Lying in the Indian Ocean, 800 kilometers east of Madagascar, Mauritius is like a piece of heaven on earth. Popular for its sapphire waters, white-powdery beaches, and luxury resorts, Mauritius is a great place to visit for anyone with a love for nature and exploration. From long and peaceful nature-walks to mountain hiking, underwater diving, and offshore snorkeling, there are a lot of amazing attractions in Mauritius to engage in.
Also on the cards are lip-smacking culinary, breath-taking vistas, and a plethora of cultures. Interestingly, Mauritius is a destination that is well-suited for both extravagant tourists and cost-conscious backpackers. If you have been in need of a Mauritius travel guide to find out all about interesting places in Mauritius that you shouldn’t miss out on, then you are on the right blog. Without further ado, here goes: -
Blue Penny Museum
An absolute treat for history-enthusiasts, the Blue Penny Museum is one of the top places to visit in Mauritius. As they say, to really know about someone or something, peep into their history. Visiting this place will allow you to discern the fascinating history of Mauritius, what this place actually stands for, and how it has developed over the course of years. From letting you in on the three colonial periods of the Dutch, French, and British, to allowing you to study the rarest stamps in the world, the Blue Penny Museum gives you a quick rundown about Mauritius.
Eureka House
Dating back to the 1830s, the Eureka House that is named after Maison Eureka served as an erstwhile residence to the British and French aristocrats. Located in Moca, Central Mauritius, this mansion will transport you back in time, offering an insight into the colonial history of Mauritius. Now converted into a museum, it is the largest house on the island of Mauritius. The main manor house with its 109 doors is one of the best specimens of tropical construction. Within the museum are areas assigned to art, music, maps, waterfalls, and Chinese and Indian housewares. Surrounded by lavish gardens, native plants, small waterfalls, and Lake Moka, the Eureka House is another amazing place to see in Mauritius.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Located in Mahebourg, the Blue Bay Marine Park is an underwater park that is home to different kinds of marine life. Covering seagrasses, mangroves, and algae, this marine park has a diverse sea bed and is a well-known spot for diving.
Being one of the top places to visit in Mauritius, this marine park has as many as 72 fish species and 38 varieties of corals. Although the Blue Bay Marine Park is a great place for snorkeling, people can also learn diving here. However, if you do not feel like getting into the water, there are glass-bottomed boats to allow you to witness the exotic marine life!
Sugar Museum
L’Aventure du Sucre or the Sugar Museum is another interesting place in Mauritius that offers an incredible journey into the history of the place. Previously known as the sugar factory of Beau Plan, this place tells the story of the relation between Mauritius and sugarcane plantation. Visit the sugar museum where you will get to know the old planting methods and production techniques relate to sugar.
To end the tour on an interesting note, visitors are offered tasting sessions of different types of sugar and the popular Mauritian rum. You can also visit “The Village Shop” for souvenirs or drop by the “Le Fangourin” to try out some culinary delights. All in all, this is one of those attractions in Mauritius which you must visit.
Casela Nature Park Segway Tour
One of the most interesting places in Mauritius, especially for nature lovers, Casela Nature Park is located on the west coast, atop sugar cane fields, with the Rempart Mountain as the backdrop. Covering an area of more than 250 hectares of land, this nature park offers a thrilling mix of nature, adventure, and wildlife. With a forest-like environment and canyon, waterfall, and animal reserves, this is perhaps the most expansive nature parks on the island.
Having first started in 1979, the park has some of the most exclusive adventure activities on offer including walking with lions, interacting with tigers and rhinos, mud karting, quad biking and Segway tours amidst the wildlife.
Tamarin Waterfalls
Tamarin or Tamarind waterfalls, is yet another place of interest in Mauritius among many tourists, owing to its untamed natural beauty. Comprising of seven cataracts of Rivi`ere Tamarin, this series of waterfalls is also popularly referred to as the Seven Cascades. At a height of 300 meters, Tamarin Waterfalls also offers a number of opportunities for different adventure activities. From swimming in the cool waters of the river cliff jumping, canyoneering, and hiking in the forests close by; there are a lot of things that one can indulge in when here.
Trou Aux Cerfs
Located in Curepipe, a city on the island’s highest plateau, Trou Aux Cerfs is the crater of a dormant volcano that stands at a height of about 600 meters. Standing on the rim of this crater, you can gaze deep into its now-dormant pit, something that is a rarity in itself. The crater is about 350 meters wide and 80 meters deep. However, unlike what one would expect a volcanic terrain to be, Trou Aux Cerfs is covered with lush green vegetation including indigenous plants and gigantic palm trees. And while the inward view of the crater is gorgeous, the outward view is even more spellbinding. Once you look away from the Trou Aux Cerfs, you get a 360° panoramic view of the island with miles of water stretching on sides around it.
Trou Aux Biches
Home to one of the most exceptional beaches on the island, Trou Aux Biches is a town in the Pamplemousses district of Mauritius. Having started as a fishing village in the 19th century, it now is a center of attraction for marine lovers and swimmers.
With glistening sand and clear waters, Trou Aux Biches is the perfect place for picnics with family and friends. Although the town still retains its village-like feel, there are resorts, spas, and boutique hotels to entertain the tourists here. You can also treat yourself to some mouth-watering street food on your visit here.
Black River Gorges National Park
Located on the hilly southwestern part of the island, Black River Gorges is the largest national park in Mauritius. Proclaimed as a national park in 1994, it has two sides to it - dry lowland and a humid upland. Comprising of breathtakingly beautiful gorges, this national park is also popular for hiking among tourists. Being rich in flora and fauna, Black River Gorges National Park attracts a large number of photography enthusiasts and nature lovers too. One of the best places to visit in Mauritius, it is home to around 4000 giant fruit bats, 300 flowering plant species, and 9 epidemic bird species including the endangered pink pigeons, Mauritian kestrel, and echo parakeet.
Rochester Falls
Set on the Savanne River, south of the island, Rochester Falls is also one of the top places to visit in Mauritius, especially if waterfalls and astounding scenery is your thing. Surrounded by flora and popular for its rectangular flank rocks, Rochester Falls is the widest waterfall on the island. Standing at a height of 10 meters, the Rochester Falls is all about milky white water gushing through rocks and landing into a clear pool. A favorite spot among daring youngsters for performing adventurous dives, Rochester Falls is also a great spot for soaking in lush greenery and relishing fresh tropical fruits.
Recognized all around the world for its thriving tourism, Mauritius is one of those destinations that you have to visit at least once in your lifetime. With the slew of attractions that Mauritius has on offer, it isn’t difficult to see why it is one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.
Post your Comment
Please let us know your thoughts on this story by leaving a comment.