“The journey is not about finding yourself. It is about remembering who you were, before the world told you who to be.”
To my dear travellers, souls that resonate and yearn for true discovery,
Go beyond the usual and let me, your faithful travel companion, introduce you to the greatest getaway: the dazzling jewel of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius. This island is not just a destination; it is a deep emotion – a hint of heaven encased in fiery nature and decorated with coral.
We are not here merely for a short visit, but to establish ties. To experience nature’s sand giving its silky touch to our feet and listen to the ancient legends brought by the trade winds. Mauritius, a walk through the cultural sanctuaries full of life and the mountains’ silent, towering grandeur, is a trip of the soul that can’t be better than with a guide of profession and love.
Get your senses ready. I have put together a must-have ranking of the best places to visit in Mauritius that characterize the island’s stunning nature totally different, very easy, and absolutely memorable. Come, let us take our splendid voyage
1. Soul Of An Island: Black River Gorges National Park , Le Morne Brabant.
To feel Mauritian Spirit , you need to go inland to find the island’s heart ,the old and rocky interior of Mauritius .
Black River Gorges Nature Conservation Park
This park is Mauritius’s biggest Nature Conservation Park and it is teeming with wildlife . The lush green heart of the park is over 7000ha wide. If you love nature this park is perfect for you and it also demonstrates how all the people in Mauritius have tried to protect their island’s natural resources .
There are more than 50 kilometres of pristine hiking paths that meander through lovely valleys. You are able to enjoy the native vegetation which includes nearly 300 varieties of flowering plants. Here you will be able to experience pure ,natural Mauritius.Keep an eye out for the Pink Pigeon which is a rare species of bird found only in Mauritius . Of the nine species of birds found in Mauritius that are unique to this island, the Pink Pigeon is among the rarest. As you walk these paths, you come across scenic lookouts that offer amazing views. The view of the magnificent Alexandra Falls; a waterfall that drops about 700 metres and is situated at the highest point of Mauritius, is one of the mauritius places to visit. For the adventurous hiker, reach Black River Peak, the highest point on the island at 828m. Here you will find solitude and perspective that will change your perception of the world around you.
Le Morne Brabant Mountain
Morne Brabant Mountains is an incredible basalt rock-cut mountain, 556 metres high, overlooking a beautiful lagoon of turquoise waters, with a long and complicated history written on the rock.
It is an iconic place, and one of the most photographed and enduring memories of Africa. The views towards the top of this gigantic mountain along the shining white sands of the south-west coast are spectacular and breathtaking, and a gentle climb to the top, while strenuous in some parts, is well worth the effort.
The mountain’s status as a former place of sanctuary for runaway slaves during the 18th and early 19th centuries imparts to it an unspeakable dignity. Search the surrounding areas for the rare Trochetia Boutoniana, an extremely rare native flower with vivid red flaming blooms that can only be found in this area.
2. The Cradle of Faith: Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) .
Mauritius is quite different from other countries by the fact that Hinduism is not only the most prevailing but also the most diverse religion. An indication of this is the Ganga Talao. The Ganga Talao is situated in the south-west of the island and is a secret of nature in the form of a giant crater lake, thus making it a very important and holy place for millions of Hindus. It is the most significant Hindu pilgrimage site in the world apart from India.
Moreover, Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) also has beautiful, calm views, and is surrounded by small temples. The water is so clear that it often mirrors the sky and thus creates a very peaceful atmosphere for meditation and spiritual practice. The journey to Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) is like time travelling to the era before history. The lake is flanked by two gigantic statues; Mangal Mahadev is on the left (a 33-meter Shiva) and Durga Maa is on the right. These huge, beautiful sculptures are outstanding examples of the combined devotion of many people.
Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) the place becomes extremely lively and full of attractions during the annual festival of Maha Shivaratri. The lake is thronged with the visitors and worshippers in huge numbers during this period. The sensation of being at the event and seeing its scale, the various colours and the feeling of spirituality is simply the most exceptional one. This makes it one of the essential places to visit in Mauritius.
3. The Turquoise Coast (Blue Bay and Flic en Flac).
To experience the true beauty of this island, it is essential to swim in the stunning blue ocean.
Blue Bay Beach.
In the peaceful south-east corner of the island, Blue Bay, is a nature reserve for a very good reason; this beach is tropical coastal perfection.The Blue Bay Beach is such a brilliant blueish blue colour that it has itself become known as the ‘Blue Jewel’.
Its crystal clear waters and protected status make this beach the ideal spot for a relaxing day spent enjoying the clear, calm waters.Blue Bay Beach is arguably the best snorkelling location in Mauritius, as you can explore colourful reefs and other marine life with even a short swim or glass-bottomed boat trip to this beach.
Flic en Flac Beach (The Sunset Siren).
