Ganga Talao, or Grand Bassin, is nestled in the south-central part of the island. In fact, it is a natural lake formed in a former volcanic crater, with the surrounding Hindu temple complex.

Even though it is a prominent pilgrimage site for Hindus, it is one of the most popular sites for all visitors on the island. And yes, it is a unique experience to get in touch with the Hindu religion and its gods and goddesses.

A few words about religions and Hinduism in Mauritius

Approximately, Mauritius has a population of about 1.2 million.
During the centuries, the population structure changed due to the migrations and labourers from Asian countries brought by the British in the 19th century to work on sugarcane plantations.

Today, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims live in peace. You can see many various religious sites on the island, such as Hindu temples, catholic churches and chapels, and mosques. Hindus constitute around 48% of the total population, Christianity 32.2%, and Islam 18%.

Certainly, Grand Bassin is the most sacred place on the island for Hindus.

Various religious sites in Mauritius

How to get to Ganga Talao

Ganga Talao is located in the Savanna district of Mauritius, about 550 meters above sea level. It is close to the Black River Gorge and Bois Cheri Tea plantation, and it is about 45 kilometres from Port Louis, the capital city.

If you are coming from the north, just follow the motorway south towards Curepipe town, and follow the signs for Grand Bassin.

Maybe the best way is to visit it on private or organised excursions with a guide and visit more attractions close to the lake.

What to know before visiting the Ganga Talao

First of all, Ganga Talao is a holy place for Hindus, and there are several things to keep in mind.

Opening time: you can see the lake every day of the year, from early morning to nightfall.
Only the temple is open between 5 AM to 12 PM, and from 1 to 6 PM.
◊ There is no entrance fee for tourists and pilgrims. But it will be nice to donate some money.
  Before you enter the temple, take off your shoes.
◊ Dress modestly, which means no shorts, mini dress, or tops, and cover your shoulders and knees.
Taking photos is allowed, but it is better to ask for permission, especially during prayers.
◊ Don’t feed or catch the fish in the lake.

“Uphold your dharma, and dharma will protect you”

Entrance to the Ganga Talao complex, Mauritius

The history of the Ganga Talao

By the way, Ganga Talao means ‘Lake of Ganga’ in the English language.

According to the legend, the priest Pandit Jhummon Giri Gossagne had a dream about the sacred lake connected to the river Ganges in India. It was in 1897 that he was searching for a place from his dream, and he found it in Grand Bassin.

The priest wanted to find a place for a pilgrimage for many Hindus who came to Mauritius to work in sugarcane plantations during British rule. So, religion and prayers were the way to survive bad conditions and hard work. Very soon, the people started to visit this lake as a place of pilgrimage.

Until 1972, this place had been known as Grand Bassin. But then, the priest brought the water from the Indian Ganges River and poured it into the lake. It was a symbolic connection to this sacred river, and from that moment, the lake has been known as “Ganga Talao”.

Huge statues of the Hindu God and Goddess

Going on the motorway to the Ganga Talao, you can see two huge statues from a long distance.
There are the statues of Lord Shiva and Durga Maa. Both statues are 33 metres (108 feet) high, designed by Indian sculptor Shri Matu Ram Verma.

Road to Ganga Talao

Interestingly, 108 is a sacred number in Buddhism and Hinduism. It represents cosmic energy and divine connection.
There are many connections of the number 108 with mathematical calculations, astrology, chakras, yogic meditation, chakras, Ayurveda, sun salutations, mantra meditation, sacred texts, and asanas. You can read more about these interesting facts here.

Maybe the next time when you see the number 108, you should stop for a moment. Just think about what the cosmic wants to tell you. Are you on the right path in your life, and do you still follow your dreams, or not… Think about it.

Durga Maa statue

First, we stopped at the foot of the impressive statue of Durga Maa, the major Hindu goddess. She is the goddess of power, strength, and protection. It was placed in 2017, and it is the largest statue of the Hindu Goddess Durga in the world.

The Hindu goddess Durga Maa, Grand Bassin, drone photo by Alexandar Petrović

Next to her, there is a lion, which symbolises her fearlessness. Well, it is a fantastic symbol of the divine feminine power.

Hindu Goddess Durga Maa, Ganga Talao

Mangal Mahadev – Lord Shiva statue

Close to Durga Maa, there is the statue of Mangal Mahadev or the Hindu God Shiva.
This statue was installed in 2007, and it is one of the tallest statues of Lord Shiva in the world. It is a faithful copy of the Shiva statue of Sursagar Lake in Vadodara, Gujarat, in India.

The Hindu God Shiva statue, Ganga Talao, drone by Alexandar Petrović

The statue represents Lord Shiva standing with his trident in his left hand and a drum in his right hand.
In front of it, you can see places for offerings and interesting statues in glass panels.

Hindu statues

Also, there is a mounted platform to be closer to the statue and for taking photos, as well.

Lord Shiva Statue

What to see in the Ganga Talao Hindu Temple

I have to say that I felt a little bit strange and excited following the stairs leading to the Ganga Talao complex. Well, visiting religious sites completely different from the Orthodox or Catholic churches, which I used to do is not something usual.

Stairs to the Ganga Talao complex

Hindu Temple and Tika blessing

The lake is about 15-17 meters (50-55 feet) deep, and it is surrounded by lush greenery and trees. Around the shoreline of the lake, you can see a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and several shrines dedicated to Hindu deities.

Everyone is very welcoming, even if you are not a Hindu pilgrim. Everything is so calm and serene. 

Ganga Talao Temple and various deity statues

You can feel a specific spiritual atmosphere in the temple.
Local Hindu pilgrims come to visit the site to be blessed. They light incense sticks and make offerings, such as flowers, fruit, milk…   

Pilgrims and tourists in the Ganga Talao Hindu temple

Although we are not Hindus, the temple priest gave us a blessing and put “Tilaka” or “Tikka“. It is a red mark worn usually in the centre of the forehead between the eyebrows. It is the point of the Ajna chakra (third eye or spiritual eye).

Hindu blessing in the Ganga Talao temple

Hm, I don t know what happened with my “Tikka mark”, but Tanja’s “Tikka mark” was perfect

My sister Tanja and I (with Tikka’s marks) inside the Ganga Talao Temple

There are several deity statues in the temple, but the statues of Vishnu and Lakshmi were the most interesting to me. They are one of the most iconic couples in Hindu mythology. Vishnu is one of the principal Hindu deities, and Lakshmi is the goddess of wisdom, fortune, wealth, courage, light, and fertility.

Hindu statues of Vishnu and Lakshmi in the Ganga Talao Temple

Hindu deities around the Sacred Lake of Ganga Talao

Next to the temple, you can see various colourful statues dedicated to the Hindu deities. They are situated on the floating platforms and decorated with flowers and offerings.

So, there is a statue dedicated to Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. It is an elephant-headed Hindu god with four hands. He is the god of beginnings, a bringer of good luck, and a patron of arts, sciences and learning.

On his right side, there is a statue of Goddess Lakshmi. 

Lord Ganesha statue (left) and Goddess Lakshmi statue (right), Ganga Talao

Then, you can see a statue of Sai Baba of Shirdi, the Indian guru and fakir. He was revered by Hindus, Muslims and Zoroastrians because he opposed all persecution based on religion or caste.

