There’s a good reason why three million people visit Citadel Fort Adelaide, Mauritius every year. Perched on top of a hill, the spectacular heritage monument is considered to be the greatest architectural achievements of world history. Also known as the Adelaide Fort, the site offers breathtaking views of the Caudan waterfront and the colossal Indian Ocean. Even those who turn their noses up at historical tours will not be left unimpressed. Yes, Citadel Fort of Port Louis is touristy. But you can expect showstopper scenery, adrenaline-inducing activities and a taste of the real Mauritian life.
Best Time To Visit Citadel Fort
We recommend that you visit Mauritius any time between the months of May and December. Though the island enjoys great weather all year long thanks to its tropical climate, it can get awfully crowded from December to March. To explore the beauty of Citadel Fort in Mauritius, plan your visit early in the day or in the evening. It takes about two hours to see the entire fort.
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History Of Citadel Fort
Named after Queen Adelaide, the fort was built between 1834 and 1840, under the direction of William IV. It is believed that the Brits built this fort in fear of a civil war from remaining French settlers on the island. From a strategic point of view, the fort guarded the harbor against enemy attacks and fires that broke in the city. Pets are not permitted inside Citadel Fort to preserve the sanctity of the national heritage site.
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5 Top Things To Do Around
There is a range of activities that you are encouraged to pursue at Citadel Fort and around it. Here’s a few of them that can make your excursion a memorable affair!
1. Shopping
There is a row of boutiques within the premise of Citadel Fort that once, interestingly, served as barracks. These stores offer a range of precious stones and metals. You can shop for these goods at nominal or discounted prices. Head to these shops early to avoid the long queues. The merchants are friendly and knowledgeable.
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2. Music Shows
You can attend international concerts, plays and light shows at Citadel Fortress. The fort recently opened its avenues to artistic shows and concerts to boost its tourism. Several popular bands have performed gigs here in the past. Tickets sell out pretty quick, so we would suggest you to make pre-bookings.
3. Caudan Waterfront
Caudan is one of the biggest shopping malls in Mauritius. Built on the Caudan waterfront, it comprises of more than 170 shops, restaurants, a casino, and a 5-star hotel. The food joints are to die for. You must try the Khmer and European cuisine. Visit Caudan at noon to avoid the evening crowd.
4. Blue Penny Museum
The Blue Penny Museum houses some prestigious collections, which are a true testimony of the historical and cultural wealth of Mauritius. The museum hosts two of the rarest and most expensive stamps in the world. Visit the site to witness the rich cultural and historical heritage of Port Louis. Look out for a wide array of ceramic artefacts that have been attracting several tourists since time immemorial.
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5. Port Louis
Grab your camera gear and climb up Citadel Fort to get panoramic shots of Port Louis. Much to the delight of travelers, the city offers scenic views all year round. Making the best use of these glorious photo opportunities should ideally be a top priority for any photography enthusiast.
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Citadel Fort Opening Hours
The Citadel Fort timings are 8 AM – 8 PM, and it’s open all seven days of the week. Though it closes at 8 PM, one is advised to exit early (right after sunset) as it’s located at a considerable distance from the city and getting back in the dark can be troublesome. You are also advised to reach there early to avoid the evening crowd of shoppers. We suggest that you keep an eye out for national and restricted holidays, since the fort may be closed on the specified days.
Citadel Fort Entry Fee
The Citadel Fort entry fee is INR 104/-. This is equivalent to approximately 49 Mauritian Rupee. Euros and dollars are not accepted here, so we suggest that you get your currency changed at Mauritius airport. You are advised not to change money in your home country unless you want to get a lower exchange rate.
How To Reach
Citadel Fort is situated around 100 meters high on the hill of Petite Montague. There are two ways to reach Citadel Fort in Port Louis:
By Car: 10-minute uphill drive via the Suffren St. Allow
By Bus: Boarded from Taj Mahal bus stop in Port Louis
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History enthusiasts, experimental foodies, photography buffs – there’s something for everybody at Citadel Fort. We suggest that you book your trip to Mauritius right away to take an up-close look at this brilliant spectacle and to regain your sense of wonder.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Citadel Fort
Why is Citadel Fort so famous?
Located on top of the Petite Montague hill at a height of 100 meters, the Citadel Fort was built in the 19th century for the British army’s protection from its enemies. The fort offers a scenic view of the harbor and the whole city of Port Louis. It is also known as the Adelaide Fort.
Is photography allowed at Citadel Fort?
The Adelaide Fort is a picturesque place to capture the memoirs of history and share with your loved ones. While you can freely click picture inside the fort and of the views outside, there is still an entry fee that you have to pay before stepping into the site.
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