As I landed in Mauritius, I was eager to explore the island’s rich tapestry of history and culture. My first stop was Crystal Car Rental, where I picked up my trusty companion for the week – a compact, fuel-efficient car that would take me across the island. The staff at Crystal were incredibly helpful, providing me with maps and local insights that would prove invaluable during my journey. They even helped me plan my route, suggesting some off-the-beaten-path locations that weren’t in my original itinerary. With keys in hand and a sense of excitement, I set off on my Mauritian adventure.
Day 1 found me in Port Louis, the vibrant capital. I kicked things off at the Blue Penny Museum in the Caudan Waterfront. As a bit of a history buff, I was fascinated by the rare stamps and colonial artifacts on display. The famous 1847 “Post Office” stamps were a highlight – it’s not every day you see something so small yet so significant to a country’s history.
Next, I drove to Aapravasi Ghat, and I have to say, standing at this UNESCO World Heritage site gave me goosebumps. Knowing that over 450,000 indentured laborers passed through here, shaping Mauritius’s very fabric, was humbling. I spent a good hour just soaking in the atmosphere and reading the informative plaques.
I wrapped up my first day at the Central Market. The colors, smells, and sounds were overwhelming in the best way possible. I tried some local street food and picked up some unique spices – the vanilla beans here are incredible!
The next morning, I pointed my car southeast towards Mahébourg, about 50 km from Port Louis. The drive was smooth, and I arrived at the National History Museum in just under an hour. Housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion, the museum was a treasure trove of artifacts from Dutch, French, and British colonial periods. I was particularly intrigued by the items salvaged from shipwrecks – they really brought the maritime history of the island to life.
A short drive took me to Vieux Grand Port, where I explored the Frederik Hendrik Museum. Standing at the site of the first Dutch landing in 1638 felt like stepping back in time. The archaeological findings here painted a vivid picture of early colonial life.
Day 3 saw me heading to Moka in the central plateau. Eureka House was a revelation – this perfectly preserved Creole mansion from 1830 offered an intimate look into colonial life. The surrounding gardens and waterfalls were a photographer’s dream.
Nearby, I spent a couple of hours wandering through the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. Did you know it’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere? Established in 1770, it’s a testament to Mauritius’s long history of botanical research.
My journey continued southwest to Chamarel. The Seven Coloured Earth was unlike anything I’d ever seen – sand dunes in seven distinct colors, a unique geological wonder. The nearby Chamarel Waterfall, at 100 meters tall, was equally impressive. I ended this day at the Rhumerie de Chamarel, where I learned about (and sampled!) the island’s rum-making traditions.
Day 5 took me to Grand Bassin and Ganga Talao. The 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva at this sacred Hindu lake left me awestruck. I was lucky enough to visit during the Maha Shivaratri festival, and the energy was electric.
On day 6, I drove to Flacq on the east coast. The Sagar Shiv Mandir, with its intricate architecture and vibrant colors, was a visual feast. The nearby Flacq Market gave me another chance to immerse myself in local culture – I even tried my hand at bargaining!
I concluded my journey back in Port Louis, visiting the Citadel Fort and Le Morne Cultural Landscape. Standing atop Le Morne, knowing its history as a shelter for runaway slaves, was a powerful end to my trip.
Throughout this 270 km journey, I was continually struck by the diversity and depth of Mauritian culture. From colonial relics to sacred sites, natural wonders to bustling markets, every day brought new discoveries. And I have to say, having the freedom to explore at my own pace, thanks to my rental car from Crystal, made all the difference. It allowed me to truly immerse myself in the experience, stopping whenever something caught my eye or lingering at sites that resonated with me.
As I reluctantly handed back the keys to Crystal Car Rental, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I had experienced, thanks to the seamless service they provided. From the moment I picked up the car, everything about the rental process was smooth and hassle-free. Their well-maintained vehicle allowed me to explore Mauritius with complete freedom, navigating through the vibrant streets of Port Louis and relaxing on the serene beaches of Grand Baie, all without any worry. The convenience of having a reliable car enhanced every part of my trip, giving me the flexibility to discover the island’s hidden gems on my own schedule. Returning the car was just as easy—the process was quick and efficient, leaving me with nothing but positive memories. Thanks to Crystal Car Rental, my journey through Mauritius was not only comfortable but truly memorable, and I look forward to coming back and using their service again.
Thank you for writing this post. I like the subject too.
Your articles are extremely helpful to me. May I ask for more information?