 Next to him, there is a blue statue of Lord Shiva, one of the most prominent Hindu gods. This complex god is known as a destroyer, a creator and a preserver.

Statues from the left side: Sai Baba of Shirdi, Ganesha and God Shiva

Close to the entrance, you can also see the statue of Hanuman, the monkey god. He is half-human and half-monkey. Hanuman represents loyalty, physical strength, and devotion, and he has extraordinary powers.

Next to him, there is an interesting statue of the Hindu goddess.

Hindu Goddess and the statue of Hanuman, behind is the monkey god

Saraswati is one of the three most important Hindu goddesses. She is the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, art, learning, wealth and abundance.

The statue of the Goddess Saraswati

Going further, there is a statue of the Three Gods Dattatreya Trimurti or Divine Trinity Statue. This god is considered to be an avatar and a combined form of the three Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, known as the Trimurti. 
Around this statue, you can see many small fish. Of course, it is forbidden to catch or feed them.

Three Gods Dattatreya Trimurti statue, Ganga Talao

Then, you can see the statue of Muruga, the Hindu god of war. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati and the brother of Ganesha.

Lord Muruga statue

Surya, the god of the sun, holds a sunflower in his hand, and he is riding a chariot pulled by seven horses. He is the creator of the universe, and he brings light to the world. Seven horses represent seven colours of light and seven days a week.

Surya, Sun God in a chariot with 7 horses, Ganga Talao

Hm, it looks a little bit complicated, the Hindu world of gods and goddesses, doesn’t it

Hindu festival in Ganga Talao

The most important Hindu festival is Maha Shivaratri.
Besides India, it is celebrated in Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, as well as in Mauritius. Also, it is a public holiday because of the huge impact of the Hindu population on the island.

The festival is celebrated each year on the 13th night and 14th day of the 11th month of the Hindu Calendar. On the Gregorian Calendar, it is in February or March.

The festival is known as “The Great Night of Lord Shiva”. According to the Hindu tradition, it was the night of the marriage of God Shiva to Goddess Parvati, which represents a divine union. Because of that, unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, while married women pray for a happy married life.

Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to the Ganga Talao, dressed in white, the symbol of purity. Some of them came on foot, following the tradition. They carry “kanwars” – shrines which represent Hindu gods, on their shoulders or wheels. It is a structure made of bamboo and colourful paper, and decorations. When pilgrims come to the sacred lake, they perform their prayer ritual with offerings. Also, they gather water from the sacred lake into vessels and put it out over the Shiva statue in their homes.

Walking around the Ganga Talao

What to see more close to the Ganga Talao

So, I hope that you like my story about the sacred lake Ganga Talao. By the way, it is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India!

There are several very interesting places to visit close to the lake. So, the best way is to make a plan or join organised tours. Check out some of the popular Mauritius attractions.

Bois Chéri Tea plantation – about 5 km away. You can read more here.
◊ La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park.
Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorge National Park – about 10 10-minute drive.
◊ Chamarel 7 Earth Coloured.

You can read more about the stunning nature attractions in Mauritius here.

Read more about Mauritius, an exotic, dreamy gateway, here.

In this text, we’ll explore the Bois Chéri tea plantation and delve into the rum tasting.

A view of the Bois Chéri Tea plantation and the Swan Lake

  Tea route on Mauritius

Visiting Mauritius is not complete without seeing tea and sugar cane plantations. They had a huge impact on Mauritius’ history and development. The best way to know more about it is to follow The Tea Route, also known as La Route du Thé.

The route includes three estates. You can visit one or all of them through organised or private tours, depending on your time and interests. The price of excursions could be from 18 EUR to 284 EUR per person. It depends on the included activities, such as transfer, the number of visited places, tea or rum tasting, and breakfast or lunch.

The first route stop is Domaine des Aubineaux estate, located in the south-west, close to Curepipe town. You can see a colonial house built in 1872 with antique furniture. Today, it is turned into a museum dedicated to the history of Mauritian Tea. There is also the garden Le Parc Floral du Domaine des Aubineaux with exotic plants and trees, and La Maison des Essences, a distillery of essential oils.

The second stop is the Bois Chéri tea plantation, and the third is the Saint Aubin estate. 

First, let’s say a few words about the history of tea…

The Bois Chéri tea plantation and the Swan Lake

A few words about the history of tea

It is believed that the first tea plants were grown in the Province of Assam, in northern India. The Chinese were the first to discover tea’s benefits and used it as medicine approximately 2,700 BC. Then, tea was commercially recognised and used as a beverage in China and Japan about the 6th century AD.

But in Europe, tea became known a thousand years later. First, it came to Holland in the 16th century with the Dutch East India Company, and then to France and England. In 1833, the East India Company lost its monopoly on Chinese trade and tea production rapidly increased in India. Tea seeds were also spread to Ceylon, Java, and Kenya.

Mauritius, Bois Cheri Tea: Green, Coconut-Vanilla, Exotic fruits, Moringa

Tea in Mauritius

The priest Rene Francois Galloys first brought a tea plant, Camellia sinensis, from China to Mauritius in 1765. He gave it to Pierre Poivre, and the first tea plantation was founded in 1892 by the Bour Le Breton Company. It was Bois Chéri, the oldest and biggest tea plantation on the island.

The Guimbeau family (Saint Aubin Group) bought the plantation in 1958. This family is of French descent, and they have lived and worked in Mauritius for eight generations. Nowadays, the factory produces more than half of Mauritius’ tea in the 250-hectare area.
The products of Saint Aubin Group are exported to the markets in the EU: France, Italy, Germany, the  Netherlands and Reunion Island.

Bois Chéri Tea Plantation

Le Domaine Bois Chéri is located in the south, on the plateau about 450 m above sea level. It is a few kilometres away from the sacred lake of Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) and the Hindu temple. 

The road led us through the tea fields and an amazing, lush green region. At one moment, we saw a woman, a tea picker in the field. We slowed down, she waved at us, smiled and continued working.

Mauritius Tea Plantation

Mauritius, Road to Bois Chéri tea plantation

Generally, the tour includes a visit to the Tea factory, the Tea Museum and Tea tasting, and it lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

Bois Chéri Tea Factory and the Museum

 Tea Museum

Inside the Bois Chéri Tea Museum

First, we visited a small Tea Museum with old machinery used for tea production.

Machines and equipment in the Bois Chéri Museum

Among them is an old train locomotive type F4268 made in 1925 in England. It was used for the transport of goods and passengers between Curepipe and Port Louis. The owners of Bois Chéri bought it from the new government in 1968, when Mauritius became independent, and they used it as a boiler.

Locomotive in the Bois Chéri Museum

In the museum, you can see vintage photographs, antique equipment, and various teapot sets.

Teacups in the Bois Chéri Museum

Informative displays tell us the story of the tea’s history, and production process, as well as some facts about the Boston Tea Party, tea bags, and the use of sugar and milk in tea.

Tea Production Process, Bois Chéri

The tea production process in the Bois Chéri factory

The guided tours of the factory run every 30 minutes both in French and in English. During the tour, you can learn about the story of the tea-making process.

1. Plucking: Tea leaves are handpicked from the tea plants and put in bags.
2. Withering: The leaves are spread out on racks or trays and left to wither. This process reduces the moisture content.
   

