What to do in Mauritius

Are you planning your next vacation in the sun and wondering what to do in Mauritius?

This article is made for you!

In the heart of the Indian Ocean , Mauritius is an unmissable destination with its heavenly beaches, its nature reserves, its cosmopolitan culture and its warm people.

To help you organize your trip, here is my list of the 22 must-see places to visit in Mauritius, along with my advice and tips.

You will have plenty to do between discovering the most beautiful beaches on the island, hiking in the heart of nature, climbing mountains (including that of the famous Morne Brabant ), boat trips, cultural visits… There is something for everyone!

So, what to do and what to see in Mauritius?

I’ll tell you everything!

1. Cap Malheureux

Cap Malheureux beach, on the north coast of the island, is in my opinion one of the most beautiful spots in the country.

The place is recognizable at first glance thanks to its bright red church which contrasts beautifully with the blue of the sky and the sea.

When you travel along the North coast, I therefore advise you to stop at Cap Malheureux and set aside a few hours to enjoy this peaceful little corner.

You can walk, swim and why not picnic at the water’s edge in a splendid setting!

2. Grand Baie

Very close to Cap Malheureux, the coastal town of Grand Baie is the nerve center of the North of Mauritius.

This small , very commercial tourist town is a former fishing village transformed into a seaside resort, where many expatriates live and where a good number of villas and posh establishments are concentrated.

Its lively beach is bordered on the land side by many street vendors and on the sea side by a multitude of small colorful boats. It is a very pleasant place to come and spend an afternoon or an evening.

Grand Bay is a lively, pleasant place to go out in the evening. There are many restaurants by the sea but also nightclubs for the most revelers.

Small anthology of things to do in Grand Bay and around:

• Sit on the beach and admire the view.
• Taste on the go some Mauritian specialties sold by merchants (rotis, dhall puri, samosas, tropical fruits…).
• Window shopping on Sunset Boulevard.
• Bathe in Peyrébère or La Cuvette, 2 pretty beaches nearby.
• Go shopping at the Croisette Shopping Mall, the largest shopping center on the island.
• Set off to discover the northern islands on a catamaran cruise!

The catamaran excursion departing from Grand Bay includes the round trip, the meal, a stop on Flat Island where you can swim and snorkel. You will also make 2 other stops at the islet of Gabriel and Coin de Mire, renowned for their seabed populated by colorful fish.

More info and reservations on this activity by clicking here.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
If this superb cruise to the northern islands tempts you, I advise you to book it as soon as possible because it is very popular and the boats are quickly full!

For more info on things to do and see in Grand Baie, you can read my dedicated article: Grand Baie: the ultimate guide!

3. Port Louis

Your trip to Mauritius will be punctuated by the discovery of more beautiful beaches than the other, but the cultural heritage of the country is just as interesting to discover.

This is why I strongly advise you to take a trip to Port-Louis, the Mauritian capital, for half a day.

This authentic city steeped in history with its colonial monuments, its markets, its old Creole houses and its period cobbled streets will immerse you in the real life of the locals.

The main things to see in Port-Louis:

• Place d’Armes : located opposite the port at the entrance to the city, this square is dominated by the statue of François Mahé La Bourdonnais, the French governor who founded the city in 1735. The square is framed by tall palm trees royal and several cannons that recall the colonial history of Mauritius. Just opposite, you can see the Government Palace.
• the Central Market (or central market): surely the liveliest place in the capital!

You will find the market easily a few minutes walk from Place d’Armes (don’t hesitate to ask for directions if you can’t find it, Mauritians are particularly friendly with lost tourists!).

Arriving at the central market, you will be caught up in a whirlwind of flavors, colors and bustle. A real local market as we imagine them!

The numerous fruit and vegetable stalls , spices , souvenirs and other Mauritian specialties will probably make you want to do some shopping.

(Merchants can be quite pushy with tourists so be prepared and don’t hesitate to say no :-))

Tips for your Mauritius trip:

If you want to discover the flavors of Mauritius in more depth, I recommend the street-food guided tour in Port-Louis.

For about 3 hours, your guide will show you the market and several districts of Port-Louis where you can  taste the different local culinary specialties, with explanations and anecdotes about the history of the city.

