If being around tranquil beaches and blue open skies, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, is what you are looking for to have a great holiday this year, Port Mathurin can be your destination. Located on the northern coast of Rodrigues Island, in the Indian Ocean, It is the capital city, cultural hub, and administrative centre of Rodrigues Island. Rodrigues Island is a tiny and exotic island of Mauritius, located around 650 kilometres off its east coast. The port is the main harbour of Rodrigues Island, where import and export activities occur. However, it also offers breathtaking panoramic views, tranquil scenery and a few amazing spots you can visit during your holiday.
What to Expect At Port Mathurin
1. Natural beauty
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Port Mathurin is the hub of Rodrigues’s natural beauty. On your Port Mathurin holiday, enjoy pristine beaches, nature reserves, and hiking trails. The town itself offers fascinating colonial architecture and a peaceful and pleasant environment. It is a quaint little town covering around 108 sq km, working as a key harbour of Mauritius. The coastline of Port Mathurin stretches over 80 km.
Must Read: Hiking In Mauritius
2. Colonial Architecture
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The architecture of Port Mathurin reflects its rich history and cultural heritage. Though the city is small and only a handful of colonial buildings are around, you’ll still see a good blend of styles that represent Rodrigues Island’s colonial past.
Creole architecture is one of the most significant architectural styles seen here. This style has evolved over the years as a fusion of European and local architectural styles. Creole houses are generally made of wood, are elevated, have a wide veranda and feature steep roofs that help them deal with tropical weather. They are painted in vibrant colours, adding to the charm of the entire city. In Port Mathurin, stroll around the city and see some colonial government buildings demonstrating European architectural styles. The building elements, like façade, columns and arches testify to the influence of British and French architecture.
3. Unique Culture
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The culture of Port Mathurin is unique, reflecting an amazing blend of African, European, and Asian cultures. Traditional music and dance forms are key parts of the local culture. Cultural events and festivals are planned here throughout the year. These events are a great opportunity for tourists as they beautifully showcase the island’s vibrant cultural life.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Port Mathurin
4. Food options At Port Mathurin
Port Mathurin offers a sumptuous array of food options that exhibit the region’s rich culinary diversity and cultural heritage. Expect a lot of diversity in terms of dining experience in Port Mathurin, with options varying from traditional Rodriguan dishes, to street food and popular international dishes. Some Rodriguan signature dishes are Cari Ourite (tender Octopus Curry served with rice), Rougaille (Creole-style tomato-based dish made with meats or seafood) and side dishes prepared with spicy lentils and coconut milk.
The Rodriguan street food is served at various street stalls. From Gato Piment (deep-fried chilli cakes) to India-inspired Samosas or a flatbread called Farata, which is served with chutney or curry, Port Mathurin’s central market is a busy spot and the best place to experience local food cultures, such as local snacks, sweets, and freshly plucked fruits.
For seafood lovers, Rodrigues Island itself is a paradise. Don’t forget to try spicy grilled fish and seafood platters at Port Mathurin.
5. Shopping Extravaganza
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When you like shopping in Port Mathurin, your go-to place will be the Central Market. This market offers a wonderful mix of fresh produce, local crafts, and exclusive souvenirs to gift back home. It is a vibrant place to shop, stroll, and have a hearty meal. Stop at local stalls selling handmade crafts, such as hand-woven hats, baskets, and bags. These are eco-friendly options since they are made from natural materials. For souvenirs, pretty jewellery, interesting wood carvings, and other unique handmade stuff are great representatives of the island’s culture.
Small boutiques provide a good range of clothing, from quirky beachwear to elegant formal dresses. If buying something local is on your mind, these shops feature locally designed items, best suited to take some Rodrigues fashion back home.
Suggested Read: Mauritius Travel Tips
Best Time To Visit
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From May to October, the dry season is the best time to visit Port Mathurin. You will enjoy mild and pleasant weather this season, as the temperatures largely stay within 18°C to a maximum of 28°C. Since rainfall is less during this time, it is the best season for outdoor activities and to tour the island. You will have a good time enjoying the beach activities. Picture yourself swimming, snorkelling, or sunbathing along tranquil scenery, calm sea and blue skies.
In the Shoulder season, from April to November, the weather is slightly warmer and humid, with a chance of rain and plenty of sunny days. From December to March, the Wet Season is not recommended for travel as it witnesses the highest rainfall, with the possibility of cyclones disrupting plans to travel or enjoy outdoor activities.
Accessibility
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You will not face any problem getting around Port Mathurin. Being Rodrigues Island’s main transportation hub, the port city gets regular ferry connectivity from Mauritius. There are sufficient infrastructure facilities in the city.
The town’s road network provides good connectivity, facilitating easy access to other cities of Rodrigues. You will notice a significant British influence here, as the Mauritians drive on the left side of the road. Since the narrow streets, two-wheelers, such as scooters and motorbikes, are the most common transport.
Further Read: Places For Photography In Mauritius
Port Mathurin, the capital of Rodrigues Island in Mauritius, beckons visitors worldwide. There is a lot to do during your stay in Port Mathurin. Plan a trip to Mauritius to enjoy panoramic scenery, tranquil environs, and some time off with your family. Use this travel guide to book your with TravelTriangle today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Port Mathurin
How to reach Port Mathurin?
Port Mathurin is about 650 km off the coast of Mauritius. There are mainly two options to reach the island city - Boarding a flight from Port Louis to Plaine Corail Airport is the fastest way, while the other way is to plan your trip according to the dates of a direct weekly ferry from Port Louis to Port Mathurin. The ferry takes about half a day to reach Port Mathurin.
What is the oldest building in Port Mathurin?
La Résidence is one of the oldest buildings in Port Mathurin, which dates back to 1897, when it was a modest residence for the British chief commissioner posted in the area. The building hosts the new Regional Assembly now.
Where is the airport in Rodrigues Island?
All flights to Rodrigues Island land at Plaine Corail Airport, in Plaine Corail, a small village sitting on the east coast of Rodrigues Island. Plaine Corail is about 15 km from Port Mathurin, which means a 25-minute ride via Rue Pere Gandy street.
What language is spoken in Port Mathurin?
The native language of Port Mathurin is Creole, however, most residents of Rodrigues Island understand and speak English.
Which natural site in Rodrigues attracts many tourists?
Ile Aux Cocos is a bird sanctuary that is a very famous natural site in Port Mathurin that attracts many tourists and is also known for the sandy beaches on its shores.
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