   Tea processing

    

3. Rolling: The withered leaves are rolled to break the cell walls, releasing essential oils and enzymes that are critical for fermentation.
4. Fermentation (Oxidation): For black tea, the rolled leaves are spread out in a cool, humid environment to oxidise. This is where the leaves turn from green to brown and develop their characteristic flavours. Green tea skips this step, retaining its green colour and more delicate taste.
5. Drying: The oxidised leaves are dried using hot air to halt the oxidation process and remove the remaining moisture. This step ensures the tea can be stored for long periods. The tea is stored for at least three months in a silo to let it mature.
6. Sorting and Grading: The dried tea leaves are sorted and graded according to size and quality. Larger, whole leaves are considered higher quality, while smaller broken leaves are used for tea bags.
7. Flavouring: Various flavours are added to black tea, such as exotic fruits, vanilla, bergamot, caramel, etc.
8. Packaging: The sorted tea is packaged in tea bags of 2 grams or various sizes of packages.
   And tea is ready for distribution.
   

   Tea packaging

Bois Chéri  & Tea tasting

The most popular part of the tea tour is tea tasting. By the way, literally, “Bois Chéri ” in French means “Drink, darling“

Road to the Bois Chéri Restaurant

 

Well, tea lovers will certainly enjoy the tea-tasting at Le Chalet du Domaine de Bois Chéri.
It is located approximately two kilometres from the tea factory, on a small hill, and it overlooks the tea fields and Le Lac des Cygnes – the Swan Lake.

Le Chalet du Domaine de Bois Chéri

 

Bois Chéri estate and Swan Lake

 

The panoramic view from the wooden terrace of Bois Chéri is amazing. Palm trees surround the road, tea fields and a lake. Everything is green and peaceful, perfect for enjoying nature and tea flavours. And taking many photos as well

A view from the Bois Chéri Chalet

Tea tasting

Bois Chéri Tea Tasting

 

Tea Tasting in Le Chalet du Domaine de Bois Chéri

Benefits of tea

Do you know that tea is the second most-consumed drink in the world after water?
And yes, tea has many benefits for our health. Check out some of them.

  Tea reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

  Tea reduces cholesterol levels, purifies the blood, and boosts blood circulation.

◊ It makes digestion easy.

The tea fights against bad breath and helps with tooth decay.

◊ Also, tea cures headaches and dizziness, and it purifies the skin.
It reinforces a memory and extends life expectancy.

Bois Chéri Tea Shop

 

What else can you do in Bois Chéri Plantation?

Depending on excursions, you can have a Mauritian breakfast or lunch in Le Bois Chéri Restaurant.
Taste traditional Mauritian dishes such as shrimps with green tea, or chicken marinated in vanilla tea sauce with dhal, and rice.

◊ In the Bois Cheri estate, you can take a walk to see tea plants, hiking, pedal boating and fishing in the lake.

Saint Aubin Estate

After the visit and rum tasting, you can have a Mauritian lunch in the Saint Aubin restaurant.

Saunt Aubin Rum and Gin

Sugarcane   and Rum production

Mauritius Sugarcane Field

For centuries, sugarcane has been crucial to Mauritius’ economy. The Dutch brought it in the 17th century, and sugarcane cultivation expanded under French and British colonial rule.

Today, you can see sugarcane fields all around the island. In 1860, there were even 296 sugar mills.

Britannia Sugar Factory closed in 2002

Place du Moulin Bel Ombre, closed the old factory

Due to various political and social changes, as well as several strong cyclones that have destroyed sugar production, only three mills are currently operating. They are  Terra, Omnicane and Alteo. But, even now, sugar production remains a key industry of Mauritius, with 2,452,653 tonnes produced in 2023.

Rum production

Sugarcane is harvested between June and December. The stalks are cut by hand or machine and transported to mills for processing.

At the mills, the sugarcane is crushed to extract the juice. Then, the juice is clarified, evaporated, and crystallised to produce raw sugar. The by-products (molasses and bagasse) are also used in various ways.

Traditional rum is made from the first cane juice. Usually, it is aged in oak barrels for 2 or 3 years or even longer.

If you have time, visit L’Aventure du Sucre. It is a former sugar factory located in the north, in Pamplemousses, close to the Botanical Garden. Today it is turned into a museum, where you can see exhibits of the history and evolution of the sugarcane. And you can taste various types of Mauritian rum, as well.

The most popular distilleries on the island are Rhumerie de Chamarel, Saint Aubin, and New Grove.
You can visit them on private or organised tours, which include rum tasting as well.

Rum by Rhumerie de Chamarel

Types of rum

Mauritius is famous for its excellent-quality rum of excellent quality. Each distillery offers its unique blends and flavours, from traditional to premium varieties.
Rum comes in various types, such as white rum, dark rum, spiced rum, and aged rum.

On our way to the Black River Gorge, we stopped for a quick rum degustation. And of course, we were delighted with the wide range of rum flavours! So we tasted several rums made in Mauritius, and they were fantastic.

Rum tasting

But the most interesting was a bottle of rum with an inserted Dodo glass bird! This premium bottle of rum costs about 120 $.

Mauritius Rum and Dodo Glass Bird

Also, we tasted the Port Louis Toffee Liqueur, which has a rich and sweet English toffee chocolate flavour. It was so delicious that we had to buy it!

Port Louis Toffee Liqueur & Cocktail made at home

There you can find many various types of rum from different producers with a wide range of prices, as well as many other products and souvenirs from Mauritius.
Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of this luxury shop. But I know that it is very close to the “Pride of the Island” shop with fantastic handcrafted ship models and souvenirs, located in the south (Royal Road, Curepipe town).

Mauritius Rum Shop

The Bois Chéri tea and Mauritian rum

Bois Chéri tea plantation, colonial estates and rum distilleries represent Mauritius’s rich agricultural heritage.

Visiting these places was a great experience, and we had a great time. These excursions are an integral part of our travels. We remember them fondly and with a smile on our faces. Well, we can always learn something new during the trips, and that is priceless.

Close to the Bois Chéri in the south of the island, there are more interesting places. Check some of them.

Chamarel 7 Earth Colours: a natural phenomenon, an area with 7 Earth colours. Read more here.
◊ La Vallée Des Couleurs: nature and amusement park.

Black River Gorge: the largest national Park Read more here.
◊ La Vanilla Nature Park: a nature park with giant Aldabra tortoises, a crocodile farm, an interactive farm, and a pony ride for kids.

Avalon Golf Estate: perfect for golf lovers.

Oh, yes, Mauritius is a paradise destination that attracts beach and nature lovers more and more every day. This exotic island, nestled in the Indian Ocean, was on my travel list for a long time. Finally, my wish came true in April 2023.

Even now, when I look at the photos and videos made in Mauritius, I wish to go back there again.

Sunset on the Flic En Flac Beach

The best Mauritius beaches

The azure water of the Indian Ocean laps the coast of Mauritius, which is 330 km long.

After the formation of the island following the volcanic eruption, one part of the soil rose along the volcano and formed the protective reef. This reef is almost all around the coast, protecting the island from large waves, as well as sharks. Because of this, swimming and snorkelling in the lagoons are completely safe.

Flic en Flac Coast and reef, drone view by Aleksandar Petrović

Each coast part offers a unique experience, from hidden lagoons and long sandy beaches to rugged cliffs. This guide will take you through the best beaches on the north, south, west, and east coasts of Mauritius.

