Mauritius Famous For

Boasting breathtaking natural beauty and stunning views, the island offers a wide range of places to visit in Mauritius. From water babies who enjoy exploring the ocean to enthusiasts of colourful landscapes, Mauritius has something in store for everyone.

Here are some of the most iconic Mauritius tourist attractions that are bound to take your breath away:

Mauritius: Places to Visit

Port Louis

Port Louis is the vibrant capital of Mauritius, which is a breathing example of Mauritian diversity and rich cultural history. The city’s lively markets and spectacular architecture embodies the glimpses of various cultural influences over time.

From Chinese craft shops to souvenir markets, there is much to see and explore. You will also find yourself looking at large assortments of exotic spices and fruits native to the island that can be enjoyed as you shop through the markets for native handicrafts.

Chamarel

Chamarel is a village in Mauritius that is blessed with endless natural wonders. One of the most iconic Mauritius sightseeing spots here, is the Seven Coloured Earths, which is a mesmerising geological phenomenon where the sand dunes display a wide range of beautiful colours. Moreover, the Chamarel Waterfall near the village is a majestic waterbody that will leave you speechless with its beauty.

Underwater Waterfall

The Underwater Waterfall in Mauritius is a breathtaking optical illusion of cascading water beneath the ocean’s surface. This phenomenon is created by sand and silt deposits that give the appearance of a cascading waterfall when viewed from above.

Tamarind Falls

The Tamarind Falls are a captivating group of waterfalls that cascade down the rugged cliffs surrounded by lush greenery. This scenic view makes it look like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

Also known as Seven Cascades, this beautiful tourist spot also offers a wide array of adventure activities that you can enjoy. From hiking to some of the most mesmerising spots to crossing glistening fresh streams, there are endless enchanting trios you can take to enjoy the ambience of this tranquil place.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a vibrant sanctuary that spans over 60 acres of botanical wonders. Established in the 18th century it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Mauritius as well as the Southern Hemisphere.

The garden mesmerises its visitors with a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plant species, including the iconic giant water lilies and vibrant orchids.

Mauritius: Things to Do

Although the famous places in Mauritius offer a great sightseeing experience, there is a lot in store for adventure seekers as well. Here are some of the activities that you can partake in during your visit to the island:

Scuba Diving

If the thought of exploring marine biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs excites you, scuba diving in Mauritius should definitely be on your list of things to do. With the island's exceptional reefs, the underwater ecosystems have been thriving despite the global challenges the marine environment has been facing.

With over a 100 diving spots to explore, Mauritius is known to be one of the best destinations for scuba divers. The island’s waters are completely encircled by barrier coral reefs. These are teeming with beautiful and rare marine creatures that will leave you awe-inspired at a glimpse.

But if you enjoy exploring sea wrecks, diving in the Hoi Siong No 6 wreck is a great option for you. This diving site has a shipwreck at around 29 metres of depth which has also managed to create an artificial reef over the years. Beginners and experienced divers can both enjoy the expense of this diving site.

The ideal time to explore these reefs is from March to April and October to December when the warm waters lure the fish closer to the reefs.

Snorkelling

If you do not feel comfortable diving but want to still experience the stunning marine environment, you can try snorkelling in Mauritius. From Flic en Flac to Ile Aux Cerfs and Trou Aux Biches, Mauritius has a wide range of snorkelling sites to choose from.

Blue Bay Marine Park is a beginner-friendly spot that is known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. Snorkelers can wash in directly from the Blue Bay Beach to swim alongside various fish species and colourful reefs.

The Flic en Flac Beach is known to be the ideal spot for snorkelling with the opportunity to spot exotic fish like the Moorish idols and the blue barred parrotfish. The best time to snorkel would be before 10 am from the months of November to April.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphin and Whale watching in Mauritius offers the unforgettable expense of encountering these magnificent marine creatures in pristine crystal clear waters. Along the west coast, pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins swim in the ocean, providing you with the chance of spotting over a 100 dolphins at a time near the Le Morne peninsula.

Strict guidelines ensure the safety of these creatures which includes travelling with licenced providers and maintaining a no-wake speed around dolphins. Additionally, sperm whales and humpbacks frequent the waters, offering year-round opportunities of sightings.

Hike to Chamarel Waterfall

The majestic Chamarel Waterfalls in Mauritius are surrounded by lush greenery which makes it the perfect spot for hikes and treks. With multiple trails to choose from, the hike to the top of the waterfall offers panoramic views of the enchanting spot and the thrilling opportunity to jump into the crystal-clear pool of water below.

