Planning a trip to Mauritius and wondering about the must-visit places? Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, offers a rich blend of cultures and traditions that attract visitors from around the world. While its palm-lined beaches, crystal-clear waters, reefs, and stunning scenery are the main attractions, there’s much more to explore.
For an unforgettable visit, consider the following highlights:
Le Morne Brabant, a peninsula featuring a breathtaking lagoon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top destination in Mauritius. The area is dominated by a 556-meter-tall rocky mountain that provides a rewarding and scenic climb. From the Ebony Forest Chamarel viewpoints, you can enjoy stunning views of the Le Morne peninsula. The nearby Le Morne Public Beach, with its 4-kilometer stretch of white sand and clear waters, is perfect for relaxation. At the southern tip, “One Eye” is a renowned spot for kitesurfing.
Port Louis, the capital city, is the economic, cultural, and political hub of Mauritius. Key attractions include Aapravasi Ghat, one of the island’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This historic site was an immigration center built by the British to bring laborers, mainly from India, thus contributing to the large Indian origin population in Mauritius. The bustling Port Louis Central Market offers a taste of local life, street food, and fresh produce. While it’s a vibrant place to explore, be cautious as prices can be quite high even after negotiating. Afterward, take a scenic hike up Le Pouce mountain, which offers panoramic views from its thumb-like summit.
Chamarel, located near Le Morne Brabant, is another tourist hotspot. The Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark showcases unique sand dunes of seven distinct colors. The picturesque Chamarel Waterfall, formed by the Saint Deors River, drops 83 meters and is a sight to behold. The Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel offers scenic hiking trails with beautiful views of the Le Morne Brabant peninsula. For more adventure, visit Black River Gorges National Park, which is not far from Chamarel. It boasts several viewpoints such as Macchabée Viewpoint, Alexandra Falls Lookout, and Black River Gorge Viewpoint. Also, consider hiking Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the highest mountain on the island.
Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a sacred crater lake located in the heart of Mauritius. It’s a prominent site for Hindus to meditate, pray, and make offerings. Surrounding the lake are temples dedicated to various Hindu gods, including Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Ganga, and Lord Ganesh. Notable statues include Mangal Mahadev, a 33-meter-tall statue of Shiva, and a large statue of the Hindu deity, Durga Mata.
Flic En Flac Beach is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Mauritius, stretching over 10 kilometers. Its calm and shallow waters make it ideal for snorkeling and a favorite spot for beginner divers. Additionally, you can savor local cuisine at numerous restaurants and cafes along the beach.
Ile aux Cerfs, a stunning island close to Mauritius’s east coast, is famed for its pristine sandy beaches and is a hotspot for water sports including speedboat rides, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Snorkeling is excellent here, and the island also boasts the best golf course in Mauritius.
Finally, Trou aux Biches Beach offers ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling along its 2-kilometer stretch. Lined with palm and casuarina trees, this beach features crystal-clear turquoise waters and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Enjoy exploring the diverse wonders of Mauritius!