You can book this outing by clicking here.

Other places of interest in Port-Louis:

• Aapravasi Ghat Museum :

This is a former immigration depot for Indian laborers. Transformed into an open-air museum, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. You will discover the remains of the various rooms (kitchens, infirmary, dormitories, etc.) and can imagine the life of these immigrant workers welcomed here between 1849 and 1923.

• Fort Adelaide, or Citadel of Port-Louis :

It rises to more than 100 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of all of Port-Louis, the port and the surrounding mountains. The Citadel, built in 1834 by the English, once served as a fortress and as an attack point for the cannons (which are still there) against the French settlers.

• The Caudan Waterfront:

A charming shopping promenade on the waterfront. It is also the oldest shopping center in Mauritius. I’ll tell you about it in detail right after.

4. The Caudan Waterfront

The Caudan Waterfront (or “Caudan” for short) is the oldest shopping center in Mauritius, and certainly the most charming! It is located in Port-Louis, a little outside the city, on the seafront.

Opened in 1996, it looks like a small village and has many shops, snack bars and restaurants, a cinema, a casino and a pretty seafront where concerts and musical performances often take place.

The Alley of the Umbrellas with its street vendors on each side crosses the Caudan in length.

Do not miss the Craft Market, an artisanal market where you can find all kinds of pretty souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, spices and Mauritian food products.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:

In Caudan you will also find the Blue Penny museum, very interesting to visit to learn more about the history of Mauritius.

It is located at the entrance, near the car parks.

If you want a nice souvenir during your holidays in Mauritius, I advise you to stop at the “Mehendi” stand on the Allée des Parapluies (just next to the fresh fruit juice stand).

You can get a nice ephemeral henna tattoo (from the Muslim and Hindu traditions in Mauritius) for cheap.

5. Trou-aux-Biches Beach

It is one of the “postcard” beaches of Mauritius with white sand, coconut palms and turquoise waters. The magnificent beach of Trou-aux-Biches is located in the north of the island about 10 km from Grand Baie.

On the program for your trip to Trou-aux-Biches beach:

• tan! (without forgetting the sunscreen of course)
• water activities : snorkeling, boat trip, water skiing, pedalo, paddle…
• swimming and idleness (my favorite activities! ^^)
• tasting of fruits and snacks offered by beach vendors.

If you arrive on the beach by the public car park, do not hesitate to move away a little from the “entrance” of the beach by going to the right in the direction of the hotels.

It’s much calmer and more idyllic there and you’ll easily find a peaceful corner of white sand where you can lay your towel.

6. Thumb Mountain

In Mauritius, there are many beaches but also landforms to explore!

If you want to vary the activities a bit, I advise you to spend half a day climbing the Pouce mountain, the 3rd highest mountain on the island!

Culminating at 812 meters, the Pouce mountain is accessible from the town of Moka. There is easy parking at the bottom of the mountain right at the trailhead.

You can indulge in this excursion independently or choose to be accompanied by a guide by booking your 3-hour round-trip guided hike here.

The ascent is not very difficult, apart from the last quarter of an hour to climb the peak which is quite steep. At the top, you will discover a breathtaking 360° view .

Tips for your Mauritius trip:

To be sure to have a good time, of course bring water and mosquito repellent!

Indispensable because these bloodthirsty little beasts are very numerous on the forest path.

I advise children and people with vertigo not to climb the peak at the very end of the ascent. It is very dizzying and even dangerous at times. It is quite possible to be content to stay on the meadow just below which also offers a very beautiful panorama.

7. Bellemare Beach

Now head for the east coast and the emblematic Bellemare beach. It is the favorite meeting place of Mauritians for camping on weekends and picnicking with the family on Sundays.

Translucent waters, white sand, coconut palms …  Here again, the postcard effect will amaze you!

It is therefore still a very beautiful beach to discover during your stay in Mauritius.

Continuing on from Bellemare beach, Palmar beach is 5 minutes away and is also worth a detour, as is Trou d’Eau Douce which is truly sublime.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:

I strongly advise you to plan a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs during your getaway on the East Coast. The island is just opposite, about 15 minutes by boat.

