BUS
BUS
BUS — Mauritius has a number of regional bus companies that operate cheap and reliable services to various places around the island. Port Louis has two main bus stations, Victoria Square for southern and western routes and Immigration Square for northern, eastern and short distance city travel.
In terms of price, a bus ticket is very cheap, from 15 Rs (~ 40 eurocents) for a short trip to 30 Rs (~ 70 eurocents) for a long one, so you might want to keep some change in your pockets. The express buses have an air-conditioning system, but you will be charged extra for that little cold breeze. Also, if you travel with a large bag, you might have to pay for an extra seat.
Visitors would be advised to travel via the express buses, as standard buses can be notoriously slow taking up to twice as long to reach destinations. Buses on major routes usually run every 15 minutes, but express buses are less frequent. Tickets can be bought from the bus conductor, or from operators at the stations but be sure to hold onto them as they are often checked.
There are no published timetables available, so to obtain more information contact the National Transport Authority. + 230 202 2800 or nta@govmu.org
TAXI
TAXI
TAXI – taxis with friendly drivers are plentiful and one of the best ways to get out and experience all the island has to offer. Vehicles are obliged by law to have a meter, although they are seldom used, so be prepared to negotiate a price before setting off.
Hotels often have their own taxi stand, with set prices which can be a convenient although pricier option. It is possible to hire a taxi for full day tours of the Island, which can be arranged via your hotel or by talking to drivers themselves. Prices for a day trip range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500.
Here are some taxi companies that operate in Mauritius:
Mauritius Taxi Services: +230 5259 4203
Taxicab Mauritius: +230 212 5478
Taxis Mauritius: +230 5794 5443
Taxi Service Mauritius: +230 5728 1471
TaxiServices.mu: +230 206 9630
La Tour des Hollandais
La Tour des Hollandais (Royal Road, Old Grand Port) — a few meters from the Frederik Hendrik Museum lies the Tour Des Hollandais (Dutchmen’s Tower), an old watch tower. – It is a vestige of the French colonial period and was used as a vantage point to observe the bay of Grand Port for any incoming ships. The security of the colony was particularly of great concern to the French. Attacks from the British to invade the island were more frequent and intimidating. In August 1810 a squadron of frigates from the British Royal Navy launched a battle, which in Mauritian history is known as the Naval Battle of Grand Port, to take possession of the port. The British, however, suffered heavy losses and were defeated.
L’Aventure du Sucre
L’Aventure du Sucre
L’Aventure du Sucre (Beau Plan, Pamplemousses) – this is a museum dedicated to the history of sugar (the one-time engine of the island’s economy). The museum teaches visitors everything they need to know about the history of sugar and how it is intrinsically linked to that of Mauritius. The story told by L’Aventure du Sucre will fascinate children and adults. The entire history of sugar in Mauritius is charted by the museum; its evolution on the island from the time of the first colonists to modern production techniques, technical progress in sugar manufacture, and facts on sugar cane and its impact on the world economy.
Admission: Rs. 350 (adult tourist), Rs. 175 (child tourist and students), Rs. 150 (local adult), Rs. 75(children/students/seniors). Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (daily inc. public holidays).
Government House
Government House
Government House (Intendance Street, Port Louis) – this is a colonial building that was constructed in 1738 by the former French Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais. This is one of the island’s oldest buildings, and there’s even a statue of Queen Victoria toward its entrance – an enduring reminder of Mauritius’ subsequent period of British rule.
Frederik Hendrik Museum
Frederik Hendrik Museum (Royal Road, Old Grand Port) – located an hour’s drive (45 km.) southeast of Port Louis, this museum opened its doors in May 1999 and is named after the stadtholder of the United Provinces of The Netherlands who was in office from 1625 to 1647. It is located at Old Grand Port, which is considered a historical site bearing witness to the Dutch and French colonial settlements in Mauritius, on the south east coast of Mauritius. The very first inhabitants of Mauritius, the Dutch, settled here to colonize the island. The museum, surrounded by a luxuriant tropical garden, includes a visitors’ centre with an exhibition of artifacts found during archaeological excavations in the area since 1997 and the remains of some ruins.
