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Best Places to Visit in Mauritius

Seven Cascades or Tamarin Falls play an important role in adding up the beauty of Mauritius as a tourist destination.  The Falls are situated at a height of around 290 meters and this is the highest one in Mauritius. The seven simultaneous falls make it more charming amidst the splendid greenery. 

It obviously is rich with tranquil surrounding and exotic flora and those who expect clear beaches and islands in Mauritius, this water falls will be a surprise. It has been pointed out as a haven for trek lovers bird watchers and adventure seekers.

Highlights: There are multiple adventure activities available at the location which include hiking, canyoning, cliff jumping, bird watching and swimming.

Location: It is located in Black River Gorges National Park near Henrietta Village.

Best time to visit: November to May is the suitable time to visit.

You can also check perfect destinations for romantic honeymoon in Mauritius here.

Mauritius will definitely lack its lustre without the Albion Light House. It is located in the west coast of Mauritius.

Highlights: It is the exceptional architecture of the light house which makes it quite interesting to be looked at. Since the historic times, it has provided navigational help to many sailors. If you are good at photography then it is one of the best place to take sunset photographs. You can definitely spend some peaceful time there to make your trip worthwhile.

Location: It is located in the west coast of Mauritius.

One of the most invigorating cities of Mauritius, Mahebourg has a relentless charm in it that attracts people not to miss during a tour of Mauritius. It promises the most scenic views of a historical museum, the buzzing streets, the delicious street food and obviously the invigorating beaches south to north.

Highlights: The National History Museum that gives an idea about the ancient life style of the island during colonial period.Monday Market: A busy and crowded place in the city is this market which was previously focusing on selling silks and textiles but now it has steaming food stalls as well.Rault Biscuit Factory is a famous biscuit making industry from the year of 1870s.

Best time to visit: May to December is the best time to visit the city.

Travel around 20 KM from the north coast of the Mauritius Island to visit one of the most exotic beaches named Ilot Gabriel but it is less known. The beach is easily accessible from Grand Bay by a boat or catamaran and the beauty of the beach is undulating and undisturbed as it is visited by comparatively a small number of people.

Mainly, the sunrise and sunset views from the beach defeat every other scenic beauties around the location as the multiple colours of the rays just spread across the emerald coloured water.

Activities: Catamaran cruise is the highlighted activity

Location: Gabriel Island, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time apart from Monsoon is quite suitable to visit the beach.

A Bay which was once rightly named as De Bogt Zonder Eyndt (Bay without end) is one of the major tourist attraction because of its amazing blue waters and water sports.

Highlights: It is an excellent bay for swimming, sailing, windsurfing and sailing. Some people also consider it to be an ideal place for boat excursions to Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island and Serpent Island. It is a popular destination for many shopaholics too since the bay has shopping centres focussing both on fashion and crafts. Some of the shops are 50 year old too.

Best time to visit: May to November.

Location: It is a 30 minute drive from Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius.

You will be completely left jaw dropped at the sight of Chamarel Coloured Earth. It is a special tourist attraction since it comprises of sand of seven different colors. Your trip to Mauritius will be simply incomplete without seeing Chamarel Coloured Earth.

Due to the tropical weather which is prevalent in Mauritius the colors has of the sand dunes have faded away and you will see reddish, black, cyan and purple.

Highlights: If you mix the colored earth together, they will eventually settle in different colors.

Best time to visit: Sunrise is considered to be best time to visit the colored earth by the geologists.

One of the most sacred place for Hindu’s is considered to be Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao.

Highlights: One of the famous temple of Lord Shiva is located some 1800 feet above the sea level. Not just Lord Shiva, you will also find temples of Hanuman and Lakshmi. You will be completely sold by the calm and peaceful nature of the place which makes it worth visit while in Mauritius.

Best time to visit: Maha Shivratri becomes the best time to visit Grand Bassin since it attracts a large number of followers. However, visiting this place during February and early March are considered to be ideal time to visit this place.

Location: It is approximately 38 km from Port Louis.

Get the chance to experience the largest national park in Mauritius. It lets you experience the true beauty of the nature and an ultimate place for all the trekkers too.

