Mauritius is a small island located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. It is a holiday destination for many tourists from all over the world. Its phenomenon lies in the variety of ways of spending free time offered. Both active tourists looking for new experiences and those who want to enjoy the sun and relax will find something to do in Mauritius. What is worth seeing while traveling to Mauritius?
1. The bustling capital of Port Luis – the flavors of Mauritius
People who want to experience the uniqueness and extraordinary cultural diversity of the island of Mauritius should start their tour from the capital, Port Luis. Situated on the north-west coast, it is a real place the heart of a vibrant state. Local restaurants that offer guests local delicacies are a must-see.
Mauritian cuisine combines features of many cultures, which influenced the history and formation of the island's social structure at the turn of the years. One of the most popular dishes in the country is aromatic dholl puri resembling a pancake with bean curry, pickled cucumbers and slightly spicy spices. A dish originating from India is also worth trying vindaye poisson with onion, beans, and fish or octopus marinated in mustard.
It is a perfect fast-food snack that is perfect for sightseeing farat, i.e. a roasted pancake with aromatic curry and filling ingredients. The local one is recommended for refreshment sugar cane juice with a characteristic lime color, which local sellers prepare on an ongoing basis. It is also recommended to drink alouda, i.e. a cold milk drink with the addition of sweet syrup, vanilla seeds and basil seeds.
2. The surprising Chinatown in Port Louis
A Chinese district that is part of an urban agglomeration. It was founded by Chinese and Indian workers in the 18th century. Traders then began to settle along the main street, Royal Road. In China Town you can admire, among others, the historic white and green Jummah Mosque with beautiful minarets. The district is an excellent mixture of two cultures, characterized by specific architecture, shops and cuisine. It's a great place for a night out.
3. The mysterious forests of Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park is located in the southern part of the island and covers an area of approximately 68 km². This extraordinary place is worth visiting when visiting Mauritius because of the climate there and also a wealth of fauna and flora found nowhere else. Protected rainforests are a natural habitat for, among others, mega bats Pteropus niger with a characteristic appearance and a wingspan of nearly 80 cm. Among the treetops you can also see an unusual bird - the Moorish pixie (Hypsipetes olivaceus) – with a distinctive orange beak.
In addition to its amazing fauna and flora, the River Gorges National Park also delights with its extraordinary landscapes. This is one of the greatest natural attractions in Mauritius. This form of entertainment will especially appeal to lovers of active recreation, because it is located in the park over 50 kilometers of hiking trails, which delight adventurous tourists. Some fragments lead over rope bridges suspended at the height of tree crowns. In the higher parts you can admire the magical panorama of the island and waterfalls.
4. Chamarel – Earth of seven colors
It is a unique spectacle of nature in unusual colors. When visiting the Black River Gorges National Park, it is worth spending time admiring the Land of Seven Colors, called the treasure of Mauritius. From the height of the observation tower you can observe an extraordinary landscape stretching over an area of hundreds of square kilometers. The ground in this area is rising many different colors and shades, shimmering in the sun and creating the impression of a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Red, purple, navy blue, blue, green, yellow, orange - these are just a few of the shades that attract the attention of the Earth of Seven Colors. Both the colors and the terrain are impressive. This color diversity is due to the mineral richness of the soil and the erosion of volcanic ash. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to the island to admire it an extraordinary natural phenomenon.
5. The paradise beach of Le Morne – for active people and those looking for relaxation
Everyone who loves sunny weather, peace and closeness to nature you will undoubtedly fall in love with the paradise beach of Le Morne, located on the southwestern tip of the coast. Although it is quite narrow, it stretches for many kilometers and provides unforgettable views. Every tourist will find something for themselves on Le Morne beach. Relaxation in the sun with the sound of the sea or full of adrenaline surfing or diving? It doesn't matter what you prefer - you can spend your time in any way you want on the coast of Mauritius, and it is also a perfect place for surfers and kitesurfers.
A paradise beach with white sand and azure water is great scenery for taking souvenir photos holiday. Such a photo session is a perfect material for a postcard for family or friends, and will also help you create a post on social media that will arouse the envy of all observers. Proximity to many exclusive hotels makes it a good place to stay in Mauritius.
6. Bois-Cheri Tea Plantations and Museum
Lovers of aromatic tea cannot resist visiting the Bois-Cheri Tea Museum during their stay in Mauritius. It's not just a journey through unusual flavors, but also after the fascinating history of the delicious drink brought to the island in the 18th century. Mauritius, after Sri Lanka and Ceylon, is one of the most popular tea growing centers.
In the museum you can learn about the entire production process, see what the machines involved in processing the collected leaves look like, and the whole trip can best be concluded with tasting at a nearby teahouse. Various types of drinks are available both for tasting on site and for takeaway - it will be an extremely original souvenir or gift. The most popular flavor varieties include: coconut, vanilla, cinnamon and mint.