Generally, the beaches are public. But the space and facilities in front of the hotels and resorts are for their guests. By the way, the public beaches are crowded at weekends. Besides tourists, Mauritian families arrive equipped for picnics, carrying everything from food to sunbeds and tarps to protect them from the sudden rain!

Flic En Flac Beach

Definetely, it is not possible to see all the beaches during one vacation. So make a plan, enjoy your time and check here for more updated information about Mauritius

Mauritius beaches on the west coast

Since our apartment was in Flic en Flac, I will start with the west and southwest coast.
This part of the island is a very popular tourist spot with many facilities and a wide range of accommodation.

So, the most famous beaches in this part are Flic en Flac, Le Morne and Tamarin Beach.

Flic en Flac Beach

Drone view (Aleksandar Petrović) of the Flic en Flac coast and tourist place

Flic en Flac is located in the village of the same name, probably derived from the Old Dutch word for “free flat land”.

Flic En Flac Beach, drone by Aleksandar Petrović

The beach is almost 8 km long with a nice natural shade of native casuarina trees. The water is warm and shallow, which is perfect for families with kids. Besides swimming and snorkelling, there are water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, paddle boating, banana boating, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.

Flic en Flac Beach

Around the beach, there are many bars, restaurants and food trucks offering fresh seafood and dishes from local cuisine.

Food trucks on the Flic En Flac Beach

By the way, the weather could change suddenly. It means that you are enjoying sunbathing, and in 15 minutes, dark and grey clouds come and rain starts, together with thunderstorms. Sometimes it is a light rain, and soon, the sun is shining again. But sometimes it is a heavy rain for hours and hours. During our stay, we experienced both situations, even though it was in April, the period when a few rainy days were expected.

This beach is known for its spectacular sunsets.

An amazing sunset on the Flic en Flac Beach

You can see people coming to the beach just to catch these romantic moments.

Sunset on Flic En Flac Beach, drone view

Accommodation in Flic en Flac

Flic en Flac offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget. You can choose from apartments, 2* hotels, to luxurious villas, bungalows and 5* hotels.
Some of the best hotels are: Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, Sofitel Mauritius L’Imperial Resort, Sugar Beach Mauritius, and Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa. 3* Aanari Hotel is a very good choice for a mid-range hotel, located close to the beach.

The rent prices of the apartments are different, depending on location and equipment. They range from 35 to 100 EUR per day.

View of the Flic En Flac Coast, drone by Aleksandar Petrović

Tamarin beach

About 10 km from Flic en Flac, there is the Tamarin beach in the village with the same name.
It belongs to the Black River district. Once a fishing village, today it is a popular residential and tourist area. There are various boutique hotels, villas, apartments and hotels from 2* to 5*.

Tamarin Beach is a wide, sandy beach with waves, perfect for surfers and watersports.
Close to the beach, there are: saltpans, Tamarina Golf Club, Casela Nature Park, and Cascavelle Shopping Village, with local and international brands.

Le Morne Beach 

Well, Le Morne Brabant is the most famous place in Mauritius.
This landscape of Mauritius is situated on the peninsula, on the southwest coast of Mauritius. Casuarina trees and the Le Morne Brabant Mountain surround the beautiful beach with white-gold sand.

Le Morne Public Beach

By the way, Le Morne was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. In the previous posts about Mauritius, I wrote about the sad story of the runaway slaves who lived on the mountain. In 1834, slavery was abolished. But when maroons saw the British soldiers who wanted to tell them that they were free, they feared being recaptured again. So, they committed suicide and threw themselves from the top of Le Morne mountain. They choose death, without knowing that finally, they could be free…

If you enjoy hiking, there are three-hour hiking tours with a guide to the top of the mountain. The tour is not easy, but you will be rewarded with a fantastic ocean view and coast from the top.

Le Morne Beach

In my opinion, Le Morne is the best beach on the island.

Beautiful Le Morne beach

It is known as a unique natural phenomenon: it is an underwater waterfall! Actually, it is an optical illusion, but it can be seen only from the air! We thought of making a video using a drone, but it was too windy on that side of the beach and ocean, so we gave up.
I hope to visit Mauritius again and see it during the helicopter tour (a 30-minute flight costs around 600 EUR, for 2 persons ).

Enjoying the Le Morne Beach

Kitesurfing on the Le Morne Beach

Kitesurfers on Le Morne Beach

Because of its specific location, Le Morne is a perfect place for kitesurfing.
Actually, it is one of the best spots in the world, with a big lagoon and warm water all year round.

Kitesurfers on the Le Morne Coast, viewed by drone of Aleksandar Petrović

The best time is from June to November, and the wind speed is about 15-25 knots.

Kitesurfing on the Le Morne Beach

Accommodation in Le Morne Beach

This area is also known for the most luxurious resorts on the island.

Le Morne, Grand Beachfront Villas, drone view by Aleksandar Petrović

You can find several 5* luxury resorts there, such as JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, LUX Le Morne, RIU Palace Mauritius, Grand Beachfront Villas, and Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
Also, around Le Morne, there are apartments, villas, and small boutique hotels.

Mauritius Beaches in the South 

Some of the beaches on the southern part of the island are Baie Du Cap (close to the Maconde viewpoint), La Cambuse, Pomponette, Souillac, Le Bouchon, Riambel, and Gris Gris.

Gris Gris Beach

We were so delighted by the Gris Gris!
Even though this golden sandy beach looks marvellous, it is very dangerous. Swimming and snorkelling are not allowed. The reasons are wind, rocks, strong sea currents, and big waves. In this part, there is no coral reef, which means that waves are crashing strongly on the rocks in the water.

Beautiful and dangerous Gris Gris Beach

I think that I could stay there all day, just watching the powerful play of the wind and waves!

Amazing Gris Gris Beach

The Mauritius beaches on the northern side

The most popular beaches of the North are Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, La Cuvette, Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux.

Troix aux Biches is located in the town with the same name, and it is one of the favourite beaches among tourists. Since we had limited time, we just stopped for a while at Grand Baie.

Grand Baie Beach

It is a very popular tourist place with many various types of accommodation, shops, nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

Mauritius, Grand Baie

Cap Malhereux Beach and the Church with a red roof

Going further north, we visited Cap Malheureux Beach.
It is located in a small fishing village close to Grand Baie. This is the most northerly point of the island.

Cap Malheureux Beach, drone view by Aleksandar Petrović

The beach is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon with a few islets.

Cap Malheureux Beach

By the way, “Cap de Malheureux” means “Unlucky Cape”, and the name was given by the French who controlled the island in the 18th century. But in 1810, the British surprised them. They landed there, and the French were defeated. Because of it, this area got its name as a reminder of the British invasion.

Cap Malheuerex Beach

However, it is also known as the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Church or the Red Roof Church. Indeed, the church has a red roof, which is not very common.

Cap Malheureux Chapel of Notre-dame Auxiliatrice

The blue ocean, lagoon and church offer visitors an unbelievable scene. It is a very popular place for wedding ceremonies. We saw that during our excursion because, at that moment, it was full of guests who were waiting for the wedding ceremony to start

Take a look at the lagoon, the Red Roof Church, the boats and the ocean…
I hope you enjoy the view (drone by Aleksandar Petrović:)

Mauritius beaches on the east

The most popular beaches on the east are Belle Mare, La Pointe d’Esny, Post Lafayette, and the beach of Ile aux Cerfs.

