Curepipe Travel Guide, Mauritius

Curepipe, Mauritius - Overview 

On the picturesque island of Mauritius floating like a bright little jewel in the western corner of the Indian Ocean, lies the little town of Curepipe which derived its name from an eponymous town in France. This tiny little town is located only 18 km or 11 miles to the south of the capital city of Port Louis, nestled in the midst of the western highlands.

In 1867 a malaria epidemic had broken out in the capital city of Port Louis forcing its residents to flee. Many residents of Port Louis settled in the western highlands in search of safer areas. This is how the town of Curepipe was born and the influx of new people added new blood and life to the nascent town.

Curepipe might be a small town, but it is not unimportant. It is home to several important companies and prestigious institutions like THE MAURITIAN ACADEMY OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE, THE ROYAL COLLEGE SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY, AND THE MAURITIUS BROADCASTING COMPANY.

According to the 1990 census, the town boasts of a population of 66704 and is in no way teeming with countless faceless and nameless people. So if you are planning a vacation where you want to get far away from the madding crowd, and stay in harmony with the serene nature, Curepipe might just be the ideal place for you.

A 60 metre/200 feet wide and 85 metre/280 feet deep extinct crater called the TROU aux CERFS is the distinguishing geographical feature and it overlooks the human settlement in the town. You can also get a captivating view of the western façade of the Mauritian island from it.

The district of PLAINES WILHEMS is home to the town of Curepipe, perched atop the central plateau of the country.  Curepipe is close to the tropics and is lashed by rain almost throughout the year. But this is what contributes to the lush green cover of this emerald town. The town on the whole enjoys a temperate climate.

Curepipe is pretty well connected despite its size and is in no way remote or difficult to reach. There is an expressway that connects Port Louis with VACOAS PHOENIX. Curepipe is connected with this expressway through a surfaced road.

There are a lot of entertainment options available in this town to keep you diverted.  Some of the must visits include the BOTANICAL GARDEN and the European styled casino which is a big hit with tourists. The other must visit is definitely the crater.