To find out more about Bellemare and its surroundings, I invite you to read my article dedicated to things to do on the East Coast: What to do in Bellemare? The complete guide

8. Ile aux Cerfs

If you have chosen to visit Mauritius for its heavenly beaches, then Ile aux Cerfs must be on your program!

It is one of the most popular destinations in Mauritius, and you will understand why.

To get there, it is of course mandatory boat. There are shuttles that leave every 20-30 minutes from the beach or the pier at Trou d’Eau Douce.

I advise you to book your day trip which is really great. The walk includes a short detour to the Grande-Rivière-Sud-Est waterfalls as well as drinks and a meal.

To be sure to have a place on the date of your choice, book now by clicking here.

Just the boat ride in the lagoon is amazing!

Île aux Cerfs is white sand and a turquoise blue ocean as far as the eye can see. The setting is truly sumptuous.

The island is divided into 2 small islets separated by a strip of sand. It is not inhabited but there are restaurants and many leisure facilities (nautical activities, golf course, shops, etc.) on the South islet. The North islet is much quieter and more preserved.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:

On Île aux Cerfs, we are far from the “desert island” atmosphere because there are often a lot of people, but you can easily find a small corner of quiet beach if you go around and move away from the restaurants.

You can also ask the captain of the boat to drop you off on the north side of the island, which is much wilder.

9. The Eureka Creole house

The Eureka colonial house, located in Moka in the center of the island, is another interesting cultural visit to do during your trip to Mauritius. Plan a short half-day.

It is an old colonial residence built in 1830. You can explore it and discover all the living rooms restored with all the furniture of the time.

The gardens are also very beautiful and the small adjoining museum presents a collection of objects retracing the way of life of the time.

At the end of the garden, a path leads down to the waterfalls below.

Follow the path along the banks of the river to discover 4 successive waterfalls !

A perfect little walk to end the visit in style (with mandatory mosquito repellent!).

The site also includes a restaurant  and a gift shop.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:

Do not hesitate to opt for the guided tour of the house,  which I really recommend.

You can ask for it at the reception when paying for your entrance ticket. In general, it will be offered to you spontaneously. And that  at no extra cost!

This guided tour is quite quick and very interesting to learn all about the history of the family who lived in the house, the origin of the objects, the usefulness of each room, etc.

10. The Tea Route

To discover the cultural and gastronomic heritage of Mauritius through its colonial history, nothing better than undertaking the Tea Route!

This route takes you to discover 3 emblematic places of the manufacture of Mauritian tea:

• 1st visit: the Aubineaux estate. Here you will visit one of the last colonial mansions on the island (dating from 1872). You will also see the old stables, the tea room, the essential oil distillery and the gardens.

• 2nd visit: Bois Cheri. In this pretty region in the south of the island, you can admire the tea fields as far as the eye can see. This is where the tea is grown, harvested and packaged. You can visit the tea factory and the tea museum. You will end in style with a tea tasting in the chalet with a panoramic view of the entire estate.

• 3rd visit: the domain of Saint Aubin. On the program: visit of the colonial residence transformed into a restaurant where you can enjoy a typical Mauritian meal. You will also visit the sugar factory, the rum distillery and the “Vanilla House” where the Mauritius vanilla is produced, which flavors the local tea.

The Tea Route in its entirety is done in a full day. You can do it with your rental car or with a driver-guide.

To book your guided tour on the Tea Route, click here.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
If you want to spread the visit of these 3 places over several days in complete autonomy, it is of course also possible!

11. The Ferney Valley

The Vallée de Ferney is another nature destination not to be missed during your trip to Mauritius!

This nature reserve in the South-East covers more than 200 hectares and is home to a very rich fauna and flora.

The reserve is near Mahébourg and begins at the old Ferney sugar factory. This is where the visit begins, to be done either with a guide or independently.

You have the choice between 3 courses:

• A 5 km path, between cane fields and forest estate
• A 13 km trail , more technical
• Another 20 km, for experienced hikers.

The first hike can be done alone, while the other 2 are obligatorily guided. It is therefore necessary to book in advance.

