Places to Visit in Mauritius

The Black River Gorges National Park is the only and largest national park in Mauritius. The park offers some dramatic views and terrains between mountain ranges and numerous waterfalls along the way. It is also popular for hiking and trekking.

Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the country. It is a melting pot of glitz and glamour harmonising beautifully with traditions and customs from its 300-year-old past. Port Louis is fascinating in terms of its mix in culture, tradition and history.

Located in Chamarel, the Seven-Coloured Earth is a unique geological formation. It is a fenced area with multicoloured dunes in seven different colours of violet, green, brown, red, yellow, purple and blue. The best time to visit is during the sunrise. Birdwatching is also a favourite activity here.

Located on the northern side of Mauritius, Pereybere beach is one of the most famous beaches near Grand Baie. It is a family-friendly beach that's safe for swimming and is a hub for adventure sports like windsurfing and parasailing. You can also go kayaking or rent a catamaran, and go deep-sea fishing.

A spectacular illusion, the underwater waterfall is located off the coast of Le Morne Brabant. The scene is an illusion, created by sand and silt on the ocean floor, that runs off in a way as if the water is pouring down. It also looks as if the entire island is being sucked down a massive drain. Though the waters look beautiful from the shore, seeing this view requires a helicopter ride.

Ile aux Cerfs Island, also known as “Deer Island”, is a private island located near the east coast of Mauritius. There aren’t any deer left here, but it remains a hugely popular tourist spot for its beautiful beaches, lagoons, and wide variety of activities and facilities. With homestays and hotels available on the island, Ile aux Cerfs is ideal for both day trips and multiple-day stays.

The Casela Nature Park, also known as Casela World of Adventures, is an amusement park and one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. It is famous for activities like safari tours, ziplining, quad biking, tortoise feeding, pony ride, etc. It is situated in the Cascavelle, a Mauritian village on the island's west coast.

The Grand Baie Beach is one of the shortest beaches in the North Bay of Mauritius. There are numerous tour operators and tourist shops in the area along with the accommodation facilities of all standards. Try out some water sports like kitesurfing, scuba diving or big game fishing here.

Le Morne Brabant is a mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Le Morne Peninsula of Mauritius. It is located on the southwestern tip of the island. It is Mauritius's most preserved and wildest mountain and a popular hiking stop for tourists. The hike to the top takes three to four hours, and the view is breathtaking. Le Morne Brabant is also home to the famous underwater fall of Mauritus.

Chamarel Waterfalls in the highest waterfall in Mauritius dropping more than 200 feet located near Seven Colored Earth. Surrounded by the vegetation of Black River Gorges, it is simply spectacular. Hiking to the top of the waterfall and jumping into the clear pool below is the most popular activity here. There are two viewpoints that boast a vivid view of the waterfall. It is also a popular photography spot.

La Vanille Nature Park, also known as La Vanille Crocodile Park, is a conservation park in Mauritius, located close to the Riviere des Anguilles village in the south. It is home to the largest captive herd of Aldabra tortoises in the world and the main attraction here is the crocodile farm. The nature park is also home to giant tortoises, iguanas, wild pigs, deer and many more. A free guided tour is available every 30 minutes.

The Tamarind Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mauritius, famous for its breathtaking surroundings and its immaculate ambience. It is a collection of seven different waterfalls, with multiple spots from where you can jump down into the deep pool below, making it a haven for adventure enthusiasts.

Flic en Flac, which was once an idyllic little beach town, is one of the most popular tourist areas in Mauritius second to Grand Baie. An 8-kilometre wide beach with a range of watersports, it boasts long stretches of casuarina trees lining the entire west-facing waterfront. The northern side of flic en flac is a little rocky beach, while the southern side gives you an enchanting view of Tamarin Bay nestled at the foothills of a rocky mountain.

The Belle Mare Plage beach is surrounded by a very shallow lagoon, with coral reefs completely enclosing the lagoon off from the bay, thus resulting in calm, clear water that is extremely safe for swimming. The shallow bay also provides for a fantastic snorkelling experience, an activity for which the beach is extremely well known not only on the eastern side of the island but across the whole of Mauritius as well.

