Introduction
Situated at a distance of around 550 km off Mauritius though a part of the country, Rodrigues is a place that is strikingly beautiful and presents a view that is almost picture postcard quality. It is a mountainous region with lot of flora, marvellous beaches, and coral reefs that surrounds the island completely. The pace of life is leisurely and a perfect destination for the types who do not want to remain with regular hum - drum of some popular tourist destinations. So, if you are planning to visit Mauritius, do not miss Rodrigues Island.

What to do
Multitude of activities to do and as the life on the island is leisurely paced you need a minimum of five and a maximum of fifteen days to really appreciate the beauty and attitude of the place. Basking under the sun on the blue lagoonos beaches is just amazing and so is the underwater experience. Hiking, mountain biking, and participating in some water sports would certainly complete your amazing experience that is Rodrigues.

City at a Glance

Latitude 19º40S Longitude 63º25E Population 34,000 Area 144 Sq Km Language Creole, English, French Religion Christianity, Hinduism, Islam Telephone Code 0968

Weather and Best Season to Visit
You can visit Rodrigues Island almost any time of the year the climate here is pleasantly warm and somewhat drier than that of Mauritius. The island is prone to periodic cyclones, sometimes quite severe, between the months of November to May. Most of the precipitation takes place during the months of February and March. Average temperature during winters is 15ºC in the winters while it is around 30ºC in the summers.

Attractions
Beaches
Pointe Coton situated on the East Coast is the best beach on the island. Other good beaches are Trou d'Argent, St Francçois adn Petit Gravier.

Caves
In the south - west corner of the Island at Caverne Patate, there are some interesting stalagmite and stalactite cave. Permits are required to visit these caves and there are guided tours available.

Hiking
Mt Limon and Mt Malartic give good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking at more than 390 metres above the sea level. Coastal hiking is also possible from Port Mathurin, around the east end of the island to Port Sud - East.

Diving
Pointe colon and Pointe Roche Noire on the east coast provide best options for diving in the island and with the quality of marine life present it is quite an experience. There are some hotels that organise diving trips and do have their own diving centres.

Sports and Leisure
Bird watching, horse riding, and sailing are some of the activities that will certainly give some amount of high to the travellers.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Most of the festivals and celebrations that are celebrated in Mauritius mainland are celebrated here also. Some of the major festivals are Diwali, Holi, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Easter, and Eid ul Fitr.

SHOPPING
Main items of shopping are local crafts made up of varied materials that have remained unchanged over time. Forms created by coral blacks from the coral quarry is used to create different forms, coconut jewel, baskets made up of raffia, aloë, bamboo, and vetiver are the main items are create using coral blacks are the main items of shopping.

WHERE TO STAY
Port Mathurin is the administrative base of the island and it is here that you will find most of the hotels and other facilities that have developed in the last 20 years. There are some hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and other tourist accommodations here that can service a limited number of tourists.

WHERE TO EAT
Abundant lagoon seafood that the island produces forms a major part of the cuisine here. Ourite (Octopus) is fished, dried, and used in curries and most of the tomato based dishes. Rodrigues ham and free - range fowls are some of the other delicacies that must be tried in Rodrigues.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
There are two direct flights with 48 seats to and from Mauritius daily are operated. The island does not have any international air connection and these flights are the only way to land up on the island.

Land And Water
There are some ships that travel regularly to the island from Mauritius and takes around 2 days in journey. Tourists are generally not expected to use the ship and most of the first class cabins are utilised by the government officials.

Local Transport
Self-driven and guided cars can be hired from the local agents to move around in the island. You can also use the services of local buses as well as peddle around.

Travel Resources
Post Office
Main Post Office
Rue Mann, Port Mathurin
Tel: 8312098

Banks
Port Mathurin
Tel: 8311553

Indian Ocean International Bank
Port Mathurin
Tel: 8311591

State Bank
Port Mathurin
Tel: 8311642

Mauritius Commercial Bank
Port Mathurin
Tel: 8311833