A week-long trip to Mauritius, I imagined myself lounging on the beach with a cocktail in hand and taking the occasional dip in turquoise waters. I thought to myself, “What else will I even do in Mauritius? I’ll probably be bored after two days.” Oh boy, was I wrong!
Mauritius, an island paradise in the Indian Ocean, is celebrated for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and postcard-worthy sunsets. But beyond its reputation as a beach destination lies an island brimming with history, culture, and thrilling adventures.
Home to around 1.3 million people, the island is a vibrant mix of cultures, including Creole, Indian, African, Chinese, and French influences. It’s also the only known habitat of the now-extinct Dodo bird – the national animal of Mauritius.
Here’s a glimpse into the wonders of Mauritius and a heaven full of scenic landscapes, cultural treasures, and adrenaline-pumping adventures that go far beyond simply dipping toes in the soft sandy beaches.
Kreol Festival
One of the best times to visit Mauritius is in December, not only because of the warm weather and festive holiday décor but also for the International Kreol Festival.
It’s a time when the island celebrates the rich heritage of Creole culture through music, dance, food, and stories passed down through generations.
Le Morne Brabant Mountain, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the island and stands as a symbol of resistance and resilience. Our local guide, Urmila, shared the heart-wrenching story behind it.
She told us how enslaved people were brought to the island against their will during colonial rule. They fled into the mountain’s dense forests to escape their captors. These slaves, or maroons, found sanctuary in the wilderness of Le Morne and made the wild their home for many months.
When the British defeated the French and slavery was finally abolished, the British officials set out to deliver the good news to the escaped slaves. Tragically, unaware of their newfound freedom, the maroons saw the approaching soldiers and feared the worst.
Believing they were about to be captured and forced back to a life of bondage and slavery, they chose to leap from the cliffs into the ocean, preferring death to the risk of enslavement.
I’ll never forget the lump in my throat as I looked up at that towering peak, imagining the desperation, the fear, and the impossible decision those innocent people had to face.
The International Kreol Festival is a powerful reminder of how culture connects people, breaks down barriers, and celebrates the beauty of diversity.
History, Heritage & Culture in Mauritius
We began our cultural deep dive at Château de Labourdonnais, a beautiful 19th-century estate nestled amidst lush orchards. The mansion is an exquisite blend of colonial elegance and Creole charm with a white facade, grand verandas, and ageless wooden interiors.
I was particularly drawn to the Victorian-style master bedroom and its antique furnishings. It was interesting to see the family legacy and their rare collection of literature, including a cherished edition of Paul et Virginie, a famous Mauritian love story that still resonates with locals.
Just outside was one of my favorite parts of the visit – a rum tasting session. If you love alcohol, don’t miss this! These locally crafted rums are infused with citrus or passionfruit and even more indulgent blends like ginger and vanilla – they are offered with fruit jellies made from the fruits in their orchards.
The coffee-vanilla rum was certainly unique, and I loved it. For lunch, we dined at La Table du Château, a restaurant that serves Mauritian cuisine in an open-air setting overlooking the gardens.
Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a sacred crater lake nestled in the heart of the island’s mountainous region. It is considered to be the 13th Jyotirlinga, and the only one outside India. As someone who has seen many temples around the world, the spiritual energy here felt remarkably powerful.
Towering 108-foot statues of Lord Shiva and Maa Durga greeted us at the entrance, and there are smaller shrines dotted around the lake dedicated to various deities. We could even spot a few playful monkeys hopping around and many fishes in the lake.
Urmila told us that during the auspicious festival of Maha Shivaratri, thousands of pilgrims from every corner of the world walk barefoot for miles to pray and collect sacred water from the lake.
The Natural History Museum in Port Louis, the oldest museum in Mauritius, is small but packed with fascinating exhibits of the island’s biodiversity and geological past.
I came face-to-face with the reconstructed skeleton of Dodo, an extinct flightless bird endemic to Mauritius. It was captivating to see the old stories of Mauritius coming to life here.
We couldn’t miss the food tour at Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis. This bustling spot is of cobbled walkways, colonial architecture, trendy shops, and street performers. Strings of colorful umbrellas fluttered above us, giving some Instagram-worthy shots.
Our guide steered us toward a food plaza where I had my first bite of Dholl Puri, a stuffed soft flatbread. It was flavorful and spicy – and this is coming from an Indian. Definitely recommended if you love trying new dishes!
After that, we had a glass of Alouda Pillay, a creamy, chilled drink made with milk – it’s the Mauritian version of falooda, very refreshing in the island heat. The waterfront is a great spot to take a walk or watch the sunset, with the harbor providing a picturesque backdrop.
Adventures in Nature
Looking for adventure? Visit the La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park, a 450-acre haven tucked away in the lush southern heart of the island.
