Vieux Grand Port

In 1598 the Dutch came into the scene when Vice Admiral Vybrant Van Warwick claimed the island for the Netherlands and named it Mauritius in honour of his ruler, Prince Maurice of Nassau (Pictured on the left). However it was not until 1636 that the Dutch established the first settlement on the southeast coast of the island where they built the first harbour. Today that location is part of one of the major flourishing towns of the country, called Mahébourg.

Devils Point, 8km north of Vieux Grand Port, was once the site of a French coastal battery. The cannons remain.

In the Port Louis district, no fewer than 66 national monuments have been designated. The Rum Warehouse Building near Immigration Square was deproclaimed and dismantled but a new national monument, the old wooden home of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, has been added to the list. While some of the Port Louis monuments are buildings, such as the General Post Office, Fort Adelaide, Line Barracks, Trou Fanfaron Police Station near the Port Louis waterfront, and Government House, others are statues and tombs. There are 62 other national monuments throughout the country.

1. Deep sea fishing: Some of the finest game fishing available occurs in the deep water surrounding Mauritius.
2. Maha Shivaratree Festival: In February or March the Hindus honour Lord Shiva by making a pilgrimage to Grand Bassin Lake.
3. Snorkelling: Snorkelling on the coral reefs

Overlooking Vieux Grand Port is Lion Mountain so named because it resembles a crouching lion. There are two routes up - one via the road opposite the church in the town through the cemetery; and the other via police station. Both lead through sugar cane fields on the footslopes. The climb is relatively to easily although steep.

Scenic view of Lion Mountain