North, South, West, Inland
North
Grand Bay
Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.PereybèreThe wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.
Balaclava Ruins
A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.
The Triolet Shivala
The longest village on the island, Triolet 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 Labourdonnais Orchards
Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible
South
La Vanille Crocodile Park
At La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes is in the south of the island, this part of the island has, more than any other part, kept a feeling "old Mauritius", whether it be the manner of the people, their traditions or even the unspoilt scenery
During your walks at the Reserve you, will discover a variety of creatures: geckos, monkeys, Madagascan tenrecs, java deers, giant tortoise, Japanese Koi carps, fruit bats and many other species while going through the alley of banana trees, palm trees and giant bamboos.
A 'must see' is the insectarium where you will find a mesmerizing collection of butterflies and other brightly-coloured insects (approximately 23 000 species), which is one of fascinating in the world.
Souillac
A small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A famous feature is the garden overlooking the sea and named after Dr. Charles Telfair. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top : Gris Gris.
The Tea eRout
Following a purely British tradition, Mauritians prefer tea to coffee. A visit to the factory and the Tea Museum at Bois Chéri will teach you all there is to know about tea growing and manufacture. You will then be invited to a tasting ritual of this famous beverage. Don't miss out on the Creole lunch, which will be served afterwards in the colonial residence, The Saint Aubin, built in 1819. Before leaving the premises, don't forget to have a look at the green houses, a profusion of anthurium and vanilla plants, as well as the exotic garden. Not far away, the Maison du Rhum at Saint-Aubin, is also worth a visit. It was the first distillery of agricultural rum in Mauritius.
West
Martello Towers
One of the five Martello Towers is found at La Preneuse. They were built by the British on the main bays of the island to ward off any external attack coming from the sea. The tower at La Preneuse has been restored and visitors can have the opportunity to admire this masterpiece of civil engineering. They can also see the impressive gun together with its operating system as well as a host of objects discovered in the neighbourhood during archeological excavations.
Chamarel
A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.
Some «Table d’hôtes» have been recently created in the Chamarel Village where you can enjoy the taste of typical Mauritian cuisine.
Salt Pans
Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.
Casela Nature and Leisure Park
Situated in the Rivière Noire district, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more than 140 bird species from all five continents. Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer, orchids, mini golf, mini safari, walk with lions.
Yemen
Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see. You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.
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. Do not miss the opportunity to relish authentic Mauritian cuisine with refined flavours at our restaurant "Le Fangourin".
Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin
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 an important 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 national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area. orchids.
Eureka
An old Creole residence built in 1830, Eureka is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius if you wish to immerse yourself in tropical sweetness |
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