The tiny multicultural island of Mauritius is a tropical paradise right out of the pages of a travel brochure. Whilst it may sound cliché, it really is a land of crystal clear waters, beautiful rugged mountains and lush tropical forests.
Virtually untouched up until about 500 years ago, Mauritius is popular with honeymooners, couples, and intrepid travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking views in the world.
Virtually untouched up until about 500 years ago, Mauritius is popular with honeymooners, couples, and intrepid travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking views in the world.
Getting there is relatively easy, with major airlines like Thomson flying direct to Mauritius.
1. Le Pouce
This thumb-shaped mountain towers over Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. The popular hike to the top is relatively easy, and you don’t need hiking gear to travel this well-beaten path. Once you reach the ascent you’ll have panoramic views over the city and can see the boats docking into the port.
2. Grand Bassin
Also known as Ganga Talo, this lake was formed by a crater in the volcanic landscape in Savanne, in the heart of the country. Around 1,800 feet above sea level, this pretty lake is surrounded by twinkling fairly lights and beautiful flowers, and is considered the most holy place in Mauritius for Hindus.
3. Chamarel Waterfall
Located on the south west of the country, Chamarel is a small village with an amazing waterfall. The long slither of water cascades over the vegetation of the Black River Gorges, and a great vantage point is in the park or from the Seven Coloured Earths. If you prefer to get a little more up-close-and-personal, you can swim in the shallow waters at the bottom of the falls. Tropical paradise or what?
4. Maison Eureka
This preserved colonial house is surrounded by the Moka mountain range and boasts magnificent views of its surrounding gardens and waterfalls. You can take a tour around the pristine house to discover more about Mauritius’ heritage, and round the day off with a spot of afternoon tea in its tea room.
5. Ile Aux Cerfs
This tiny island off the east coast offers up some fine examples of the pristine white beaches that Mauritius is known for. Ride in a catamaran across from Blue Bay or Trou d’Eau Douce and then see a vibrant array of underwater life when you go snorkeling in the coral reef.
6. Black River Gorges National Park
This protected area of land will give you some amazing views of the country’s last remaining rainforest. Catch a glimpse of unique plants and rare bird species as you wander through the winding trail of the forest.
7. Souillac
This tiny coastal town is surrounded by beautiful gardens and falls including the popular Gris Gris, a sea cliff which has a constant flow of water falling over it, making it appear to be ‘crying.’ Rochester Falls is also another famous waterfall, with a unique rectangular rocky form, that many visitors like to abseil down.
8. Tamarin Beach
White sands and crystal clear waters are on offer at Tamarin Beach, but that’s not the only stunning view to see - it’s got amazing views of the Montage du Rempart, an extent volcano which towers over the beach. You may also see a few dolphins pop up here and there - a pod calls this bay its home.
9. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Most famous for its giant water lilies, the botanical garden located close to Port Louis is a serene place to relax and take in some of Mauritius’ indigenous species. The oldest botanical garden in the world, there are around 85 unique species of palm tree here.
10. Seven Coloured Earths
A spectacular sight - these multicolored sand dunes are a result of Maritius’ unique volcanic landscape. Whilst you cannot climb on the dunes, you can get up close to them, and they’re a great vantage point from which to see the Chamarel Waterfall.
(Photo by Samovar Group via Flickr)
1. Le Pouce
This thumb-shaped mountain towers over Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. The popular hike to the top is relatively easy, and you don’t need hiking gear to travel this well-beaten path. Once you reach the ascent you’ll have panoramic views over the city and can see the boats docking into the port.
2. Grand Bassin
Also known as Ganga Talo, this lake was formed by a crater in the volcanic landscape in Savanne, in the heart of the country. Around 1,800 feet above sea level, this pretty lake is surrounded by twinkling fairly lights and beautiful flowers, and is considered the most holy place in Mauritius for Hindus.
3. Chamarel Waterfall
Located on the south west of the country, Chamarel is a small village with an amazing waterfall. The long slither of water cascades over the vegetation of the Black River Gorges, and a great vantage point is in the park or from the Seven Coloured Earths. If you prefer to get a little more up-close-and-personal, you can swim in the shallow waters at the bottom of the falls. Tropical paradise or what?
4. Maison Eureka
This preserved colonial house is surrounded by the Moka mountain range and boasts magnificent views of its surrounding gardens and waterfalls. You can take a tour around the pristine house to discover more about Mauritius’ heritage, and round the day off with a spot of afternoon tea in its tea room.
5. Ile Aux Cerfs
This tiny island off the east coast offers up some fine examples of the pristine white beaches that Mauritius is known for. Ride in a catamaran across from Blue Bay or Trou d’Eau Douce and then see a vibrant array of underwater life when you go snorkeling in the coral reef.
6. Black River Gorges National Park
This protected area of land will give you some amazing views of the country’s last remaining rainforest. Catch a glimpse of unique plants and rare bird species as you wander through the winding trail of the forest.
7. Souillac
This tiny coastal town is surrounded by beautiful gardens and falls including the popular Gris Gris, a sea cliff which has a constant flow of water falling over it, making it appear to be ‘crying.’ Rochester Falls is also another famous waterfall, with a unique rectangular rocky form, that many visitors like to abseil down.
8. Tamarin Beach
White sands and crystal clear waters are on offer at Tamarin Beach, but that’s not the only stunning view to see - it’s got amazing views of the Montage du Rempart, an extent volcano which towers over the beach. You may also see a few dolphins pop up here and there - a pod calls this bay its home.
9. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Most famous for its giant water lilies, the botanical garden located close to Port Louis is a serene place to relax and take in some of Mauritius’ indigenous species. The oldest botanical garden in the world, there are around 85 unique species of palm tree here.
10. Seven Coloured Earths
A spectacular sight - these multicolored sand dunes are a result of Maritius’ unique volcanic landscape. Whilst you cannot climb on the dunes, you can get up close to them, and they’re a great vantage point from which to see the Chamarel Waterfall.
(Photo by Samovar Group via Flickr)
(This post was written by Alexandra Hepworth)
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