A name from an old Dutch word meaning “Free and Flat land” Flic en Flac Beach was once a fishing village, located on the west coast of Mauritius, today it is one of the most popular coastal areas on the island. The beach is long, approximately 8 km long and made up of fine, white sand. Being located on the western side of the island provides an opportunity to view the most beautiful sunsets as you watch the sun disappear behind the Indian Ocean.Flic en Flac is also famous for being able to see dolphins in the wild. Another unique feature of the beach is that Flic en Flac has a barrier reef, which makes it a great place for both beginner divers and people who want to rent jet skis and parasail. These are all incredible things to do here.
4. The Untamed South: Gris Gris Beach & Le Souffleur.
The western and northern coasts of Mauritius have calm lagoons. The southern coast has dramatic sights of how the ocean looks when it crashes onto the black volcanic rock. This side of Mauritius is much more adventurous than the other parts. These spots are some of the dramatic places to visit in Mauritius.
Gris Gris Beach (The Weeping Rock – Roche Qui Pleure).
Gris Gris is located just south of the town of Souillac, which makes Gris Gris different from all the other beaches in Mauritius.
You will find high cliffs, and you can enjoy the views of the ocean crashing onto the coast, as well as getting a thrill from the strong winds.
The landmark of Gris Gris is Roche Qui Pleure (The Weeping Rock). The waves smash into this rock and spray it with water, making the rock seem like it is crying into the ocean.
The Rugged Blowhole.
The rugged coastline of the Isle of Islay is a great example of Mother Nature’s designs; created by the power of the earth. The views of the ocean from the top of the cliffs are magnificent, and wild. Le Souffleur is a popular spot for photographers who are looking for an untouched area.
Le Souffleur is equipped with a blowhole which is formed at the point where the sea meets the land. The waves of the southern ocean, as they slam into Le Souffleur’s rift, go up via a ground-level opening, thus resulting to stunning jets of spray, which are also accompanied with very loud splashes of water. Moreover, beside Le Souffleur there is a one-of-a-kind naturally formed stone bridge, named Pont Naturel, that has been made by the sea coming in contact with the rock for ages. As we move from the peaceful lagoons to the dramatic southern coast, you can truly feel the world flight vibes of the island—a place that embraces both serenity and untamed power, giving you a full spectrum of experiences that only a global journey can provide.
5. Northern Allure: Grand Baie & Pereybere Beach.
The northern part of the island is its social and cosmopolitan heart, where luxury and lively local life with nature combine seamlessly to form a perfect spectacle of sparkling lagoons.
Grand Baie (The Hub of Excitement).
Grand Baie, initially a small fishing creek, is today the chief hub of tourism, which is the major attractions mauritius for locals and international visitors alike by its combination of the culture and the entertainment. This makes it one of the famous places in mauritius.
The tranquillity of the bay is accompanied by the sight of yachts and fishing boats, thus providing a very attractive harbour scene. The adjoining beaches, for example, Mont Choisy are just amazing visualizations of the long, sweepings of white sand.
Nightlife in Grand Baie is varied and exciting with the likes of Banana Café and Buddha Bar as the two most popular venues where the fun goes on till late. If you want to see what is under the sea, a glass-bottom boat is at your service, but if it is a totally different kind of ride you are after, the two-person submarine is the way to go to get the coral reefs and fish of the tropics closely. Besides that, make sure to stop by the Grand Baie Bazaar where you can find the best places Mauritius crafts and trinkets. The local economy is vibrant here, a point often emphasized by the Mauritius Tourism Authority for those seeking an active experience.
Pereybere Beach (The Family Favourite).
Right from Grand Baie, Pereybere is just a short trip away and it offers a small-scale, unspoiled coastal perfection.
This is a tiny, warm, and exceptionally gorgeous nature holiday spot. The lagoon is shallow and calm, so it is very suitable for paddling and floating in a relaxed way.
Soft, white sand of Pereybere is been the main point of praise and the sand is almost completely coral and stone-free, thus the absolute safest place is considered to be where you can bring your little kids. Due to its easy access and quiet waters, it has become a very popular swimming spot among the locals, a real jewel for families with kids to spend their time at the beach without any hassle.
6. Volcanic Vistas: Trou Aux Cerfs & Le Pouce.
The story of the island as a volcanic creation is always there, giving you stunning viewpoints of 360 degrees from its time-old cones.
Trou Aux Cerfs (The Dormant Giant).
This geographical wonder of a crater of a dormant volcanic is located in the central plateau near Curepipe. The location alone is enough to offer an eye-popping perspective.
The sharply defined crater covers 350 metres and is very cleanly surrounded by a dense ring of green natural trees and a few pine trees of noble aspect. The coolness of the place, which is quite high, will surely be a change of temperature from the hot coastal area.In fact, the last eruption was approximately 700,000 years ago but it’s still a reminder of the island’s birth. More importantly, the edge gives you a view that is beyond compare in every sense: You can see the whole town of Curepipe and the central plains from there and thus know the extent of the island at just one glance. There is also a jogging trail that runs around the rim of the crater and is very popular with locals and tourist attractions alike and would be perfect for a quick and beautiful morning outing. This vista is one of the panoramic places to visit in Mauritius.