Highlights: It can be a spectacular place for all the bird watchers. It has many waterfalls and hiking places too. You can also find 300 species of flowering plants and many endemic species of birds too. If you are lucky, you can also view Mauritius Kestrel, echo parakeet and the pink pigeon too.

Difficulty Level: Easy.

Location: It is located in the west part of Mauritius and is approximately 38km away from Louis Port.

You will be completely sold by the scenic beauty of Le Morne Beach which is surrounded by the mighty mountains. The calm and the serene atmosphere of the place will relieve you from the stress. Nobody can stop themselves to be completely amazed by the crystal clear water.

Highlight: It is considered to be an ideal place for kite surfing and snorkelling.

Best months to visit: October to December and March to April are considered to be ideal months for this beach.

Difficulty Level: High, however, you can take the help of a trainer to help you out with the water sport.

Take a stroll by the botanical garden which is filled with greenery. The botanical garden is spread over sprawling landscape which has approximately 650 varieties of plants. The botanical garden was earlier opened by French governor and was considered to be private garden.

Highlights: Sir Seewoosagur Botanic garden is a must watch in Mauritius. You will get a chance to see endless variety of Baobabs, the Palmeir Bouteille and Giant Water Lilies too. There are many medicinal plants too which makes the botanical garden a must visit place.

Prices: 8 Euro per person.

Best time to visit: October to April.

Get the chance to witness the dormant volcano. Trou Aux Cerfs is a german word which means (Hole of the deer.) The last eruption took place around the year 1200 and one can find many oak trees in and around the place.

Highlights: You can get to see most amazing view of landscape Curepipe and even the surrounding places.

Best months to visit: October is considered to be the best month to visit.

Location: It is approximately 22 km from Louis Port

Citadel fort is also popularly known as Adelaide Fort which was named after the wife of William II. The port was named when British held land in captivity in Port Louis.

Highlight: You will also get a chance to have stunning and breath-taking views of the entire city of Port Louis. The Citadel fort has been constructed in Moorish style. Rectangular blocks have been used to construct the Citadel fort. All the arches are horshoe shaped.

Prices: The entrance fee is Rs. 50.

23 different colours on earth gave La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park a prominent place in the travel and tourism section of Mauritius. This park is termed as one of the unique attractions of the world as it holds indigenous but rare species of flora and fauna. A 1-2 hour long tour will let your eyes witness the best formations of earth in different manner here.

Highlights: The different ranges of natural landscapes, plateus, mountains, valleys, craters and crater-lakes. The four wonderful waterfalls are adding up the beauty of the place. They are Cascade Vacoas, Cascade Bois de Natte, Cascade Cheveux d'Ange and Cascade Chamouzé 

Activities: Walking, quad-biking etc are the favorite activities of the visitors at the park.

Location: Mare Anguilles, Chamouny Road, Chamouny, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time during the year is suitable to visit the park.

Want to meet crocodiles and giant tortoises? You should visit La Vanille Crocodile Park where you will find not only these but will also get an opportunity to watch various species of animals, reptiles and plants.

Highlight: You can get an amazing opportunity to feed these giant tortoises and crocodiles, you can even pet them, if you want. The park also features a rare collection of butterflies too. Even the children can have their own adventure spot as the park features ‘Jungle Adventure Playground’ too.

Prices: 9 Euros. Location: It is 50 km away from Port Louis, which makes it quite accessible.

The Casela Nature Park Segway has everything from exotic plants, flowers and other beautiful species too. You will see approximately 1500 birds and that too of different variety.

Highlights: You can get a chance to witness impressive giant turtles which is hard to find anywhere else except Mauritius. If you are a hard core foodie then it is best to try Le Mirador which seves an array of delectable cuisine. You can also get a chance to see spectacular views of the west coast.

Prices: 300 per person.

Best time to visit: June to September is the best time to take a tour to this park.

If you are in Mauritius, Rochester Falls is considered to be worth a visit. This popular waterfall is located at an elevation of 152 metres.

Highlights: One of the peculiar thing that you will find in this place will be rectangular flank rocks. Swimming into the cool waters is considered to be just ideal to take a dive. You will also find local vendors selling coconuts and pineapples.

Location: It is 54 km from Louis Port.