4×4 rides are also available by reservation.

All the information is available on the official Vallée de Ferney website.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
Remember to look up during the ride, you will be able to see some species of endemic birds of Mauritius such as the Kestrel or the Pink Pigeon!

And again, think about your mosquito repellent lotion and your sunscreen!

12. The 7 Waterfalls Hike

The natural site of the 7 Cascades (also known as Les chutes de Tamarin ) is one of the most beautiful hikes to do in Mauritius!

In the west of the island near the town of Tamarin, this rather sporty circuit takes you to discover a succession of waterfalls in the middle of nature.

It is possible to do the complete route to see the 7 waterfalls, or to do only part of it to see the first 4.

The full circuit will take you a full day, and half a day for the shorter route.

I highly recommend doing this hike with a guide as the trails are not marked at all. Safety issue, so it’s much better to be accompanied by an expert in the sector!

Here is the link that allows you to already book your guided hike to the 7 Cascades.

This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have done in Mauritius. Unforgettable!

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
This hike includes river crossings and significant climbs where you have to hold on to trees to move forward. It’s quite physical! I therefore do not recommend it to the elderly, or to people who are not at all sporty, or to children under 12 years old.

13. Flic-en-Flac Beach

Flic-en-Flac is the big must-see beach on the west coast of Mauritius.

The beach is huge and stretches over ten kilometres. It has the particularity of being bordered on a large part by fialos (Mauritian pines) which allow you to settle in the shade.

At the beginning of the beach, many caravans sell snacks, fruit and beach clothes.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
Do not miss the “Roti AKA” trailer to taste the local specialty: faratas, also called rotis! A sort of savory stuffed crepe with different toppings to choose from, it’s super nutritious and very practical to eat on the go. And those of Flic-en-Flac are the best I have eaten  in Mauritius!

In this very touristy seaside resort you will also find many restaurants, nightclubs and several luxury hotels.

Visiting Flic-en-Flac is also an opportunity to go scuba diving ! Several dive centers offer scuba diving sessions in the lagoon.

I was able to experience it in one of the Tamarin Bay diving centers, just 10 minutes from the center of Flic-en-Flac. I strongly recommend that you do the same if you want to discover the beauty of the seabed of Mauritius in optimal conditions and with a super friendly team.

Here is the link to book your session.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
Mauritians have a habit of coming to camp at the beach with their families on weekends. Flic-en-Flac beach is therefore usually crowded on Sundays. If you want to avoid the crowds, or if on the contrary you want to enjoy the local festive atmosphere, it’s good to know!

If you are planning to go to Flic-en-Flac during your stay in Mauritius, I invite you to read my complete guide on the best things to do and see there: What to do in Flic-en-Flac?

14. The Black River Gorges Natural Park

About a 15-minute drive from Flic-en-Flac, the Black River Gorges Natural Park is the largest nature reserve in the country.

It is clearly a must on a road trip to Mauritius!

On more than 6700 hectares, the reserve contains protected forest landscapes sheltering a precious fauna and flora. There are more than 300 species of plants and 9 species of endemic birds !

You can visit it along the trails. There are several hiking routes of different lengths and levels of difficulty.

Allow at least half a day for a leisurely visit to this natural park. Throughout the course you will come across waterfalls, rivers to cross and magnificent views of the ravines and the south-west coast.

I recommend that you opt for the guided tour if you want to enjoy the best circuits and discover the most beautiful hidden corners.

I advise you to book your guided hike in advance to be sure to have room for your visit date. To do this, just click here.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
From December to March it is the rainy season in Mauritius and the paths of the park are very wet and therefore quite slippery. Avoid this period if you can and if not , be careful.

More info and advice dedicated to Black River Gorges Natural Park: Top Things to Do in Black River Gorges Natural Park

15. Le Morne Brabant

It is surely the most famous mountain in Mauritius. Le Morne Barbant dominates the southwest coast of the country and the site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

In this area, there are several things to do including:

• enjoy the beach,
• climb to the top of the mountain.

The public beach of Le Morne and its heavenly setting is one of the destinations not to be missed during your trip to Mauritius. More “wild” than the beaches of the North, the peaceful beach of Le Morne is located just at the foot of the mountain.