In this area, there are 5-star hotels such as Shangri-La Le Touessrok, LUX Belle Mare, Constance Belle Mare Plage Mauritius, 4-star Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa, and several 3-star hotels, as well.

From Trou d’Eau Douce, start excursions to the island of Ile aux Cerfs, one of the most popular things to do in Mauritius.

Catamaran Adventure to Ile aux Cerfs

So, several private operators offer this excursion, for half or the whole day. You can take a speedboat, catamaran or yacht to Ile aux Cerfs.

The cheapest way is the boat, which will take 15 minutes to reach the island, and it costs around 30 EUR per person.
If you enjoy catamaran tours, it will cost you approximately 65 to 125 EUR per person, depending if the transfer to your hotel is included or not.

Catamaran Tour

So, we took a catamaran tour, and we enjoyed sailing around the East Coast and Ile aux Cerfs.

Enjoying the Catamaran Tour

Usually, this tour includes a visit to the famous Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfall, which is about 500 m upstream. We moved from a catamaran to a speed boat and went close to the waterfall, going around the river banks surrounded by trees, rocks and greenery. Sometimes you can see the monkeys as well.

GRSE Waterfall

What to do on the Ile aux Cerfs?

Then we came back to the catamaran and sailed to Ile aux Cerfs, or Deer Island.
The island got its name because it was once inhabited by deer brought from Java by the Dutch in the 17th century. Today, there are no more deer on the island, and the area of ​​87 hectares is a tourist attraction.

Ile Aux Cerfs beach

So, you can swim, snorkel, walk around or soak up the sun on the island. Water sports are also available, such as parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding and banana rides. Depending on the operator, the tour includes a BBQ lunch set with soft drinks, water, beer, wine or local rum, on the beach or the catamaran.

Facilities on the Ile Aux Cerrfs

Well, I have to admit that I enjoyed the wind, the sailing and the view of the waters of the Indian Ocean

Ile Aux Cerfs Beach

 Golf and Bubble Lodge

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course. It was designed by the famous golf champion, Bernhard Langer.
There are no hotels on the island, but there is something: Bubble Lodge Ile aux Cerfs.
You can spend the night in luxurious “balloons”. There are only three balloons, and being in them is a unique experience. The package includes a private boat transfer, dinner and breakfast at the golf club restaurant, access to the club’s private beach (towel, sunbeds, umbrellas) and a golf lesson

Roughly, one night in this balloon costs around 500 euros, and reservations are made through the golf club.
For more nights, check out various hotels on the coast of Trou d’Eau Douce.

Definitely, Ile aux Cerfs is one of the top excursions in Mauritius

Enjoy stunning Mauritius beaches

I hope you enjoyed my story of the beautiful Mauritius beaches.
The crystal clear water, endless white-gold sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets give an unforgettable experience for travellers.

Walking along Le Morne beach

While I looked at the sun going down, I was so happy and thankful to have the opportunity to visit this paradise. There are no words to describe the feeling of being surrounded by amazing nature and powerful waves.

And yes, it is not just a feeling that you are “lost somewhere in the ocean”.
It is true, especially when you see Mauritius as a small point on the world map, somewhere in the blue Indian Ocean…

Sunset on the Flic En Flac beach

Chamarel Waterfall

How to book excursions for the best nature attractions

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a history enthusiast, Mauritius offers a diverse range of places to visit.

So, you can explore the island by renting a car, but bear in mind that you have to drive on the left side of the road.
Another way is booking excursions organised by local agencies, like private tours or groups. Also, you can book them online through the Get Your Guide, Viator or Tripadvisor platforms.

So, we booked a few excursions with the local agency Taxi Mauritius Transfer, which organised our transfer from the airport to our apartment. There were private tours, and in my opinion, it is the best way to see the island, according to your interests. At the same time, your driver is also your tourist guide. So, the driver picks you up and drops you off at any hotel or apartment on the island in an air-conditioned family car or minivan for bigger groups.

Usually, the sightseeing tours in Mauritius last between 5 to 8 hours, depending on tourist sights and the distance of your accommodation. You can visit various places in the South, West, North or East of Mauritius.

One excursion for 3-4 people in a family car could cost about 70-100 EUR per car or per person. The price depends on pthe laces and distances.

No matter which way you decide, I am sure you will enjoy Mauritius’s stunning nature.

Discover the best nature attractions in Mauritius 

Even though the island is not big, plan what you want to do and see during your vacation. The best way is to combine two or three places close to each other, because the sunset is about 7 PM. After that, you can only visit bars and restaurants

Trou aux Cerfs

Our first excursion started with visiting the Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano. It is located about 1 kilometre from the town of Curepipe in the central plateau of Mauritius.

Troux aux Cerfs Volcano crater and Curepipe town

Once known as “Murr’s Volcano”, the crater is around 605 meters above sea level. The diameter is 300-350 meters, and the depth is around 100 meters. It is believed that the volcano was formed less than 2 million years ago, and it erupted once about 700,000 years ago. For now, it is dormant, but experts think it can become active again within the next thousand years.

The crater is surrounded by dense forest, pine trees and greenery, and it is almost impossible to access it. There is a small lake in the middle of the crater. Definitely, the best view of the volcano is from the air or a drone.
By the way, all photos and videos by drone were made by our friend, Alexandar Petrović

Troux aux Cerfs Volcano Lake, the view from the drone

There is a jogging path around the crater, a parking with benches and a radar station that keeps on cyclonic activities.
Besides Trou aux Cerfs, the main craters Grand Bassin and Trou Kanaka are also located in the island’s centre.

Around Troux Aux Cerfs crater

Close to Troux aux Cerfs, about 9 km away, you can see the Mare Aux Vacoas, the island’s largest drinking water reservoir.

Mare Aux Vacoas Reservoir

Mountains on Mauritius

Mauritius is so green! We were impressed by the beautiful views of mountains and hills covered with forests and lush greenery. Stunning waterfalls and endemic plants are hidden between them. So, besides your swimsuits, take your hiking shoes because Mautius is a hiking paradise

There are several mountains on the island. The highest mountain is the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire with 828 m in the southwest of the island. Pieter Both Mountain is the second-highest mountain, and the third is Le Pouce Mountain, known as ‘The Thumb’ peak, because it looks like a thumb.

The Trois Mamelles Mountain is located in the centre of the island. It is 600 m high, and it looks fascinating. In fact, it has three unusually shaped peaks, literally known as “3 udders” in French

Trois Mamelles Mountain

Tourelle du Tamarin Mountain is 548 metres high, and it is located in the village of Tamarin. 

Tourelle Du Tamarin Mountain

Landscape of the island: Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne

Le Morne Brabant is located on the Le Morne peninsula in the southwestern part of Mauritius. It is about 556 meters above sea level, and hiking on the Le Morne is one of Mauritius’s top things to do.

Le Morne beach

This area is known for its amazing beach, luxury resorts, and kitesurfing.

Le Morne Kitesurfing

In the previous post about Mauritius, I wrote about the sad story of the maroons from Le Morne. Because of them, this mountain is also a symbol of the slaves’ fight for freedom.

