What to do in Mauritius
The colonisation of Mauritius dates back to the beginning of the 16th Century as well as it range of superb hotels there is a wealth of history in Mauritius.We have highlighted by general location some of the places to see and visit whilst on the Island. All tours can be booked by the hotel front desk or your tour operator representative or you can hire a local taxi for the day at very reasonable prices.
The North
Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens - known to naturalists throughout the world. The great French botanist, Pierre Poivre, was responsible for planting trees and flowers on the land. Today the gardens are one-fifth their original size but is home for a large collection of indigenous and exotic palms, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies, and many species of palm trees.
Grand Baie - was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom and is a centre for many sea-related activities-sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and diving. Grand Baie is also the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos), also worth a visit is the local Art Gallery with interesting exhibitions by Mauritian artists.
Triolet - the longest village on the island offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.
The East/South East
Mahebourg - is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay, a visit to the local market on a Monday is well worth while.
Domaine du Chasseur - a magnificent nature and hunting reserve where deer, monkeys and wild boar live in the heart of a lush tropical forest.
Belle Mare - has its addicts, drawn to its magnificent sweep of beach round to Palmar and Trou d'Eau Douce. Despite the numerous hotels on this coast, Belle Mare still offers some precious stretches of public beaches. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the warmness of the Mauritius waters in a tranquil environment.
Ile aux Cerfs - is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful pristine beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, reachable from Touessrok, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.
The Waterpark Leisure Village - Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes, with family or friends. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.
Le Val Nature Park - in the heart of a valley, where 500 giant tortoises roam free and Nile crocodles as well as a variety of fuana and flora thrive in the La Vanilla Reserve des Mascareignes. An insectarium boasts 20,000 species of insects including butterflies from different regions of the world
The West
Casela Bird Park - home for nearly 2000 birds of over 150 varieties. There are also Giant tortoises (a Mauritian speciality), monkeys and tigers. Orchids bloom (in season), making this a delightful outing in a lovely peaceful setting of trees, rivers and miniature waterfalls against a mountain backdrop, with sugar-cane fields rolling down to the sea.
Tamarin - a clean and pleasant little resort with a beautiful beach (one of the most popular with Mauritians), that also has Mauritius's main salt flats.
Chamare - a few kilometres further south inland, is famous for its coloured earths: The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash, The best time to visit the area is at dawn. The colours-violet, blue, purple, red, green, brown and yellow-never fade despite tropical rainfall, and for geologists in particular this lunar landscape is fascinating. The neighbouring Chamarel Falls stand in total contrast to that landscape.
Martello Towers - is the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island's history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.
Inland
L'Aventure du Sucre - Visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters! Then, let yourself be tempted by our tropical boutik with its unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum.
Port Louis - The capital and main Port of Mauritius, Port Louis was founded in 1735. The harbour lies sheltered in a semi-circle of mountains, and the town has plenty of character, and proudly displays signs of it’s historical past. There is a new waterfront development which is home to many shops. This is complimented by the old market a stone’s throw away.
Curepipe - This is the islands main urban centre, a pleasant town with good shops, and factory outlets.
Domaine les Pailles - Close to Port Louis this s a nature park covering 3000 acres, at the foot of a mountain range. Other facilities are offered including restaurants, mini golf, and drives in Land Rovers to the mountains for deer and rare bird spotting.
Ganga Talao - Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is a pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.
Black River Gorges - This 6574 hectare park, proclaimed in 1994, protects much of the remaining native forests of Mauritius and provides opportunities for the visitors to enjoy spectacular natural scenery and some of the unique endemic plants and birdlife. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area.