Ganga Talao (meaning ‘Lake of Ganga’), also known as Grand Bassin, is a crater lake located in the Savanne district of Mauritius and is believed to be the most sacred Hindu site of the island nation. Dedicated to deities like Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesh and Ganga, there are temples on the banks of the lake. Furthermore, there are statues of several Hindu and non-Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Durga, Mangal Mahadev (Shiva) and Buddha.

Located at the foot of the gigantic Le Morne Brabant mountain in west Mauritius, Le Morne Beach is a public beach in Mauritius. With swaying casuarina trees and powdery white sand, it is one of the most stunning beaches in Mauritius. Along with scuba diving, Le Morne Beach is also one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. It remains crowded on the weekend. The beach is accessible easily from the coastal road.

Trou Aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano, one of the four in Mauritius. Also called Murr's Volcano, it is located in the Curepipe area and is one of Mauritius's most famous natural tourist attractions. The volcanic crater is 650 metres above sea level and has a depth of 100 metres. It is surrounded by dense green forest and offers a stunning panoramic view of the Rempart Mountain, Trois Mamelles, and the Port-Louis- Moka mountain range.

The Port Louis Waterfront, or as it is commonly known as the Le Caudan Waterfront, is a commercial development area. It has gained its reputation as the first of its kind major shopping expansion on the island nation, including various shops, casinos, banking facilities, restaurants, movie theatres, and a five-star hotel by the name of Le Labourdonnais.

The Aapravasi Ghat, located in Port Louis, was the very centre of the establishment of indentured – or contracted – labour in Mauritius. Today, the Aapravasi Ghat stands as a testament to the history of indentured labour during the British colonial rule and has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bagatelle is one of the leading shopping malls in Mauritius with an enthralling lively ambience, detailed retailing and leisure options. It has gained a reputation as a must-visit place in Mauritius, especially among the international travellers, due to its fascinating architecture, broad walkways and unmatched display of both local and international brands in its 155 shops.

Situated on the north-west coast of Mauritius, the La Cuvette beach is close to the famous tourist town of Grand Baie. The absence of coral reefs coupled with its clear waters adds an aesthetic touch to its beauty. Although there aren't any underwater activities that take place here, swimming is allowed.

Popularly famous by the name of Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Port Louis, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (SSR Botanical Garden) is the largest Botanical Garden in Mauritius. Featuring an extravagant variety exotic and rare species of plants along with some endemic animals on the verge of getting endangered, this massive garden covers the ground of over a whopping 37 hectares!

Located in south-western Mauritius, the Curious Corner of Chamarel is the only one of its kind museum in Mauritius. It is a house full of mysteries, illusions, mind games and various other activities meant to excite the curious minds of the people. It is a world of optical illusions, and puzzles with 40 exhibits like a mirror maze, upside-down room, Ames room and more.

Pont Naturel is a two-metre-long volcanic rock formation which is also known by the name Natural Bridge. Formed entirely by natural processes, it is a part of the Gris-Gris cliffs and can be found in the southeastern corner of Mauritius. The sea at Pont Naturel is very rough, so swimming here is not advisable. Also, be cautious when standing on the bridge.

Located around 650 kilometres off the east coast of Mauritius, Rodrigues is a tiny exotic island surrounded by the ocean on all sides. With lush green slopes everywhere, the island is inexplicably beautiful and secluded. The island is a volcanic outcrop located a sizeable distance away from the mainland and is surrounded by a shimmering turquoise lagoon that abounds in more marine life than you can find on the entire mainland.

This museum, housed inside a bungalow built entirely out of coral called La Nef, was the house of Mauritian poet Robert Edward Hart.
There are four rooms inside the museum - two bedrooms, one bathroom and an office cum drawing-room. On display are several of Hart's original letters, speeches, plays, poetry, his violin, spectacles, awards and books.

A small town with a public beach situated on the North-Western coast of Mauritius, Trou aux Biches is a much-loved tourist destination. Literally translating to 'Deer's Watching Hole', Trou aux Biches, with its beachside hotels and classy restaurants bars is the most frequented tourist towns in Mauritius. It is also home to one of Mauritius's best beaches with the same name.