Before landing on the beach, I advise you to undertake the ascent of Morne Brabant! It’s a great hike to do, with a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint at the top. It takes about 3 hours round trip.

It is quite steep at times so for a safe hike, I advise you to hire a professional guide.

He will teach you a lot about the history and natural heritage of this region while ensuring your safety. You can book your guide by clicking right here.

The Mauritius Travel Story

At the top of Le Morne, you will discover a large stone cross. It was erected as a tribute to the slaves who once threw themselves from the top of Morne Brabant to flee their executioners.

At the foot of Le Morne on the beach side, a tribute monument with several artistic works on the history of slavery can also be visited.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
I give you even more info and advice in my article dedicated to Le Morne Brabant and its region: What to do in Le Morne? The ultimate guide!

16. Pamplemousse Botanical Garden

Impossible to miss the visit of the botanical garden of Pamplemousse during your tour in Mauritius!

It is one of the most famous tourist attractions on the island. For my part, I go there regularly for walks and it is very refreshing.

Near Port-Louis, this very large tropical garden covers 37 hectares and is home to several hundred plant species from all over the world. It was created in the 18th century by the French governor and botanist Pierre Poivre.

Various fruit trees, palm trees and bamboos of all kinds, baobabs, aquatic plants, aromatic plants… The collection is immense and some species, such as the huge baobabs, are truly impressive.

Don’t miss the pond with giant water lilies, one of the great attractions of the garden.

During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to observe animals: fruit bats suspended in the trees, endemic geckos , chameleons and tropical birds. The park also has a few animals in captivity (cervids and turtles).

The walk in the park is very soothing and it takes 1 to 2 hours to go around it completely.

If you want to learn details about the history of the garden and the species it houses then I advise you to opt for the guided tour.

Super friendly guides offer their services at the entrance to the garden, for only €2 per person. Most of the time, they are funny and embellish their explanations with touches of humor that make the visit even more captivating.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
You can choose to visit all the North of Mauritius in one day with a private guide for a complete visit that will take you to the Pamplemousse garden but also to Port-Louis and the North coast.

Your guide-driver will pick you up directly at your hotel. Click on the link below to book your guided tour of the North of Mauritius.

17. Chamarel and the Seven Colored Earth

In the South West of the island, Chamarel is also one of the must-see sites during a stay in Mauritius.

The plain of Chamarel is near Le Morne Brabant. It shelters one of the most famous natural curiosities of the island: the Earth of the 7 colors.

It is a portion of preserved natural volcanic earth that forms a magnificent gradient of 7 different colors. The small dunes change from brown to ocher passing through violet and purple. It really is a feast for the eyes!

The 7 Colored Earth is in a private area, so there is an entrance fee. To save time, you can already buy your entry ticket online by clicking here.

On your way to the site on foot, you will come across the superb Cascade de Chamarel and its 100 meter waterfall. It is also possible to approach and swim below.

After the Earth of the 7 colors you can continue with the visit of Ebony Forest which is on the same private site.

The Mauritius Travel Story

A few years ago it was possible to walk on the Earth of 7 colors and pick up a sample. As a result, the site began to deteriorate and it was therefore decided to close access. That is why today there are barriers all around.

The day you go to Chamarel, also plan to visit the Rhumerie. It’s super interesting, even for non-lovers of the beverage!

You will be able to discover the whole production process of Mauritian rum and enjoy, if you feel like it (and if you don’t drive afterwards ^^), a small tasting of different vintages!

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
To optimize your time and visit the entire south-west of Mauritius in one day, I advise you to book this guided excursion with driver, which I personally loved.

It includes the visit of the sacred site of Grand Bassin, the Rhumerie de Chamarel, the Earth of the 7 colors and other bonuses on the way. Book this tour with driver-guide by clicking here.

18. Ebony Forest

Right next to the 7 Colored Earth is the Ebony Forest Reserve.

This natural site has only been open to the public since 2017. It is a protected tropical forest and is being restored. Decimated at the time for the harvesting of ebony wood, this indigenous forest now benefits from a restoration project on 50 hectares.