But, there is something special about this place: the underwater waterfall. Actually, this unique geological formation is an optical illusion. So, Mauritius and the islets around it are situated upon one of the largest Submarine Plateaus in the Indian Ocean, no deeper than 150 meters below sea level. But, on the plateau edge, there is a “drop-off”, going down to over 4,000 meters deep into the abyss. The sand from beaches is going into the water, and ocean currents give the impression that the water is falling.

This “waterfall” could be seen only from the air. For example, a helicopter tour of about 45 minutes, for 2 persons, costs approximately 650 EUR. Check more details about helicopter tours here.

Natural attractions: parks and waterfalls

The Black River Gorges, Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve

The Black River Gorges National Park is the most famous national park, located in the southwest of the island. It is the largest protected forest on the island, covering 6,754 hectares.
By the way, the Black River Gorges (BRGNP) is inscribed in the UNESCO Heritage List, because of its high ecological value.

Entrance is free of charge. Opening time: Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM, weekends: 9 AM – 5 PM.
Pets are not allowed.

Welcome to the Black River Gorges Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve

The natural park consists of three zones. The core zone is a protected zone with Mauritian endemic flora and fauna species. The buffer zone surrounds the core zone, and it is used for research, education and monitoring activities. The third is the transition zone, which consists of Bel Ombre and St Martin villages, the agricultural sector and ecotourism activities.

From the parking, the path surrounded by small stalls with souvenirs leads you to the Gorge viewpoint.

The panoramic view of the Black River Gorges

Just take a deep breath and enjoy a marvellous view of the green hills and valleys.

Black River Gorge National Park

On the right side of the Gorge viewpoint, you can see the Trochetia Waterfall.

Trochetia Waterfall from Black River Gorges Viewpoint

The reserve is home to endemic plants and nine endemic bird species, such as the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and echo parakeet.

Alexandra Falls in the Black River Gorge Park

Surrounded by trees and shrubs, Alexandra Falls is one of the park’s most famous attractions. Just follow the information on the road, and then the path from the parking through the trees.

The path to Alexandra Waterfall

The view is amazing: the water cascades over 100 meters down into lush greenery. 

Alexandra Waterfall

Well, looking at the stunning Alexandra Falls is an amazing experience. The sounds of nature make you forget about everything.

The beautiful Alexandra Waterfall

Hiking in the Black River Gorges Park

By the way, the Black River Gorges National Park is one of the best places for hiking in Mauritius.
There are over 60 km of hiking trails ranging from easy to more strenuous. Even if the trails are marked, it is better to hike with a guide through the jungle with rare birds and monkeys. Check out more hiking details here.

Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark

Welcome to the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark

The national Chamarel 7 Coloured  Earth Geopark is located in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District in southwestern Mauritius. This unique phenomenon covers an area of about 8,5 hectares. It was created as a result of volcanic activities when the exploding lava cooled into basalt rocks and oxidised during the time, creating the land of 7 colours.

Well, there is a spectacular view of shades of red, purple, orange, blue, violet, yellow and brown colours

Chamarel 7 Earth Colours

The Chamarel Park looks gorgeous I have never seen something like that before.
A mix of seven colours of earth dunes makes unique views of Mother Nature.

Chamarel Park Area

By the way, Chamarel village got its name after Frenchman Charles Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel, who lived there around 1800. The first mention of the colourful land was in 1879. However, the park was opened in the late 1960s and soon became one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

An amazing view of Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth

The price ticket is 550 rupees per person (about 11 EUR), and 250 rupees for residents (around 5 EUR).
Opening time: every day from 8.30 AM to 5 PM. Approximately 1-1.5 hours is enough for a visit.
The entrance fee covers access to the Seven-Colored Earths area, the turtle park, the café, the souvenir shop and the waterfall’s viewpoint.

Note: visitors are not allowed to walk on the dunes.

Colourful Chamarel Area

I think that photos tell more than a thousand words!

Chamarel 7 Earth Geopark

Chamarel Coffee, a Coffee shop and souvenirs

By the way, Chamarel Coffee from pure Arabica beans has been produced there since 1967. It is the only coffee grown and produced in Mauritius. Coffee plantations extend over 16 hectares.

Coffee Arabica in Chamarel 7 Earth Geopark

So, take a break and enjoy local coffee, iced tea, sugar cane juice, cookies, or sandwiches in the Geo Park café. In the souvenir shop, you can buy authentic coffee, rum, tea, salt with various flavours, local honey, or tubes of earth from the park.

The geopark supports activities to protect endemic birds and giant turtles originally from the Aldabra species from Seychelles, as well.

Chamarel Turtles

The Chamarel Waterfall

Close to the Chamarel 7 Earth Coloured area, there is the fantastic Chamarel Waterfall. Surrounded by forest and greenery, this is the highest waterfall in Mauritius at a height of more than 100 meters.

Chamarel Waterfall

The view of the waterfall is fascinating. Two flows cascade over the cliffs. One bedrock dates back 10 to 8 million years ago, and the second 3.5 to 1.9 million years ago.

So, relax and enjoy the fascinating view of the waterfall from a viewpoint, listening to the sound of water and the song of birds. Also, there is a 3-hour hiking tour to the foot of the waterfall.

The stunning Chamarel Waterfall

Walking around the Chamarel forest…

Mauritius Chamarel Forest

What to see close to Chamarel Park?

If you have time, visit the Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel, the protected forest with hiking routes, flowering plants, birds and safari jeeps. For adults, there is Rhumerie de Chamarel located nearby and guided tours on rum distillation.

La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park, situated near Ganga Talao Lake, looks similar to Chamarel. It is about 30 km away, and this area boasts 23 shades of earth colours. The park offers adventure activities such as quad biking, zip lining, mountain luge carts, and the Nepalese Bridge.

The Chamarel Viewpoint is one of the most breathtaking views on the island. On the left side, you can see the impressive Le Morne Brabant, and on the right side is La Tourelle du Tamarin mountain. And in front of you, the panoramic view of the beautiful blue ocean with its islets leaves you speechless.

Chamarel Viewpoint: La Tourelle, Le Morne and the islet; Alexandar Petrovic, our driver, Sham, Tanja Vukovic and me

More waterfalls…

Visiting waterfalls is a perfect way to connect with nature. Besides Chamarel and Black River Gorge waterfalls, you can find more of them on the island.
For example, Tamarind Falls or Seven Falls is located on Riviere Tamarin close to the Black River Gorges National Park.
Rochester Falls is nestled in the Savanna District, surrounded by sugar cane fields, lushery, and unique cliff formations.

GRSE Waterfall

Grand River South East waterfall (GRSE) is situated on the Grand River South East. It is the longest river in Mauritius and the most popular sight on the East Coast. Actually, this is the place where the river flows to the ocean.

The waterfall can be reached by following the coastal road. But the best way is to see it during daily trips to Île aux Cerfs, from the village of Trou d’Eau Douce. The speedboat takes you through the waterfalls’ canal ,surrounded by trees, greenery, and rocks.

GRSE Waterfall

Macondé Road and viewpoint

Following the Macondé Road, between the small village of Baie du Cap and Le Morne on the south of the island, we stopped to visit the Macondé viewpoint. This interesting sight is located on the curve of the coastal road, on a small cliff. Actually, the rock was split because of the construction of the road.

It is believed that the viewpoint got the name of the slaves from the Makondé tribe of Mozambique, who came there to seek refuge. 

