The Sacred Shores of Ganga Talao

• HelloBonjour
  [Bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [Oh rev-wahr]
• YesWi
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [See voo pleh/Dee ree-en]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [Ex-koo-zay mwah/Day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment allez-vous?
  [Koh-mon-tal-ay voo]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [Byen. Ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [Par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [Zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray vwah luh men-oo, see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [Zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [San-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, see voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [Ah layd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [Ah-lay voo on]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-play lah po-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [Ah-play uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [Zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [Zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [Zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [Zhuh ruh-gard joo-st]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [Kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [Say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [Poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel ay tun ur]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [Dees ay-d dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [Ma-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [Oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-man]
• 1Un
  [Un]
• 2Deux
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
  [Twa]
• 4Quatre
  [Kat]
• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [Nurf]
• 10Dix
  [Dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [Oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell ay luh-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahnd ay luh proh-shang (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [Un bee-yay (poor)]

Ganga Talao, also known as Grand Bassin, is a sacred crater lake located in the Savanne district of Mauritius. It was discovered in 1897 by Pandit Jhummon Giri Gossagne Nepal, who had a vision of the holy lake in his dream. This vision led him to the lake, which was later consecrated as a pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The first pilgrimage to Ganga Talao took place in 1898, following the discovery of the lake. Devotees walked from their homes to the lake, carrying water from the Ganges River in India. This tradition has continued to this day, with thousands of pilgrims making the journey on foot during the Maha Shivaratri festival.

Over the years, several temples have been constructed around Ganga Talao. The most prominent is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built in the early 20th century. Other temples honor deities such as Durga, Hanuman, and Lakshmi, creating a rich tapestry of Hindu worship around the lake.

In 1972, a significant event took place when a murti (statue) of Lord Shiva was brought from India and installed at Ganga Talao. This added to the sanctity of the site, attracting even more pilgrims. The statue stands as a testament to the deep cultural and religious ties between Mauritius and India.

Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival celebrated at Ganga Talao. Every year, during the months of February or March, hundreds of thousands of devotees gather at the lake to honor Lord Shiva. The celebrations include prayers, offerings, and a night of vigil, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.

In 2007, a 108-feet tall statue of Mangal Mahadev, another form of Lord Shiva, was inaugurated near Ganga Talao. This imposing statue is one of the tallest in Mauritius and serves as a symbol of faith and devotion. It has become an iconic landmark, drawing visitors and pilgrims alike.

Ganga Talao is not only a religious site but also an ecological haven. The lake and its surrounding areas are home to diverse flora and fauna, including fish and bird species. Efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty of the site, ensuring that it remains a pristine and tranquil place for worship and reflection.

Ganga Talao, also known as Grand Bassin, is located in the Savanne district of Mauritius. The nearest major airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), approximately 40 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle service to reach Ganga Talao. The drive typically takes about an hour, offering scenic views of the island's countryside.

While renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other parts of Mauritius, taxis are also a convenient option. Public buses do service the area, but they can be less frequent and may not provide direct routes. For the most comfortable and efficient travel, consider hiring a local driver who can navigate the roads and provide insights about the area.

The official currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors or in more remote areas. ATMs are available in nearby towns, so withdrawing cash beforehand can ensure you have sufficient funds during your visit.

Mauritius is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any tourist spot, it is essential to stay vigilant. Avoid displaying valuables and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists around Ganga Talao, but it is always wise to exercise caution, particularly at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest medical facilities are located in the towns of Curepipe and Vacoas, which are a short drive away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in nearby towns for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing as a sign of respect. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Namaste'. A slight bow of the head can also show respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ganga Talao like a local, visit during the Maha Shivaratri festival, when pilgrims from across the island walk to the lake to honor Lord Shiva. Engage with locals who are often eager to share the significance of the area and its traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local vegetarian food offerings at the temple, which are often prepared for visitors.