The site was recently opened on a small portion with the aim of making visitors aware of the conservation of biodiversity. It also hosts schools.

At the entrance, a small museum (which I love) summarizes for you in a very educational way all the natural history of Mauritius. Then, you will be taken by 4×4 to the heart of the reserve where a guide will tell you about the birth of the project, the species present and all the details about this forest.

You have the choice between the classic tour, a tour focusing on the observation of endemic birds and a special tour where you can plant a tree. Everything is detailed on the official Ebony Forest website.

At the end of the tour, you can climb to the “Sublime Point”, a panoramic viewpoint that lives up to its name. It really is one of the most spectacular spots I have seen while on the island.

You can admire the entire bay of Le Morne Brabant from a platform while sipping a drink.

Mauritius Travel Story

Since 2019, the Ebony Forest team has initiated a program to reintroduce giant torturers into the forest. You may therefore have the opportunity to observe them during your visit!

19. Mahébourg and Blue Bay

How not to spend a day in Mahébourg during a trip to Mauritius?

This little corner of paradise on the South-East coast was a huge crush for me!

Mahébourg is the very first city built in Mauritius. Steeped in history, it has retained a special atmosphere that is very different from the rest of the island. Here, time seems to pass in slow motion. Everything is very “roots”, everything is cool, peaceful. Although I live in Mauritius, when I come to Mahébourg I always feel out of place.

It is for me a really special place that I advise you not to miss!

This small coastal town  can be visited in itself quite quickly. The seafront is very pretty and you can take a walk in the surrounding streets.

Then I advise you to go and spend some time in the neighboring village: Blue Bay. The beaches are magnificent, especially Pointe d’Esny beach, surely one of the most beautiful on the whole island.

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
For dinner in an authentic place and in an ultra relaxed atmosphere, I recommend the little snack bar called ”  L’Ajoupa”. It is located rue du Souffleur in Mahébourg. Delight, good humor and relaxation guaranteed!

Are you planning to visit the Mahébourg region during your holidays in Mauritius? So do not hesitate to read my dedicated article: Top 12 things to do in Mahébourg

20. Eau Bleue

Only a few kilometers from Mahébourg ( 15min by car ), hides a little-known treasure in Mauritius: Eau Bleue!

As its name suggests, it is a succession of waterfalls flowing into a river with a surprising turquoise blue color.

A real little corner of paradise, still kept secret and indicated by no signs (and that’s good!).

To find it, you must go to the village of Cluny and follow the B83 road which passes through the middle of the cane fields.

You must locate the “CWA Water Tank” pumping station and, at this level, follow the path on foot that crosses the cane field in the direction of the trees.

After a few minutes of walking, you will come across the first waterfall. You can then follow the river to see successive waterfalls.

You can also find the 2nd waterfall from the road, about 1km after the CWA Water Tank. Locate the small dirt entrance. You then have to descend steeply to reach a magnificent waterfall and its turquoise water basin, where it is possible to swim and take magnificent photos!

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
Be careful where you leave your car! There is no parking at all and parking on the road is strongly discouraged. What I advise you is to find a place at the entrance of a cane field, then walk to the path that leads to the waterfall.

21. Gris Gris Beach

Still in the south of Mauritius, don’t miss Gris Gris beach either !

Compared to other beaches in Mauritius, it doesn’t have much to see. And that’s what gives it all its interest!

Gris Gris beach is wild, with rough seas, impressive waves and black volcanic rock cliffs.

This extraordinary beach is located near the village of Souillac in the very south of the island.

It offers spectacular scenery from the promontory at the entrance. You can then go down the stairs to reach the sand and put your feet in the water.

Be careful, swimming here is not recommended because the sea is rough!

Then reach the Roche qui Pleure, a cliff that juts out into the sea and on which the waves crash, causing uninterrupted “tears” to flow along the rocks!

Mauritius Travel Story

The reason why Gris Gris is prone to all these waves is because here there is no coral reef like on the vast majority of the coasts of Mauritius!

22. Grand Bassin

I could not end this Top 20 without telling you about Grand Bassin, a sacred place in Mauritius.