Macondé Viewpoint

The path to the viewpoint consists of narrow stairs and leads you to the top of the cliff. And yes, it was a fantastic view of the winding coast road and the turquoise ocean, feeling the refreshing wind on our faces from the Indian Ocean.

The Macondé Viewpoint

Nature parks with animals 

Animal lovers will enjoy visiting some of the nature parks with animals.

The most famous is Casela Nature Park, which offers many exciting activities such as safari tours, camel rides, zip-lining, quad biking, camel feeding, coaster rides, breakfast with giraffes, or even walking with lions. The price ticket goes from 1,300 rupees ( 26 EUR) for adults, and 1,040 rupees (21 EUR) for children, depending on activities.

La Vanille Nature Park is an animal park where visitors can see giant tortoises and crocodile feeding shows.

Well, something for everyone

The dodo bird, the symbol of Mauritius

Probably you have heard about the Dodo or seen it in the photos. It is the national symbol of Mauritius, and there are many figurines and souvenirs with its image.

Dodo Souvenirs

Once, Dodo birds lived only in Mauritius. They ate fruit, and since there were no predators, they became flightless. The first mention of the Dodo was by the Dutch sailors in 1598. But they hunted Dodo birds for food a lot, which led to their extinction, as well as the arrival of domestic animals, rats and monkeys, which eat their eggs and young birds.

According to the subfossil remains brought to Europe in the 17th century, it is believed that the Dodo was 62-75 cm in height and 17-21 kg in weight. The last mention of a dodo was in 1662, and probably the last one died in 1681.

Today, Dodo is a symbol of extinction, because it shows us how the human race can destroy the animal world and entire species.

Explore Mauritius’ nature attractions

Well, I hope you like my story of the Mauritius nature attractions. With every day of our vacation, I was delighted by the beautiful nature.

Even now, when I look at numerous photos of green hills, valleys, waterfalls, and sand beaches, I am more and more enchanted by this dreamy destination. 

And stay tuned for a new Mauritius story…

“Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and heaven was copied after Mauritius”, once said  Mark Twain.

Hm, maybe it is why Mauritius is also known as “a honeymoon island”

Amazing sunset on the Flic en Flac Beach

How to get to Mauritius

The Republic of Mauritius is located in the southwest of the Indian Ocean. It is about 800 km east of Madagascar, and about 200 km from Reunion Island, which belongs to France. This African country consists of the islands Mauritius, Rodrigues and almost 50 islets. Together with Reunion, they belong to the Mascarene Islands. By the way, Mauritius is 45 km in width and 65km in length.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is Mauritius’s main airport, also called “Plaisance Airport”. It is located 48 km southeast of the capital city of Port Louis. The island is connected with many countries worldwide with Turkish Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Lufthansa, and other air companies.

A few words about Mauritius’ history

It is believed that Arab sailors were the first who visit the island. But officially, Mauritius was discovered by the Portuguese according to Portuguese maps at the beginning of the 16th century.

For centuries, Mauritius was home to the Dutch, the French, the English, the Africans, the Indians, and the Chinese. And yes, it is an incredible mix of cultures. All of them had an impact on the Mauritian population.

The first inhabitants were the Dutch, who settled on the island in 1598, in the southeast, driven by a storm. They named the island “Ile Maurice” after Prince Maurits van Nassau, the governor of Holland. So, the Dutch were responsible for the start of the production of sugarcane, for domestic animals and deer. However, the colonists struggled with cyclones, diseases, and the delayed shipment of supplies. They left the island in 1710.

By the way, an interesting bird Dodo and a giant tortoise lived in Mauritius. However, the Dutch presence contributed to the extinction of this endemic bird because of hunting it for food. Today, Dodo is the national symbol.

Then, five years later, the French arrived, and they changed the name of the island to “Isle de France”. They established Port Louis as a naval base, shipbuilding and trade centre. During this period, the trade of slaves from Africa and Madagascar increased because of the development of the sugarcane industry. The French ruled the island until 1810.

By the way, you can read more about the Slave trade in Zanzibar, the largest slave centre in Africa, here.

 The British and the Sugarcane industry

In 1810, the British occupied the island and renamed it “Mauritius” again.
So, Mauritius became the British Empire’s main sugar-producing colony, and huge social and economic changes were made. But the most important thing was the abolition of slavery in 1835, and the start of the program “Great Experiment” initiated by the British Government.

It resulted in the arrival of more than 462,000 indentured labourers who came to Mauritius between 1835 and the First World War. They were from India, Madagascar, Mozambique, China, and Southeast Asia. Most of them were of the Hindu and Muslim religions, who changed the society’s structure.

But tensions between the Indian and the Franco-Mauritian populations started in the 1920s. The Mauritius Labour Party was born in 1947, and these elections were the first steps towards independence. Finally, the British rule ended in 1968. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam became the first Prime Minister on 12 March 1968. In 1992, Mauritius became a republic.

Mauritius economy today

After gaining independence from Britain, the country had a rapid development in tourism, textiles, sugar and financial services. Also, there was the development of property, information and communication technology, renewable energy, education, healthcare and other services, making Mauritius one of the wealthier countries in Africa. The economy attracts foreign investment, as well.

Even though you can see the sugarcane fields all around the island, today there are only three mills. But once, there were many more. For example, in 1860, there were 296 mills…

Mauritius Sugarcane Field

The best time to travel to Mauritius

Mauritius has a tropical climate, which means that you can visit it and swim in the ocean all year round. But the weather could change suddenly. It means that it is a mix of hot, sunny hours and rain, with or without wind. Mauritius is located in the southern hemisphere, which means that the summer and winter are opposite to the seasons in Europe. There are two main seasons.

The summer in Mauritius is from November to April. Days are long and humid, with average temperatures of 28 to 34°C. Also, the average water temperature is between 26-30°C. The sunset is approximately 7.00 PM. The cyclone season is from late December to March.

The winter season is from May to October. The temperatures are from 22 to 28°C, the humidity is reduced, and the average water temperature is between 22-25°C. Generally, the western and northern areas are warmer and drier than the central, eastern and southern parts of the island.

Where to stay

Depending on your budget, there are various types of accommodation: from hostels, apartments, small boutique hotels, and hotels with 2*, 3*, 4*, and 5*,  to 6* luxury resorts. Prices vary due to the periods, but the highest prices are in December, January, February and March, as well as for Christmas and Easter.

The most popular tourist places are located in the north and north-west, such as Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches. In this area, there are many hotels, apartments, restaurants and bars.

Le Morne is one of the landscapes of the island, located on the south-west. It is an amazing area with stunning beaches and luxurious resorts, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Flic en Flac is also a popular tourist place in the west, with a long beach and many tourist facilities.

Generally, a low-budget traveller can expect to spend around 50 to 80 EUR per day, while a mid-range traveller around 100-150 EUR per day. Well, everything depends on your accommodation, meals, transportation, interests, and activities. 

What to see on Mauritius and how to get around the island?

Mauritius offers a diverse range of attractions for travellers who seek relaxation, cultural sights, nature and sea adventures.

So, you can rent a car and explore the island yourself or book various organised excursions. Bear in mind that in Mauritius you have to drive on the left side of the road.

