Plan Your Travel To Mauritius
Places To Visit In Mauritius
Underwater Waterfall
Mauritius is home to one of the world’s best mysterious phenomena. A spectacular illusion, the underwater waterfall is located off the coast of Le Morne Brabant. The scene is an illusion, created by sand and silt on the ocean floor, that runs off in a way as if the water is pouring down. It also looks as if the entire island is being sucked down a massive drain. The sand from the higher coastal shelf is pulled down by the ocean currents into deeper waters, making the water infused with sand.
This phenomenon is possible because of the fact that Mauritius has a volcanic origin. Though the ocean shelf is not deeper than 150 metres, the abyss in which these sand-infused waters fall into is as deep as 4000 metres. Though the waters look beautiful from the shore, seeing this view requires a helicopter ride. Aerial shots create the most stunning and visually stimulating appeal. There are many set up for this sole purpose in Mauritius.
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Vallee de Ferney
Vallee de Ferney located in the Grand Port District of Mauritius is nestled at the foothills of Bambou Mountains. It is one of the famous nature sanctuaries in Mauritius that's spread out over an area of around 200 hectares. The sanctuary acts as a reserve for some of the rarest of threatened plant species in the island. Most of these species are endemic of Mauritius and are the last few that are remaining on the island.
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Established in 2006 in partnership with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), the Vallée de Ferney stands as a testament to the fight against commercialisation. Back in 2004, a highway was supposed to be constructed through the entire area where the nature reserve stands today, necessitating the clearing of the whole forest, which would put the plants and animals at risk. After a long fight with the authorities, the locals of the area managed to get the construction of the highway cancelled, and two years later, the Vallée de Ferney was built to commemorate the fight for the conservation of the country’s indigenous flora and fauna.
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Since the reserve is spread out over a subsequently large area, the walking trail through the entire park is relatively long. The very entrance to the reserve has on display a stone museum that outlines, in brief, the history of the sanctuary. Throughout the entire trail, the most famous rare flora and fauna you will come across are the Mauritian kestrels (the kestrel is the most well-known species in reserve), and some rare ebony and nail wood trees. A few years back, the Mauritian kestrel had almost reached the point of extinction, but very careful conservation by the MWF and the National Park Conservation services saved the species from extinction, and the current count of kestrels all over the island stands at a healthy 400. Special feedings for the Mauritian kestrel are arranged at noon every day, which visitors to the park are welcome to see.
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The landscape of the Vallée de Ferney in all its entirety consists mostly of rainforests that have been rehabilitated back into ecosystems fit for the conservation of many endemic endangered plant species, such as the Eugenia bojeri and the Pandanus iceryi. Due to increasing commercialisation and industrialisation all over Mauritius, very few of the island’s indigenous ecosystems still exist, and the Vallée de Ferney stands today as one of the last remaining nature sanctuaries across the entire country.Unlike most other nature reserves on the island, though, prior bookings need to be made to visit the Vallée de Ferney, and while that might sound a little inconvenient, the sheer variety of flora and fauna you get to see once you enter the reserve more than makes up for it!
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Victoria 1840
When you take your first step onto the island of Mauritius, you will immediately be greeted with forts and beaches and artsy museums, all of which bear at least some amount of historical importance. Considering a significant part of the history of Mauritius is filled with the years when they were being colonised by the Dutch, the French, and the British alike, it altogether fits that the present Republic, as we know it, is built on the foundations left behind by these Europeans. As a result, visiting a British fortress in the morning, taking a detour to a Dutch museum in the evening, and dining at a French restaurant in the night is not the most unbelievable thing one can do here. While touring an island like this, it is prevalent for visitors to try and take in as much of the beauty that Mauritius has to offer, all at the same time. This is precisely why an old sugar cane factory in the middle of Trou d’Eau Douce has recently gained so much popularity among locals and tourists alike.
SourceHistorical BackgroundVictoria 1840 is the name given to that ancient sugar mill, which underwent some severe renovation to transform itself into a grand gallery which houses one of the best restaurants in all of Mauritius – Le Café des Arts. Victoria 1840 is now the home to the magnificent works of Yvette Maniglier, who was the last of all the students who tutored under the famous French artist, Henri Émile Benoît Matisse. Henri was an exceptional painter of the 19th and 20th centuries who specialised in all forms of contemporary and modern art. The paintings created by Yvette are nothing but young replicas of the same art style, twisted to add a personal flourish of the painter herself. Yvette’s paintings have now been hung up on every wall in Victoria 1840 and are even used to decorate the halls of the Café des Arts itself.A Perfect Amalgamation of Art and Gourmet DiningVictoria 1840 is now enclosed within the Café des Arts, and the gallery can only be visited after you book a meal for yourself in the in-house restaurant. However, contrary to popular assumption, this rule is not meant to hinder or discourage you from visiting the gallery at all. It is only meant to make your entire trip to this side of the island more enjoyable and memorable. The food which is served at the Café des Arts is exceptionally unique as, other than the traditional French cuisines, most of the gastronomies served here are original recipes of the generations of French and Mauritian owners and chefs who have lived here. Now, whether you want to try your hand at tasting the latest Creole fare, eat some unique fish cooked up in banana leaves, or want to stay within your comfort zone and relish the freshly grilled buttered langoustine, is entirely up to your discretion. This massive menu presenting before you the brilliant delicacies of the day will be handed over to you by Jocelyn Gonzales – the son of late Yvette Maniglier, the same painter whose artwork you will find adorned on every wall in the room, and who can still be credited for designing most of the furniture, dishes, and architecture of the Café. Once you enter the gates of the building, Jocelyn and his team will direct you to a sitting area where you can treat yourself with a delicious apéritif, while waiting for your 4 course meals to cook, all the while listening to a composition comprising of some generic Chanson Française and other contemporary jazz/blues resonating through the halls.SourceVisiting the Café des Arts is an intimate experience which is bound to give you the feeling of sitting in a cosy nook with your favourite book in hand, all the while being served delicacies which outshine the cuisine served in all the Michelin starred restaurants in Europe combined. The surrounding you will be subjected to is also a perfect juxtaposition of the past and present together – with a texture of ancient bricks adorning the walls contrasting perfectly with the splashes and sprays of modern art resting upon them. After you are done dining at the Café, you can finally achieve what you came here to visit in the first place – stroll through Victoria 1840. While you are in the gallery, you will witness even more of Yvette’s artwork showcasing the progression of traditional art into what we can now call modern art. Once you are inside those doors, you will inevitably forget that the place where you are standing right now once used to be an old factory with its floors streaming with wrinkled sugar canes, and be entirely bewitched by the paintings around you. As you slowly disassociate from your world and take a step into the beautiful world created by none other than Yvette Maniglier.
