What can be termed “highlands” and is mentioned in the weather forecast as central plateau together with “rain, foggy patches or lower temperatures“, is actually the largest and most densely populated area in Mauritius.
Strange actually, one is tempted to think, but then one has to understand that most of its major towns and cities are not only conveniently close to each other, but also conveniently close to everything else on the island: schools, supermarkets, cinemas and all the other amenities of the civilised world. For someone living in educated Curepipe where most of the higher schools on the island are located, places like Mahebourg, Chamarel or Goodlands are highly underdeveloped and not even worth visiting due to lack of activities.
Needless to say that the highlands are criss-crossed by a net of good large and busy roads, with many bus routes providing good connections everywhere. There are, however, vast differences between the various parts of the highlands! The area between Port Louis, extending over Moka, Beau Bassin, Rose Hill and Quatre Bornes is an urban zone where one can practically walk through without seeing a green surface larger than a football field.
Out of Curepipe and towards the south west though, it changes completely and becomes green, lush and rather wild; bearing many endemic plant and wildlife treasures for the visitor to behold as well as spectacular sights to see from the many viewpoints. In olden times, many colonial estates were spread on the lush green rolling hills of the interior, such as can still today be seen at Pailles, Moka and all over the Beau Bassin – Curepipe – Quatre Bornes area. Museums and exhibitions as well as shopping centres, restaurants and parks are plentiful in the interior of Mauritius, same as waterfalls, little lakes as well as lush and pristine vegetation.