Grand Port - Definition and Overview

Grand Port is a district encompassing much of south-eastern part of the island of Mauritius. It is named after the village of Old Grand Port which saw the first Dutch landing and the first port of the island. It centers around the town of Mahebourg on the coast, inside the Grand Port Bay. Built by the Dutch and later taken over by the French, the town is a reminder of the colonial past of the island. The northern part of the district is mountainous with forested valleys and rivers. The eastern part gently rises to meet the central plateau and enjoys a cool temperate climate suitable for tea plantations. The southern part is a flat plain on part of which sits the international airport.