Best time to visit: August and October are considered to be ideal time to visit this waterfalls. However you can also visit this place between March and May.

Witness one of the largest fall of Mauritius namely the Chamarel Waterfalls. The falls look quite beautiful since it is surrounded by the vegetation of Black Rive Gorges.

Highlights: You can also get an opportunity to view the Black River National Park.

Difficulty Level: Medium, if you have reached this fall then you have to walk so it is not considered appropriate or people who can’t walk much. If you are getting a chance to spree around the south-west part of Mauritius then it is worth a visit.

Location: It is approximately 53 km from Louis Port.

Ile aux Cerfs Island is like a heaven on earth. There was a time when several deer were also found in these island.

Highlight: The best thing about these beaches is the beautiful lagoon and the wide variety of water sports that the island has to offer. Swimming and Snorkelling are considered to be the best water sport that can be done in this island. You can even go for water skiing, glass bottom boats and more.

Best time to visit: April to September is considered to be an ideal month to visit this island.

Difficulty Level: Medium, and you can definitely take the help of professional trainer.

Welcome to the world of National Treasure! The Blue Penney Museum in Port Louis is a place which has encompassed some of the beautiful exploration of the island. This museum allows you to peak into the past and present day look of the place.

Highlights: You will find one of the world’s rarest red one penny and blue two-penny ‘Post Office Stamps’ which were issued in the year 1847. To ensure that the colors don’t fade away, it is lit up for 10 minutes at a time.

Price: Rs 245 per person.

Location: It is approximately 5 km away from Port Louis.

If your breathe photography then this is the place to be. You will find some of the best collection of local photographer Tristan Breville. You will be lucky to have some old cameras and prints.

Highlight: You can get a chance to witness daguerreotypes (the forerunner of photographs.) You will also find some of the most amazing collection of historical photos of the island too.

Prices: Rs. 150 per person.

Location: It takes approximately 11 minutes to reach Mauritius Photography Museum from Port Louis.

Have a sneak –peek into the commercial side of Mauritius. The Le Caudan Waterfront has an undeniable space for both shoppers, local artists, tourists and even gastronomes. The breath-taking ambience that it provides will leave you truly jaw dropped.

It is one of the most exciting places which you would never like to leave. Hence it is considered to be a must-visit place for ever tourist in Mauritius.

Highlight: You can try your hands at some of the best casinos.

Best time to visit: May to December is the best time to visit this place.

Prices: Euro 22 per person.

Tired of the usual hustle-bustle of the city life? And you are looking for something which is a lot more blissful and peaceful then Rodrigues is a place to be. The place is often termed as the Mauritius 25 years ago. Everybody living there follows a slow pace of life that some time you will you have severed all chords from real life. However, you can have the opportunity to have some good food.

Highlights: It is an amazing place for water sports which allow you to try zip line and fishing too.

Location: It is approximately 621 km away from Port Louis.

Best time to visit: November to April.

If you are a true snorkelling lover then your visit to Mauritius will be however incomplete without the Blue Bay Marine Park.

Highlight: Exploring the marine life through the glass bottom boat is something which shouldn’t be missed. The Blue bay marine park has housed some mangroves, algae, sea grasses and more. The journey will let you witness some of the bluest water which you would have never seen.

Prices: 18 Euro per person.

Location: It is approximately 54 km away from Blue Bay Marine Park. The best time to visit this place will be during October.

If you have missed out on some of the most stunning views of Grand Baie then you should Visit La Cuvette Beach. It is not one of those commercialized beaches you will find in Mauritius. An ultimate beach to relax and small paradise for many tourists too.

Highlight: It is an ultimate space for swimming which has all the scenic beauties and are quite cozy too. You can also get a chance to satiate your appetite with delicious fish and ice cold beer. The food too is not all that expensive.

Best time to visit: November to April is considered to be the ideal time to visit this beautiful beach.

Location: It is approximately 26 km from Port Louis.

If you have ever loved sugarcane then Mauritius is the place to be. It is an exciting place for children too, since it has a museum which tell the extraordinary story of sugar narrated with the help of 2 mascots.

