Located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,000 kilometers off the coast of Africa, is the alluring island nation of Mauritius. It was formerly a Dutch colony beginning in the 17th century, then French, and finally under British control until they gained independence in 1968. Due to this tumultuous but fascinating history, the island boasts a beautiful blend of different cultures.
Although I would not mind lounging all day by the pool at a luxurious hotel like Shangri-La Le Touessrok, there is so much more to explore around the island. These are my highlights of Mauritius and I recommend visiting each and every one of these incredible spots.
SEVEN COLOURED EARTHS:
The Seven Coloured Earths are a prominent tourist attraction in Mauritius and for good reason! During my visit, I took a day tour around the island and one of my favorite stops was Chamarel – a charming village with stunning natural landscapes. You must stop and admire this magnificent geological formation created by the decomposition of volcanic rock. Everything from its unique size, shape and color makes you think it is other worldly. I recommend visiting in the morning hours because the sun really brings out the most amazing colors.
CHAMAREL WATERFALL:
Located in the same village as the Seven Coloured Earths, are the jaw dropping Chamarel Falls. The water falls over 300 feet along a vertical cliff and the spray of the fall rises to half the height of the fall itself! Abseiling is a popular water sport that can be organized here at the falls. This can certainly get your heart racing as you are plunging down the length of the fall, landing straight into a pool below. While I didn’t participate in this daring activity during my trip, it is still fun to observe!
TROU AUX CERFS:
It is not often that you come across a crater that was formed almost 2 million years ago! It was actually formed during the second phase of volcanic activity that created the island of Mauritius which is extremely interesting. This dormant volcano, also known as Murr’s Volcano, has a very well defined cone and crater that you can observe from the top of an embankment in Curepipe, Mauritius. Although it has been dormant for quite awhile, scientists believe it could become active at any time over the next thousand years. Luckily, that didn’t happen during my trip but it was still a beautiful photo spot!
CAUDAN WATERFRONT:
If you are visiting Mauritius, chances are you will be in Port Louis at some point since most cruise ships depart from the capital city. The picturesque Caudan Waterfront is worth visiting for some fine dining and shopping. Besides the fabulous high end shops, I’d highly recommend visiting the popular Craft Market. The quality of souvenirs here are some of the best you will find on the island and include Mauritius glass, essential oils, and beautiful artwork.
GRAND-BAIE VILLAGE:
Grand-Baie is a charming coastal village in Mauritius and a particular favorite of mine. You will find wonderful accommodation here as well as delicious restaurants and lively bars. However, the beautiful sandy beaches and coves are worth the visit alone. Grand-Baie Public Beach is a popular one, and I would also recommend the secluded La Cuvette.
GANGA TALAO:
Also known as the Grand Bassin, this is another beautiful landscape that should be on anyone’s Mauritius must-see list. It is essentially a crater lake that is situated in the heart of the island. This is considered to be the most scared Hindu place in Mauritius which is why you will find beautiful temples and towering statues of the gods. The impressive shrines are very elaborate and beautiful. One in particular is called Mangal Mahadev and is the third highest statue in the world of the god Shiva.
I was blown away by the rich culture and stunning natural landscape that I discovered in Mauritius. Whether you are a history buff or nature lover, there is something for everyone to see on this beautiful island.
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Andrea
January 21, 2018 at 8:13 pmOMG , it doesn’t even look real. Simple magical; I love all the colors and the water wow. Your photography is incredible too
Carmen Edelson
January 23, 2018 at 1:42 pmThank you so much, Andrea! Mauritius is so beautiful, it’s hard to take a bad photo there 🙂
Kalyan Panja
January 22, 2018 at 1:45 amNice reading about your list of destinations in Mauritius. Lovely captures too.
Carmen Edelson
January 23, 2018 at 1:47 pmThank you! Mauritius is a beautiful part of the world that I think everyone should try and visit.
