The highlights of Mauritius
The North
The north of Mauritius is the most popular and best developed area of the island. The landscape is dominated by flat and seemingly endless plains and rolling hills; only south of Pamplemousses do varied mountains rise up. One advantage in the north is the short distances to the tourist centers of Port Louis and Grand Baie as well as to one of the island's most famous sights, the Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses. A pleasant climate and little wind are further advantages of this very lively region.
Triolet temple complex
Just a stone's throw from the seaside resort of Trou aux Biches is the longest village on the island: Triolet. The Hindu temple Maheswarnath Shiv Mandir is well worth a visit here. This 19th century temple is the largest Hindu sanctuary. The elegant white building even has Islamic architectural elements.
Grand Baie
The area around Grand Baie is also often sold as Cote d'Azur Mauritius due to its Mediterranean flair. The wide bay with its motorboats and expensive yachts overlooking the luxury villas against the backdrop of striking blue mountains is very attractive. The resort offers everything guests need: Bureaux de change, cabs, supermarkets, cafes, nightclubs, shopping galleries, fast food and gourmet restaurants.
Cap Malheureux
The "Cape of Misfortune" is a place steeped in history, as this is where the British invasion landed in 1810. 10,000 soldiers went ashore here and marched practically unopposed all the way to Port Louis. However, the gloomy name of the headland is probably due to the many shipwrecks in these current-rich waters. The island's landmark, the picturesque Notre Dame Auxiliatrice chapel, is located here.
Historic Marine
Historic Marine is a factory for true-to-scale historical ship models. Here, around 80 craftsmen meticulously create model ships based on original plans and photos. The showroom and workshop are also very interesting for non-buyers. Historic Marine charges high prices, but is also the "Mercedes" among model ship suppliers.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Pamplemousses is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere. It is located on a weather boundary in the lee of the highland mountains. Rapid changes between sunshine and short rain showers are typical here. It is home to more than 500 plant species, including 80 different palm species alone. The park is a feast for the eyes all year round, but is at its most beautiful during the rainy season bloom between December and April.
L'Aventure du Sucre
Aventure du Sucre is a privately run and ultra-modern museum on the history of the country and sugar production. Two hours should be planned for the visit. Afterwards, there is the opportunity to purchase fine gifts in the adjoining, decoratively designed sales area, as well as taste rum and twelve different types of sugar.
Château de Labourdonnais
Built in 1859, this colonial estate once belonged to sugar baron Christian Wiehe and was converted for tourists. Today there is a restaurant, a store, a tree nursery and tours of the extensive plantation. A tourist train runs through the grounds every day. It is necessary to book in advance.
The East
Between Poste Lafayette and Trou d'Eau Douce, there are miles of dream beaches in a tranquil setting. A picturesque mountain backdrop rises up in the south. The east is pristine, authentic and little affected by tourism.
The "floating temple"
If you follow the unmarked small road to the east in the village of Poste de Flacq, it ends directly at the Hindu temple Kasinath Mandir. When the tide is high, the road washes over a little and the place of worship on the tiny island of Ile aux Goyaviers is cut off from the mainland.
Ile aux Cerfs
The Ile aux Cerf off the coast near Trou d'Eau Douce is fantastically beautiful, but no longer idyllic and unfortunately overcrowded. The warm, turquoise-colored, shallow water is perfect for children to splash around in. The island offers swimming fun, as well as souvenir stalls, excursion programs and beach bars.
Mahébourg
The town of 20,000 inhabitants, which recently celebrated its 200th birthday, has retained its original, untouristy and uncommercial flair. Numerous rickety-looking little houses from the 19th century and a multitude of small Indian stores give Mahébourg a lovely face. Worth seeing are the maritime history museum, the Notre Dame d'Anges church, the central market, the waterfront promenade and the Naval Museum.
Laferme Coco
The agro-ecological farm Laferm Coco is located in the Bambous Virieux valley. The former sugar monoculture was abandoned some time ago and replaced by the farm with its own vegetable garden. During a visit, you will learn more about the work and passion behind the agroecological farm.
Center de Flacq
The lively district capital offers a variety of small stores and market stalls as well as two modern shopping centers, the 'Flacq Shopping Mall' and the 'Ceur de Ville Shopping Centre' or 'Super U'. The two malls are open late every evening, while the other stores close at midday on Thursdays. On Sundays, the 'Marché de Flacq' takes place here, where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, fruit and much more at a lively market. It's worth getting there early!