Highlight: You cannot miss the opportunity to visit L’Aventure du Sucre which has a legacy of more than 250 years. It is this legacy which makes this place a must-visit place when you are in Mauritius. You can get a chance to taste some 15 varieties of sugar. The sugar museum also encompasses a Village Boutik and a fine dine Restaurant Le Fangourin.

Prices: Rs 380 per person.

Best time to visit: October and early November are considered to be the best time to visit this museum.

Feel the sense of excitement and adrenaline rush as you walk with the king of the jungle. Walking with the lion will give you an amazing opportunity to see the wild side of the jungle. It is truly an amazing experience which shouldn’t be missed.

Highlights: Casela Park in Mauritius can be best spot to lions by your side.

Best time to visit - September is the best time to visit

Difficulty Level: Winter months are considered to be the best season to have a friendly walk with the lions. It is advised not to wear bright color clothes and moreover the trained professional also advises you to wear trousers than shorts.

If you are crazy about horse racing then Mauritius is the place to be. It can gather all the people of Mauritius in a single place. The horse race takes place every Saturday.

Highlights: Crown Lodge not only provides you the perfect view of having the VIP Balcony of Maritius Turf Club and at the same time it allows to you to view the presentation ring along with your favourite horse in paddock. Champ de Mars is yet another oldest race course which you can visit in Mauritius.

Price: 185 Euro per person. Dress code is smart casual for both men and women.

Tamarin Beach is also known as one of the best surfer beach of Mauritius. It is located in the west coast of Mauritius.

Highlights: It has two nice surfing spots ‘Dal’ on its left and ‘Black Stone’ on the right. Dolphins are also find close to Tamarin Bay. You can also get an opportunity to eat some of the delicious “boulettes”, “sormai” and “ chouchou.” You can also organize small boat trips with the help of the organizers.

Price: worth 37 Euro per person.

Location: It is approximately 31 km from Port Louis.

Best months to visit: October is the best time to be here.

It is in the south east coast of Mauritius lies the beautiful islet named Ile aux Aigrettes which acts as a scientific research station and a nature reserve. The largest islet in the region of Grand Port Bay, the area it covers is 27 hectares. This tiny coral island preserves a variety of endangered species both avian and mammal families.

The rare pink pigeon, the Mauritius Kestrel, skinks and the giant tortoises are a few names among them. There is a boat tour to the island on a daily basis which will take the visitors to enjoy the serene nature for the whole day. It was declared a Nature Reserve in 1965.

Best time to visit: Any time during the year is apt to visit the location

If you are an adrenaline junkie and fond of water sports, then Pereybere will definitely let you fall in love with it. The turquoise water and the white sandy beach have plenty of people everyday especially during the weekend. It is considered to be one of the best beaches ideal for family and kids also since the sea is quite calm. 

The shades extended by the coconut trees arrayed on one side of the beach will give a good space for relaxing.

Highlights: The water activities available at the beach are famous and crowd pulling. They include pedalo, wind surfing, catamaran ride, para sailing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking etc.

Location: Chez Ryan, Grand Baie, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time from the month of January to April and from September to December.

Standing alone on the side of a beach, Notre Dame Auxiliatrice is a picturesque red roofed Catholic Church which is being celebrated as one of the most visited landmarks in Mauritius. 

The turquoise blue water at the backdrop is the essential feature the location boasts and it is a secluded building with replenishing greenery in the surrounding. The view of the sea and boats floating on the water leave a trail behind for the visitors to come back every other time they visit Mauritius. 

Daily from 09:30 AM to 07:00 PM, the church will be opened for visitors. The most photographed church possesses a unique charm because of the sloping roof and the pretty interior beautified with the statue of Mother Mary and the Christ. People are allowed to attend the mass at 06:00 PM on Saturdays and at 09:00 AM on Sundays.

Location: Royal Road, Cap Malheureux, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time during the year is suitable to visit this church.

UNESCO declared Le Morne Brabant as a Heritage Site in the year of 2008. It is a rugged mountain existing on the peninsula of Morne. Being one of the most preserved mountains of the island, it has definitely a lot of value among trekkers and adventure junkies. This mountain was once the savior for maroons, runaway slaves and those who tried committing suicides.

The tall cliffs were blocking all of those escapers from entering the other side of the mountains and that’s how there came some small settlements. It played a major role in preventing further slave trades which resulted in another movement called maroon republic as well.

