornings!

If you want to take some souvenirs or gifts from your holidays, head over to the local artisans’ sections to get glass sculptures, musical instruments, and jewellery!

## Mauritius Photography Museum

If you are a photophile like us, then the Mauritius photography museum should be on your list!

You will find some of the best collections of cameras and even historical photos taken on the island.

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Port Louis Mauritius

Named after King Louis IV, Port Louis Mauritius's capital is known as the busiest city in the country. Discover interesting places in Port Louis Mauritius.

Interesting Places To Visit In Port Louis

## When is Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius?

The Maha Shivaratri Festival will be held on the 8 March 2024

When we hear about islands, we have a picture of extraordinary nature with beach landscapes or one of mouth-watering luxury.

However, Mauritius offers more than that… we are just a call away. Let us help you to tailor your perfect trip to Mauritius.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE MAHA SHIVARATRI PILGRIMS

**PHIL COUSTINEAU (The art of pilgrimage)**

_“In each of us dwells a wanderer, a gypsy, a pilgrim.”_

Located in the centre of the island, [Grand Bassin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SzH4j8RmD0) is a crater lake, which is surrounded by rich and verdant nature. Its waters abound with fish and eels.

Fringed by whitewashed Hindu temples, it attracts thousands of pilgrims in the month of February each year. The Maha Shivaratri Festival will be held on the 18 February 2023.

Maha Shivaratri, the night of Shiva is a Hindu festival to honour [Lord Shiva](https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/religion/article/lord-shiva-and-his-nineteen-avatars-all-you-need-to-know/727337#:~:text=imperfections%20and%20illusions-,Lord%20Shiva%20is%20one%20of%20the%20towering%20deities%20of%20the,Vishnu%20is%20the%20%22protector%22.&text=This%20Hindu%20deity%2C%20in%20a,the%20form%20of%20a%20Linga.), one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Shiva is also believed to be the energy in every living being.

The celebration is preceded by a few days of fasting, thought to detoxify the body and aid meditation. It is interesting to note that fasting in Hinduism is referred to as having a plant-based diet for each meal.

Pilgrims often carrying the Kawars, cross the length and breadth of the island to reach Grand Bassin. For a week or so, the Kawars offer a spectacle of colours dotting the main streets around the island.

Participating in the pilgrimage is a unique experience. One can easily slip into meditation while listening to the chants. A sense of oneness and peace can be felt during the festival.

Volunteers set up tents in their yards or by the roadside and invite the pilgrims for a meal or for tea and some even provide an area to rest. Trays of food and drinks bring people of all faiths together in laughter, joy and spirituality.

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Maha Shivaratri, the night of Shiva is a Hindu festival to honour Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is celebrated in Mauritius.

When is Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius? | 2024

## Discovery of museums in Mauritius


**Table of Content** 

- National History Museum
- Frederik Hendrik Museum
- Natural History Museum

Mauritius was formed by a volcanic eruption 10 million years ago, Mauritius was first discovered in the 16th century. From there, it opened doors to rich multicultural stories till we got our independence in 1968. Our country has preserved its cultural heritage in various museums across the island.

Step into the captivating history of Mauritius through the museums below:

## National History Museum

Known as Chateau Gheulde or Maison Robillard. This old French colonial country house was built around 1772.

Revisit the battle of the French and British navy through the museum through a collection of prints, paintings, miniature sculptures, and old documents from a famous Mauritian artist, Prosper d’Epinay

Visiting hours:

– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 09 00 am to 16 00 pm
– Wednesday: 11 00 am to 16 00 pm
– Sunday and Public Holiday: 09 00 am to 12 00 pm

## Frederik Hendrik Museum

Constructed by the dutch sailors, this Vieux Grand Port Historic Site contains graffiti depicting 18th & 19th-century ships. You can catch sight of the ruins of the first Catholic Church established by Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1737.

Explore the permanent exhibition in the Main Hall where building materials (cannonballs, stones), potteries, clay pipes, and food remains of tortoises, shells among others are displayed.

