The Mascareignes Archipel is made up of Mauritius, Reunion island and Rodrigues. It obtained its name after the dutch navigator Pero Mascarenhas who was one of the first europeans to indicate its existence at the begining of the 16th century. Mauritius, independent state, is situated at 890 KM east of Madagascar, between 19?50' and 20?32' of south latitude and 57?18' and 57?46' of East Longtitude. Reunion, french island, is 200 km south west and Rodridues, a dependence of Mauritius is 600 km to the East North East.
LOCATION
Located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2000 kilometers east of mainland Africa, the island of Mauritius is an oblong mass of coral reefs born out of a primeval volcanic eruption.
CLIMATE:
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature throughout the year. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons.
Honeymoon Attractions in Maldives
| |
KAAFU (MAL?) ATOLL ? NORTH MAL?
The capital of the Maldives, Mal?, is situated close to the airport on the southern point of the North Mal? Atoll. Although accommodation is available, very few foreign visitors stay in the capital; even those doing business normally stay in one of the nearby resort islands and travel to Mal? by boat. The capital has several shops which sell examples of local handicrafts and imported goods. Other attractions include the Mulee-aage, a former palace; |
GIRAAVARU
The island of Giraavaru lies 11km (7 miles) west of the airport. It can be reached by speed boat (travel time ? 15 minutes) or by normal transfer boat (travel time ? 45 minutes). The well-appointed rooms face either a tropical garden or have a view of the Indian Ocean.
IHURU
This small island is exceedingly beautiful and much photographed. The accommodation consists of simple bungalows.
BANDOS ISLAND
East of Baros is the island of Bandos, one of the larger resorts whose accommodation consists of well-furnished beach bungalows with a view of the beach. There is a particularly good diving school; one of the attractions is a dive down to the aptly-named Shark Point.
KURUMBA
A tiny island covering an area of half a square mile, Kurumba is 15 minutes by boat from the airport and 10 minutes from Mal?. There are conference facilities, swimming pools, gymnasia and jacuzzis, as well as five restaurants. Most watersports can be arranged, including scuba diving; the colorful fish in the lagoon will eat out of your hand.
|