Trust me when I say this place is a must for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience Mauritius beyond the coast. The sheer variety of outdoor activities is thrilling – quad biking through muddy trails, luge-karting, and bicycle zip-lining.
There’s the famous Nepalese bridge, suspended high above the canopy, with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding forest stretching in every direction. The highlight for me was ziplining through the air straight toward a beautiful cascading waterfall.
The park is also home to the spectacular 23-Coloured Earth, an awe-inspiring geological marvel. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this landscape is swirling layers of red, blue, violet, green, and yellow soil that create a unique texture across the hills.
Due to the expansive land, it’s easy to spot a few animals. We saw a herd of deer and many birds.
After a morning full of adventure, we had lunch at Le Chamouzé. The menu offered a delightful mix of European, Indian, and traditional dishes, accompanied by a view of the stunning waterfall. What more can one wish for?
Best Mauritius Tours & Excursions
Chamarel
No trip to Mauritius is truly complete without Chamarel, one of the island’s most enchanting and photogenic destinations. It’s home to two of Mauritius’s most iconic natural wonders – the Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth, both of which left me completely awestruck.
Chamarel Waterfall
Standing tall at nearly 100 meters, Chamarel Waterfall is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius. The water plunges dramatically from a cliff into a lush forest basin below. I stood there taking in the stunning view and breathing in the fresh, misty mountain air. No photo can ever fully capture the magic of seeing it with your own eyes.
Seven Coloured Earth
Just a few minutes away is the Seven Coloured Earth, a surreal natural phenomenon that looks like something out of a dream. How exciting can ‘colored soil’ really be? But rolling dunes of sand in brilliant shades of red, brown, green, violet, blue, purple, and yellow, swirling together is certainly captivating.
Scientists attribute this to the volcanic origin of the soil, where different minerals have settled into layers over thousands of years. What’s interesting is that despite Mauritius’s heavy rains, the colors never wash away or blend. Definitely a bucket-list sight!
After exploring the landscapes, we had lunch at Le Chamarel Restaurant, 260 meters above sea level, where the panoramic view of the island is as amazing as the food.
From the Skies and Under the Waves
This jaw-dropping natural phenomenon is best seen from the sky. Soar in a private helicopter over turquoise waters near Le Morne. Here, the ocean seems to open up into a dramatic waterfall plunging into the depths.
It’s not actually a waterfall, but an illusion created by sand and silt trickling down the slope of the ocean floor. Still, from up there, it looks like the ocean is folding in on itself – proof of how beautiful and surreal nature can be.
If you have ever dreamed of exploring the underwater world without having to dive, swim, or even get your toes wet, then the Blue Safari Submarine in Mauritius is where you should be. I never thought I’d have the chance to descend 35 meters below the sea in a submarine.
The cozy, pressurized cabin descends into the Ocean, and suddenly, we were surrounded by schools of fish, vibrant corals, a 17th-century anchor, and the Japanese Star Hope shipwreck.
The entire journey lasts about 40 minutes – no scuba gear, no snorkeling mask – just pure, uninterrupted underwater magic. And you even get a diving certificate! For me, this was one of the most memorable highlights.
Where To Stay
Le Méridien Ile Maurice
Accommodation can make or break a vacation – luckily, I hit the jackpot with two unforgettable stays. Le Méridien Ile Maurice – This resort offers breathtaking views of the turquoise Indian Ocean from nearly every corner.
There is a hammock in the pool! And some beautiful photo shoot spots right along the white sandy beach. Their buffet spread was the kind that spoiled me for choice, with global cuisines and a separate section of Indian food. The perfect choice for both honeymooners and families.
Canonnier Beachcomber
Canonnier Beachcomber is all about rustic elegance and historical charm. The resort is actually built around the ruins of an 18th-century lighthouse and fort surrounded by tropical greenery.
I have seen my fair share of sunsets, but the one I witnessed from the beach at Canonnier steals the prize – simply breathtaking! Plus, the property is family-friendly without compromising on style or comfort.
I arrived thinking I’d just be lounging on beaches… I left with soulful stories, new friendships, thrilling experiences, and unforgettable moments. If you are craving a getaway that’s adventure, culture, and pure relaxation, Mauritius should be at the top of your list. This slice of paradise will surprise you in all the best ways.
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Author Bio: Pooja Amritkar is a published author, travel writer, and content creator. Armed with a Master’s degree in Technology, she traded the 9-to-5 grind for a life of adventure, chasing sunsets, exploring hidden gems, listening to local stories, and meaningful experiences. Through her vivid storytelling and travel journeys, Pooja inspires fellow wanderers to travel deeper, embrace the rich cultures, and fall in love with the beauty of the world, one place at a time. When she’s not on the road or writing, you’ll find her dreaming of her next journey, usually with a steaming cup of masala chai in hand.
Follow her travels on Instagram: @wanderwithpooja
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