Mauritius is a small tropical island located in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is well known for its white sandy beaches and its calm lagoons. However, visitors coming to Mauritius have a list of other places of interest that worth visiting namely:
Port-Louis:
Capital and main port of Mauritius; French colonial buildings e.g. the 18th century Government House and Municipal Theatre; Natural History Museum; market; Edward VII Avenue; Fort Adelaide; The Worldwide Masks Museum; the Caudan and Port-Louis Waterfronts.
Port-Louis is the most densely populated district. During the colonial period, Port-Louis was considered as `the star and the key of the Indian Ocean`. It is the place where you will learn more about the history of Mauritius through many of its historical buildings that have been left since the French and British occupations and through several of its museums namely; Mauritius postal museum, natural history museum, windmill museum and blue penny museum. It is also the best place to learn more about the locals` lifestyle and traditions.
Pamplemousses
Pamplemousses Botanical garden is located some 10 kilometers north of Port-Louis. Pamplemousses garden was first built by Pierre Poivre and covers some 60 acres of land. The gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, incl. the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and many species of palm trees; of particular interest is the talipot palm, which is said to flower once every sixty years and then dies. Here you will see waterlilies from the Amazon, tortoise from other tropical islands, stags from Indonesia, and many other plants and trees from several other countries.
Casela Bird and Nature park is located in the west of Mauritius in Black River. The Casela consists of many birds species from several countries including the Mauritius Pink Pigeon. The Casela also has a zoo with animals such as swans and duck, peacocks, tortoise, monkeys, tigers, donkeys and rabbits. You will also have the opportunity to fish tilapia from ponds in the park and explore the rest of the park on quad bike or bicycle.
La Vanille Crocodile Park is located at Rivière des Anguilles. The crocodile park consists of Nile crocodiles, tortoise strolling freely, monkeys, wild boars, lizards, and bats.
La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park is located at Chamouny. Here you will be enthralled by its fantastic waterfalls and the 24 coloured earth. From its viewpoint you have a picturesque view of its landscape.
Bois Cheri tea factory is the place where you will learn more about the history of tea production in Mauritius. It has a museum that displays equipments used in the tea factory during the colonial period. Normally there is a guide that will accompany you throughout your visit to throw lights on the several phases of tea production, from tea leaves to finish product in tea bags. At the end of your visit you will be invited to have a cup of tea.
Grand Basin:
One of the island’s two natural lakes, resting in a crater of an extinct volcano and is the place of pilgrimage for Hindus, especially on the occasion of Maha Shivaratree.
Chamarel:
A mound of undulating land stretching in contrasting layers of colour; the patches of blue, green, red and yellow earth are believed to be the result of weathering; the nearby waterfall emerges from the moors and primeval vegetation and is startlingly beautiful.
Trou Aux Cerfs:
An extinct crater 85m deep and more than 200m wide; enjoy an extensive view of the island from the rim.
Souillac and Gris-Gris:
Small seaside resort with beautiful cliff scenery and no bathing; in the south is the popular viewpoint of Gris-Gris, where you can see the waves crashing into the dark, hollowed-out rocks.
Domaine Du Chasseur:
Near Mahebourg, a forest park with luxurious vegetation including wild orchids and animals e.g. stags, deers, wild boars and monkeys, covering 2000 acres.
Black River Gorges National Park:
Protects much of the remaining native forests and provides spectacular natural scenery and some of the unique endemic plants and birdlife; number of walking trails and viewpoints.
Beaches Grand:
Baie has many beaches and spots for safe bathing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing; Blue Bay is one of the finest bathing spots of the islands, is close to Mahebourg and has a natural bathing pool; Le Morne & Tamarin are known for their surfing spots; Iles aux Cerfs is an island resort with 2 restaurants, a boat-house and beautiful beaches.
Rodrigues Island:
About 560 km east of Mauritius where you can be charmed by locals’ easy way of life; the nature lover will find several species of endemic tropical fauna and flora and can enjoy hiking, bird watching, angling and mountain biking; visits to the Caverne Patate and surrounding islets e.g. Ile aux Cocos (a haven to some rare species of sea birds) can be arranged.