Wondering what to pack for Mauritius? In this article, I’ve shared my top tips for what to wear in Mauritius, when to visit, and the travel essentials. This Mauritius packing list has eco-friendly suggestions to help you have a lighter footprint when exploring this breathtaking island.
Top Destinations of Mauritius
One of the most beautiful islands in the world, Mauritius is the sort of multi-dimensional destination that’s as perfect for families as it is for couples on honeymoon, and just about anyone in between.
Part of its considerable charm is entirely natural: Mauritius rises from the Indian Ocean like a vision. You can easily find how early seafarers must have felt when spotting its beaches and palm trees, forests and mountains, reefs and wild horizons.
1.Cap Malheureux
The Cap Malheureux beach, on the northern coast of the island, is in my opinion one of the most beautiful spots in the country.You’ll recognize the place instantly thanks to its bright red church that beautifully contrasts with the blue of the sky and sea.
2. Grand Bay
Close to Cap Malheureux, the coastal town of Grand Bay (or Grand Baie) is the vibrant center of northern Mauritius.This small tourist town is a former fishing village turned into a seaside resort, home to many expatriates and a concentration of upscale villas and hotels.
Its bustling beach is framed by numerous street vendors on the land side and a multitude of colorful little boats on the sea side. It’s a delightful place to spend an afternoon or evening. You will also make two more stops at Gabriel Island and Coin de Mire, known for their seabeds teeming with colorful fish.
3. Port Louis
Your trip to Mauritius will be filled with beautiful beaches, but the country’s cultural heritage is just as fascinating to explore.That’s why I strongly advise you to spend half a day visiting Port Louis, the Mauritian capital.
Place d’Armes: located opposite the port at the city’s entrance, this square is dominated by the statue of François Mahé La Bourdonnais, the French governor who founded the city in 1735. Lined with majestic royal palms and several cannons, it evokes Mauritius’ colonial history. Right across, you can see the Government Palace.
4.Aapravasi Ghat Museum
It’s the site of the former immigration depot for Indian laborers, now turned into an open-air museum and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.
Fort Adelaide, also known as the Port Louis Citadel:
The Citadel, built in 1834 by the British, was formerly used as a fortress and cannon firing point against the French colonists.
5. Caudan Waterfront
The Caudan Waterfront, affectionately known as “Caudan” to locals, is the oldest shopping center in Mauritius and certainly the most charming! It is located in Port-Louis, a bit outside the city, on the waterfront.
Don’t miss the Craft Market, an artisan market where you can find all sorts of lovely souvenir items, clothing, jewelry, spices, and Mauritian food products.
6.Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Belonging to the “postcard beaches” of Mauritius, with white sand, coconut trees, and turquoise waters, the stunning Trou-aux-Biches Beach is located in the North of the island, about 10 km from Grand Baie.
7 Le Pouce Mountain
If you want to vary your activities, you should dedicate half a day to climbing Le Pouce Mountain, the third highest mountain on the island!
Reaching 812 meters in elevation, Le Pouce Mountain is accessible from the town of Moka. Parking is readily available at the foot of the mountain at the start of the trail.
8.Île aux Cerfs
It’s one of the most popular destinations in Mauritius, and you’re about to find out why.To get there, of course, you need to take a boat. Shuttles depart every 20-30 minutes from the beach or the jetty at Trou d’Eau Douce.
You should book your full-day excursion that is truly awesome. The trip includes a little detour to the Grande-Rivière-Sud-Est waterfalls as well as drinks and a meal.
Île aux Cerfs boasts endless white sand and turquoise blue ocean. The setting is truly luxurious.The island is divided into 2 small islets separated by a strip of sand. It is uninhabited but there are restaurants and lots of recreational facilities (water activities, golf course, shops…) on the South islet.
9.Eureka Creole House
The Eureka colonial house, located in Moka in the center of the island, is another interesting cultural visit to do during your trip to Mauritius.This is an old colonial house built in 1830.
The gardens are also very beautiful, and the small museum adjacent presents a collection of objects illustrating the lifestyle of the time.
10.The Tea Route
This journey takes you to the discovery of three emblematic places of Mauritian tea production:
1st visit: Domaine des Aubineaux. Here you will visit one of the last colonial houses on the island (dating back to 1872).
2nd visit: Bois Chéri. In this beautiful region of the south of the island, you can admire endless tea fields. This is where tea is grown, harvested, and packaged.