Also called “Ganga Talao” (in reference to the sacred Ganga river in India), this former crater-turned-lake is a place of pilgrimage for Mauritian Hindus.

Every year on the occasion of the feast of Maha Shivaratree, many Hindus undertake the journey on foot from their homes to Grand Bassin, carrying chariots of colors bearing the effigy of their gods.

If you visit Mauritius at this time of year (February/March), you are very likely to come across them on the roads!

Apart from this religious holiday, the sacred lake is open to visitors all year round.

Upon arriving, I think you will be as impressed as I by the two huge statues of the gods Shiva and Durga, each erected on one side of the road. They are over 30 meters high and are truly spectacular!

The statue of Durga is also the largest statue of this deity in the world.

All around the lake you will discover several temples and statues in honor of the Hindu gods. To fully experience the experience, you can even, if you wish, have a “tika” painted on your forehead.

Grand Bassin is also the kingdom of monkeys who don’t hesitate to come very close to ask for treats (be careful, however, not to give them anything to eat, which could make them sick!).

Tips for your Mauritius trip:
I recommend you again to book the complete guided tour of the South West of Mauritius which includes the visit to Grand Bassin. This will allow you to combine several major sites of interest in one day and learn a lot more about Ganga Talao and Hindu culture. Book your place right here.

Where to stay in Mauritius?

To save you time in organizing your vacation, I have concocted a small list of the best accommodation in Mauritius, according to your budget and classified by region.

Just click on the links for more info and to book.

Accommodation in the north of Mauritius

• Residence Peramal: a very pretty apart-hotel with sea view, a few steps from the public beach of Grand Bay. You will stay in a magnificent setting, have breakfast on the terrace facing the ocean and enjoy fully equipped accommodation. From €50 per night for 2 people. A very good choice for an affordable stay in Mauritius.
• Cosi Dolce: villa with swimming pool in Peyrébère, 700m from the beach, with equipped kitchen and large terrace where breakfast is served each morning. Presence of a bar, a garden and a private outdoor swimming pool. Very friendly staff and ideal location. From €80 per night for 5 people (2 bedrooms with 2 double beds and an extra bed).
• Océan V Hôtel: 4-star hotel in Peyrébère, 50m from the beach. It has an infinity pool, gym, jacuzzi and restaurant. Stay in a comfortable double room from €150 per night, breakfast included.
• Sakoa Boutik Hotel: superb little hotel in Trou-aux-Biches, located on the beach in a dream setting. White sand beach and swimming pool, bar, restaurant and spa. Caring staff and comfortable room. Double room from €230 per night. I recommend it without hesitation for a high-end stay in Mauritius.
• LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences: it is THE holiday hotel in the north, luxurious as you wish, ideal for those who want to do things big! Double room from €450 per night (breakfast extra at €25).

Where to stay in the West of Mauritius

• Lariad BnB: welcoming residence and very well located 5min walk from the beach of Flic-en-Flac. Stay in a comfortable double room from €50, breakfast included. The residence includes a lovely outdoor area with a tropical garden, 2 swimming pools and a terrace where breakfast is served. Ideal for an economical stay in Mauritius!
• Shanti Ghar Guest House: put your luggage in a superb guest house, very nicely decorated and well located less than 2km from the beach of Black River Tamarin. Free access to the outdoor swimming pool, the common garden lounge and the bar. Comfortable double room with balcony from €95/night.
• La Mariposa Mauritius: hotel located on the coast at Black River in a quiet environment, just 10km from Chamarel and the 7-colored earth. Superb view of Le Morne mountain. Room with double bed from €120/night, breakfast included. The establishment has its own private beach, a swimming pool and a pretty garden.
• Veranda Tamarin Hôte & Spa: a magnificent little hotel in the bay of Tamarin. Double room with balcony sea or mountain view for around 150€ per night. The property includes 2 restaurants, 2 swimming pools and a spa. Caring staff. A very good choice for an affordable luxurious stay in Mauritius!
• Sugar Beach A Sun Resort: splendid hotel located on the beach of Flic-en-Flac. For 390€/night minimum you stay in small independent and luxurious villas with a direct view of the ocean. The must for a luxury stay in the West of Mauritius.

