Mauritius
Mauritius is an island nation off the coast of Africa in the southwest Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. The island’s history is a peppering of Arab, British, French and Dutch influences and the effect of each is distinctly visible in the present day culture. Climate is understandably tropical, with just two seasons. The southeast trade winds ensure a warm, dry winter in contrast to a hot, wet, humid summer. Tropical cyclones usually occur from the end of December till March. The island of Mauritius is also renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo.
Travel is relatively hassle free as visa requirements are taken care of on arrival. The sunny beaches and frothy waves give a restful retreat.
Hot spots: Grand Bay, Pereybère beach, Balaclava Ruins, the Triolet Shivala temple and the Labourdonnais Orchards
Seychelles
Located in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles in a word is simply breathtaking. Built up largely on coral reefs, the nearest civilization is a few thousand miles away. The island of Mahé is set against a backdrop of towering mountains is the prime destination. A spot of undersea diving or snorkelling will introduce you to a marvelous aquatic world of sea turtles, reef fish and corals. The nightlife is also pretty rich with casinos, nightclubs, the wandering minstrels and beach bands.
Climate is perpetually warm tropical, with May to September being the best months. No visas are required to visit Seychelles and visitors are granted a 30-day permit on entry.
Hotspots: Morne Seychellois National Park, Beau Vallon, La Digue, Mahé, Praslin, Victoria
Bali
Geographically awed for it’s dragon-like shape, Bali is an Indonesian island lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. It is the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. The Balinese eat with their right hand, as the left is impure, a common belief throughout Indonesia. The Balinese, as the people are called, do not wave, give or receive things with their left hand, which is considered impure.
Climate is usually pleasant, except from December to March when heavy rains are experienced. Bukit hill, south of Jimbaran beach often witnesses sunny days even when it’s pouring all over Bali.
Hot spots: Ulu Watu surfing beach, Kuta Hard Rock beach club, Candi Dasa, Amed and Tulamben
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Back to desi shores for a change! The world’s best kept secret, as the islands are called, are located in the Bay of Bengal and form the western perimeter of the Andaman Sea. Eastern fringes of the Andaman Sea are the ‘playground of the rich and famous’, namely Phuket and Langkawi, but the Andaman Islands still hold on to their untamed character. The islands were immortalized in Priyadarsan’s biopic
A tropical climate is enjoyed throughout the year with relatively high humidity. The weather is generally pleasant with occasional rainfall. Permits may be required to visit certain tribal areas, but generally Indian citizens can travel uninterrupted.
Hotspots: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Viper Island, Chatham Island & Sawmill, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu
Jamaica
West Indians love cricket, music and pineapple, said Viv Richards in an old ad. In the sun drenched sands of Jamaica, one can’t help but fall in love with the picturesque scenery. Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. The island of Jamaica is home to the Blue Mountains inland, and is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. Most major towns and cities are located on the coast.
The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, frequented by hurricanes. High levels of crime have been reported in the area, so travelers are advised to be on their guard.
Hotspots: Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio
Source: India Syndicate
Image: DGL
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