Situated in the little town of Pailles, the Domaine Les Pailles is one of the oldest domains in Mauritius that has existed for 17 years. Spreading over 1500 hectares on the western side of the island, this attraction is both an amusement park as well as a heritage centre which was a sugar estate previously.

Le Souffleur is one of the most beautiful natural attractions located in the south of Mauritius, in the village of L’Escalier. With unique rock formations, a secret beach and stunning viewpoints, Le Souffleur is most famous for its blowhole effect. The waves here crash against the rocks creating huge water sprays and making a whistling sound while entering the small holes. While swimming is not recommended here, Le Souffleur is ideal for hiking.

Located near Mahebourg and off the south-east coast of Mauritius, the Blue Bay Marine Park is renowned for its coral gardens, harbouring numerous varieties of flora and fauna and experience the marine life by going for sea diving. The main tourist attraction in the marine park is the 1000-year-old brain coral with a diameter of 5 meters.

Blue Penny Museum is a famous stamp museum located in Port Louis. It is named after the famous 1847 2-pence Blue Penny Stamp, engraved for Mauritian post offices by Joseph Osmond back in the 1800s. It houses an enviable collection of old marine maps used by sailors back in the past, paintings from colonial times, and old engravings, inscriptions and sculptures. A guided tour is available.

Mahébourg Waterfront is one of the iconic attractions in Mauritius. It is ideal for relaxation or enjoying a casual walk by the azure water. Explore the naval museum that sheds light on the epic battle fought in this region. A memorial stands tall at the waterfront. Another highlight is the boardwalk that starts at Mahébourg Social Welfare and continues to the bus station at the westernmost point.

Triolet is a village located in northern Mauritius in the Pamplemousses district. It is situated around 11km from Port Louis. Located amidst green sugarcane fields, Triolet offers scenic attractions like Trou Aux Biches, Mont-Choisy, and Grand Baie. Some exotic temples like Maheswarnath Mandir and ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple are also located here.

Trou d’ Eau Douce is the tourist hub of eastern Mauritius. With several beaches lined up, it has a breathtaking scenic beauty. Veranda Palme Beach, Belle Mare Beach, Ile Aux Cerf and La Palmeraie Boutique Beach are located here. It is also a good starting point for trekking the Quatre Cocos district in the north.

Situated in Cap Malheureux, the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice is one of the oldest churches that stood witness to one of the most written-about wars between the French and the British over the control of the island. It was built as a commemorative landmark to the shipwrecks that happened off the northern coast. It is also known by the name "the red roof chapel" and is renowned for its aesthetic value as well as historical significance.

Frederik Hendrik museum is located in Vieux Grand Port. It is named after the stadtholder of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, who was in office from 1625 to 1647. The museum complex, surrounded by a lush tropical garden, contains artefacts found during archaeological excavations. Ruins of the Governor's primary residence, a bakery, a store, and a prison cell erected by the French colonial rulers can be found within the premises.

Mauritius proudly boasts of being home to the second oldest racecourse in the world, the Champ de Mars Race Course. The racing season in Champ de Mars starts from April and continues till around the last week of November, with most races generally being scheduled on weekends. Visitors are allowed to enter the grounds on days when there are no races as well.

The brainchild of Mr Tristan Bréville, a passionate photographer, the Mauritius Photography Museum houses a wide range of artefacts documenting the early days of Mauritian photography and cinematography. The exhibits are as old as the 1800s and are a treasure trove of old camera and photograph prints, including daguerreotypes (the forerunner of photographs) produced in 1840.

Ilot Gabriel is one of the most pristine beaches in Mauritius. With unbroken stretches of powder-soft fine white sand, and calm, crystal clear sapphire water, the Ilot Gabriel beach is often used as backdrops for Mauritian postcards. It is fringed with lush green vegetation, and the green spots on and around the beach make for great picnic spots. It is also popular for snorkelling and swimming.

Rochester Falls is located in Savanne District, a few kilometres from the town of Souillac. Set amidst rugged and pristine landscape, it is a must-visit attraction in Mauritius. The ten metres long waterfalls rushing down the rocky bed look perfect for a refreshing dip or a small picnic with loved ones. It is ideal for relaxation and reconnecting with nature at its enchanting glory.

