Mauritius is often described as a tropical destination, and it is easy to see why. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets lure travelers from across the globe, but there is much more to this island than meets the eye. During my seven days in Mauritius, I experienced a paradise full of scenic landscapes, cultural treasures, and adrenaline-pumping adventures that go far beyond simply sipping wine on the beach.
My trip started by meeting Urmila, our wonderful guide from Tam Tam Tours, who instantly made me feel at home with her warm and kind Mauritian hospitality.
History & Culture
Mauritius has a rich colonial history, and nowhere is it more apparent than at Château de Labourdonnais. This 19th-century estate, a stunning mansion surrounded by orchards and gardens is a true testament to Mauritius’s rich history. The Victorian-style master bedroom and the rare collection of collection of Paul & Virginie are worth seeing. The highlight for me was the rum tasting session, where I savored a variety of locally produced rums infused with exotic flavors. My favorite was the coffee-vanilla rum. We wrapped up our visit by having a delicious and relaxing lunch at La Table du Château, overlooking the garden and château.
Grand Bassin, or Ganga Talao, is considered to be the 13th Jyotirlinga and the only Jyotirlinga out of India. The towering statues of Lord Shiva and Maa Durga, each 108 feet tall, greeted us as we entered. Surrounded by lush greenery and a serene lake, it’s a spiritual haven for the soul. During Maha Shivaratri, devotees come from all around the island and will walk miles to collect sacred water from Ganga Talao.
Next, we visited the Natural History Museum, the oldest museum in Mauritius. The museum boasts an impressive array of exhibits that showcase Mauritius’s unique biodiversity and history, including the famous Dodo – an extinct flightless bird endemic to Mauritius. It is captivating to see the old stories of Mauritius coming to life here.
Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis holds an interesting food tour where we had the chance to try local street food like Dholl puri and the very refreshing Alouda Pillay. This lively hub is a great spot for shopping, dining, artistic, and cultural experiences. The festive Christmas decorations and colorful umbrellas lit up the place and gave us some Instagram-worthy shots. The waterfront is a great spot to take a walk or watch the sunset, with the harbor providing a picturesque backdrop.
Nature & Adventure
La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park is an adventure lover’s paradise. This 450 acres of land offers a variety of fun activities including hiking, quad biking, luge-karting, bicycle zipline, and crossing the Nepalese bridge. The park’s walking trails lead us to breathtaking viewpoints and the famous geological wonder, 23 colored Earth where the soil appears in layers of vibrant hues, a consequence of a volcanic eruption centuries ago. It is an exceptional view along with the many natural waterfalls and valleys that give a whole new perspective to the beauty of Mauritius.
As I zipped through the air toward a waterfall, the adrenaline rush was high, and the view was breathtaking. It’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone looking for adventure in Mauritius. We also saw deer and had lunch at the park’s restaurant famous for their European, Indian, and local cuisines.
No trip to Mauritius would be complete without exploring Chamarel, home to two most iconic landmarks: the Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth. The waterfall is a spectacle of nature, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius at about 100m high cascading down a cliff into lush greenery below. Nearby, the Seven Coloured Earth is a fascinating geological phenomenon where layers of red, brown, and purple soil create an ethereal effect. Although the 2-hour ride from our hotel to Chamarel was tiring, these spectacular views made up for it. We had lunch at Le Chamarel Restaurant, 260 meters above sea level where the panoramic view is as amazing as the food.
Underwater Expedition
If you are looking for a unique, thrilling yet safe adventure, the Blue Safari Submarine is for you. I have always loved the underwater world and this was a rare opportunity to actually go 35 meters deep for 40 minutes, watch corals with colorful fish, discover a 17th-Century anchor and the Star Hope shipwreck – all without getting wet. This was undoubtedly one of the most memorable parts of my trip.
For five days, we stayed at Le Méridien Ile Maurice, a true paradise of comfort and luxury. The buffet was a dream, offering a wide variety of cuisines, with a standout Indian section that is hard to resist. On our last day, we moved to Canonnier Beachcomber, where the rustic charm of the place stole my heart. The highlight here? Watching one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Every corner of Mauritius offers something unique, from its stunning beaches to its towering mountains to its warm, welcoming people. This slice of paradise is worth every minute and every place is a postcard moment.
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