Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. With a population of around 170 000, the city is the largest on the island. It is also the economic center of the country. Port Louis feels like a mixture of different countries and continents - Africa, China, Europe, the Middle East and others. Its lively streets provide a good alternative to the other part of the island filled with peaceful resorts and private beaches. Be aware that once the commuters leave the city after dark, it dies out and practically nothing is open.

The town of Pointe des Galets is located on the west side of the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean and is the commercial and industrial center of the island. It was created around the harbour in the 1980s. Le Port's straight avenues and modern architecture are more interesting from an urban point of view rather than a tourist one. The harbour is the third largest naval base belonging to France. The town's marina provides a great opportunity to explore the underwater world.

Nosy Be is an island about 10 km off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The island is the country's number one destination for beach lovers, divers, sailors and fishermen. Despite its popularity, Nosy Be remains pretty low-key and undeveloped. It is pricier than some of Madagascar's mainland resorts, however, the 'mora mora' (literally, slowly slowly) lifestyle is worth the extra dollars. Once you have explored the seascape, head for the stunning landscapes, vanilla plantations, lakes, waterfalls and dirt tracks.

Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles, the country's economic, political and commercial centre and home to one third of the total population. Despite all of the aforementioned, it is still one of the smallest capital cities in the world and has a strong provincial town feel. Just like other provincial towns, Victoria has its charm: the beautiful botanical gardens, the busy market, the colourful colonial buildings and the city's backdrop of hills make it well worth a visit.

La Digue is the smallest of the three main inhabited Seychelles islands, its population consists of only 2000 people. There is no airport and only a handful of vehicles but thanks to its modest size, you can easily cycle around the whole island - the journey from one settlement to another won't take you longer than 10 minutes. La Digue is laid back, full of beautiful beaches, green hills and bewitching bays - a real tropical paradise. Although, not totally undiscovered by tourists, there are still deserted bays and beaches to be enjoyed.

Overnight

Malé is the capital of the Maldives. The city shares its name with the island it is located on. Due to its rapid growth in population, the island has had to be extended artificially. The throbbing city of Male is a fascinating place, offering you the chance to learn about the real life in the Maldives, away from the laid-back pace in the rest of the country. Even though, the sights are here few and far between, the city's lively markets, bright buildings and alcohol-free cafes are definitely worth a visit.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting the island. The city used to be known as 'the garden city of the East' and though unlikely to reclaim this moniker, it is still a compelling place. The colonial architecture of the Fort, the lively markets of Pettah and growing number of stylish galleries and shops make Colombo an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan expedition. The ever-growing number of eateries serving anything from Sri Lankan to street food, is another reason travellers are starting to flood to the city.