A paradise island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers all the charms of nature, culture, and adventure. Mauritius offers pristine white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, verdant forests and colourful coral reefs that travellers should not miss out on. Whether it is historical sites, water activities or spending time by the sea, Mauritius caters to all sorts of visitors. From the Le Morne Brabant to the Blue Bay Marine Park, the following places to visit in Mauritius will make your trip unforgettable.
10 Best Places To Visit In Mauritius
If you are seeking nature, culture, and adventure all in one place, these places to visit in Mauritius will surely leave you with lasting memories.
1. Le Morne Brabant
Photo: Liga Meijere / Unsplash
Le Morne Brabant is one of the most popular attractions in Mauritius and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This great mountain, on the southwest tip of the island, is culturally and historically significant. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a place of refuge for escaped slaves and, thus, a vital symbol of dissent and independence. Hiking to the top of Le Morne Brabant is a unique and very pleasant experience, offering an impressive view over the beach, lagoons and surrounding islands. It is a paradise for nature lovers and historical travellers looking for a mix of adventure and history.
Location: Southwest Mauritius
Timings: Open all day
2. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Photo: Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons
The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, or Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. It opened in 1770. The garden is 37 hectares in size, and houses an impressive variety of native and exotic plants. The garden is also renowned for its giant water lilies, native to the Amazon River in South America, its spice gardens and its extraordinary palm collection. With its shaded paths and tranquillity, this is an excellent place to just relax, learn about the plants, and witness nature at its finest.
Location: Pamplemousses, Northern Mauritius
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
3. Chamarel Seven Colored Earths
Photo: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons
Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths is a natural attraction in the southeast of Mauritius. The colourful sand dunes appear in red, brown, violet, blue and green making the landscape a remarkable and unique one. Colours are a byproduct of volcanoes, and the land doesn’t erode or rain down. You can also wander through the dunes via pathways that offer great viewpoints for nature photography. Alongside the coloured soil, the nearby Chamarel Waterfall creates an aesthetic backdrop and makes it one of the island’s most spectacular natural sights.
Location: Chamarel, Southern Mauritius
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
4. Grand Baie
Grand Baie, on the north-western coast of Mauritius, is one of the island’s best areas for relaxation and adventure. This vibrant seaside town is renowned for its beautiful beach, nightlife and water sports. The area around Grand Baie is great for sailing, snorkelling and taking leisurely strolls by the beach. You can shop in a variety of boutiques or enjoy seafood dishes at beachfront restaurants. The region also has some of the nearby islands. It is an excellent place where you can enjoy boat excursions. Grand Baie, one of the best places to visit in Mauritius, offers something for everyone, whether you want a day of action or a day of peace.
Location: North Coast, Mauritius
Timings: Open all day
5. Île aux Cerfs
Photo: Adamina / Wikimedia Commons
The island of Île aux Cerfs, off the east coast of Mauritius, is a beautiful island with clean beaches, fresh waters and abundant marine life. The island is an ideal place for water sports, such as parasailing, snorkelling and kayaking. Tourists can also picnic on the beach or feast on fresh seafood at the nearby restaurants. Île aux Cerfs also offers a golf course, which makes it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy yourself. Whether you want to be in the sea or simply on the sand, Île aux Cerfs will prove to be a tropical delight.
Location: East Coast, Mauritius
Timings: Open all day
6. Black River Gorges National Park
Photo: Ludovic Lubeigt / Wikimedia Commons
Black River Gorges National Park is the largest national park in Mauritius and a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park encompasses more than 6,500 hectares of lush forest and is one of the island’s best hiking areas. The park offers access to the diverse plants and animals of the country, some of which are rare endemics like the Mauritius kestrel. The ruggedness and grandeur of the park give you a panoramic view of the island, with its lovely valleys, waterfalls and rivers. Black River Gorges is a perfect place for eco-tourism and adventure sports, where you can relax and enjoy nature in Mauritius.
Location: South-West Mauritius
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
7. Blue Bay Marine Park
Photo: GrandEscogriffe / Wikimedia Commons
Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in Mauritius. Located on the southeast coast, the park is home to an abundance of marine animals, from colourful coral reefs to fish and sea turtles. It’s warm, glistening waters are great for water sports, and its shallow, safe waters are perfect for families and novice snorkelers. The park is privately owned to preserve its habitats and offers boat tours, glass-bottomed boat rides, and snorkelling guided tours. A trip to Blue Bay gives you a great opportunity to see Mauritius’s underwater world.
Location: South-East Mauritius
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
8. La Vanille Nature Park
Photo: Z thomas / Wikimedia Commons
La Vanille Nature Park in southwestern Mauritius has an impressive array of creatures, including giant tortoises, crocodiles, monkeys and more. The park has a surface of 3 hectares and includes cultivated gardens, footpaths, and animal enclosures. The highlight of the park is the Aldabra giant tortoises, which you can get up close with. La Vanille also boasts a crocodile park and an insectarium, which is perfect for families and animal enthusiasts. It’s the park’s lovely surroundings and informative displays that offer visitors of all ages an educational and entertaining trip.
Location: Riviere des Anguilles, Southern Mauritius
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
9. Le Morne Beach
Photo: Xavier Coiffic / Unsplash
Le Morne Beach is one of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches on the island, with stunning views of Le Morne Brabant Mountain. The beach is perfect for relaxation with its soft white sand and clear water. Water sports such as kite surfing and windsurfing are also popular in the region and are favourites among adventure lovers. Le Morne Beach is lined with resorts and restaurants, and there are many places to taste local food and drinks while taking in the view. It is the perfect place to spend a quiet day on the beach or get involved in water sports.
Location: Le Morne, Southwest Mauritius
Timings: Open all day
10. Casela Nature Parks
Photo: pyraniton / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most diverse attractions in Mauritius, Casela Nature Parks offers adventure, wildlife, and nature activities. Zebras, giraffes, and lions are among the many animals found in the park. Those looking for more thrills can enjoy quad biking, zip lining, and safari trips in the park. You can walk with lions, take a boat ride, or wander through the gardens and trails in the park. Casela Nature Parks offers adventure, fun, and nature experiences for all types of thrill seekers, animal enthusiasts and families.
Location: Flic en Flac, West Mauritius
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Mauritius is a tropical jewel with many spectacular sights and experiences. The island will provide an unforgettable experience, from pristine beaches to hiking through lush national parks. So, do you wish to explore the best places to visit in Mauritius? If yes, you may contact TripXL for a hassle-free trip that covers everything from flight reservations to tours.
Cover Photo: Xavier Coiffic / Unsplash