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Vitamin Sea Ltd
Popular for its beautiful emerald coloured water and peach-tinged sand, Mauritius is the ideal holiday place whether you are a backpacker or a sybarite traveller. The island is almost surrounded by one of the world's most beautiful coral reefs. Through millions of years, this stunning cluster has created an underwater world so exotic and eye-catching that the country is now home to a large number of fishes, sea-urchins, shells, mollusks, and crustaceans. Mauritius has also saved these species from going on the verge of extinction.
Exclusive Sea Tour by Vitamin Sea LtdSourceThese alluring sea creatures can be seen in their natural habitat on sea excursions provided by Vitamin Sea Ltd. Located on Mauritius' west coast side, Vitamin Sea Ltd offers unique speedboat expeditions. It is on such boat trips that you will come across spinner dolphins and other creatures and also have the privilege to swim with them. Two ocean enthusiasts and certified (SSI Level 2) free divers came together to form Vitamin Sea Ltd in 2015. The captain and boat owner, Cedric, has been spending time with the sea for the last 14 years and is also recognised as the International Life Saver for ensuring maximum safety on boats. He, along with underwater model Marine, will make sure your trip comes out to be an unforgettable one and you take home a sea full of memories. Cedric, Marine and their team are a group of professionals who are highly trained in taking care of you while you spend time interacting with the underwater world.Diving with the DolphinsSourceVitamin Sea Ltd is different from other marine trip organisers in Mauritius. Ever wanted to click a picture with dolphin and show it off on Instagram? Well, now you can. Vitamin Sea Ltd is the best and the only one to offer spectacular underwater photoshoot sessions. They also provide a plethora of other boat tours, cruises and other water activities like snorkelling, reef fishing, and water skiing. You can choose a timing slot for the photo session according to your convenience. Although I suggest, you pick the sunset session as the setting sun is the ideal backdrop. The setting sun also provides a one of a kind lighting and mood for the perfect pictures. Kids Swimming along with Marine Life SourcePeople over at Vitamin Sea Ltd are earnest when to comes to the safety of marine animals. In no way will they let any harm befall them. So animal lovers need not be skeptic about causing trauma or suffering to the marine animals. Vitamin Sea Ltd picks time slots for their tours that do not disrupt the natural life of dolphins. Further, appropriate guidelines are provided to the divers too.Sea Diving at Vitamin Sea LtdSourceVitamin Sea and the team will be delighted to welcome you on board and make sure your trip is a memorable one.
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Windsurfing in Mauritius
With the calm surface water over these lagoons and the routine inflow of tradewinds throughout the year, windsurfing has rightfully established itself as one of the most popular water sports of Mauritius. From one of the most dangerous critically acclaimed windsurfing spots where experts go to showcase their brilliance and talent, to the calmest waters that are safe for youngsters; Mauritius has gained popularity for water sports over the years.
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World of Seashells
Have you picked up shells from the beach and kept them safe almost like a treasure? For some, it is a hobby to kill off their leisure time, and for others, it is a souvenir with loads of holiday memories attached to it. World of Seashells is the living manifestation of Eric Le Court’s passion for collecting seashells and exhibiting them in this beautiful museum.
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With more than 1800 species of 8000 seashells in 70 display cabinets, World of Seashells is located on the first floor of Chateau de Bel Ombre. Eric Le Court, the founder and collector of this enchanting museum, has gathered shells from Mauritius and different parts of the world and assembled an impressive collection that gives us a chance to explore the aquatic riches!
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Ganga Talao
Ganga Talao (meaning ‘Lake of Ganga’), also known as Grand Bassin, is a crater lake located in the Savanne district of Mauritius and is believed to be the most sacred Hindu site of the island nation, deriving its name from its symbolic connection to the Indian river Ganga.
Dedicated to deities like Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesh and Ganga, there are temples on the banks of the lake. Furthermore, there are statues of several Hindu and non-Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Durga, Mangal Mahadev (Shiva) and Buddha.
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Pointe d’Esny
Known for a calm yet less-known beach featuring clear blue waters, Pointe d’Esny is located outside of Mahebourg in Mauritius; the beach is accessible only via a small path from the coastal road unknown to most.
Boasting of a long stretch of soft sand and a seabed that isn’t too deep, iit is ideal for snorkelling and swimming. It is also perfect for relaxing by the water, watching boats sail by and catching the sunset. There are, however, no facilities on the beach and visitors would be required to buy snacks beforehand.
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