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Curepipe

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Overview

Curepipe is a sprawling town in the centre of Mauritius. At an altitude of 561 m, it marks the top of the ridge on the road between Port Louis and Vieux Grand Port, and the name may indicate that travellers rested here f

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia866 words

WBP editorial3

A walkable town with a café culture

Curepipe’s compact streets make it easy to explore on foot, and its legacy of French and British influence is most evident in the modest cafés that line the main thoroughfares. Here you’ll find a blend of crisp espresso served in petite porcelain cups alongside a traditional Mauritian snack of dholl puri, a reminder of the island’s multicultural palate. The town’s layout encourages leisurely pauses: a short detour from the central market leads to a leafy square where locals gather for the evening tea ritual, swapping stories over steaming cups of locally‑grown tea. This rhythm of pause and promenade gives the place a subtle charm that feels distinct from the busier coastal resorts.

Gateway to the high‑plateau attractions

Because of its position on the inland plateau, Curepipe serves as a practical base for excursions to the surrounding natural sites. Early‑morning departures can whisk you to the verdant trails of the Black River Gorges or the volcanic peaks of the nearby Tamarind Falls, both offering cooler breezes and panoramic vistas. The town’s transport hub provides regular minibuses that are more reliable than the tourist‑centric tour operators, allowing a flexible itinerary. For those with a taste for horticulture, the nearby Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is a short ride away, presenting a quieter alternative to the more visited gardens on the coast.

What guidebooks miss: local market dynamics

Beyond the polished façades, Curepipe’s daily market pulses with an energy that rarely makes it into standard travel guides. Vendors display fresh produce harvested from the surrounding farms, and the stalls are a point of contact with the island’s agricultural backbone. Bargaining here follows a different etiquette to the tourist‑heavy markets of Port Louis; a friendly smile and a modest offer often lead to a modest discount, especially if you’re buying in bulk. The market’s timing is also key: arriving mid‑morning ensures the freshest fruit, while late‑afternoon visits reveal a shift to ready‑to‑eat snacks, giving a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Mauritian life.

Introduction

Town in Plaines Wilhems, MauritiusCurepipe La Ville-LumièreTownCurepipeAerial view of Curepipe. SealMotto:  "Exselsus Splendeo" (Latin)(Meaning "Exalted Shine" in English)CurepipeMunicipal Council locationCoordinates: 20°19′7.59″S 57°31′34.66″E / 20.3187750°S 57.5262944°E / -20.3187750; 57.5262944Country MauritiusDistrictPlaines WilhemsGovernment • TypeMunicipality • MayorMr. Dhaneshwar Bissonauth • Deputy MayorMrs. Marie AmiArea • Total24 km2 (9.3 sq mi)Elevation561 m (1,841 ft)Population (2018) • Total78,618 • Rank4th in Mauritius • Density3,300/km2 (8,500/sq mi)Time zoneUTC+4 (MUT)ClimateCfaWebsitemunicipal-curepipe.org Curepipe (Mauritian Creole pronunciation: [kiːəpip]), also known as La Ville-Lumière (The City of Light), is a town in Mauritius, located mainly in the Plaines Wilhems District. Its eastern part lies in the Moka District. Known for its colonial architecture, the town is administered by the Municipal Council of Curepipe. Curepipe lies at a higher elevation, often referred to as the "Central Plateau". According to the census made by Statistics Mauritius in 2018, the population of the town was at 78,618.

Etymology

[edit] The town's name, Curepipe, is said to be originated from the French curer sa pipe, which translates to "cleaning his/her pipe". There are several theories by historians as to the naming of the city. Some historians believe that the name was given as travellers and soldiers from the 19th century often travelled from Port Louis and Grand Port (now Mahébourg) to refill their pipes in Curepipe. Other historians believe that the name was given after a late landowner during the 18th century.

Geography

[edit] The town officially covers an area of 23.8 square kilometres (9.2 sq mi). It is located in the Plaine Wilhems district on the central plateau of Mauritius at an altitude of 561 meters. Of the larger towns of the island's central plateau, Curepipe is the most southern and also the highest. As a consequence of its height, Curepipe is known for its relatively cooler and rainier climate. The dormant volcano Trou aux Cerfs is nearby.

Politics

[edit] Main article: Municipal Council of Curepipe The Old Town hall of Curepipe Curepipe is managed by a council, which is democratically elected by its citizens. The council is headed by the mayor and is principally responsible for local policy making. The current mayor is Mr. Dhaneshwar Bissonauth. The town's administration on the other hand is responsible for the implementation of these policies as well as the day-to-day management of the council's activities. The current administrative head is Mrs Jugroop. Curepipe's historic town hall was actually originally situated in Moka, and the whole building was moved to Curepipe in 1903. For the general elections the town is classified as the No 17 constituency known as Curepipe and Midlands.

Demographics

[edit] The Curepipe Botanical Gardens According to the census made by Statistics Mauritius in 2018, the population of the town was at 78,692. The primary spoken language is Mauritian Creole, though French predominates in more formal situations. Tamil, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu, Mandarin and Hakka Chinese are also spoken as second or third language mostly in religious activities. The council's official language is English. Religion[edit] Religious affiliation Catholic   39.2% Protestant and other Christians   9.3% Hinduism   37.7% Islam   13.9% According to the 2012 census conducted by Statistics Mauritius, Christianity is the most prevalently practised religion in Curepipe (48.4%) (Catholic 39.2%, Protestant 1.3%, Other Christian 8%), followed by Hinduism (37.7%) and Islam (13.9%).

Economic activities

[edit] The town hosts several textile factories, a diamond processing industry and a range of jewelry businesses. In addition, handicraft shops, restaurants and shopping centres add to the commercial mix of the town. The relatively affluent suburbs are also home to a great deal of business activity. Sensitization programmes are underway in collaboration with the Central Water Authority of Mauritius, towards encouraging better management of the town's water resources.

Tourism

[edit] The view down into Trou aux Cerfs crater. Visitors Centre and entrance at Monvert Nature Park Curepipe, though inland from the main coastal tourist areas of Mauritius, is nonetheless a tourist destination. Some of the more popular attractions include: Curepipe Botanic Gardens Trou aux Cerfs Crater Monvert Nature Park Sainte Therese Church Domaine des Aubineaux Casino de Maurice St. Joseph's College (National Heritage) Royal College Curepipe (National Heritage) Other attractions include the old Town Hall, the Basilica of Sainte Helene, La Sabloniere and the Carnegie Library of Curepipe. Opened to the public in 1920, it still serves as Curepipe's public library.

Education

[edit] St. Joseph's College Main article: Education in Mauritius Curepipe is home to various secondary schools which include the Ambassador College, Floreal SSS, Curepipe College, Dar-ul-Maarif Secondary School, Doha Secondary School, Dunputh Lallah SSS, Forest Side SSS Boys, Forest Side SSS Girls, Full Day School, Hindu Girls College, Imperial College, Loreto College Curepipe,[citation needed] Lycée Labourdonnais, Mauricia Institute, Mauritius College Boys, Mauritius College Girls, Notre Dame College, Ocep College, Presidency College Boys, Presidency College Girls, Renaissance College, St Patrick's College, Royal College Curepipe and St. Joseph's College.