The best hotels in the East of Mauritius

• EvaZion: located in Grande Rivière Sud-Est in a quiet area of ​​nature, 20 minutes from Bellemare beach. Comfortable double room with refined decor from €80/night. Outdoor pool, restaurant, kayaks available and direct shuttle to Ile aux Cerfs. Super warm welcome and peaceful setting.
• Otentic Eco Tent Experience: Live an incredible experience by staying in a comfortable tent in the middle of nature, between river and ocean, in luxury camping mode. Tent that can accommodate 2 to 5 people from €130 per night. Lots of activities offered on site, swimming pool, delicious restaurant based on local products. My favorite for a rejuvenating stay in the East of Mauritius!
• Veranda Palmar Beach Hotel: magnificent hotel located on the edge of the lagoon in Bellemare. Bright, spacious and cozy double room with balcony from € 175 /night, meal included. Access to the beach, swimming pool and spa.
• Le Touessrok: large luxury hotel on the seafront in Trou d’Eau Douce. Heavenly setting with swimming pools, restaurants and wellness center and even access to the hotel’s small private island! Double room at the top of comfort with balcony and sea view for 450€ /night, breakfast included. I recommend it if you want a luxury stay in Mauritius!

Where to stay in the South of Mauritius?

South-East region (towards Mahébourg):

• Le Jardin de Beauvallon: charming little hotel located 10 minutes from the airport, in Mahébourg. Small individual bungalows for 2 people from €61 per night. Free access to the outdoor swimming pool and the tropical garden. The hotel also has a restaurant. I recommend it for an affordable and comfortable holiday in Mauritius!
• La Peninsula Bay Beach Resort & Spa: 200m from Blue Bay beach and 1km from Pointe d’Esny beach. Nice hotel with family room (1 double bed and 2 single beds) from €160 per night. Private beach, nautical activities and a heavenly setting.
• Ferney Nature Lodge: 10km from the airport, stay in an eco-lodge in the heart of the magnificent Ferney valley. The suites are superbly decorated, ultra comfortable, including a staying area with a double bed, a private bathroom and a terrace. All from €295 per night. Outdoor swimming pool and restaurant facing a sublime view of the valley. A big hit for me!

South-West region (towards Chamarel/Le Morne):

• La Vieille Cheminée: absolute comfort surrounded by nature: this is what this exceptional establishment offers you, located in Chamarel on the edge of an endemic forest, with a view of the mountain. You will stay in an independent chalet with a double bedroom, bathroom and equipped kitchen for 125€/night, breakfast (delicious) included. My favorite in the southwest of Mauritius!
• LUX Le Morne Resort: One of the most beautiful and large hotels in the South-West, at the foot of Le Morne mountain. Spacious and tastefully decorated double room from €295 per night. The hotel has several swimming pools, restaurants and a spa. Direct access to the magnificent Le Morne beach.
• Hotel Chalets Chamarel: magnificent hotel in the heights of the village of Chamarel, with a breathtaking view of the mountain and the coast of Le Morne. Small independent and ultra-comfortable pavilions where you can stay for a minimum of €340 per night, breakfast and dinner included. The meals are homemade with fresh and local products. The best for a luxury-nature stay in the south of Mauritius!

So, you now know the 20 must-see places in Mauritius and the best places to stay on the island . I hope this article will make it easier for you to prepare for your visit to Mauritius!

And you, what are the things to do in Mauritius that tempt you the most?

Are you going to Mauritius? Also to read

Discover all our articles on Mauritius: all our guides are listed here.

• 5 Days in Mauritius – The Best Itinerary for an Unforgettable Short Break
• 1 week in Mauritius – Follow our tips for a dream vacation!
• 10 days in Mauritius – Step by step tour + our advice for a 100% successful trip
• 2 weeks in Mauritius – Detailed steps and tips to prepare your vacation easily
• Flic en Flac: Top 12 visits and activities
• Grand Baie: the ultimate guide
• Bellem Mare: Top 11 places and activities
• Mahebourg: what to do and see?
• Morne Brabant: 11 things to do and see