Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Mauritius
Mauritius, located in the southeast of Africa, is a traveler's dream since it combines surf, sand, and sun all in one place. Because there are so many things ... read more...to do in Mauritius, vacationing here may be a wonderful experience. The beaches, islands, forts, parks, museums, retail centers, and monuments will keep travelers on their toes. To help you narrow down your options, Toplist compiled a list of the finest locations to visit in Mauritius for individuals of various interests. Whether you're a shopaholic or a nature enthusiast, this list offers something for everyone!
-
The first destination that Toplist would like to recommend is Le Morne Brabant. Le Morne Brabant mountain, at the extreme southwestern tip of the island of Mauritius, is 556m in height, but the climbable part is only 490m.
The mountain is covered in foliage, and the trail to the top is around 6 kilometers long. This mountain is, without a doubt, incredibly dangerous, especially for individuals who do not have prior hiking experience. It takes 3-4 hours to complete the ascent.
From the peak, you can enjoy amazing views of the Southern coast, including Ilot Fourneau, the turquoise ocean of Le Morne lagoon, and the magnificent underwater waterfall.
- Location: Black River District
- Best Time To Visit: During the months of August to November.
- Things To Do: Hiking, Surfing, and Scuba diving
- Best Places To Stay: Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, LUX Le Morne, JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, Hotel Riu Le Morne,
-
The Seven Coloured Earths are a geological formation and popular tourist attraction, located on the Chamarel plain. It is a relatively small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colors. The fundamental element of the location is that the dunes develop a surrealistic, striped color as these variously colored sands randomly settle at different levels.
Chamarel's Coloured Earths also has a unique feature: the dunes appear to never disintegrate, despite Mauritius' severe tropical rains. Rains have etched magnificent patterns into the slope since the earth was first exposed, producing an effect of earthen meringue.
Since the 1960s, the Chamarel Colored Earth has become one of Mauritius' most popular tourist destinations. The dunes are now surrounded by a wooden fence, and tourists are not permitted to climb them, however, they may see the landscape from observation points around the barrier. Curio shops in the area sell small test tubes filled up with colored earth and you can buy them as a souvenir to present to relatives or friends.
- Location: Rivière Noire District
- Best Time To Visit: Sunrise is the best time to see the Coloured Earths.
-
The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden in Mauritius is a dream destination for many scientists throughout the world since it has such a diverse collection of tropical species, many of which are only found in Mauritius. Herbal medicines and 85 various types of palm trees, including one that only blooms every forty to sixty years, may be found here.
The Garden covers an area of 33 Hectares. The Garden is one of the southern hemisphere's oldest Botanic Gardens. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden dates back to the French period. And the garden was built in 1736 by the French governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais. In 1767, Pierre Poivre, the French Intendent, imported vegetables, fruits, and flowers from all over the world. Some of the most highly desired plants at the time were nutmegs (Myristica fragans) and cloves (Syzichium aromaticum) from the Malaccas. These species can still be found at the Garden's Spice Corner.
- Location: Royal Road, Pamplemousses
- Open every day
-
Mont Choisy Beach, just a few minutes walk from the western gates of the estate, is among the most beautiful in Mauritius. Stretching almost 3 kilometers from Trou aux Biches to Pointe aux Canonniers, this is the island’s longest beach: a gently curving strand of golden sand lined with a shady grove of filao trees on one side and by gentle, crystal-clear aquamarine water on the other.
There is a forest of Casuarina, most commonly known as the filaos trees, which adds to the exotic touch of the beach. There is a large surface area where you can relax under the trees, an ideal setting for the ocean. There are many vendors hiding from the scorching sun under the trees, so if you fancy a snack during the day, you can choose between a variety of dishes.
- Location: Grand-Baie
- Best Time To Visit: between September and November
- Things To Do: Whale Watching, Scuba & Snorkelling, Surfing & Windsurfing
- Best Places To Stay: Sunway Residence, Flowers of Paradise, Le Diamant Vert Apartments
-
The Black River Gorges National Park Project was proclaimed on the 15th of June 1994 by the President of the Republic of Mauritius. Once prime hunting grounds, the area became a protected reserve in 1994 after scientists identified over 300 species of flowering plants, nine endemic species of birds, and a population of giant fruit bats that numbered more than 4000. Introduced wild boar, macaque monkeys, and deer also wander through the vast swaths of old-growth ebony, and sightings are not uncommon.
There are four entry points to the park: the Black River entrance and Case Royale entrance on the west coast, La Marie entrance in Plaine Wilhems, and Chamouny entrance in the south.
There is a first gate about 2 km from the turn-off. Some people tend to do some exercise, walk or jog, on the tar road to the parking lot. This gate closes at 6 pm, so be sure to be back out through them before then.