Le Pouce
Le Pouce, or ‘The Thumb’, the third-highest mountain of the island, is a very famous landmark which can be seen towering near the capital, Port Louis, from a distance.
The mountain is named for its very obvious thumb-shaped summit, a nature-geological icon. The journey up the mountain is ranked as the easiest and the least difficult one among all of Mauritius’ mountain climbs.
The hike to the top of this mountain, which is about one hour, gives you a real fantastic 360-degree view of the whole northern area from the height of the mountain – the city of Port Louis, the beaches far away, and the immense ocean besides. So, it is a very easy walk to have a grand view of an extensive area.
7. Cultural Immersion: Port Louis Central Market & Kaylasson Temple.
The real vibe of Mauritius could be experienced in the capital of the country, Port Louis, where various cultures live and interact in a charming, lively symphony. These are essential cultural tourist places in Mauritius.
Port Louis Central Market (The Bouncing Bazaar).
Referred to as the Port Louis Bazaar by the locals, this is the place where the four major ethnicities, Indians, Chinese, French, and Africans of the island meet to have a lively and colourful chaotic fun together.
It is a treat for the senses. Your eyes will revel in the sight of goods from stalls brimming with colourful, exotic fruits, local spices, and intricately, hand-crafted jewellery. The place is full of life, noise, and an absolute sense of being real.
The market is the ideal place for a cheap and delicious food experience. You must try Mauritian street food dishes: the hearty, tasty samosas and the common dhal puri (a soft, split-pea pancake filled with curry), a genuine morsel of local life which you will not be able to get elsewhere. Do not forget to talk to the vendors and practice your friendly bargaining skills!
Kaylasson Temple (The Tamil Masterpiece).
In the middle of the capital harbors the Kaylasson Temple, the oldest Hindu temple on the island, which was established by the Tamil traders and merchants in 1854.
It is one of the architectures to pledge the earth, perfectly constructed to mirror the grand temple style of India. The detailed carvings and the bright colours provide a beautiful, peaceful contrast to the city chaos just outside its gates.The temple area is a model, six different mauritius places within the site are noted as representing the various organs of the human body. They say visiting characters must keep silence and thus show their respect to the holy land, getting a moment of real spiritual insight into the local community’s faith co-existence.
8. Coastal & Countryside Serenity: Belle Mare & Chamarel Village.
Belle Mare Beach (Eastern Radiance).
Located on the East coast, Belle Mare is famous for its tranquil charm and untouched natural state.
The beach is an approximately two-kilometre-long stretch of the coast. It is endowed with dazzlingly white sand, extremely calm waves, and protected lagoons. Because of its east-facing location, it is the best place to watch a sunrise over the ocean that is really spectacular.
The water here is not only crystal clear but also warm, so it is a perfect place for windsurfing or sense of connection. The place keeps a great atmosphere to relax, so it is definitely one of the most beautiful, and therefore most romantic, spots of the island for lovers of the coastline.
Chamarel Village (The Scenic Plateau).
It is a known fact that the Seven-Coloured Earths and Chamarel Falls are paid attractions, however, the charm of the village and the viewpoint around them are open to everyone and very profoundly.
The village is located on the plateau in the Rivière Noire District, therefore, it presents breathtaking views of the undulating hills, dense tropical forest, and panorama from a height. The cool air and wonderful viewpoints make a lovely change of the usual pace.This site used to be famous for its agricultural heritage, especially the large-scale coffee plantation of Chamarel and the well-known Rhumerie de Chamarel, which is located among the cane fields. A trip or a walk through this area will reveal to you the lovely and fruitful heart of Mauritius, which is beautified by the spectacular views. This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning these famous places in mauritius.
Leaving a Piece of Your Heart Behind.
“Travel is living. And living in Mauritius is learning joy.”
we have scaled the earth’s majestic ones, immersed ourselves in the mysticism of the holy lakes, and breathed in the roaring salt air of the wild, stunning nature. Mauritius has unveiled herself to us, sharing her secrets in the winds and her sparkling blues.
The island is not such that it merely loads your photo albums; it is the one that takes possession of your soul. The simplest of its beauty, the most complex of its history, and the loveliest of the people are the components of a place which gives you a ring at the moment of departure. Planning a mauritius holiday is an excellent idea for an unforgettable journey.
Go on, make new discoveries and keep the rare, indelible enchantment of Mauritius with you until it is time to meet again.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1.When is Mauritius a good time to visit?
Usually May through December, which is the cooler/drier winter months.
2.Currency in Mauritius is?
Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
3.Do I need visa to enter Mauritius?
Many nationalities don’t require visas; please check your country’s requirements.
4.Safety in Mauritius for tourists?
Mauritius is generally considered safe for tourists.
5.Which language(s) do they speak?
Creole, French & English- English is used for governmental & business purposes.
