Plan Your Travel To Mauritius
Places To Visit In Mauritius
Chateau de Labourdonnais
Built back in the 1800s, the Château de Labourdonnais is a grand Creole mansion which was once owned by Christian Wiehe and his family, but has long since been renovated and is now in use as a heritage tourism spot. Built entirely out of teak and sporting a dual-collonaded gallery, the Château de Labourdonnais gives off a distinct neoclassical vibe, and the exterior, as well as the interiors of the mansion, give off a distinctly Victorian feel.
Despite the renovation and the refurbished interiors, the building still retains every bit of its antique feel. Guided tours of the building start with visits to the different rooms of the house (all the vintage furniture has still been preserved) and move on to the old orchards and lush green gardens where you can take a walk amongst the well-maintained exotic trees and shrubs.
Source
The gardens are home to quite a few giant tortoises. The tour ends with a visit to the adjacent distillery, where you can learn about the history and various techniques of production of agricultural rum. You can choose to sample the rum from the tasting bar, or if you don’t want to drink, then you can also choose to taste the locally-produced juices, jams, jellies, and sorbets. The Château de Labourdonnais is home to a boutique and souvenir shop as well, from where you can buy locally crafted handicrafts and products to take back home for your family and friends.
Read More
Chinatown, Mauritius
In the year 1940 a large number of Chinese immigrants set foot in Mauritius in search of trade business under the French and British rule. They started settling around Royal Road, in the heart of Mauritius' capital, Port Louis and this is how the Mauritian Chinatown's birth took place.
Source
This unique area is home to its local celebrities, famed all around the country. Speaking of few, Mrs Kwok, the most revered fortune teller in the country is a host of quite wise and traditional Chinese pharmacy owners, who have with them medicinal herbs, preserved insects, tea, spices, and other so-called "magical" supplies that are believed to cure incurable diseases.According to the World Factbook by the Central Intelligence Agency, only about 3 per cent of the Mauritian population ethnic Chinese. However, it is interesting to know that Chinese-style dishes at restaurants and food stalls and Chinese products like home decoratives are immensely popular in the country.
Read More
Crystal Rock
Crystal Rock is a natural rock formation which is large, situated off the south-west coast of Mauritius. It is located close to the Le Morne mountain. The rock formation magnificently sits in the middle of the ocean, approximately 200 meters away from the shore and offers a gorgeous sight as the surrounding mountains cast shadows over the area around. The large exposed fossilized coral reef is a must-see, as it is a great example of a biochemical reaction leading to the formation of sedimentary rock. Mauritius is a proud owner of a shallow and wide lagoon behind a barrier reef.
The lagoon is the point where the deposition and formation of carbonate minerals take place to give rise to the layering rock creations that support reef-dwelling organisms. Mauritius is a volcanic island and it is slowly subsiding. Hence, this natural rock formation asks for a mandatory visit before it dips below the sea-level and disappears. If you are fit enough, you can even climb this rocky gem and pose for some incredible photos with the charismatic backdrop of the blue waters. There are a wide array of activities that you can take up in the area.
Source
Read More
Curepipe Botanical Garden
Situated in Routes des Jardins in Curepipe, the Curepipe Botanical Garden is reputed to be the second largest in all of Mauritius. It is also known as the SSR Botanical Garden of Curepipe, named after the former prime minister and great political persona of Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam in the 1980s. Another botanical garden of Mauritius is also named after the very statesmen - the Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses.
Source
History of Curepipe Botanical Garden
The Curepipe Botanical Garden was established in the year 1870. The purpose of this botanical garden was to cultivate different species of plants that were otherwise not acclimatising to the less temperate parts of the island. Unlike other places, Curepipe had a colder climate than the coastal areas of Mauritius. Its counter-part the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden didn’t have the appropriate grounds for planting certain species, and thus, they were transferred to the Curepipe branch.Initially, a wide range of exotic plant species was introduced in the garden and also in Mauritius, namely Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Camphors along with numerous exotic fruit trees. Currently, some of the rarest and endangered plant species that are endemic to Mauritius are also growing slowly.
About the Garden
The Curepipe Botanical Garden is spread out over an area of 27 acres, and it is intersected by a river and a lake which houses the Nandia palms. The garden has two entrances – the main entrance being at Les Casernes on the Botanical Garden Street and the secondary entrance is at Camp Caval. It will take you nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes to see the entire property with ease.To host community events, there is a gazebo in the garden as well. It has a Victorian-inspired architectural design and is raised from the ground with the help of its wooden floor. It is constructed in such a way that it is acoustically well balanced, making it easier for the audience to enjoy the programme loud and clear.
