Rising from the Indian Ocean Mauritius, encircled by pristine beaches, has a volcanic landscape dating back eight million years.
An eight million year old volcanic landscape rises from the Indian Ocean. While its mountainous heart flits between peaceful forests and thunderous waterfalls, huge gorges and menacing fauna, its perimeter is surrounded by immaculate beaches that glisten proudly with a hint of exquisite beauty.
The island of Mauritius seamlessly fits the bill as a retreat for adventure seekers as well as a paradise for all-inclusive luxury resorts. Beyond its gorgeous coastline, a culture cries out to be discovered in this multigenerational, multireligious location.
Mauritius offers a wide variety of cultural experiences despite the looming influence of an increasingly westernised tourist industry. Here is a list of the top 10 activities you shouldn’t miss!
Hike the Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River Gorges National Park, the largest protected jungle on the island of Mauritius, is located there. There are many opportunities to learn about Mauritius’ native species thanks to its more than 50 km of stimulating hiking trails, which include nine endemic bird species, 4000 different kinds of fruit bats, and three endangered bird species: the pink pigeon, the Mauritius kestrel, and the echo parakeet.
The most magnificent waterfalls on the islands, as well as rolling hills, vast valleys, and winding rivers, may all be found as you go deeper into the forest. You might also spot the aforementioned pink pigeon, which has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction, high above the canopy.
Chamarel Waterfall is located in Mauritius’ tropical island jungle.
The Chamarel Waterfall, also known as Cascade Chamarel, is the tallest waterfall in Mauritius, with a 100-meter plunge and a 10 million-year history. It is a reminder of the volcanic past of the islands and gets its water from the St. Denis and Viande Salée rivers.
To the Seven-Colored Earth you must go
Terres de 7 Couleurs, also referred to as the Seven-Colored Earth, is located not far from Chamarel Waterfall. It is a 7,500-meter-square region that serves as new evidence of the island of Mauritius’ volcanic activity between 3.5 million and 1.9 million years ago.
The basaltic rock in the region was worn by the humid and hot climate of the island, leaving behind saprolite and deposits of iron and aluminium oxide. Sand dunes of seven unique colors—red, violet, green, brown, yellow, and blue—were consequently created.
This region resembles a Mars landscape since the tropical weather also depleted the soil of the nutrients needed for plant growth. What is more impressive is that the colours will resist being mixed and will finally settle into separate layers.
Helicopter Ride over Mauritius
Being surrounded by Mauritius’ natural beauty is one thing, but experiencing it from a great height is quite another. Simply said, flying over the island in a helicopter is an unrivalled, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From above, the beauty of the Chameral waterfall and the Seven-Coloured Earth are multiplied 10 times, and you’ll also get to view parts of the island that not many people do. It’s worth taking the train to see Troux aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano with a cone and crater, and skipping the climb up Le Morne Brabant, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also view the illusory underwater waterfall in all its splendour!
Visit Casela Nature Park to Meet the Wild Animals
The most active species of wildlife in Mauritius’ dense forests are the island’s native monkeys, but you may encounter the country’s feathered and furry inhabitants in Casela Nature Park.
This 350-acre animal sanctuary includes five zones and offers activities for all ages, including camel rides, horseback riding, and African safaris where you can see zebras, rhinos, and curious ostriches.
The most distinctive attractions in the park, such as “Walk with Lions” and big cat feeding, are found in the Predator Kingdom, which is located inside the territory of the king of the jungle.
The “King Kong” Mountain is a good place to hike
Mauritius boasts a wealth of thrilling hiking paths thanks to its volcanic background. But even the most skilled climber will need to put out a determined effort before they can say, “Challenge accepted!”
Because it resembles this magnificent beast from a specific angle, the mountain has been given the name “King Kong.” The highest mountain in the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn, is where some people have given it the moniker “mini-Matterhorn.”
Some sections demand scurrying and tenacity over an extremely precarious hanging bridge. Although it does provide some unparalleled views of the western portion of the island, beginners shouldn’t attempt it. Make sure you have the right equipment if you decide to take on this hike.
Visit Ganga Talao to Discover the Island’s Religious History
Grand Bassin is another name for Ganga Talao. It is a lake in a crater that is 550 metres above sea level and is regarded as the holiest Hindu site in all of Mauritius. There is a temple, several tiny shrines to Lord Shiva, whose 108-foot-tall statue is the tallest in Mauritius, and native monkeys foraging for bananas along the lake’s edge.
Thousands of pilgrims visit the lake every year to observe Maha Shivratri. They bring handmade shrines there where they offer silent prayers.
There are various treks near Ganga Talao, however fishing is not permitted.
Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Trip
Being surrounded by water, Mauritius offers a variety of mind-blowing on-water activities. Only euphoria can adequately express the sensation brought on by the wind twirling through your hair, sea salt settling onto your skin, and the breaking waves against the boat.
All of this is included in the glass-bottom boat excursion, which also features a glass floor that allows visitors to see exotic coral reefs and plentiful aquatic life swimming by. Even getting in the water to snorkel among the fish is an option on some of the excursions!
Become a Diver
Since coral reefs almost completely round the island, Mauritius is one of the most thrilling and exceptional locations to learn to dive. It’s possible that some people would find Mauritius’ underwater world to be more breathtaking than its on-land natural splendours. Numerous colourful and patterned fish, such as octopi, butterflyfish, peacock flounders, mantis shrimp, and unique angelfish, can be found below the surface. There are also stunning caves and interesting shipwrecks from the 18th and 19th centuries
You might only encounter some sea anemones and sponges because the coral reefs aren’t as bleached as those in the Maldives and Seychelles. Rare dolphins can be seen swimming nearby.
While Mauritius offers a variety of diving packages and courses, you’ll also discover that each hotel has a competitive rate. The months of November through March are ideal for scuba diving.
Island-hopping around Mauritius
Taking a speedboat or luxury catamaran and seeing the uninhabited, wild islands is one of the greatest ways to experience Mauritius. These are the best illustrations of what early explorers to Mauritius in the 16th century encountered that tourists would be able to witness.
Activities vary depending on the cruise line you choose and may include water skiing, parasailing, dolphin viewing, barbecuing on secluded beaches, and snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons.