Things To See
Port Louis-(Capital)
Built in 1844 the picturesque Port-Louis central market continues to be a meeting point for Mauritians looking for a curry or tea. Here you will find all the ingredients that help to create the charm of Mauritius: local crafts, vegetables, famous dholl purris as well as herbal tea sellers.
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and received the status of city in 1964. Port Louis has a residential population of above 150,000 but receives as much visitors during daytime as it is first of all the city of businesses.Most medium to large organisations have their head offices or at least a department or agency in Port Louis. Consequently, on week days and in day time Port-Louis is very busy with heavy road traffic but gets very quiet and empty as from 7.00 p.m.; at least in the center.
La Citadel : A stone fortress situated on top of a hill offering a magnificent view of Port Louis
Caudan Waterfront -
During the past years the Caudan Waterfront has become an unavoidable route for those who wish to have a taste of the best of Mauritius. Offering more than just rows of shops and restaurants Caudan Waterfront also enables you to discover Mauritian Fast food or gourmet cooking, jewelry and local crafts, everything to suit all tastes.
Botanical Gardens -
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses is the highlight of any visit to the north. These world famous gardens were renamed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens in 1988 in honor of the late Prime Minister. The 60-acre garden boasts 500 different species of plants, of which 80 are palms. Of particular interest are the giant water lilies, a spice garden and the Talipot Palms, said to flower every 60 years after which they die. ( Entry fees : USD 4 approx*)
Domaine Les Pailles-
Ten minutes south of Port-Louis lies the nature park of Domaine Les Pailles, stretching over 3,000 acres at the foot of the Moka mountain range. You can choose between touring the park in a Land-Rover, riding in a horse-drawn carriage or in a train. The gardens also feature a replica of an ancient sugarmill, an “alambic” – an apparatus formerly used in distilling rum, a spice garden and a natural spring.
South of Island-
At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Excavation work is underway in a bid to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.
Ile Aux Aigrettes ; Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.
Mahebourg-
Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French G Martello Towers. The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolize the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.
Tour Aux Cerf-
The main attraction for visitors, to Cure pipe is this extinct volcano, west of the town near the botanical gardens, with a massive wooded crater floor. A road leads to the rim of the volcano and there are spectacular views from the summit.
Black River Gorges National Park-
The Black River Gorges region was declared a national park in 1994. It is as famous for its waterfalls, mist covered hill slopes and clear pools as it for its wildlife. The Black River Gorges National Park lies on a plateau slightly higher than the surrounding plains, so the temperature at the Black River Gorges is lower than in the plains. The Alexandra waterfalls provide a beautiful backdrop to the lush hillocks in the Black River Gorges National Park. From the National Park, a visitor can have a splendid view of the southern shores of Mauritius. A trek through the Park is invigorating, as you pass through trails lined with Chinese guava trees and pass through fields of wild sugarcane. Hiking trails criss-cross the wild and empty Black River Gorges National Park. Unfortunately, they’re not always well marked, so check the route and trail conditions at the information centers before setting off. Look for the rare tambalacoque or dodo tree and wild guavas. Birdwatchers could see the Mauritius kestrel and echo parakeet, among other varieties.
The Bird Garden Of Casela-
Set in a magnificient site between Bambous and Tamarin in the Riviere Noire district, the Casela Bird Park hosts some 140 varieties of birds from around the world. The main attraction remains the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world, still fighting to avoid the fate of the dodo. One of the giant tortoises is 150 years old. The park is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Grand Basin-
Grand Basin is a lake situated in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne, deep in the heart of Mauritius. It is about 1800 feet above sea level. It is considered the most sacred Hindu place in Mauritius, because according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, carrying the water of the Holy Ganges, dropped a few drops on the island and a lake was formed. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Gods including Hanuman, Lakshmi, and others along the Grand Bassin. The statue is 107 feet. It was inaugurated in 2007. It is also the highest known statue in Mauritius.
Coloured Earth Of Chamarel-
Among the oddest sites of the island are the seven-coloured dunes at Chamarel, believed to result from the weathering of volcanic rocks. The colours, red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow never erode in spite of torrential downpours and adverse climatic conditions. These undulating and vividly contrasted layers of earth are a short drive away from the beautiful Chamarel waterfalls.
Ile Aux Cerfs
It’s a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.
Ile Aux Cerfs Island, located in Mauritius, is a beautiful and naturally resplendent island located on the east coast of a beatific Mauritius. The island is 100 hectares in area and is also provided with a plethora of sandy beaches in the vicinity in Ile.
Aux Cerfs Island, located in Mauritius-
There are water sports kiosks along certain parts of Ile aux Cerfs Beach. You can get in some great snorkeling here, because there are large, black rocks that protrude into the water making an ideal place for coral and fish to hang out. Ile aux Cerfs has a complete golf course as well. So, if you want to try Mauritian golf – here you go. Complete with that unforgettable Indian Ocean view. Get to Ile aux Cerfs Beach by taking the small boats located at Pointe Maurice.
Activity At Island – Para-sailing
At para-sailing you will be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’ s eye view of the lagoon and its magnificent underwater seascapes. For additional excitement, choose the “touch and go”. Take a wet, wild refreshing plunge in the ocean before, reeling back onto the boat.
Belle Mare Beach-
This long white sandy beach runs on the east coast of Mauritius and boasts a deep lagoon with a border of casuarinas trees. There is not much to do here except lie back and relax or swim
Speed boat trips are offered from Trou d’Eau Douce to the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall and to Ile Aux Cerfs
Activity At Beach – Undersea Walk
Mauritian waters are also welcoming for the, non-swimmers. You have the opportunity to experience the undersea walk and para-sailing. You can walk safely on the sea bed, at a depth of 4 meters and feed the many fishes which come to you. Underwater cameras are available to capture these memorable moments.
The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbor Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.
Aquarium-
Situated between Pointe-aux-Piments and Trou-aux-Biches, hosts some 200 species of indigenous fish, invertebrates, corals and sponges, providing the visitor with a unique opportunity of admiring the fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean. Ing waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.
Le Val Nature Park & Vanilla Crocodile And Tortoise Park-
Situated in the south-east of the island at Cluny, Le Val offers a view of the natural aquatic life of shrimps, eels and freshwater fish. The park also hosts anthurium green-houses, watercress ponds, deer parks, as well as monkeys and various bird species Enter the glittering forest of Vanilla Crocodile and Tortoise park and discover a haven of luscious tropical flora: find a variety of endemic and exotic plants.
Blue Safari Submarine Dive-
Founded in 1998 from the passion of the sea and of diving, Blue Safari Submarine now totalizes more than 12,000 dives and over 150 000 clients of all ages (2 to 91 years old) have experienced with delight Blue Safari adventure, whether they are individuals, families or groups. After a kick start with the BS600, 6-seater (plus pilot) submarine, Blue Safari ordered a 10-seater (plus pilot) submarine and diving with a submarine became accessible to all. One of the most spectacular ways to explore the ocean beds is to go on board the Blue Safari submarine. You will enjoy a superb encounter with the marine life and get a chance to see various wrecks dating back to the 17th century. Le Nessee, a semi-submersible, will provide you a one-hour trip under the sea in complete safety, a unique experience with optimal viewing for passengers of all ages. And for those who want to experience the feeling of walking on the seabed, you enjoy the thrill in complete safety.
Sub Scooter-
What a wonderful experience to cruise underwater by 3 meters depth on board of it’s own twin submarine, and thus in full safety ! This unique submarine in the world, called “Sub Scooter” reminds us of either a James Bond movie or the famous cartoon of Tintin and Milou. The riders sit one behind the other as on a scooter, with their head covered by a transparent dome providing a panoramic view of the reef and all the important air to breathe naturally, without the need of a regulator in the mouth. Riders can therefore express their instant delight to each other underwater. A dive will take about 30 minutes, led and supervised by two qualified dive guide. Available for anyone over 12 year’s old, even non swimmers, but in good physical condition.Duration: Half day, 40 minutes diving Direction: North of the island – Mont Choisy
Blue Escape (North coast)-
A marvelous experience, when leaving the main lagoon surrounding the island, to meet the turquoise and crystal clear waters of Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel which are about 14 km away in the North of Grand Bay village. Leave the hotel for the Sunset Boulevard in the village of Grand Bay. Boarding the catamaran and briefing with the skipper before starting the cruise. Leave the Jetty for a 2-hour sail towards the Northern islands, passing near the “Gunner’s coin” which is the sanctuary of marine birds. Reaching the islands, you will have the possibility to snorkel, with equipment available free of charge. Non swimmers will be transferred on the beach of the island by boat. In the meantime, the skippers prepare the BBQ lunch. Full day Departure: 09h00 return: 16h30 Lunch included (inclusive of drinks) BBQ lunch and open bar with soft drinks, juice all day, rum after lunch and wine during lunch.
Shopping-
The Island’s reputation as a shopping paradise is enhanced by the diversity and quality of shopping opportunities. The number of tourists-only duty-free shops where passports and air tickets must be shown is on the increase. Prices are very reasonable. What can one buy in Mauritius? Models of old ships.