Discovering India & The World: Reunion Island

Go east of Madagascar (yes, the location of the supercool animation movie featuring King Julien) into the Indian Ocean and you will arrive at Reunion Island. True to its name, this French island unites people from different origins - European, African, Indian and Chinese who live in perfect harmony. But that’s not the only special thing about this magical destination. Endowed with a gorgeous tropical climate, the enchanting island offers variety befitting a continent with mountains, beaches and volcanoes all packed in one destination. Brimming with fresh air, clean water and amazing flora and fauna, Reunion also has remarkable colonial historydeeply embedded in its culture and rich architectural heritage.

There are plenty of places to visit in Reunion but the Piton de la Fournaise (2632 metres) tops the list.  Tracing its formation to 300,000 years ago, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. But Fournaise’s eruptions are considered safe because it is an "effusive" volcano. It is common tradition for the people of Reunion to be treated to a brilliant display of light complete with fountains of lava gushing skywards, and burning rivers running down the hillsides twice a year. The best part is that you can actually get quite close to the action without being at risk.

Reunion Island’s astonishing scenery can be owed to the combined forces of the ocean and the air coupled with the movements of the earth’s crust. Another feature unique to this natural wonderland is the three super-big ‘cirques’ (amphitheatres). The surface area (at 2500 square kilometres) of these abrupt mountains is relatively reduced lending Reunion a rare geographical identity. Travel experts say that taking an aerial view of the island in a helicopter or by microlite will take your breath away.

Saunter into any direction when at Reunion Island and you will be charmed by the lush untamed natural beauty here!