Mauritius offers a choice of must-see attractions, including a range of flora and fauna unique to this island paradise.
Here's a snapshot of must-see sightseeing attractions in Mauritius, including …
Explore the largest nature reserve in Mauritius, a spectacularly wild expanse of thick forest and home to more than 300 species of flowering plants.
Walk through the dense forest and try to spot the famous pink pigeon, one of nine species of bird unique to Mauritius.
Also look out for the Mauritius kestrel, the green echo parakeet and the Mauritius cuckoo shrike.
Read more about the Black River Gorges National Park…
Go rock climbing and quad biking or stroll past Java deer, wild boar and giant fruit bats.
Watch native birds flit around the aviary, taste delicious Creole cuisine in the hilltop restaurant and enjoy fantastic views of the west coast.
Read more about the Casela Nature and Leisure Park…
The elegant and character-filled capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, offers a host of attractions for visitors.
Stroll down the palm-lined Place d’Armes, admire St James Cathedral, which dates from 1850, then head up to the old British-built citadel of Fort Adelaide for splendid views over the racecourse, city and harbour.
Don’t miss colourful Chinatown and the boisterous Central Market where you can find stalls selling herbal cures for every ailment imaginable, local handicrafts, spices, vegetables, samosas and other tasty Indian snacks.
Read more about the Port Louis…
Stroll along shady avenues and through groves of palm trees and spice gardens that were started in 1735.
Don’t miss the talipot palm, which flowers once every 60 years, then dies, or the pond of giant water lilies that are native to the Amazon – watch as young leaves emerge as wrinkled balls and unfold up to 2m in diameter in a matter of hours.
Read more about the Royal Botanic Gardens…
Nestling in an extinct volcanic crater, this tranquil lake is considered sacred by Mauritian Hindus, who make a pilgrimage here every year in February or March for the Maha Shivaratri festival.
The festivities are held at a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that includes a 33m-high statue of Lord Shiva.
Grand Bassin (or Ganga Talao) is located in a secluded mountain region in the district of Savanne.
Nestling at the foot of the Moka mountain range, the park covers an area of 1200ha and offers a glimpse into the history of Mauritius.
Tour the gardens on foot or take a train, four-wheel drive vehicle or a romantic horse-drawn open-topped carriage to explore a replica of an early sugar mill, an old rum distillery, a herb garden and natural spring.
Discover unusual multi-coloured, lunar-like rolling dunes (as well as the magnificent water falls) at Chamarel, which is located in the Black River district of south-west Mauritius.
Learn about sugar, slavery, the rum trade and the history of Mauritius at this fascinating museum, located in the former Beau Plan sugar factory that dates from 1797.
Hike to the spectacular waterfalls and cool off with a refreshing swim.
With such a rich cosmopolitan blend of French, British, Indian, Chinese and Creole cultures, it’s no surprise that hardly a week goes by in Mauritius without some kind of celebration.
In February during Cavadee you can see penitents pierce their bodies and walk across white-hot coals at Tamil Kaylasson temple.
Later in the month, join Hindu devotees at the green caldera lake of Grand Bassin in the five-day Maha Shivaratri festival, and experience Holika Dahan, the festival of colour, when Mauritian Hindus pay tribute to Krishna for the earth’s fertility.
Watch bonfires blaze, colourful processions and traditional singing and dancing that bring Hindu mythology and legend to life.
Watch Tamil devotees walk on hot coals in the Teemeedee firewalking ceremony, which takes place throughout the year but mainly in December and January.
In February or March watch out for a good soaking in the fun-filled water-throwing celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colours (photo).
September marks the anniversary of Père Laval Feast Day, when pilgrims come from all over the world to pray for miracle cures at his shrine at Ste-Croix.
On Rodrigues, the main cultural event is the Festival Kréol, which takes place over three days at the end of October.
Latest update: Mauritius Sights & Attractions: 30 December, 2022
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