Irina
January 22, 2018 at 11:21 amI hope to go there some day! Thanks for your post:)
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Carmen Edelson
January 23, 2018 at 1:58 pmI hope you get to go too, Irina!
Elizabeth O
January 22, 2018 at 1:23 pmWow wow wow Mauritius looks absolutely stunning. Those waters look serene. I would love to visit, it looks very well cultured and so beautiful. 🙂
Carmen Edelson
January 23, 2018 at 1:58 pmLove the culture in Mauritius, it is so unique and beautiful!
Kim
January 23, 2018 at 1:03 amYour photos are amazing! I’ve heard nothing but good things about Mauritius, so I appreciate this post!
Carmen Edelson
January 23, 2018 at 1:59 pmI was really blown away! Thanks, Kim 🙂
Helena
January 23, 2018 at 6:15 amNow that is some style! And the pictures you’ve got are incredible. Love your attitude and thanks for sharing something like this – great content!
Carmen Edelson
January 23, 2018 at 2:00 pmThank you so much, Helena! I really appreciate it 🙂
Blair villanueva
January 24, 2018 at 12:18 amThe Chamarel waterfall looks majestic! One of the great works of nature that shouldn’t be missed.
Carmen Edelson
January 28, 2018 at 5:27 pmI couldn’t agree more, Blair!
Francesca Aleman
January 25, 2018 at 11:58 amIt looks beautiful.
I would like to visit one day.
Carmen Edelson
January 28, 2018 at 5:28 pmI hope you get to, Francesca! Mauritius is a beautiful part of the world.
Annie
January 28, 2018 at 3:15 amThat looks phenomenal! On my bucket list now 🙂
x
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Carmen Edelson
January 28, 2018 at 5:30 pmThat’s great, Annie! Mauritius is spectacular.
Megan
January 30, 2018 at 6:39 amMauritius has been on my bucket list FOREVER. And those stunning pictures just moved it a few places up!
Carmen Edelson
January 31, 2018 at 9:55 pmMauritius really is a stunning part of the world!
Abhi
February 7, 2018 at 2:43 pmGreat list, and rretty much had the same list of things in my mind too. Although my personal highlight, was seeing the giant galapagos tortoises at Chamarel. 🙂
Carmen Edelson
February 9, 2018 at 1:40 pmOh wow, that sounds incredible! I now have a reason to return 🙂
Kyla Jocson
April 4, 2018 at 6:15 amThey look so surreal! What a great escape it would be! Thank you for sharing with us the photos. They look more than amazing. xoxo
Carmen Edelson
April 4, 2018 at 4:01 pmMauritius is such a magical place! Thanks for reading 🙂
John
April 5, 2020 at 5:26 amYour posts are extremely cool. I am glad to be here. I enjoyed reading your posts and I would like to bookmark your site.
John recently posted…Best Places to Visit in Australia
Carmen Edelson
April 13, 2020 at 5:15 pmThank you, John!
Mohamed
April 25, 2020 at 2:32 pmWaw! It is a lovely country. I wish I can visit soon. Thanks for sharing
Greetings from Morocco
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Carmen Edelson
April 25, 2020 at 9:28 pmNo problem – thanks for reading!
Lis
January 5, 2021 at 8:41 amWow.. So beautiful, the photos and a great story. It’s a paradise for all holidays. Thank you for sharing Carmen. Next you need to feature East Africa.
Happy new year.
Carmen Edelson
January 7, 2021 at 3:02 pmThank you so much Lis!
Kambi
August 19, 2021 at 7:17 amMauritius is in my bucket list for 2022, for sure it is an incredible place. Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
August 23, 2021 at 11:27 pmSo glad to hear it is on your list, Kambi!
Wayne W Walls
October 15, 2021 at 4:55 pmI’ve never heard of Mauritius before this article. The water looks amazing! And the multiple colored ground is super cool! It is going on my bucket list, haha!
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