Exploring the Beauty and History of Pointe du Diable, Mauritius
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Chapter 1: Journey to Pointe du Diable
On a bright March morning, we set off from Mahebourg for a brief scooter adventure along the east coast of Mauritius. It was the night before Maha Shivratri, a significant festival for the local Hindu community, and the roads were bustling with rathas—elaborate religious chariots adorned with symbols of deities and cows. Groups of devotees pushed these vehicles toward various pilgrimage sites, accompanied by cars blasting religious chants through loudspeakers. The holiday kept other vehicles off the road, allowing us to swiftly pass through the festive traffic.
After passing Lion Mountain and Old Grand Port, we arrived at our first destination: Pointe du Diable, known as Devil's Point. This stunning location marks the end of a long peninsula and provides breathtaking views of the ocean. Before us lay a beautiful turquoise lagoon, bordered by crashing waves and the vast Indian Ocean. Sailboats floated on the lagoon, while speedboats raced by, contributing to the lively atmosphere.
Pointe du Diable is also historically significant due to its involvement in the 1810 Battle of Grand Port, a notable, albeit temporary, naval victory for the French during the Napoleonic Wars. This promontory once served as a fortified position guarding the entrance to Grand Port Bay, and it was the site of a successful British landing. Today, remnants of cannons and the ramparts stand as a reminder of its military heritage.
In addition to the Napoleonic fortifications, we noticed the remains of World War II bunkers. Although the map indicated a stairway leading to a nearby lighthouse, it seemed to have been completely overrun by weeds.
Section 1.1: The Scenic Route to Grand River South East
Continuing our journey along the picturesque coastal road, we arrived at the village of Grand River South East. Just past the roundabout, a trail led down to a powerful waterfall (trailhead coordinates: -20.2793, 57.7748). The walk took about five minutes but was quite challenging due to a swarm of persistent mosquitoes. Numerous tourists were visiting the waterfall, arriving by boat from the river mouth located half a mile downstream.
Section 1.2: A Quiet Retreat
Eventually, we made our way to the village center, which was surprisingly quiet, with no food establishments open. We relaxed at the small port (Camp Pecheur Waterfront), taking in the calm view of the bay and watching parasailers drift gracefully against the mountainous backdrop. The tranquility was only interrupted by a local boat owner who kindly offered us a ride to the nearby Île aux Cerfs (Deer Island). Nearby, the Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa appeared to be an ideal retreat, offering a peaceful escape from the more tourist-heavy areas.
Chapter 2: Conclusion
Our exploration of Pointe du Diable and Grand River South East revealed not only stunning natural beauty but also a rich historical tapestry that adds depth to the experience. From the vibrant festivities to the serene landscapes, this region of Mauritius offers a captivating blend of culture and tranquility.