Reproduction of historical paintings and maps of the 17th century are also displayed in the complex. The existing ruins are remains of compounds erected by the French who came to Mauritius after the Dutch settlers’ departure. They consist of relics of the governor’s main residence, a bakery and a building which sheltered a store, a forge and a prison cell.
When Simonsz Gooyer, the first Dutch Governor of Mauritius, and his men landed at Old Grand Port, (which they named Port Zuydoosterhaven), in 1638 he built a small fort on this site. The fort was named Fort Frederik Hendrik to honor the brother of the Prince of Orange – Maurice of Nassau – after whom Mauritius was named in 1598.
Admission: free. Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Sundays & public holidays). Closed on Wednesday.
Fort Adelaide
Fort Adelaide
Fort Adelaide (Sebastopol Street, Port Louis) — named after the Queen Adelaide, the fort has been built between 1834 and 1840, under the direction of William IV. At 240 ft. above sea level, Fort Adelaide, also known as ‘La Citadelle’ has fulfilled the strategic purpose of guarding the harbor against enemy attacks and fires that broke in the city of Port Louis. Today, thanks to the efforts by the Municipality to preserve this cultural heritage, it is the only one, out of the four forts built in Port Louis not to end up in ruins. A ride uphill to Fort Adelaide will guarantee you a breathtaking view of the city of Port Louis, nestled at the foot of the Port Louis / Moka mountain ranges and stretching towards the harbor. From this vintage point, you will find old buildings standing in juxtaposition to the modern skyscrapers. On your left, is the Champs de Mars, hard to miss for it is the only green patch in the busy city of Port Louis. Admission: free..
Sugar Museum and Factory
Sugar Museum and Factory
Sugar Museum and Factory (Beau Plan, Pamplemousses, B18) — rising above the sea of green sugar cane fields, like a great ship at anchor, the old Beau Plan sugar mill (located 20 minutes northeast of Port Louis) has a long history. By following the trail of the Sugar Adventure with over 250 years of existence, you can trace the history of the whole country.
The tour of the old sugar mill, which has been transformed into a modern museum, lasts about 1:30 hours, at the end of tour, delightful sugar and rum tastings await the visitor. The adventure starts behind the facade of the factory building, with tales woven around the life story of sugar, which for long period of time has been the main product of Mauritius. You will then visit the enormous factory, its decade-old machines decked with a thousand lights. A sugarcane hedge leads the way to the fully restored and converted sugar factory where films evoking the early years of Mauritius appear on giant screens. The factory was used until the 1970s to transport sacks of sugar in the port. Today you can see how the docks used to be in those times and discover their importance to Mauritius. Admission: Rs. 350 (tourist adult); Rs. 175 (tourist children 6-12 years and students);.Rs. 150 (local adult), Rs. 75 (local seniors, students, and children 6-12 years). Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (daily).
Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre
Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre
Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (Old Moka Rd, Port Louis) – this scientific institute (known locally as RGSC) opened in December 2004. Working with the support of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, RGSC aims to create awareness of science and technology, encourage creativity and innovation, especially in children, and educate about and enhance public understanding of science and technology. The Centre also hosts Sky Observation nights, science film screenings, workshops, and lectures. Admission: Rs. 100 (adult tourist), Rs. 50 (tourist child), Rs. 40 (adult resident), Rs. 20 (senior resident), Rs. 25 (secondary & post-secondary students), Rs. 15 (primary school students), Rs. 10 (pre-primary school students), free (children less than 3 years). Hours: 10;00 am – 4:30 pm (daily).
Port Louis Theatre
Port Louis Theatre
Port Louis Theatre (Remy Ollier Street, Port Louis) – this theater (the oldest in the Indian Ocean region) was built in 1822 by the first British Governor of Mauritius (Sir. Robert Farquhar), in response to local demand for quality entertainment. This 600-seat theater is decorated in a classic London theater style. Mauritian artists and international troupes would regularly frequent the theatre for a long winter season of plays and opera, performing such works as La Bohême, The Barber of Seville, Il Trovatore, Rigoletto and Aïda. Night trains were even provided to allow opera-goers to return home late at night after the performances and the cultural reviews Port Louis Mondain and Maurice Théâtre covered events in the press. The theatre is currently closed and undergoing renovations.
