Best Places to visit in Mauritius

Find this little piece of heaven in the south western part of the Indian Ocean. With a diverse culture, welcoming people, and warm temperature, this tropical island offers you more than what is expected. The island features incredible and serene pristine beaches, magnificent water falls, nature reserves, botanical garden, and exceptionally geological sites.

Here is a list of top amazing places to visit in Mauritius.

Beaches of Mauritius

The reason many tourists around the world visit Mauritius is because of the warm temperature, and the incredible beaches across the island. Imagine the pristine, sandy beaches, turquoise lagoon, blue clear sky, with warm weather temperature, and beautiful ocean view. Nothing more would you want, than these relaxing beach spots such as Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Trou aux Biches, Pereybere, and the Belle Mare beach. These beaches can cater many tourists and local people especially during peak seasons starting from the month of August till December. Find the local hawkers selling local specialities, or the nearby restaurants to tantalise your taste bud.

Sir Seewoosagur Botanical Garden

The Sir Seewoosagur Botanical Garden also referred as the Pamplemousses Garden is located in the northern part of Mauritius with an area of 37 hectares.

It is famous for its diverse plant species, especially the giant water lilies also known as the Victoria Amazonica with their leaves stretching 2 metres in diameter, and have stunning white flowers.

Dated back to the 18 ^th century, the Pamplemousses garden is recognised as the oldest garden in the southern hemisphere.

Widely visited by tourists all year round, the garden was first created by the French Governor Mahe de Labourdonais for its own use, but later was expanded by the horticulturist Pierre Poivre. who brought several plant species, including nutmeg and cloves.

You may spot the ebony trees (extinct in Mauritius), sugar cane, spices, teak, mahogany trees, huge bamboo trees, and 85 varieties of palms from Central America, Asia, Africa and the islands around the Indian Ocean.

Alongside, meet the adorable animals such as the tortoises, deers, ducks, and small fishes in the pond. Have a pleasant stroll and smell the exceptional fragrance of the various exotic flowers found in the garden.

Seven coloured Earth of Chamarel

Get mesmerised by the stunning geological formation of soil, the Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel is a natural phenomenon created by basaltic lava. The soil is of unusual nature since it is found in different shades of colours due to the decomposition process. Here you will experience the glowing hillsides of red, violet, green, blue, purple and many other colours!

Amazingly, it is said that if you mix the different coloured earth together, they will eventually settle into separate layers! This geological formation still intrigues many people as the colours never erode despite adverse weather conditions.

You can enjoy the beautiful view of the coloured earth protected by wooden fence. There are also nearby curio shops in the area that sell small test-tubes filled up with the coloured earth.

Have a nice time by walking around the beautiful lush surroundings. You can easily spot some giant tortoises as well.
Do not miss to visit the nearby spectacular Chamarel waterfall which plunges more than 95m in a single drop!

Black River Gorges National Park

Let yourself be bewildered by the enchanting nature at the Black River Gorges National Park, which covers an area of 67.54km², that is 2 % of rolling hills and thick native forest of the south western part of the island.

Whether you prefer a stroll in the midst of nature, or want to get more into trekking, exploring the flora and fauna of this exquisite natural beauty is definitely worth it. Find the spellbinding waterfall, pristine river, picnic areas, wide canyon, and dramatic mountain ranges, which create panoramic views altogether!

Get further into the indigenous forest, and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty! There are approximately 311 of native flowering plants, and nine endemic species of bird, with a population of giant fruit bats.

Some endangered bird species include the Mauritius kestrel, the echo parakeet, the pink pigeon, Mauritian flying fox, Mauritius bulbul, and Mauritius olive white-eye.

You might also find the introduced wild boar, macaque monkeys, and deers wandering in the wild nature!

Ganga Talao

Located in the southern part of the Island in the Savanne district, Ganga Talao is considered as a sacred lake by the Hindu devotees in Mauritius. It is indeed an oasis of peace and calm which along side offers panoramic scenery.

This breathtaking spiritual site is a crater lake which inhabits marine creatures such as the fish and huge eels. It is found in the middle of mountain ranges, with endemic plant, and animal species. A true feast for the eyes!

Experience the cultural side of the temples depicting various Hindu gods and goddesses. You will easily spot the magnificent statue of Lord Shiva, flowing a jet of water sparking out of his matted hair.

It is recommended to visit the Hanuman temple on the top of the hill found at the lake. There you will enjoy a truly fantastic view of the whole place.

Bring along some bananas to feed the lovely and curious monkeys on your way.

La Vanille Crocodile Park

Found in the southern part of Mauritius near the renowned ‘Riviere des Anguilles‘ river, La Vanille Crocodile Park, is an amazing attraction consisting of a nature reserve of lush greenery, and exotic animal species from different corners of the world.

The nature reserve covers 3.5 hectares of exquisite flora and fauna. They consist of banana trees, bamboo, beautiful palm trees, tropical rainforest, and exotic fauna such as the crocodiles, geckos, and giant tortoises.

On top of that you will get to see over 20,000 species of insects! Do not miss to visit the world's largest private collections of magnificent butterflies!

You will likely spot the extensive displays of species from Madagascar, Mascarene islands, and other parts of the world.

Besides contemplating the beauty of the fierce crocodiles, take the opportunity to taste their meat at Le Crocodile Affamé restaurant which is part of the reserve.

The restaurant offers you a pleasant setting surrounding nature.

Château de Labourdonnais

Get a little of the Mauritian History by visiting the 19th century Château de Labourdonnais found in the heart of a magnificent natural estate at Mapou.

This majestic mansion was built in 1859 by the influential Christian Wiehe, but which later in 2006 was restored by Jacques Wiehe, a professional architecture.

Located in the midst of a vast area of orchards and gardens, the Château comprises of a colonial architecture, designed in a neoclassical Italian style, but also influenced by Victorian and Napoleon III style. Besides appreciating the historical heritage inside the great mansion, you can also enjoy a stroll through the luxurious gardens and orchards which consist of endemic plants.

The orchards cater fifty varieties of hundred-year-old mango trees, spice trees such as nutmeg and clove, as well as several exotic fruit trees such as the pomme jacot, the sapote, the jamalac and the Kythira plum. Along your way, you will also get to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises in the park.

You will also find some activities such as the production of rum, and a range of natural fruit flavours without artificial colouring or flavouring, including jams, fruit jellies, fruit juices and sorbets. You will also get the chance to taste products from the distillery or the orchards.

Le Morne Peninsula

While exploring the south of Mauritius, you won’t be able to miss Le Morne Brabant which is located at the extreme south western tip of the island. It has a summit of 556 metres (1,824 ft) above sea level.

For those who don’t know much about this picturesque region, Le Morne is actually identified as one of the UNESCO World heritage site in Mauritius.

It used to be an escape haven for the run away slaves dated back in the 19^th century during the colonial era. It is said they gave up their lives since they preferred death over slavery.

Apart from its interesting historical anecdotes, you will marvel the beauty of this small region which offers stunning land and seascapes featuring stunning coastline, emerald lagoon, lush green mountains. If you want to experience a fantastic bird’s eye view of the incredible scenery then you might want to try seaplane flight tours or para sailing.