The Martello Tower Museum is a fortress built during British rule, which has been converted into a museum to educate visitors about life during the colonial reign. The main highlight is the two fixed guns on the roof, which could once take a cross-shot across the entirety of the bay. The main areas of the tower that are open to tourists include the basement, the ground floor, which was used as an armoury room for storing gunpowder, the first floor with a place built for use by the chief officer of the tower, and the roof with the cannons. Guided tours are available.

Previously a private hunting domain, the Domaine de L’Etoile in Mauritius is now a famous tourist attraction for adventure and leisure activities, as well as ecotourism. It is one of the most preserved regions of Mauritius with lush greenery, indigenous forests, sparkling rivers and endemic birds.

Also known by the name – Jalsa Beach, the Poste Lafayette Beach is situated on the outskirts of a small northeastern Mauritian village of Poste Lafayette. About 500 metres from the popular Constance Prince Maurice resort, the Poste Lafayette Beach boasts a unique peaceful environment. The beach is very windy making it perfect for activities like kite surfing.

Known for a calm yet less-known beach featuring clear blue waters, Pointe d’Esny is located outside of Mahebourg in Mauritius; the beach is accessible only via a small path from the coastal road unknown to most. Boasting of a long stretch of soft sand and a seabed that isn’t too deep, it is ideal for snorkelling and swimming. It is also perfect for relaxing by the water, watching boats sail by and catching the sunset.

Commonly known as ‘Port Louis Bazar’ the central market offers everything, from fruits and vegetables, and exotic seafood to local textiles, artefacts and souvenirs. Divided into sections, the upstairs section is devoted to a shopping complex for clothing, artisanal sculptures and local handcrafted artefacts.

Chinatown of Mauritius is fascinating, as there's something for everyone here. Watches, clothes, shoes, home decor, second-hand goods, Chinese paintings, and much more are sold in small shops on the street. It is an ideal hangout place, offering excellent shopping and food options.

Located on the north-western coast of Mauritius, the Mont Choisy beach is a haven for anyone who wants to experience a quiet beach time. Despite being right next to one of the most commercialized cities of Mauritius - Grand Baie - the Mont Choisy beach is almost a remote beach, lined by rows of trees along the coastline.

The Natural History Museum in Port Louis is a haven for naturalists as it houses a wide array of exhibits illustrating Mauritius' diverse fauna and aquatic life. The entire museum is segregated into four galleries. The first gallery houses exhibits of the countless bird species including several endangered ones. In the second gallery resides the abundant marine life, including an extensive collection of seashells and a giant seventy-kilogram clamshell. The third gallery is dedicated to the memory of the now extinct flightless bird - the Dodo. The fourth section is dedicated to the geology, meteorology, corals, shrimps and turtles of the island.

Set at the southernmost tip of Mauritius, Gris Gris Beach is known for its wild and pristine landscape. It is located close to the village of Souillac and boasts of a black rocky coastline. The region is surrounded by rough cliffs that abruptly slope down to the ocean. These cliffs are made from basaltic rocks and offer the best backdrop imaginable. Gris Gris Beach does not have a coral barrier. Hence the waves are wild and huge.

Crystal Rock is a natural rock formation which is large, situated off the south-west coast of Mauritius. It is located close to the Le Morne mountain. The large exposed fossilized coral reef is a must-see, as it is a great example of a biochemical reaction leading to the formation of sedimentary rock.

Vallee de Ferney located in the Grand Port District of Mauritius is nestled at the foothills of Bambou Mountains. It is one of the famous nature sanctuaries in Mauritius that's spread out over an area of around 200 hectares. The sanctuary acts as a reserve for some of the rarest of threatened plant species in the island. Most of these species are endemic of Mauritius and are the last few that are remaining on the island.

L'Aventure du Sucre is a sugar museum located in Pamplemousses, Mauritius. The museum is housed in the old Beau Plan Sugar Factory which used to operate from the 18th to the 20th century. The highlight is an interactive tour with giant screens and films. A kids tour is also available for 2 to 6 years olds. The visit also includes a free tasting of more than 30 products at le Village Boutik including 12 unrefined brown sugars, rums of the New Grove House, jams and honey.

