Rodrigues Island Mauritius

For a taste of Mauritius the way it was before the tourists started to arrive,Rodrigues is the perfect place to go.It’s a placid,peaceful,relaxing small island where the world beyond can be quickly forgotten.

Map of Rodrigues Island

Part of Mauritius yet a separate island, rustic Rodrigues is a90-minute flight east, but a world away in terms of experience.Despite its 20 secluded beaches,virgin dive sites, big game fishing, kitesurfing and the region’s best octupus curry, few people visit the island .

Sleepy Rodrigues (11* 5 miles) is about the size of  jersey and known locally as the ‘anti-stress’ island.The pace is as slow as the tortoises that once roamed the island. Creole women in straw hats spear octopus in the lagoon, fisherman still set sail in wooden pirogues and the capital, Port Mathurin, is just seven street wide.

Often likened to how Mauritius was many years ago, Rodrigues is still relatively unspoilt and the revages of cyclones in the past have left it rather barren in parts.It is a great place for walking/hiking and the coastline in some areas is very rugged, almost Cornwall like.

Rodrigues is perfect  for those looking for something different in the Indian Ocean. For divers there are some great virgin dive sites and for simply beach lovers the beaches are almost deserted and are superb for kite surfing. You can hire a bike and explore as there’s not much chance of getting lost.

The capital of Port Mathurin is a small relaxing town with some interesting restaurants and shops. Picks up some polished coconut jewellery, raffia crafts and coral curios.

For a guided tour of Rodrigues,  a four-wheel drive excursion generally costs less than £20  for the day and includes a bbq lunch. One of the highlights is Mont Limon, the island’s highest point rising 1,300 feet above sea level. You can also hike to Caverne Patate, a huge cave with towering stalactites and stalagmites.

Take an excursion to the Robinson Crusoe-style bird sanctuary of llu Aux Cocos (Coconut island) where noddies bob on palms in the wind and sooty terns call ‘yeh yeh’.

Hotels are few and far between. The Cotton Bay is the best known .Nestled on the beautiful Pointe Coton beach, this rustic three-star is an idyllic bungalow, kayaking, pedaloes and snorkelling.

The Creole style Hotel Mourock Ebony

The Creole style Hotel Mourock Ebony near the village of Port Sud-Est has 30 rooms with air conditioning. There’s no TV or phones in the rooms, but there’s a good range of free activities from archery to beach volleyball and there’s even a mini club for little ones with a lovely playground and farm visits.

Fact about Rodrigues Island

More Details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodrigues

http://www.mauritiustourism.co.uk/

Tags: Rodrigues Island, Rodrigues Island Mauritius