10 Amazing Places to Visit in Mauritius for a Dream Island Getaway

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore 10 amazing places in Mauritius, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the island’s pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture for the ultimate dream getaway.

Imagine an island paradise with sugar-white sand beaches, translucent turquoise lagoons, lush mountains, and vibrant towns. This is Mauritius. Located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, this tiny island nation packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty and cultural experiences. It’s no wonder Mauritius places to visit are high on many travellers’ bucket lists.

So what are the best places to see in Mauritius? From the bustling streets of Port Louis to the serene shores of Belle Mare, here are 10 amazing Mauritius tourist attractions you won’t want to miss.

1. Explore the Capital City of Port Louis

The capital and largest city, Port Louis, is a great starting point to get a feel for Mauritian life. A few top attractions:

• Central Market: Browse colourful stalls selling fresh produce, spices, souvenirs, and local snacks. Haggling is part of the fun.

• Caudan Waterfront: This lively shopping and dining complex stretches along the harbour. Catch a movie, enjoy live music, or people-watch at a waterfront cafe.

• Blue Penny Museum: See rare stamps, old maps, and historic artefacts that tell the story of Mauritius’ colonial past. The museum houses two of the world’s rarest stamps.

2. Relax on the Beaches of the North Coast

The north coast of Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches and lively tourist towns. A few standouts:

• Grand Baie: This buzzy seaside village has some of the island’s best nightlife, with beachfront bars, clubs, and restaurants. By day, enjoy water sports, boat trips, and sunbathing on the golden sand.

• Trou aux Biches: Regularly voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Trou aux Biches has calm, clear water perfect for snorkelling. The beach is lined with casuarina trees for shade.

• Mont Choisy: The longest beach in the north stretches over 3 km. It’s a local favourite for jogging, beach volleyball, and horse riding at sunset.

3. Discover Black River Gorges National Park

The island’s largest national park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 60 km of trails through dense forests and breathtaking viewpoints.

Some key facts about Black River Gorges:

Don’t miss the Black River Peak viewpoint for a panoramic vista of the gorges and distant ocean.

4. See the Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel

One of Mauritius’ most unique places to visit, Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earth is a geological wonder. The undulating dunes are striped with seven distinct colours, from red and brown to purple and blue.

Nearby attractions include:

• Chamarel Waterfall – At 100 m tall, it’s the island’s highest single-drop waterfall

• Rhumerie de Chamarel – Tour the rum distillery and sample flavored rums

• Ebony Forest Reserve – Hike and zipline through an indigenous forest

5. Hike Up Le Morne Brabant

This rugged mountain on the southwest tip of Mauritius has huge historical significance. In the 18th-19th centuries, escaped slaves used the caves and cliffs as hideouts. Today, the mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hiking to the top takes about 3-4 hours round trip. The trail is steep but the views are worth it – you can see the entire Le Morne peninsula, with its turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches.

6. Explore Île aux Cerfs Island

This tiny island off the east coast is a slice of tropical paradise. With its white sand, palm trees, and clear blue water, it looks like a postcard come to life.

Some popular activities on Île aux Cerfs:

• Snorkeling and diving to see colorful reef fish

• Parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the island

• Golfing at the 18-hole championship course

• Enjoying a seafood BBQ lunch on the beach

You can reach the island via a short boat ride from the mainland villages of Trou d’Eau Douce or Pointe Maurice.

7. Visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

These lush gardens in the north of Mauritius date back to 1770, making them among the oldest in the southern hemisphere. The sprawling grounds are home to giant water lilies, towering palm trees, medicinal plants, and a colony of fruit bats.

Don’t miss the Chateau Mon Plaisir – a preserved colonial mansion on the garden grounds. It houses a gallery with rotating art exhibitions.

8. Savour Street Food in Mahébourg

The historic town of Mahébourg, in southeastern Mauritius, is known as one of the island’s best spots for street food. Along the main street and waterfront, you’ll find stalls and carts selling tasty Mauritian snacks like:

• Dholl puri – thin flatbread stuffed with ground yellow split peas and served with curry

• Gateaux piments – deep-fried chili cakes made with split peas

• Alouda – a sweet, cold beverage made with milk, basil seeds, and agar-agar jelly

Wash it all down with some fresh coconut water sipped straight from the shell.

9. Go Birdwatching on Île aux Aigrettes

This tiny coral island just off the coast of Mahébourg is a nature reserve that provides a glimpse into how Mauritius looked before human settlement. Île aux Aigrettes is home to some of the world’s rarest bird species, including:

• Mauritius olive white-eye

• Mauritius fody

• Pink pigeon

You can only visit the island on a guided tour with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Tours leave from Pointe Jerome and include a short boat ride to the island.

10. Experience Local Life in Triolet

To get a taste of everyday Mauritian life away from the tourist crowds, head to the village of Triolet in the north. With a population of around 23,000, it’s the island’s largest village.

A few things to see and do in Triolet:

• Visit the Maheswarnath Mandir, the largest Hindu temple in Mauritius

• Browse the bustling Monday market for fresh produce and handicrafts

• Chat with locals over a cup of alouda or fresh sugarcane juice

• Sample street food like gato zinzli (fried sesame cakes) and samoussas

Practical Tips for Your Mauritius Visit

Before you start packing your bags, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• The best time to visit is from May to December, when the weather is dry and sunny. January to March is hot and humid, with a risk of cyclones.

• Mauritius is a relatively small island, so it’s easy to get around by car or taxi. Driving is on the left side of the road.

• While most Mauritians speak English, knowing a few words in French or Creole can go a long way in building goodwill with locals.

• Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and mosquito repellent. The sun is strong year-round and mosquitoes can be pesky, especially at dusk.

Stay Connected During Your Mauritian Adventure with Airtel

Make the most of your trip to Mauritius by staying connected with Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming Plans. Enjoy unlimited high-speed data, calls, and texts while exploring the island’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. With flexible plans to suit your needs, Airtel ensures you can navigate, book experiences, and share your memories without any hassle. Focus on enjoying the beauty of Mauritius, knowing your connectivity is covered!