Situated in Routes des Jardins in Curepipe, the Curepipe Botanical Garden is reputed to be the second largest in all of Mauritius. It is also known as the SSR Botanical Garden of Curepipe. The major attractionis the rarest and unique palm tree species of the world – the Hyophorbe amaricaulis. It is extraordinary as it is the only remaining specimen of this species.

Located in the Pamplemousses district, it is one of the many beaches in Mauritius. Also known as the Le Meridien beach, the Pointe aux Piments public beach is spread across an area of 3-4 kilometres. Generally it’s a very quiet beach and there are no significant water sports or marine activities visible from there. However, if you looking for a place to enjoy the sunlight and get indulged in the slow local life surrounding the beach, Pointe aux Piments is the perfect spot to be at.

The Mauritius Post opened the Mauritius Postal Museum in 1995 which exhibits various stamps and miscellaneous articles from all over the world. There are four rooms inside the museum with different displays including a temporary exhibition area and a philatelic gallery. The latest addition to the display in the museum includes the history of the Mauritius Post, and it is portrayed through photographs and other visual displays.

Located in the heart of Pointe aux Piments towards the north-western part of the island, the Mauritius Aquarium takes you on a journey to discover the marine species. There are a total of 5 large rooms in the 700 square meter building in which you can find more than 200 different kinds of aquatic species.

The temple of Maheswarnath is the first and most revered Hindu temple in Mauritius with a legacy of more than 130 years old. Locally known as the Grand Shivala Triolet, is the abode of Lord Shiva, and it gets the name Maheswarnath, which means the Great Lord. Built-in the Bengal style of temple architecture, the grand edifice is a variation of the Pancha-Ratna or a five-flowered temple built on a platform.

With a height of 820 meters, the Pieter Both is the second highest mountain range in the island of Mauritius. Pieter Both is a part of the Moka mountain range of Mauritius that is situated in the centre of the island. It is an iconic and unique mountain as it is easily noticeable due to its round-shaped boulder at the extreme top of the hill, almost making it similar to a human head. It is also famous for being the home to rarest palm species Hyophorbe amaricaulis, which covers most of the mountain.

With more than 1800 species of 8000 seashells in 70 display cabinets, World of Seashells is located on the first floor of Chateau de Bel Ombre. Eric Le Court, the founder and collector of this enchanting museum, has gathered shells from Mauritius and different parts of the world and assembled an impressive collection that gives us a chance to explore the aquatic riches!

Located in Tamarin, Tamarin Beach is one of the most impressive beaches in Mauritius. The interesting mix of verdant hues, turquoise water and powdery soft sand makes this beach perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. Tamarin Beach is usually thronged by upmarket locals and vacationers who do not prefer crowded beaches.

The Château de Labourdonnais is a grand Creole mansion which was once owned by Christian Wiehe and his family, but has long since been renovated and is now in use as a heritage tourism spot. Built entirely out of teak and sporting a dual-collonaded gallery, it gives off a distinct neoclassical vibe, and the exterior, as well as the interiors of the mansion, give off a distinctly Victorian feel.

Eureka House is a 19th century Creole-style house built in 1830 by the banks of the Mauritian river Moka. It is one of the island’s most visited historical sites and is totally loved by the tourists. The interior decorations and furniture are well maintained along with the mahogany and ebony antiques, old ceramics and beautifully painted chinaware, photographs of daily life and books. It is considered to be the largest house in all of Mauritius with its 109 doors and windows.

Ile Aux Aigrettes is a 26 hectare nature reserve 800 meters towards the south east off the coast of Mahebourg bay and has gained popularity over the years as an ecotourism destination. Unlike Mauritius, the most of which was formed by volcanic rocks. Ile Aux Aigrettes was primarily formed from coral limestone and it is pretty low-lying.

Bois Cheri is a 250-hectare tea factory and museum which is located in the inner parts of the town. It offers you a tour of the entire property. It begins with the visit to the small museum and ends with tea tasting. The tour is available every 30-minute.