Activity: Trekking and hiking and the views from the top towards the west are breathtaking.

Best time to visit: The months of August, September, October and November are the suitable months to visit.

Aapravasi Ghat is mainly the remnant of an immigration depot built in 1849 and it was here the indentured laborers from India, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, China and South East Asia were received in order to work on the sugar estates on the island. This UNESCO world heritage site stands as the symbol of indenture in the 19th century.

Port Louis houses this historically important site which has been declared as the National Monument by Mauritius Government. But what remains of the three stone building currently is minimal. Visitors are allowed from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM to explore the building and its surroundings from Monday to Friday

Location: 1 Quay St, Port Louis, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time during the year is suitable to visit the site.

The colored earth and waterfalls make Chamarel famous but it has more than that which let the visitors definitely fall in love with the location. One among them is Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery. Here is the high quality rum is produced which is purely ecological. The reason behind the purity is the land where the sugarcane and fruits plantations are on.

As a visitor, you can observe each process involved in the production of brewing fun. Also, at the end, you will get to taste the original, ecologically safe and pure rum here. The distillery came into existence with an attractive tagline saying “a dream is not a place but a journey” in 2008. The 40 minute long visit will let you know more about the detailed process involved.

Location: Route Royale, Chamarel, Ile Maurice, Mauritius
 
Best time to visit: From June to November, you can watch the individual process at first hand and on the other season, you will be able to witness every single step of the procedure.

Domaine les Pailles is known to be one of the oldest domains on the island of Mauritius. It has been turned to be a prominent centre of culture and heritage. The 17-year-old estate is existing between the two major cities of the island named Quatre Bornes and Port Louis.

Highlights: A ride in horse-drawn carriages is the highlighted activity here along with a replica of the traditional ox-driven sugar mill, a rum-brewing distillery, a spice garden, a playground, jeep safari and quad biking space. The 1500 hectare estate brings forth an option for an extensive day tour which takes you to understand the different processes happening in the sugar mill, distillery and shows the other buildings and activities inside. The estate tour starts around 10:00 AM and can be wound up by 04:30 PM.
 
Location: Pailles, Port Louis, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time during the year is suitable to visit the location.

What makes Maison Eureka very attractive are the cascading river and the lush greenery in the surrounding. Masion Eureka is a huge house that stands as the undying symbol of olonial period.

Located by the side of river Moka, this Creole house was built in the year of 1830 but still the charm of this breathtaking house is not diminished a little. 109 doors and windows make the house look large and it is the biggest house on the island.

Highlights: Being more than a house and a museum, the visitors can relish the beauty of small waterfalls, streams, lush greenery, and endemic plants which leave your heart remain stolen.

Location: Moka District, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time during the year is suitable to visit the place.

Champ De Mars, Race Course is the one of the oldest racecourses in the world which came into existence in the year of 1812 with the interference of the Turf Club. Basically, the season for racing extends from April to November and the Maiden Cup is the biggest race that occurs in September every year.

Champ De Mars now attracts thousands of people on every race and it spread the importance of horse racing as a favourite sport among the mass; both the elite class and normal people started loving it. In today’s scenario, horse racing is a pure form of entertainment amid the local population as well.
 
Highlights: The statue of King Edward VII made by the famous sculptor Prosper d’Epinay and the Malartic Tomb which is an obelisk to a French Governor are the major highlights displayed within the racecourse.

Location: Port Louis, Mauritius

Best time to visit: From the month of April to November

The mystery behind Balaclava ruins is pulling the crowd toward the site every day and it is one of the most attractive landmarks on the island of Mauritius.

Featuring the undying memories of a tough and challenging colonial period, Balaclava was the greatest fort that prevented the attacks toward the sugar estates. It is situated very close to Baie aux Tortues which became famous after the giant tortoises found out here.

Highlights: The living memories of a huge fort along with the sea walls on one side. Also, it is near to the famous Maritim Hotel where you can opt for a stay as well.

Activities: Rent a bicycle and explore the location is the best activity that can be done here.

Location: Turtle Bay, Balaclava 20108, Mauritius

Best time to visit: Any time during the year is suitable to visit the site.