Mauritius - Top Tourist Attractions
Attractions that Prove Mauritius Is Heaven on Earth
Mauritius is synonymous with luxury resorts that boast sapphire waters and powder white sands. This island nation on the Indian Ocean has captured the hearts of many including Mark Twain who once wrote, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius.”
But there is actually more to the beautiful island nation on the Indian Ocean than just its pristine beaches. Let Mauritius surprise you with these five top attractions that prove it is indeed heaven on earth:
Ile aux Aigrettes
Before you indulge in Mauritius’ beaches, make sure to visit its prime ecotourism destination first. One of the top attractions in the island is a 26-hectare nature reserve located 800 meters off its coast. A guided tour of Ile aux Aigrettes will let you experience Mauritius’ rich coastal forests where endemic and endangered wildlife species thrive. You’ll see everything from beautiful wild orchids to Aldabra giant tortoises as you explore this beautiful sanctuary.
Black River Gorges National Park
If getting up close and personal with the wildlife at Ile aux Aigrettes isn’t enough, head to the Black River Gorges National Park, a 6,547-hectare sanctuary that is home to more than 300 species of flowering plants. You can hike one of the park’s many trails to enjoy stunning views of these forests and if you’re lucky enough, you might see the famous pink pigeon, an endangered bird that you will only find in Mauritius.
Grand Bassin
Regarded as the most sacred Hindu place on the island, the Grand Bassin is a lake at 1,800 feet above sea level that is dedicated to Hinduism and has a template of Lord Shiva. The locals believe that the lake is filled by the holy waters of the River Ganges in India, which is why it is a popular pilgrimage site for many.
Ile aux Cerfs
Located off the east coast of the island is Ile aux Cerfs, an island run by Le Touessrok Mauritius. Arriving in this beautiful island, you will be welcomed by endless sights of palm trees, sandy beaches and sapphire waters that make it perfect for a relaxing day. You can get a tan, enjoy a barbeque or try parasailing to get a bird’s eye view of the island. Guests of the hotel can also enjoy exclusive use of its golf course.
Champ de Mars
Of course, your trip to Mauritius would not be complete without spending a fine Saturday rubbing elbows with the island’s local socialites at the Champ de Mars racecourse in Port Louis. Known as the oldest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, Champ de Mars offers some spectacular horse racing. But if you’re not a fan of the sport, you can always enjoy the canapés and drinks offered at that event while you get to know Mauritius’ elite residents.
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Mauritius. From its top attractions to its interesting culture, making the trip to the island will surely be one that you’ll never forget for the rest of your life.