Since we arranged our trip to Mauritius by ourselves, we contacted the Taxi Mauritius transfer agency. Generally, two-way transport (arrival & departure) costs from 65 EUR (2 persons) to 100 EUR for a minibus (10 persons).
Sham, our driver, waited for us at the airport and took us to our apartment in Flic en Flac. At the same time, he was our driver and guide in exploring Mauritius. We had a great time with him because the excursions were like private tours, making our vacation unforgettable

Well, let me tell you more about this stunning island…

Port Louis

The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis, located in the north-west of the country. It was founded by French Governor Bertrand-François Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1735.

A view of Port Louis houses from the Citadel

Take your time and stroll along the vibrant streets. Visit the colourful market where you can find all: clothes, souvenirs, aromatic spices, fish, fruits, vegetables, etc…

Central Market in Port Louis

The modern part of the city is the Caudan Waterfront on the harbourfront. Take a walk in a promenade, and enjoy restaurants, bars, the Blue Penny Museum, a shopping centre, and many various shops.

The Caudan Waterfront and shopping centre

Visit the Citadel, known as Fort Adelaide. It is an old stone fortress built on the hill by the British to defend the city. From the fortress, there is a stunning view of Port Louis and the harbour.

Port Louis, Citadel – Fort Adelaide

Another popular attraction is Champs de Mars, located at the foot of the hill. It is one of the world’s oldest horse racing tracks, from the early 19th century.

Port Louis and Champ de Mars

Jummah Mosque dates back to the late 19th century, and it is still in use for daily prayers.
It is located at the entrance to Chinatown, a part of the city where you can find many various shops, restaurants, and souvenirs.

The Jummah Mosque

Botanical Garden

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is one of the most visited places, located 13 km northwest of Port Louis. It was constructed in 1770. You can spend all day strolling along the paths and admiring various tropical trees, plants, flowers, and lotus lilies.

Botanical Garden

And… you can read more about the vibrant city of Port Louis in one of the following posts

Religion and Hindu Temple

Almost all the world’s religions are represented in Mauritius. Hinduism dominated with over 50%, followed by Christianity (28%), and Islam (17%). It means that you can see various religious objects such as Hindu temples, churches and mosques all around the island.

Giant statues next to the Grand Bassin Hindu Temple

But, the most sacred place is a Hindu temple on the Ganga Talao, the sacred lake known as Grand Bassin. Before the temple, you will see the giant statues of Lord Shiva, which is 33 metres high and the goddess Durga Maa.

You can read more about this sacred place here: Ganga Talao and Hindu Temple on Mauritius.

Le Morne, the beach and the slave monument 

Le Morne Brabant is a landscape of Mauritius. This is the most photographed place on the island.
Hm, to be honest, I put a photo of Le Morne beach on my desktop

Le Morne

The beach is fascinating and surrounded by luxury resorts. There are three-hour hiking tours with a guide to the top of the mountain with a spectacular view of the beach and ocean.

Mauritius, Le Morne Beach

By the way, in this area, there is a unique natural phenomenon: it is an underwater waterfall! In fact, it is an optical illusion, and it can be seen only from the air!

But there is one sad and tragic story about Le Morne. A group of runaway slaves were hiding on the Le Morne Mountain. In 1834, the British soldiers and police went to the mountain to tell them that the Slavery Abolition Act had been signed. But the slaves, seeing them approaching, feared that they were being recaptured and returned to their masters. So they climbed to the top of the mountain and threw themselves off, committing suicide by landing in the ocean.

The history of the slaves in Mauritius is commemorated annually on August 23rd, which is UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade.

Amazing Mauritius beaches

Mauritius is known for its endless white sandy beaches of 330 km and the warm turquoise sea. It is not easy to describe the beauty of Mauritius’ beaches. Let’s mention the most popular beaches.

Flic en Flac is a beautiful beach in the village of the same name. It is almost 8 km long.

Flic en Flac, a beach and tourist place

Gris Gris is located in the southern part of the island. Swimming and snorkelling are prohibited because of the wind, strong sea currents, and big waves. But it looks marvellous! Just relax and enjoy the power of the sea and wind…

Stunning Gris Gris Beach

Cap Malheureux is the beach which belongs to a small fishing village close to Grand Baie, on the northern coast. The beautiful lagoon, the blue sea and the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Church, also known as the red-roofed church, make an unbelievable scene.

Cap de Malheureux, the drone view

According to many travellers, the most beautiful beach is Troix aux Biches, located on the north of the island. Around the beach is the town with the same name. The long Mont Choisy beach is located in a bay on the northwestern coast of Mauritius.

You can read more about beaches in Mauritius here: Best and stunning Mauritius beaches.

Catamaran tour

Catamaran Tour

One of the best ways to see Mauritius is a sea excursion.
You can choose between speedy boats and catamarans to visit the island Ile aux Cerfs, and spend one or half of a day sailing around the island, enjoying the view of the Indian Ocean. On the island, you can relax, sunbathe, go snorkelling or swimming. In a word, it is an escape to nature and one more unforgettable experience.

Beautiful nature, waterfalls and national parks

In a word, we were impressed by the fascinating nature of the island. Everywhere you look around, there are beautiful views of beaches, greenery, waterfalls, gorges, sugar cane fields, hills and mountains. Check out the most popular places which become tourist attractions.

Trou aux Cerfs reminds us of the volcanic origin of the island. The former crater is completely covered with trees and greenery. There is a small lake in the middle, and it can be seen from the air, or… from a drone

Mauritius, Trou aux Cerfs volcano crater

Chamarel 7 Earth is one of the most fascinating places I have ever seen! Seven colours mix earth dunes, making unique views of Mother Nature. I think that a photo tells more than a thousand words!

Mauritius, Chamarel 7 Colours

Close to it, there is a fantastic Chamarel Waterfall surrounded by greenery and wood. It is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius.

Chamarel Waterfall

 The Black River Gorges National Park is another must-see location. Marvellous hills, waterfalls, endemic plants, rare birds, and  Alexandra Waterfall show us the wild part of nature and the remains of native forests.

Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius

It is not possible to describe them shortly
You can read more about the Best nature attractions in Mauritius here.

Mauritius gastronomy

Various nations brought their local receipts, making Mauritian cuisine a fantastic mix of Indian, Creole, French and Chinese dishes. Spices are widely used in meals. Try fresh and grilled fish and seafood, French pastry and bread, Persian falooda, a wrap called dholl-puri, rice-based biryani and gâteau piment.

If you have enough time, visit the Bois Cheri tea plantation. I am sure you will remember forever the feeling of tasting various teas and stunning 360-degree panoramic views of nature and tea fields.

You can read more about the Bois Cheri tea plantation and Mauritius rum here.

Bois Cheri teas

Also, you can enjoy a delicious rum-tasting session at Rhumerie De St Aubin or somewhere on the island. Both teas and rum are the perfect souvenirs to take home and as a gift for your loved ones.

Souvenirs from Mauritius

Mauritius, the green paradise in the Indian Ocean

Well, Mauritius is a dreamy destination which attracts people more and more every year. Interestingly, this small area has so many various activities to offer, no matter whether you are travelling with a partner, kids or friends.

So, pack your bags and prepare for a trip that will leave you amazed and speechless.
And the sound of Sega music, created from the hearts of African slaves, takes over your soul…

Some destinations have many stories to tell. So, stay tuned for more interesting texts about marvellous Mauritius.
Coming soon…