Visiting hours:

– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 09 00 am to 16 00 pm
– Wednesday: 11 00 am to 16 00 pm
– Sunday: 09 00 am to 12 00 pm
– Public Holiday: Closed

## Natural History Museum

Get acquainted with our history with the oldest museum in Mauritius! Situated right in the capital (in front of Jardin de la Compagnie ), Port Louis, the museum has 3 galleries. The first one educates visitors about endemic animals such as the Dodo bird and Rodrigue Solitaire bird.

The second gallery is about marine life (fish, sharks, crabs) and you will find a very rare urchin named “ Acanthocidaris curvastispina ” and if you are into geology, the third gallery will fascinate you with an illuminated model of a volcano.

Visiting Hours:

– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 09 00 am to 16 00 pm
– Wednesday: 11 00 am to 16 00 pm
– Saturday: 09 00 am to 12 00 pm
– Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed

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Museum Mauritius

Museums in Mauritius have preserved our cultural heritage over the years across different locations. Come and discover the island's captivating story!

Museums in Mauritius top 3 to visit for history enthusiasts

## Mauritius features third in Lonely Planet’s annual ‘Best in Travel’ list 2022

Lonely Planet which is regarded as one of the most illustrious travel guide publishers in the world, has revealed its top ten travel destinations to discover in 2022, with Mauritius being ranked third among the top places to visit.

The international travel guide corporate, which has been supplying travellers with engaging and reliable information since 1973, just released its yearly edition of Best in Travel list. This eagerly awaited list showcases Lonely Planet’s experience and knowledge on the most attractive destinations and travel opportunities for the upcoming year.

The Best in Travel list from Lonely Planet evaluates hundreds of popular destinations throughout the world, from which a selection is made by a panel of five travel professionals and connoisseurs. The top 10 counties in the 2022 edition were carefully selected for their relevance and preparedness to welcome guests in 2022, as well as their diverse experiences and "wow" effect, as well as their dedication to sustainable tourism practices.

This publication of the Best in travel list from Lonely Planet focuses on the greatest sustainable travel experiences and illustrates how travellers can make a good impact on the planet by offering helpful guidance on sustainable travel options and educating readers on how to support local communities and celebrate diversity and equality.

Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Steven Obeegadoo commented: “We are pleased that Lonely Planet has nominated Mauritius as one of the most exciting destinations for 2022. Throughout recent years, Mauritius has been lauded for implementing sustainable activities and practices for incoming travellers. Mauritius is an outstanding model of eco-tourism in action, with a multitude of green zones, including forests, parks, and nature reserves, as well as eco-friendly activities such as electric bikes and the prohibition of single-use plastics.”

The publication of Lonely Planet's annual "best in travel list" of destinations and travel experiences, according to Tom Hall, VP of Experience, could not come at a better moment. It's time to dust off those long-postponed travel dreams and make them come true after a forced hiatus." In addition, Hall stated: "From the lagoons and forests of the Cook Islands to the waterfalls and mountains of Iceland's Westfjords, to Auckland's natural and urban wonders, the lists celebrate the planet in all its magnificent alluring variety.

The Top 10 Countries category was one of four categories in the list which also included Top 10 Regions, Top 10 Cities and Top 10 Best Value Destinations.

You can view the list of COVID-19 travel protocols on www.mauritiusnow.com

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Best in travel Mauritius

Lonely Planet one of the most illustrious travel guide publishers in the world recently published its annual Best in travel list with Mauritius in the top 3.

Top historical places to visit in Mauritius

Discover some of the historical places of Mauritius

Historical Tour – Aapravasi Ghat

The Mauritius Glass Gallery

Eureka House

Suggested article

Interesting Places To Visit In Port Louis

When is Maha Shivaratri festival in Mauritius? | 2024

Museums in Mauritius top 3 to visit for history enthusiasts

Best in travel List - Mauritius named in Lonely planet's top three destinations to visit in 2022

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