Mauritius sightseeing Guide

Mauritius has the unmistakable advantage of being a country whose attractions do not play ‘hard-to-get’—once you get to the island of course! Most of the sights and sounds of the island are within easy reach, and you are never further than a couple of hours’ bus ride away from spectacular scenery.

The town of Curepipe itself is not scintillating (unless you happen to be a model ship-building enthusiast), but the views of the island atop the Trou aux Cerfs definitely are.  

Trou aux Cerfs is an ancient crater, and the climb to the top of it for the view, though invigorating (or tiring, in case you are a normal human being and not a fitness freak!) promises to be worthwhile. Also high on the list of highlights in this area are the Tamarind Falls—a group of seven falls that empty themselves into a deep, quiet pool perfect for swimming.

The Black Gorges National Park, located in the south-west of the island and home to many endangered species like the echo parakeet, is an absolute treat for the eyes. The Park is fringed by coniferous trees and casuarinas, making you forget for a moment that you are in the heart of the tropics. You can hope to spot many rare trees like the tambalacoque (dodo) tree, apart from wildlife like monkeys and deer. The nearest forestry station is at Le Petrin, and a day’s walk from here will take you to the coast at Grande Riviere Noire. The best views of the Black River Gorge, the Riviere Noire Falls and Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire (the highest point on Mauritius) are from the Riviere Noire lookout. Not far away from the Park is Lake Bassin, a volcanic crater and the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site on the island.

Just inland from the south coast of Mauritius are the 100 m Chamarel Falls and Coloured Earths--an area where the earth is of (you guessed it!) seven different colours.

 Pamplemousses has more to recommend it than just a charmingly exotic name! The reason most tourists flock to this town is most definitely the Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. 

The Gardens can be smelt even before they can be seen—the fragrances of sandalwood, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom will waft across your path, inviting you to explore them. The main attractions of the garden are the giant Victoria Regina water lilies that are native to the Amazon. Other exotic flora are golden bamboo, chewing gum trees and a 200-year old Buddha tree. This is also perhaps the only place on Mauritius to view its wildlife—giant tortoises and deer—at your leisure.

At some point in your vacation, you may want to let your hair down and party into the wee hours of the morning. The trendy beach resort of Grand Baie on the northern coast is the way to head.

 If you are looking for something a little cheaper and less touristy, the area of Pereyebere is perfect. 

The academically inclined or the simply curious should visit the town of Moka, home to the University of Mauritius and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. Mahatma Gandhi is dear to many Indo-Mauritians, and his visit here is fondly remembered. The Gandhi Institute’s Folk Museum traces the history of Indian immigration to the island through a collection of knick-knacks. The area around Moka is very picturesque, filled with lush mountains of the Moka Range and waterfalls, and offers endless opportunities for peaceful rambling.

The 19th century mansions of Le Reduit and Eureka House just outside Moka are worth visiting, not simply to get a sense of Mauritius’ colonial history, but for the views they afford. 

The posh beach resort of Trou aux Biches in the north west of the island has some of the best beaches on Mauritius, but many of them are pricey private ones. The best public beaches are at Mon Choisy.

 For those looking for surfing action, head for Tamarin, which is also a good public beach with great views. When in the area, do take time out to visit the Casela Bird Park.The capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, is a bustling urban center during the day, with the nightlife leaving something to be desired (although this situation has been dealt with by the opening of the swanky Le Caudan Waterfront—complete with cinema and casino). 

There is a distinct Muslim area around Muammar El Khadafi Square, a Chinatown and a Jummah mosque located plum in the center of it! Fort Adelaide is the only surviving British fortress, however, it resembles a Moorish fortress enough to be called the Citadel. The Pere Laval shrine is located at Ste Croix, north-east of the city center.

You would be dumb as a dodo not to visit the Mauritius Institute where a stuffed replica of this unfortunately extinct flightless bird is housed. The Natural History Museum also displays stuffed replicas of other extinct wildlife and marine life, plus real specimens of endangered species.

The town of Mahebourg, near Port Louis, is the nearest one to the international airport and a major commercial center. There is a pretty bay where you can relax and sunbathe. For something more informative, try the Naval Museum—admission free, open daily (except Thursday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Around Mahebourg, there are two beautiful nature reserves worth seeing—the Ile aux Aigrettes and the Domaine du Chasser.

The island of Rodrigues is a great getaway from Mauritius, for the simple reason that it is less crowded with tourists. In many ways, it is a miniature Mauritius. It also boasts Pointe Coton, the best beach on the island. The other good beaches are St Francois, Trou d’ Argent and Petit Gravier. Hiking enthusiasts will love Mt Limon and Mt Malartic, and for coastal hiking, the area around Port Mathurin. There are also some beautiful nature reserves around this area—do check if they require a permit (which can be picked up from the Administration Office at Port Mathurin). Rodrigues offers some of the best diving opportunities in Mauritius—bigger hotels will arrange a tour. Caving is a little known sport that nevertheless has die-hard followers--they will be delighted to visit Caverne Patate- located in the south west of the island.