Port Louis

Introduction
Port Louis is a large city (if compare it with the size of the country), largest port, and a commercial hub of Mauritius, a small island country in the Western Indian Ocean. Port Louis was an inhabited place before coming of the Europeans and when the Dutch landed here in 1598, they decided to make the city a calling place for trade to South Africa. The city today is totally in contrast of that situation with a multitude of cultural groups and so many activities going at a time. There are many places of tourist interest in the city and a visit to Port Louis is necessary to feel the pulse of this small country.

What to do
Port Louis offers a wide range of activities for the tourists who want a taste of this place. There are activities like windsurfing, kayaking, boating, undersea walking, and others to participate in and they should take most of the time you have decided to spend here. There are attractions to see and there are museums to visit and all of them should be their on your schedule. For the food lovers, Mauritius and especially Port Louis provide a chance to satisfy your test beds with a cuisine that represents the composite culture that has developed over the years in Port Louis.

City at a Glance
Latitude20º09'
Longitude57º29'
Population138,200
LanguageEnglish, Creole, French, Hindi, Hakka, and Bhojpuri
ReligionHinduism, Christianity, Islam
Telephone Code0230




History
Before 1598, entire Mauritius was almost unknown to the rest of the world though some Arabian travellers visited the islands before that. In 1598, Dutch landed here and tried to established their settlement their, but remained unsuccessful. One change that they made to the status of this place was to give it a name, Mauritius.

Dutch abandoned the place in 1710 and French took place from where they left. They changed the name to Isle de France and established Port Louis as their naval base. Most of the major construction they did at that time still remains in the city. In 1910, British captured the Island and by the Treaty of Paris in 1814, the name of the place was reverted back to as Mauritius. British created major changes in the social and political fabric of the country, slavery was abolished and indentured labor was brought in from India to work on the sugar farms. With the rise in sugar plantations and its productivity the island flourished and led to development of necessary infrastructure. In 1968, Mauritius adopted a new constitution and independence was achieved with Port Louis being the capital.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
July to September is the best time to visit Port Louis when temperature drops from its summer highs and there is little or no rain. Summer is very hot and humid and certainly the best time to be in Port Louis. Christmas sees a heavy rush of tourists visiting this small place to enjoy the fun - filled activities that places around Port Louis provide.

Attractions
Place d'Armes
Despite the rule of three different European powers one by one, it is the French influence that found favour in Port Louis. Place d'Armes off the main square is the place where you would find many a French colonial buildings and especially the Government House and Municipal theatre.

Museums
At Natural History Museum near Port Louis Market, you can see the stuffed replica of extinct dodo and many other extinct bird species. Mauritius Postal Museum features collection of Mauritian stamps and assorted philately.

Armed Forces Museum
Run by the royal army of Oman, this museum showcases the history of Oman in detail. Inside the museum there are many rooms dedicated to the history of Omani army and some of the great battles it fought. The museum is open on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday only.

Fort Adelaide
This is a citadel fortified during the reign of William IV of Britain and only one of the four forts built by British which is not in ruins now. From here you can have the best views of the city and other important places around.

Other Important Places
Other places that can be visited in Muscat are Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Marine Science and Fisheries Centre, and Natural History Museum.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Major festivals in this part of the world are Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, Christmas, and Easter apart from many secular festivals and celebrations that the city organises throughout the year.

PLACES NEARBY
Le Reduit is the colonial residence of former French Governor General set amidst beautiful gardens. Apart from Le Reduit, you can also visit places like Beau Bassin, Rose Hill, Quatre Borness and Vacoas driving out of Port Louis.

AFTER HOURS
There is not much of nightlife in the city except for the Le Caudan Waterfront where there are Chinese shops, bars, restaurants, and casino.

SHOPPING
Port Louis Market in the heart of the city has various sections devoted to fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, souvenirs, crafts, clothing, and spices and certainly the best place to do some shopping in Port Louis.

WHERE TO STAY
There are hotels, resorts, hostels, apartments, and campsites providing cheap to luxury accommodation options to the travellers of every budget. Services are really high quality and multiple activities are organised by most of the hotels in the city.

WHERE TO EAT
Like the cultural diversity of the city, there is diversity in the cuisine also and that presents a rather strange but delightful combinations. A feast here includes a combination of Indian, Chinese, European, and Creole dishes. Seafood in Port Louis is delightful and should not be missed.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is at a drive of around two hours from Port Louis near Mahébourg in south-eastern Mauritius. There are flights to most of the capital cities of Europe (there are good number of flights from France), North America, Africa, and Europe. There are no direct airport buses to take you to Port Louis, but express bus services do run and they provide good service. It takes around two hours to reach the city centre from the airport and start running early in the morning.

Land And Water
There is good number of buses running between the cities. Port Louis has got two bus stations, one known as Victoria Square Terminus has buses to southern and western routes and other known as Labourdonnais Bus Terminus has buses for the shorter distances and places around the city.

Local Transport
most of the city can be walked on foot and there is not much need of a taxi or any other transport mode. Just in case you require the help of transport, there are taxis with printed fares that can take you to any corner of the city.

Travel Resources
Tourist Information
Ministry of Tourism
Level 12, Air Mauritius Center,
John Kennedy Street,
Port Louis.
Tel : 210 1329
Fax : 208 6776

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
Head Office, 11th Floor
Air Mauritius Centre
John Kennedy Street, Port Louis
Mauritius
Tel : 230 210 1545
Fax : 230 212 5142

Information Counter
Port Louis Waterfront
Tel : 230 208 6397

Information Counter
SSR Airport
Tel : 230 637 3635

Post Office
Post Office Headquarters
Quay Street
Port Louis
Mauritius
Tel (+230) 208 2851
Fax (+230) 212 9640

Banks
Banque Internationale des Mascareignes
4th Floor Barkly Wharf, Le Caudan Waterfront, PO Box 489, Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel (230) 212 4978/82/90
Fax (230) 212 4983

Bank International Indonesia
5th floor, Barkly Wharf (left wing)
Caudan Waterfron
Port Louis