What to do in Mauritius
First colonised in the early 16th century, Mauritius has a wealth of history and a fabulously cosmopolitan culture underpinning its modern reputation as one of the world’s premier luxury holiday destinations.
So when planning your luxury holiday to Mauritius, take some time consider some of the places to see and things to do during your time on the island; and to help you, we have detailed some key highlights which will add that little extra to your Mauritius holiday.
Tours can be booked at your hotel reception or through your tour operator representative.
Alternatively, you can have your own personal tour experience by hiring a local taxi for the day at very reasonable prices.
The North
Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens - known to naturalists throughout the world, the gardens were created by the great French botanist, Pierre Poivre in 1719 and are the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere.
Today’s gardens are one-fifth their original size but are home for a large collection of indigenous and exotic plants and flowers, 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.
The Mauritians head for Grand Baie when they want a fun-filled night out! The area’s restaurants, bars and discos provide a lively entertainment scene for the holidaymaker, and
there is a fine local Art Gallery with interesting exhibitions by Mauritian artists.
Triolet – at 3 miles long, Triolet is the longest and largest village on Mauritius. It is also the location of the Maheswarnath Temple, the largest Hindu temple on the island. Built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha, the temple is available for the traveller to visit.
The East/South East
Mahebourg - one of Mauritius’ main fishing villages, Mahebourg is situated on the magnificent Grand Port Bay and still bears testimony to its colonial past. The port is a key centre for local trade and a visit to the local market on a Monday is well worth while.
Domaine du Chasseur - a magnificent nature and hunting reserve in the heart of a lush tropical forest where Javan deer, monkeys and wild boar can be seen. The reserve has 30km of nature trails available to the visitor.
Belle Mare - has its addicts, drawn to its magnificent sweep of beach round to Palmar and Trou d'Eau Douce. With some of the best beaches in Mauritius, you will find numerous hotels on this coast, but Belle Mare still offers some precious stretches of public beach.
The area is Ideal for those who want to enjoy the warmness of the Mauritius waters in a tranquil environment.
Ile aux Cerfs – the most famous of the coastal islands of east coast Mauritius, Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports.
Regarded as having the most beautiful pristine beach in Mauritius, this tiny island, a real Indian Ocean pearl, is a place you cannot afford to miss!
The Waterpark Leisure Village – a real family experience, Waterpark is unique in Mauritius, offering unforgettable fun in the sun with its giant chutes, pools and water themed attractions. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed – an experience which will make your family holiday to Mauritius that bit more memorable.
Le Val Nature Park – expanding across almost 3,000 hectares of an historic former Mauritius sugar estate. Le Val is fabulous nature park with 500 giant tortoises roaming free and where Nile crocodiles can be seen.
In addition to a wide variety of fuana and flora, Le Val boasts an insectarium with 20,000 species of insects including butterflies from different regions of the world
The West
Casela Bird Park – is home for nearly 2000 birds of over 150 varieties, Mauritian giant tortoises, 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 – one of the original Mauritius surfing resorts, Tamarin has developed into a clean and pleasant little resort with a beautiful beach (one of the most popular with Mauritians).
Chamare – not one, but two natural wonders make Chamarel special and a sight worth taking in during your holiday in Mauritius.
The village is famous for its coloured earths, displaying different shades of blue, green, red and yellow, the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. These never fade and provide a fascinating almost lunar landscape, best viewed at dawn.
The stunning Chamarel Falls stand in total contrast and are a sight not to be missed..
Martello Towers – defensive towers built at the height of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers, three towers exist with one restored and used as a museum. They are a milestone in the island's history, symbolising the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.
Inland
L'Aventure du Sucre - this interactive, ultra modern exhibition is situated at the heart of an ancient sugar mill presenting the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure.
The tropical boutik offers unique gifts, souvenirs and the opportunity to taste special unrefined sugars and sample the local rum.
Port Louis – founded in 1735, Port Louis is the capital and main port of Mauritius. Sheltered in a semi-circle of mountains, the harbour and town have plenty of character, and proudly display signs of it’s historical past.
A new waterfront development is home to many modern shops with the contrasting old market just a stone’s throw away.
Curepipe – the ‘second city’ of Mauritius, Curepipe is a pleasant town noted for its good shopping, model ship boutiques and factory outlets.
Domaine les Pailles - close to Port Louis Domaine les Pailles provides a real mix of interest, with its unique sugar estate reconstruction, traditional rum distillery and 3,000 acre nature park.
Facilities include restaurants, mini golf and Land Rover ‘safaris’ to the mountains for deer and rare bird spotting. A popular day out during your Mauritius holiday.
Ganga Talao – located beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas, Ganga Talao is the ‘sacred lake’ – a natural lake nestling within the crater of an extinct Mauritius volcano.
It’s sacred status is derived from the belief that it is connected to India’s Ganges River and has become a pilgrimage site for many Mauritians of the Hindu faith, who walk to the lake during Hindu festivals.
Black River Gorges – Mauritius’ national park protects much of the remaining native forests of Mauritius providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy spectacular natural scenery and some of the unique endemic plants and birdlife.
Trails crisscross the park from the visitor centre with viewing points to enjoy the spectacular views.