Moreover, the trek back to the base of the waterfall also offers the opportunity to experience the beautiful tropical forest which reveals volcanic rocks that date back to millions of years.

Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise

If luxury or romantic cruises are more to your taste, you can indulge in the experiences of a Catamaran Cruise in Mauritius. Offering unparalleled relaxing and scenic views, these cruises are perfect for a romantic or leisure getaway.

Visiting the island’s most picturesque coasts, you are offered the opportunity to explore the stunning unspoiled spots like Gabriel Island, crystal clear waters surrounding the main island or the beautiful flat island that is home to an iconic working lighthouse.

From sunset and dinner cruises that offer an unforgettable romantic experience to exclusive cruises to remote islands, there is a wide range of options to choose from.

Mauritius: Famous Food

Another addition to your list of things to do in Mauritius should be indulging in the exquisite cuisine of the island. From sweet to savoury, here is a list of delicacies you must try during your visit to the island:

Gâteaux Piments

Gâteaux Piments is a delightful Mauritian delicacy that will always leave you wanting for more. These spicy chilli poppers are a beloved local snack that might remind you of falafels but with an iconic fiery kick.

Made from a mixture of split peas and fresh chillies, these crispy frites offer a burst of flavour with every bite. While they are delicious on their own, the locals have a favourite way of enjoying them, which is crumpled inside a fluffy white baguette. It is a perfect fit for your hunger when strolling through the markets in Port Louis.

Bol Renversé

Bol Renversé is a beloved culinary delight that captures the essence of Mauritian cuisine in every bite. Little translated to ‘upside-down bowl,’ Bol Renversé is made with layers of fragrant rice, stir-fried vegetables and succulent meats or seafood with a perfectly fried egg crowning the dish on top.

The dish is carefully flipped onto a plate before serving, which reveals a stunning presentation of its various layers. This mouthwatering delicacy is enjoyed in local eateries and upscale restaurants alike, easily marking it as one of the local favourites.

Jamalac

Although not a dish, Jamal is a sweet and refreshing fruit that is enjoyed across the island by many. Available in various vibrant colours, this tropical treat is served in cups and topped with tangy tamarind juice to add a delightful contrast of flavours. For those carving a hint of spice, a sprinkle of salt and chilli enhances the flavour of the fruit.

Rougaille

Rougaille is another local favourite, which is made using a delicious tomato base that is infused with a blend of onions, garlic, ginger, thyme, chillies, coriander and curry leaves. These aromas and spices add a delightful depth to the dish, making it the perfect pairing for a bowl of steaming rice.

Poudine Maïs

If you have more of a sweet tooth, then every bite of Poudine Maïs is bound to leave you delighted. This creamy and comforting dessert is made from polenta or cornmeal by simmering it in milk and infusing it with a fragrant blend of spices. Topped with fresh grated coconut for added texture and flavour it is a perfect balance of fresh creaminess in a bowl.

To conclude, Mauritius offers once in a lifetime experiences as a travel destination. Its wide range of travel options caters to an array of specific travel experiences, making it a memorable and delightful destination for a getaway. From thrill-seekers to individuals wanting a leisure vacation, Mauritius has enriching expenses in store for everyone.

If you are an Indian citizen travelling to Mauritius you will need a valid Mauritius visa for Indians among other things. Unlike most visa requirements, Mauritius does not mandate the acquisition of a travel insurance policy. However, you should still consider investing in travel insurance for your visit to Mauritius.

In case of medical emergencies, medical bills in a foreign land can pile up hefty hospital bills. A travel insurance policy helps maintain financial stability during such situations by ensuring your medical bills are covered without you having to arrange for money in challenging situations.

Moreover, travel insurance from Tata AIG also offers flight insurance which can help save money in case of flight cancellations or delays. In case of longer delays that last over 12 hours, Tata AIG helps cover the expenses for accommodation as well.

Similar multiple factors make travel insurance an indispensable safety net for safe and stress-free travel. Invest in travel insurance for all your future adventures today, and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience for all your international trips.

Does Mauritius have Airbnbs?

Yes, the option for AIrbnbs is available in Mauritius.

What kind of souvenirs can I buy in Mauritius?

Souvenirs like the local spices, especially vanilla, are a popular choice among visitors.