- Location: Plaine Champagne RD, Black River
- Best time to visit: January to September
- Things To Do: Boat Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Scuba & Snorkeling
- Best Places To Stay: Santa Crest Hotel, Wilton House, Idlers' Rest Beach Hotel
-
If you like light exercise and need a quiet place to rest, then Tamarin Bay will be the ideal place for you. The view of the bay is very scenic, making it ideal for a walk rather than a swim. As it is at the mouth of ‘La Rivière du Rempart’, during the rainy season, Tamarin Bay is separated into two parts, due to the river. At low tide, it can go from ankle-high to hip-high, and at high tide, it goes from knee-high to deeper where you would have to swim through it to reach the other side.
Even though there is a warning of dangerous bathing, Tamarin Bay is always busy on the weekends and most weekdays afternoons as it is fun and just a really nice beach. But although precautions are welcomed, that shouldn’t deter you from visiting it, it’s well worth the visit! Dolphins are often found close to Tamarin Bay and various boat companies offer trips to watch and swim with them in the mornings.
- Location: Rivière Noire District
- Things To Do: Surfing, Swimming, Walking, Diving, Watching Dolphins swimming
- Best Time To Visit: May to November
- Best Places To Stay: Veranda Tamarin Hotel, The River House
-
Away from the blue beaches, long white sands, or overlapping mountains, Toplist will lead you to a savoir-rich cultural space, which is Demeure Saint Antoine, a magical place where the Mauritian tradition meets, the authentic charm of the countryside and the elegance of a colonial estate.
A vegetable corridor connects the two buildings, one is dedicated to the dining room and kitchen, and the other building to different living rooms and 4 guest rooms. It is good to spend a pleasant moment admiring the park composed of hundred-year-old trees of different tropical species.
In The Dining Room, porcelain and silverware exude a family atmosphere, friendly and cheerful with an air of yesteryear. Comfortably installed and served by a caring team. At the residence Saint Antoine, you can enjoy authentic and refined cuisine with a touch of emotion, history, and savoir vivre.
- Location: Route Royal, Goodland
- Things To Do: visit the colonial house, enjoy the meal savoir
- Timing: Closed on Sundays and bank holidays
-
The next place in the journey to discover Mauritius, if you are a photography lover, you definitely cannot ignore the Photographic museum when visiting Mauritius. The Photographic Museum was created by Marie-Noelle and Tristan Bréville in 1966. By doing such an amazing job, the Museum goes beyond the conservation and preservation mission. It is responsible for the creation and preservation of a nation's memories!
The first local newspaper's press machine and script (1773), a unique photograph (1857) of Indian laborers landing at Aapravasi Ghat, and a photo frame of the first airplane landing at Mon Choisy beach from Reunion Island in 1933 not only captured the emotions of these great moments but also hint at Marie Noelle and Tristan's unwavering passion to preserve Mauritius' photographic heritage. The Museum was even dubbed "one of the largest preservation projects of the twentieth century" by the worldwide press.
- Location: The Mauritius Photography Museum, Old Council Road, Port Louis
- Timing: Open on Week Days only. Duration: 30 - 60 Min
-
The magnificent theatre at the Caudan Arts Centre showcases incredible shows all year round. Various public arts and cultural events, including plays, concerts, and all kinds of shows are hosted in a modern building. The Caudan Arts Centre is setting the stage for a new cultural scene in Mauritius and in the region. As an exciting and vibrant space, we want to provide a new cultural lens through which we see the world and through which the world sees us.
“Creativity for all” is the motto of the Caudan Arts Centre. This 430-seat venue inaugurated in December 2018 serves as a link between emerging and established Mauritian artists and the finest international productions. In September 2021 the Caudan Arts Center opened a new art school for young and old. There will be courses in dance, theater, guitar, among other disciplines.
Furthermore, this is a location where you may shoot photographs and make stunning images.
- Location: Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis
- Timing: Tuesday or adults and Saturday for children, teens
-
To end this trip, Toplist would like to introduce to you a famous market in Port Louis so that you can experience a traditional market in the best way. Known to locals as "Bazaar Port Louis" it is located, as its name suggests, in the capital city. Much like in other markets in the Middle East or Asia, you will have to make yourself thin to get through the narrow passage. Artisanal jewelry, glass sculptures, local clothing, musical instruments, and preserves are among the great array of gifts on offer.
The well-known central market in Port Louis, which has been the heart of the local economy since Victorian times, is a fantastic location to get a sense of local life. Observe the hawkers at work and pick up some trinkets. The amazing fruit and vegetable as well as the meat, fish, and seafood are the most real.
- Location: Corderie Street, Port Louis