An Island of wonder and splendour, more than just a package holiday.
The most iconic and photographed picture of Mauritius has to be the underwater waterfall.
Here is the story behind this amazing phenomenon and more interesting facts about this beautiful island.
At the tender age of 7, on my first trip to Mauritius, staying in the Le Morne area, at The Paradis, little did I know at the time that this area was where the underwater waterfall could be found. Over 40 years later and over 9 trips to this beautiful island, it’s time to share at little more about this baffling phenomenon and more.
Visible all year round , perfectly safe to swim, surf or even kite surf, this waterfall is actually just an illusion that can be seen from up above. This is thanks to the crystal clear water which makes it possible to see, which is key. Falling into the unknown, it actually isn’t the water but rather the sand and silt sediments, perpetually moving, that misleads the eye.
A relatively young island, Mauritius sits on an ocean shelf, raised above seabed level. A gradual slope is noticed, ending in a 4000-meter-deep abyssal drop. With the help of marine topography, various shades of blue are visible, caused by the movement of sand and silt deposits along these slopes. The optical illusion, admired by many, is the unique harmony of shades, created by perfect movement of this sand and silt.
There is no better way to view this sight than with a helicopter ride, which will include the UNESCO, cultural landscape of the Le Morne peninsula. There has been even more discovery around this area, that’s a story for another time and just confirms my attraction to this magnificent island and all its hidden treasures, which I discover each and every time I visit it.
Many people know Mauritius for its all-inclusive package holidays, honeymoons and family holidays. Don’t get me wrong these are great, an island with as many activities as its cultures, it’s no wonder, even I can’t keep away. So for those looking for a little more than just the norm, here is my list of things to do over and above family time, endless food and liquid refreshments.
- Did you know that Mauritius has been the host to one of the most epic trail runs, Dodo Trail with over 10 000 runners in 10 years and spanning across 8 beautiful estates? Boasting even more events around kite-surfing and golf.
- Did you know that with heavy taxes levied on sugar globally and a decrease in the demand for this commodity, many sugar cane farmers have turned to the production of uniquely crafted rums? Dating back centuries, the revenue from the export of rum has more than doubled since 2010, bringing a wider range of products and new experiences travellers can have, with a visit to these distilleries.
- Did you know that many sugar cane farmers have now also turned to an even higher luxury item, vanilla? With the ever increasing demand for Vanilla, many of these plantations can be found at the rum distilleries, where a combination of the two create a truly unique flavour experience and super fun cocktail making workshops.
- Did you know, Ayurvedic medicine is a legalised alternative traditional medical system in the multicultural tropical island of Mauritius? This ancient wisdom of Ayurveda can be a powerful healing tool, an interrelated branch of the same great tree of Vedic knowledge, encompassing all human life and the entire universe, is yoga. Understanding the respective roles of Ayurveda and Yoga in the Vedic system, both practices can be found on the island of Mauritius.
With so much to see and do, options galore and even more findings each time you visit, like me, why not discover for yourself the true magic of this beautiful, amazing island and country?