Cultural Sightseeing Tour in the North of Mauritius
Location | North |
Operating Days | All Days |
Duration | 8 hrs |
Activity Time | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Transportation | Included in price |
Did you know?
The South of Mauritius is the best area to enjoy nature and land excursions, including Hiking & Trekking, Animal watching, Safari trips and Canyoning.Did you know?
The South of Mauritius is the best area to enjoy nature and land excursions, including Hiking & Trekking, Animal watching, Safari trips and Canyoning.Cultural Sightseeing Tour in the North of Mauritius - Overview
Experience the rich Mauritian culture and heritage of the people through this tailor-made tour that will take you through the most popular holy sanctuaries in the North, including the biggest Hindu temple on the island and the shrine of a Catholic priest, Père Laval, who was blessed by the Roman Catholic Church.
This trip has been specially designed for tourists who want to explore our multicultural island through its multi religious facet.
Highlights of this tour are:
- Full Day Cultural Sightseeing Tour in the North
- Visit the Tamil Temple - Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil - Kaylasson
- Visit the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Désiré Laval
- The first parish of the island, Saint-Louis Cathedral
- Marie Reine de la Paix (or Mary Queen of Peace), a symbol of faith for Mauritius’ Catholic community
- The Tien Tan Chinese Pagoda with a very unique structure and architecture
- The Jummah Masjid, the most important mosque in Mauritius
- The Maheshwarnath Mandir temple, the biggest and one of the oldest of its kind on the island
The Cultural Sightseeing Tour in the North of Mauritius includes:
- Uncover religious significance of the history of Mauritius
- Explore sites of religious importance in the north of Mauritius
- Visit of Tamil Temple - Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil (Kaylasson)
- Visit of Père Laval’s Shrine
- Visit of Catholic Cathedral St. Louis
- Visit of Marie Reine de La Paix
- Visit of Chinese Tien Tan Pagoda
- Visit of Jummah Masjid - Islamic Mosque & Place of Worship
- Visit of Maheshwarnath Mandir - The biggest Hindu Temple on the island
- Pick up and drop off from any hotel/ place of accommodation anywhere in Mauritius
- Full and comfortable private transportation to all the sites
- A personal driver guide to show you around and inform you on each of the sights
The cultural sightseeing tour is done in a private car / minivan (for bigger groups) and includes full transportation to all the sites, pick up and drop off to any hotel or place of accommodation in Mauritius and a driver to show you around.
You can choose from a selection of vehicles types:
All drivers speak fluent English and French (Upon special request we can organize drivers who speak additional languages). The drivers, citizens of Mauritius, will be happy to provide you with information about Mauritius and each of its sights.
All drivers are very professional, time efficient and friendly. There is high emphasis on being always on time and providing reliable devoted service to customers.
Your Hotel / Place of accommodation anywhere in Mauritius
Duration: | 8 hours |
Operational Days: | Everyday |
Departure time: | 09:00 from your hotel / place of accommodation |
Return time: | 17:00 back to your hotel / place of accommodation |
Explore Popular Temples and Religious Sites in the North of Mauritius with a Full Day Cultural Sightseeing Tour
Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil - Kaylasson
The temple, Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen, also known as the Kaylasson Temple, is one of the most important Tamil places of worship in Mauritius.
Situated in Sainte-Croix, it boasts a majestic Dravidian architecture-derived from South India, as well as many handmade decorative sculptures from Hindu mythology.
The construction of this architectural marvel began in 1854 by talented South Indian artisans. Today the Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil is classified as a national heritage of Mauritius.
Père Laval’s Shrine
The French priest Blessed Jacques-Désiré Laval, affectionately known to Mauritians as Père Laval (Father Laval) was sent to Mauritius, then a French colony, in 1841. Believed to have the ability to miraculously cure people, Father Laval was the first person beatified in the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
His consideration for slaves earned him the nickname of “Apostle of the Black people”, and finally, that of “Apostle of Mauritius”. To commemorate his death, every year on September 9th, thousands of Mauritians of all faiths walk or drive to Sainte-Croix to visit the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Désiré Laval.
St. Louis Cathedral
The Saint-Louis Cathedral, located in Port Louis, was the first parish of the island. Built in 1756, the church was named in honour of the canonised King of France Louis IX, commonly known as Saint Louis, and King Louis XV (1715-1774).
The church includes several statues of the saints and is also the burial place of Catholic bishops, including the Mauritian Cardinal, Jean Margéot.
On the 25th of August every year, the Cathedral commemorates the patron of the diocese with feast day celebrations.
Marie Reine de la Paix
Atop the slopes of the Signal Mountain in Port-Louis stands Marie Reine de la Paix (or Mary Queen of Peace), a symbol of faith for Mauritius’ Catholic community.
Ascending its summit, visitors are rewarded with not only a spiritual sanctuary but also panoramic views of Port-Louis. The modern chapel and its serene gardens offer a tranquil setting for prayer and contemplation, attracting both locals and tourists.
Noteworthy visits from Pope John Paul II in 1989 and Pope Francis in 2019 have added to the church’s significance.
Fun Fact: The monument of the Virgin Mary displays her holding a world globe.
Tien Tan Pagoda
The pagoda is very often visited by Sino-Mauritians, who are also responsible for its upkeep.
Its history is a bit blurry as the exact date of construction is unknown, although some say it dates back to the 1960s or 70s.
Found at the foot of Signal Mountain, the Tien Tan Chinese Pagoda has a very unique structure and architecture, reminiscent of Buddhist monasteries.
The place looks rather secluded but is surrounded by a beautiful garden of flowers.
Jummah Masjid
The Jummah Masjid, the most important mosque in Mauritius, was built in the 1850s and is a striking blend of Moorish and Mughal influences. The mosque holds a special spot in the hearts of the hundreds of Muslims who come to its sanctuary to worship, meditate and seek inner peace.
An Indian almond tree, known as the badamier, has stood in the middle of the mosque's courtyard since the 1850s. It also provides shelter from the scorching sun with its huge branches, whilst also adding a special charm to the place-enhancing the peacefulness and solemnity that pervade the area. Visitors are welcome in the peaceful inner courtyard, except on Friday and during the islamic month of Ramadan.
Maheshwarnath Mandir
The temple is the biggest and one of the oldest of its kind on the island. Founded in 1888 by Pandit Shri Sajeebunlall Ramsoondur from Calcutta, it is famous for being the starting point of the first pilgrimage to Ganga Talao, the sacred lake found in the centre of Mauritius.
The building was the work of Tamil artisans under the supervision of Mr Goinsamy Maestry. The same artisans had built the Jummah Masjid in Port Louis and the Shri Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil (commonly known as "Kaylasson").
- Dress modestly, ensuring that your shoulders are covered and that shorts or skirts are at least of knee length
- Remove hats, sunglasses, and shoes when entering a worship area.
- Some Hindu temples require you to remove leather items of clothing, including belts and shoes.
The Transportation prices are Per Vehicle (and not per person). You can choose the vehicle type according to the number of passengers in your group.
Private Daily Tour in a family Car (for up to 4 people): | 85 Euro |
Private Daily Tour in a 6 Seater vehicle (for up to 6 people): | 89 Euro |
Private Daily Tour in a Minivan (up to 12 people): | 145 Euro |
Private Daily Tour in a Minibus (up to 22 people): | 179 Euro |
The above transportation prices are per vehicle and not per person
Everything was well organised and on time
This is a review of my private car tour of the islands cultural highlights.
Please note that the starting site for the day's itinerary depends on your place of accommodation, and the driver will brief you accordingly on the day of the trip.