5 Days in Mauritius Itinerary

Mauritius is a vibrant island in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, known for its beaches, nature, and rich cultural mix.

Excited to share my 5 day journey exploring the Indian diaspora and its connection to my Guyanese Indian heritage.

Day 1: March 26, 2026

Traveled from the south to Port Louis in the north, passing a beautiful Hindu temple along the way.

Stayed at Villa Alizée, a family run hotel owned by a Mauritian Indian family, where homemade Indian meals were made with ingredients grown in the garden.

A journey through culture, connection, and the Indian diaspora linking Mauritius/East Africa, my birth country Guyana, and my home city of NYC

Day 2: March 27, 2026

After volunteering with a youth education NGO program in Mauritius, I explored the botanical garden with a local Mauritian Indian guide from the 5th generation Indian diaspora community – a meaningful connection to my own Guyanese Indian heritage.

As a museum lover, I also visited the Mauritius Natural History Museum and Postal Museum especially special since I inherited stamp collecting from my grandfather.

I also enjoyed Mauritian jackfruit fried rice, called katahar in Guyana, another connection through the Indian diaspora.

Grateful for such a meaningful day, topped off with a late afternoon swim and a healthy dinner prepared by the coolest Malagasy chef at Villa Alizee.

Day 3: March 28, 2026

Started the morning with prayers at one of Mauritius largest Hindu temples, followed by a tea tasting at a historic plantation overlooking lush green hills.

Explored Black River Gorges, Chamarel Waterfall, and the Seven Coloured Earth, enjoyed an authentic Mauritian Indian lunch served on banana leaves, and ended the evening with prawn curry, basmati rice, and dhal at Villa Alizee while appreciating Mauritius rich Indian Ocean seafood culture.

Day 4: March 29, 2026

A day on Mauritius beaches followed by a boat ride across the Indian Ocean – sun, sea, and island life. Met a local Mauritian from the Indian diaspora community; both of us are 6th generation descendants of Indians sent across the British Empire, wondering if our family lines once crossed before history scattered them across Mauritius, Guyana (birth country), and beyond.

Day 5: March 30, 2026

On my last day, I slept in before heading out to explore the city – enjoying a tea tasting with a cool Mauritian auntie, wandering through Chinatown, taking in the port views, listening to the prayer from a nearby mosque and eating dhal puri at a local market that reminded me of meals with my family in NYC.

I also visited the Blue Penny Museum, home of the world famous Blue Penny stamp and the story of Paul and Virginie. After a short nature walk, I returned to Villa Alizee for a final dinner of curry chicken, tea, and a bit of reading.

What I’ll remember most is how Mauritian history and culture connected with my own journey through the Indian diaspora from India to Guyana to NYC. Grateful for the kindness and care, and for the chance to have vacation time to travel with purpose: to support local communities, and to learn, laugh a lot, and reflect with people I may never meet again.