Source
There is a Nature Reserve inside the garden, and you need to take special permission from the offices of the Forestry Department for visiting it. The Curepipe Municipal Council and the Forestry Department have worked for hand in hand to preserve some of the rarest native tree and shrub species of the island. You can find some of them planted throughout the garden and around the lake as well.The major attraction of the Curepipe Botanical Garden is the rarest and unique palm tree species of the world – the Hyophorbe amaricaulis. It is extraordinary as it is the only remaining specimen of this species. After many failed attempts to cross-fertilise it, it is being kept under utmost care. To ensure uncompromised protection, the palm tree is surrounded by a security fencing so that the visitors can't harm it. It has a height of about 12 metres, has a thin grey trunk and blooms creamy-white flowers occasionally.
Source
The Curepipe Botanical Garden is the best place to visit for a refreshing getaway with your friends and family. Visiting early morning and walking on the soft grass while enjoying the green surroundings is a rejuvenating feeling on its own. So if you are looking to slow things down for a bit in your exciting vacation, a visit to the Curepipe Botanical Garden might do the trick!
Read More
Curious Corner of Chamarel
Located in the south-western part of Mauritius, opposite to the popularly known 7 Coloured Earth of Chamarel, the Curious Corner of Chamarel is only one its kind in the entire island. It is a house full of mysteries, illusions, mind games and various other activities meant to excite the curious minds of the people. The mystery house is located on the hilly roads of Chamarel village and has been constructed with the primary objective to offer an enthralling experience for those with an intrigued mind.
Source
Spread across an area of 5000 square metres, the Curious Corner has nearly 40 exhibits. It takes at least an hour and a half to enjoy all the demonstrations uninterruptedly. The Curious Corner is a world of optical illusions, and puzzles making it a favourite for the fact of it being a fun-filled social excursion for families and friends.
Read More
Dodo Divers
Situated in the northern part of Mauritius, a beautiful place known as Calodyne in Grand Gaube, Dodo Divers is an award-winning diving centre which provides you with facilities like guided dives and various courses, both for Recreational and Technical Divers. From the moment you visit the centre, you are under a safe and professionally supervised environment which allows you to get rid of all your anxiety and stress, especially if you are a first-timer, and lets you learn this unique art in a relaxed manner while enjoying your dive.
Source
Read More
Dolphin and Whale Watching
The island of Mauritius is particularly very enticing to adrenaline junkies and adventure sports enthusiasts because of the sheer variety of activities that you can indulge in while you're here. Starting from the standard deep-sea diving to scuba diving, snorkelling, wave boarding and glass-bottom boat riding, the number of things you can do while on a trip to Mauritius are innumerable. One such activity on the island that is extremely famous among tourists of all ages is Dolphin and Whale Watching. The best time to go Dolphin and Whale watching is during Summers.
Dolphins and Whales in Mauritius
Over the years groups of dolphins have been spotted mostly off the western coast of the lagoon, just near the bay. Most dolphins are spotted in the early hours of the morning, though the chances of spotting them during the day are fairly average as well. The most common dolphins that you can see in Mauritius are the Spinner Dolphin and the Bottlenose Dolphin.To spot whales, one needs to go further out into the ocean. However, whether or not you will be able to spot a whale depends entirely on the sea and weather conditions. The most common whales spotted in the waters around Mauritius include the Sperm whale, the Dwarf Sperm whale, and Gray’s Beaked whale.
Source
Types of Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours
There are different options you can pick from to go on a dolphin and whale watching tour, with the standard options being:
Speedboat Trips
Approx Cost: INR 2500-3000 for adults; INR 1000-1500 for children Trips via speedboats that take you to see the typical locations where dolphins and whales are generally spotted tend to the most preferred method for tourists. You can pick between shared speedboats, or you can even book an entire speedboat for yourself, depending on your convenience, and as per the policies of the tour operators you book the packages with. Regardless of whether you go on a shared boat or book one for yourself, you will be accompanied by trained guides who will brief you about the dolphins and whales you will see and will supervise you if you want to take a dip into the water to swim alongside the dolphins. Specific speedboat trips include snorkelling and scuba diving as part of their package as well, but that depends on the trip operating agency.
Catamaran Trips
Approx Cost: INR 4500 for adults; INR 3200 for children The second-most preferred way of dolphin and whale watching is via catamaran trips that take you to the west coast of the island, where the probability of spotting these mammals is the highest. If you don’t mind splurging a little to get a better overall experience, then the catamaran trip is the way to go. You can pick between full-day or half-day packages, with some operators also offering morning-only packages. Generally, all catamaran trips can be booked directly via the hotel you’re staying at, so that is an added benefit. Overnight catamaran trips are a big hit, with a lot of tourists choosing to spend the night on the catamaran and wake up to the call of the dolphins as they play near the stable catamaran. While it is a bit on the pricier side, if you choose to book a catamaran trip for dolphin and whale watching, you will be subjected to a world-class experience that will include onboard meals, entertainment in the form of local songs and dances, as well as open bars for the adults.