3rd visit: Domaine de Saint Aubin. The program includes a visit to the colonial house turned restaurant where you can enjoy a typically Mauritian meal. You will also visit the sugar factory, the rum distillery, and the “House of Vanilla” where the vanilla from Mauritius, which flavors the local tea, is produced.
11.Ferney Valley
The Ferney Valley is another must-visit natural destination on your trip to Mauritius!This southeastern nature reserve spans more than 200 hectares and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The reserve is located near Mahébourg and starts at the old Ferney sugar factory.
12.The 7 Waterfalls Hiking Trail
The 7 Waterfalls natural site (also known as Tamarind Falls) is one of the most beautiful hiking adventures in Mauritius!In the west of the island, near the town of Tamarin, this quite sporty trail takes you through a series of waterfalls in the heart of nature.
13.Black River Gorges National Park
Located just a 15-minute drive from Flic-en-Flac, the Black River Gorges National Park is the largest natural reserve in the country.
In over 6,700 hectares, the reserve hosts protected forest landscapes home to a precious fauna and flora. There are more than 300 species of plants and 9 species of endemic birds!
14.Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
You shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden during your visit to Mauritius!It’s one of the most famous tourist attractions on the island.
Near Port-Louis, this large tropical garden spans over 37 hectares and shelters several hundred plant species from around the world. It was created in the 18th century by the French governor and botanist Pierre Poivre.
15.Ebony Forest
Right next to the Seven Colored Earths is the Ebony Forest Reserve.This nature reserve has only been open to the public since 2017. It’s a protected tropical forest undergoing restoration. Once decimated for ebony wood harvesting, this native forest today benefits from a 50-hectare restoration project.
16.Bellemare Beach
Let’s head now to the East coast and the iconic Bellemare Beach. It’s a favorite spot for Mauritians to camp on weekends and have family picnics on Sundays.Translucent waters, white sand, coconut trees… once again, the postcard effect is going to take your breath away!
17. Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao is a sacred lake, which is about 1800 feet above sea level and is situated 2 km to the east of Le Pétrin. The crater lake is one of the most important hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India.
During the week there is an idyllic and calm atmosphere at Grand Bassin, whereas between the end of febuary and the beginning of march crowds of pilgrims are heading to the lake: when Maha-Shivaratree is celebrated, more than 400.000 believers make the pilgrimage to Ganga Talao to make sacrifices to their gods.
Along Grand Bassin there are several temples dedicated to Shiva and other Gods, little shrines and colourful statues.Not far from Grand Bassin one can admire an impressive statue of the god Shiva. It is 33 meters tall and is known as the highest statue in Mauritius.
Check other updates:- https://www.britannica.com/place/Mauritius
Check our updates:- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mahabaleshwar: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems in 2024
If you’re looking for a wide range of attractions, tours, and excursions, Mauritius Attractions is your go-to provider.They offer everything from adventure tours to cultural experiences, ensuring your vacation in Mauritius is a success.
Remember to soak up the sun, explore the lush landscapes, and savor the unique flavors of Mauritian cuisine. Enjoy your unforgettable journey! 🌴🌞
FAQS:-
1.Which is better Maldives or Mauritius?
If you are looking for a less expensive island holiday Mauritius is ideal for you. However, if you don’t mind spending extra money for a luxury experience, Maldives is definitely better.
2.Is Mauritius part of Africa or India?
Mauritius is located in the southern hemisphere, in the south-eastern part of the Indian Ocean, north of the tropic of the Capricorn, 20° South Latitude and 57° Longitude East. Mauritius is part of southern Africa.
3.Is Mauritius very expensive?
Although Mauritius is renown for being a luxury destination, it’s more than doable on a tighter budget. There will of course need to be some sacrifices if you want to get the cheapest possible deal.
4.Why is Mauritius so famous?
Mauritius is consistently ranked as the most peaceful when compared to African countries. Along with the other Mascarene Islands and, especially the Cargados Carajos shoals, Mauritius is known for its biodiverse flora and fauna and its endemism.
5.Is Mauritius visa free for Indians?
The good news for travellers is that Mauritius visa for Indians is completely free of cost. This means that even though you would need to pick up your visa documents before officially entering the nation, you do not need to pay a fee for the visa.
6.What is the best time to visit Mauritius?
April to June and from September to December