7. Casela Nature Parks
Because one of the biggest tourist attractions in Mauritius. It provides various types of activities for the whole family. In the park you can closely observe animals on safari, admire colorful parrots, take part in feeding them, and go on an adrenaline-filled walk in the rope park. Another attraction is taking advantage of the roller coaster, which - located on hills covered with forests - makes a huge impression.
8. The fabulous botanical garden of Pamplemousses
The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden takes its name from the juicy grapefruit. Its originator and founder was the French consul Pierre Poivre, who established his residence here in the 18th century. Today, the garden delights with its multitude unusual plants. There are over 80 species of palm trees in the park, including varieties found nowhere else in the world. The avenue stretching for many kilometers also makes a great impression on visitors impressive baobabs, cinnamon trees and fig trees.
The attraction that attracts tourists from all over the world to Pamplemousses is the largest in the world species water lilies Victoria Regia with a diameter of up to 3 meters. Moreover, in the garden there are also pens with animals, the observation of which will be a pleasure for both children and adults. You should spend at least 2 hours walking around the botanical garden to be sure that you will see all the unusual plants and mysterious nooks and crannies.
9. Amma Tookay Kovil Hindu Temple and Al-Noor Mosque in Camp Diable
In the southern part of the island there is an unusual, eye-catching place Amma Tookay Kevil temple associated with the Hindu religious cult. The finishing and façade of the building itself make a huge impression thanks to the variety of colors. Colorful ornaments, columns and paintings can also be admired inside.
Right next door in the town of Camp Diable is located Al-Noor Muslim mosque built in the 80s. The proximity of such different temples associated with different religions shows the multiculturalism that characterizes Mauritius and the sources of its extraordinary, diverse history.
10. Impressive waterfalls: Chamarel and Alexandra
Anyone who, when going to an exotic island, wants to visit places that they will never forget, should go to a trip along the waterfall trail in the National Park. The first of them is Chamarel - the highest on the island, reaching about 100 meters. What makes a huge impression is not only the extraordinary space around, but also the uniqueness clean Air and a refreshing mist floating around. Both waterfalls can be reached by car or on foot from the nearby village of the same name (Chamarel). Viewing the waterfalls is free, so it is worth spending some free time admiring this wonder of nature.
11. Sugar cane plantation and rum factory
The symbol of Mauritius are sugar cane plantations, which is used to produce sugar and aromatic rum. To this day, it is an important source of income for the state, which sends its resources of reed and products made from it to various corners of the world. There is a rum distillery in the small town of Chamarel on the southwestern tip of the island.
It's worth starting the trip with visiting the factory with a guide, which introduces the secrets of the production of amber liquor and explains the process in detail. The alcohol owes its unusual taste to several years of aging in oak barrels. While listening to the stories, you can also learn about the most popular varieties of rum produced in Mauritius. It's worth finishing the tour tasting alcohol produced on site, juices and other sweet products.
Mauritius is a small island with many fascinating nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. Lovers of peace and relaxation, as well as those who love adrenaline during an unforgettable adventure, will find a perfect way to spend their free time here. In Mauritius you can find extraordinary gardens and parks full of wildlife, as well as interesting monuments and places related to the local cuisine and culture. Particularly noteworthy are endemic species of plants and animals, which can be admired almost everywhere in Mauritius.
12. Deer Island – Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is a small island located in a lagoon off the eastern coast of Mauritius. It offers several kilometers of a paradise beach with white sand, blue water and wild flora and fauna. A big attraction is diving on the reefs around the island and taking a boat ride to it Grande Riviere Sud – Est waterfalls, which can only be viewed from the sea. They make an amazing impression when they fall into the ocean water with a bang. The island of Ile aux Cerfs also has an eighteen-hole golf course designed by the famous German golfer Bernhard Langer; the course is included in the list of the 100 best golf courses in the world.
13. Golf in Mauritius
If you are holidaying in Mauritius and looking for a picturesque nature haven or a round of golf in a green oasis, Ile aux Cerfs will be the perfect place for a one-day trip. This is one of the greatest golf courses on the island, located among charming landscapes. To complete your golf trip to Mauritius, we also recommend visiting two other excellent courses: Anahita and Heritage Golf Club. Mauritius has become a leading golfing region in recent years.
Individual trips to Mauritius and Reunion and tailor-made holidays
Private trips to Mauritius and neighboring Reunion are the specialty of the travel agency CARTER®. We have the best, professional local guides, both Polish-speaking and English-speaking. We will gladly and with great care prepare each itinerary according to your individual project, and you can rest assured that your trip to Mauritius will be an unforgettable experience.
Holidays in Mauritius - beautiful hotels and luxurious relaxation in villas and apartments by the beach
Luxury holidays in Mauritius with a travel agency do not have to be trivial or boring. On the contrary! We make every effort to ensure that your individually designed trips to Mauritius are authentic and perfectly selected accommodation. For the most demanding guests, we offer the One&Only Le Saint Geran hotel on the picturesque coast of Pointe de Flacq or the new, LUX* Grand Baie, which offers an ultra-luxurious concept for the duration of your stay.
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