Chartered Boats
Approx Cost: INR 40000-50000 If you want, you can hire a chartered boat for a dolphin/whale watching expedition, with the packages for these expeditions generally being full-day packages which include other activities such as snorkelling scuba diving and visiting some of the other nearby islets around Mauritius. Out of all the options you can pick from, the chartered boats are the most expensive, but the majestic experience is entirely worth it.
Source
Inclusions for Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours
Regardless of whether you book a morning-only, half-day, or a full-day package, on a speedboat or a catamaran, you will be served a delicious Mauritian breakfast upon boarding, with options for tea/coffee, as well as biscuits and fruits.
After the meal is done, your guides will thoroughly brief you on the itinerary for the tour (depending upon the package you have booked), as well as a summary of the kind of dolphins and whales you are about to see.
Other detailed information such as how to swim alongside the dolphins, best methods to watch them, as well as all necessary security measures that need to be taken will also be explained clearly to you.
For packages that include snorkelling and scuba diving, instructions for the same will be provided in detail as well.
All trips take you to the edge of the lagoon, near the coral reef, where the boat is anchored as you wait to catch a glimpse of the dolphins and the whales.
Watching dolphins is the first part of the trip, as dolphins can be seen closer to the coast.
After you have seen the dolphins, and swum with them, you will be taken further out into the ocean, where you will have to wait to catch a glimpse of a whale or two.
All tour operators mention that while there is a 90% chance of encountering dolphins on any given day, the opportunity of sighting whales is only a 60%, since whales are not as common as dolphins, and they are susceptible to water conditions as well.
Things To Note
Tour operators who arrange trips to go dolphin/whale watching have a book of guidelines which all tourists are expected to note and follow. The main points of these guidelines are:
· Dolphin/whale watching trips are generally not recommended for pregnant women
· Children aged below seven years are not allowed to go on these trips
· Most trips depart from the coast of Tamarin, so tourists are advised to get there on time to avoid delays and other time-related issues
· Some tour operators can arrange for transport to and from the tourists’ hotel (it has to be booked in advance, though)
· Specially-abled tourists need to specify their concerns and issued beforehand.
· In case of speed boat trips, the maximum capacity that the boats can take is ten people. If the tourist party includes more than ten people, a catamaran trip will have to be booked.
Source
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour Providers
· Karlos Excursions (Le Morne)· Dream Dolphin (Riviere Noire)· Oceane Cruises (Trou d’eau Douce)· Belle Mare Tours (Belle Mare)· Dolswim (Riviere Noire)· Eco Holidays (Mont Choisy)· Dolphin Encounter (Tamarin)
Read More
Domain du Chasseur Game Park and Reserve
Mauritius, a pearl in the Indian Ocean, is a place of natural and exquisite beauty. You are greeted by pristine emerald colored waters, white sandy beaches, and tall palm trees the moment you set foot in the country. It is rightly said, God first created Mauritius and then created Heaven. The inland area is no less, consisting of a luxurious landscape. The country brims with 5-star hotels and high-end restaurants and shopping brands, making sure your stay remain top class.
Because of its isolation from the world, Mauritius is as peaceful as it can get. This is also the reason why the wildlife here is less diverse with endemic species that are found naturally here. This provides you with a chance to get real close to Mother Nature. This can be perfectly done on tour to Le Domaine du Chasseur, a 1000-acre wildlife reserve and one of the last aboriginal forests on the island.
Source
Read More
Domaine de Aubineaux
There is a lot more to Mauritius than just sandy beaches and glittering blue water, which any tourist who has ever been to this tropical haven will be able to attest to. Not all the major tourist destinations in Mauritius are located near big towns, and they’re most certainly not all related to beaches. Over the years, many little-known places scattered throughout the island have come to the forefront as some of the major tourist attractions that draw crowds all year round.
Curepipe, situated in one of the island's highest plateaus, is renowned across the entire country for its cold, rainy climate and its plethora of upmarket shopping destinations. Curepipe is an area that was a colonial stronghold back when the French, as well as the British, were in possession of the island, and the town is home to one of the oldest buildings in all of Mauritius, the Domaine des Aubineaux.
Source
Read More
Domaine De L'Etoile
Previously a private hunting domain, the Domaine de L’Etoile in Mauritius is now a famous tourist attraction for adventure and leisure activities, as well as ecotourism. It is one of the most preserved regions of Mauritius with lush greenery, indigenous forests, sparkling rivers and endemic birds.
Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities like zip-lining, horse riding, quad biking, mountain biking and archery; while nature lovers seeking solace can wander on the rustic trails that will lead them to the top of the Bombou Mountain range, which offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding ocean. And for the perfect end to a perfect day, visitors can enjoy traditional Mauritian cuisine at their onsite restaurant, which like the rest of the reserve, offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Read More
Mauritius Travel Packages
View All Travel Packages Mauritius
Nearby Places Mauritius
Browse Package Collections
Browse Hotel Collections
