Overview :
Mauritius was first discovered by the Arabs as early as in the 10th century, but officially explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch in the 17th century. The Dutch were the ones who named the island in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU.
Mauritius was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and later by the French (1715-1810). The French assumed control in 1715, developing the island into an important naval base overseeing the Indian Ocean trade, and establishing a plantation economy of sugar cane. The British captured the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars through the Treaty of Paris. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later on, an air station playing an important role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as the collection of signals intelligence. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent.
Mauritius has earned the reputation of a top holiday destination, but only few of the island visitors know that Mauritius is one of the leading destinations in the world while referring to the large variety of the activities it offers in comparison to its size.
When visiting Mauritius you are sure to benefit from an amazing selection of almost 200 activities, attractions and places of interested all waiting to discovered. From more traditional museums, parks and reserves, to extreme activities, sea cruises, island trips and many more, you will find it all! So make sure to discover the real Mauritius to the fullest via the various fun and exciting activities it offers!

Currency
The Mauritian unit of currency is the rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents (c). There are coins of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 cents, and of 1, 5 and 10 Rupees (Rs). The bank note denominations are in 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees.

Shopping
Shopping hours in the main cities ranges from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern shopping centers (Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products.

Time
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of mid-European Time (2 hours difference during the winter time, and 4 hours difference during the summer time).

Best Time To Visit:
Mauritius has tropical climate and can be visited throughout the year. However, depending on what you want to do, here’s a monthly break up of Mauritius’s climatic conditions so that you can plan when to go: 
May to October: Winter, which is considered up-season in Mauritius, starts in the month of May. This is when the weather is at its most pleasant, with temperatures between 18 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius. The good weather makes activities like spending days on the beach, island hopping and exploring wildlife a comfortable experience. It is also the best time for surfers and water sport enthusiasts.

November to April: Summer months in Mauritius start from November and carry on until April. Pleasant weather stretches into December and by January the winter tourist crowds recede, allowing for bargains on hotel and flight deals. Summer is not so cool, with temperatures staying between 25 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius; and the frequent bouts of rain showers only add to the humidity.

Cyclone season: January to March is also cyclone season in Mauritius, so book those great hotel deals at your own risk! We also recommend staying clear of the east coast in the months of July and August, when the winds are at their strongest.