Grand Port
{{Template:Infobox Dist and Dep MU|name=Grand Port District|image_map=Mauritius-Grand Port.png|capital=
Rose-Belle|population=106,665|population_as_of=2000|pop_rank=N/A|area=259|area_rank=N/A|pop_dens=411.83|places=N/A|area_code=N/A|ISO=MU-GP (
Grand
Port)|
Grand Port is a
district encompassing much of the south-eastern part of the island of
Mauritius. Its capital is
Rose-Belle but the most important town of the district is Mahebourg (former capital of Mauritius). It hosts the only airport of the country.
Grand Port is named after the village of Old Grand Port which saw the first
Dutch landing and the first port of the island. It is centered on the town of
Mahébourg 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.