The south
In the south, Mauritius shows its boisterous side. Wind and waves sometimes lash violently against the tropical coast, cloud towers chase over the steep mountain slopes, peaceful fishing villages almost make you forget the modern tourism on Mauritius. The bright green, flat sugar cane fields in front of towering, forested mountain ranges are a feast for the eyes. The varied south is ideal for panoramic tours.
La Vanille Nature Park
The world's largest breeding site for Aldabra giant tortoises is also home to over 100 crocodiles. In addition to the crocodile tanks, the main focus of the visit is clearly the giant tortoises, which can even be stroked and fed with leaves. This is a unique experience, and not just for children!
Colored Earth & Chamarel Falls
The seven-colored earth in Chamarel is a unique geological phenomenon in the world, where volcanic activity has mixed seven different earths together. This treasure of Mauritius is absolutely worth seeing and is located in the extraordinary surroundings of Chamarel.
Chamarel is 283 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the imposing tropical forests. Numerous viewing platforms are available for taking great souvenir photos. One of them is a magnificent 100-metre-high waterfall.
Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River George National Park covers an area of 6754 hectares, which corresponds to about 3.5 percent of the total land area of Mauritius. Black River George National Park is home to a large number of endemic flora and fauna. It is one of the rarest forests in the world. The main activity in the Black River George National Park is hiking. This national park is the largest hiking area in Mauritius with footpaths that cover a total length of 60 kilometers. Most of the hiking trails are very well signposted and maintained and there is something for hikers of all levels.
Bony Forest Reserve
The green soul of the island, the Ebony Forest Reserve, is located in the mountains of Chamarel. It is a paradise for the island's native and endangered flora and fauna. Here, nature can be seen in its original form, just as it was before the arrival of mankind. The visit is rounded off by breathtaking views over the sea and the surrounding area. Various tours and activities are offered here (at an extra charge).
Grand Bassin
A 33-metre-high statue of the main god Shiva announces one of the most important and largest Hindu pilgrimage sites outside India. This approach route alone makes it clear what crowds of people gather here for religious festivities. The mountain lake lies 702 meters above sea level in an extinct volcanic crater and is surrounded by extensive temple complexes with numerous individual temples.
Baie du Cap
On the road between Le Morne Brabant and St. Martin at Baie du Cap, you will find a rocky outcrop around which the road winds in a hairpin bend. At the bend, a few steps lead up to a small viewing platform and the Captain Matthew Flinders Monument. From there you have a unique view of the surrounding beaches and the hairpin bend.
Bois Chéri tea plantation
In contrast to the surrounding area, a bright green tea plantation is located slightly inland on low slopes. The Bois Chéri Tea Estates factory offers tours with explanations of the various stages of production and a tea tasting.
The West
Between Le Morne and Port Louis lies this wind-protected coastal strip with miles of sandy beaches and good tourist infrastructure. This region is particularly recommended in the cooler months (June to September).
Port Louis
The capital of the island state of Mauritius is the metropolis of Port Louis in the northwest of the island. The city is picturesquely situated in a natural bay, surrounded by protective mountain ranges. Here you will find numerous stores, boutiques, restaurants and the two-storey craft market 'Marché artisanal'. Another highlight on the waterfront is the Blue Penny Museum, which introduces you to the history of the country and the secrets of stamp collecting.
Tamarin
This is the birthplace of surfing in Mauritius and is just as well-known in surfing circles as Tarifa in Spain. Dolphins are also regularly spotted here. The salt pans for traditional salt production are still located in the center of the village. There is a spectacular view of the Trois Mamselles on the northern edge of the village.
Casela Park
Around 1500 birds of over 150 different species can be observed in the park's 14-hectare grounds, as well as a wide variety of animals such as the impressive giant tortoises, which can be viewed and fed up close, and various mammals such as lions and monkeys.
The park has a very exotic feel and a wide variety of plants and flowers can be found here. The park is also home to the delicious La Mirador restaurant and a beautiful viewpoint with a magnificent view over the west coast.
Trou aux Cerfs
The almost round, dark crater lake rests deep in the densely forested volcanic crater. A walk around the crater offers numerous spectacular viewpoints.
