population: 1.267 million
extension: 2.5 square kilometers
If you are in Pointe aux Piments and interested in visiting museums, a great place to check out would be the Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis. It's located about 20 kilometers away from Pointe aux Piments and houses a collection of Mauritian art and history, including the famous Blue Penny stamp. Another option would be Aapravasi Ghat, which is also located in Port Louis and is a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of indentured laborers who came to Mauritius in the 19th century.
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try according to local people in Pointe aux Piments and Mauritius include:
1. Dholl puri: This is a type of flatbread made with ground split peas and often served with various curries or chutneys.
2. Seafood curry: Mauritius is surrounded by the ocean, so seafood is abundant and often used in curries that are packed with flavor and spices.
3. Gateaux piment: These are small, spicy fried balls made of split peas and chili peppers. They are a popular snack in Mauritius.
4. Boulettes: Similar to dumplings, boulettes are usually filled with meat or vegetables and served in a flavorful broth.
5. Roti chaud: Another type of flatbread, roti chaud is often stuffed with cooked vegetables, meat, or cheese for a tasty and filling meal.
6. Fish vindaye: This dish features marinated fish that is typically fried and then simmered in a sauce made with mustard seeds, ginger, garlic, and other spices.
7. Samosas: These crispy, triangular pastries can be found all over Mauritius and are typically filled with spiced vegetables, chicken, or beef.
8. Farata: A type of fluffy bread that is often eaten with curry or chutney.
9. Mine frit: This is a type of noodle stir-fry that is often served with vegetables, egg, and meat or seafood.
10. Alouda: A sweet, milky drink made with basil seeds, milk, and flavored syrup. It's perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Pointe aux Piments and the surrounding areas include:
1. Enjoying water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing at the beautiful beaches in the area such as Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, and Grand Bay.
2. Visiting the Mauritius Aquarium which is located in Pointe aux Piments and home to a variety of marine life including sharks, turtles, and tropical fish.
3. Exploring the nearby nature reserves such as the Casela Nature Park and the Black River Gorges National Park which offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views.
4. Going on shopping sprees at the local markets such as the Grand Baie Bazaar where you can find souvenirs, clothes, and local crafts.
5. Indulging in the delicious Mauritian cuisine which includes dishes such as biryani, dholl puri, and seafood. There are many local restaurants and food stalls in the area where you can sample these dishes.