Chamarel Waterfalls, Mauritius

Chamarel Waterfalls, Mauritius

Not too far from the 7 Colored Earth (a prime attraction in Mauritius) is another significant tourist spot—the magnificent Chamarel Falls—which is named after the nearby Chamarel Village. History tells that in 1786, infantry captain Antoine Régis Chazal de Chamarel had settled in this village with his brother Tristan. Though they later sold it, it retained its name.

The waterfalls has formed on the stream of Baie de Cap and is falling over an overhanging and wide cliff amphitheatre that is comprised of two basaltic lava layers. The stream plunks over the rim, falls freely to hit the cliff only near its base and then flows into a small and oval basin. The stream further flows through a forested and picturesque canyon for 6 kilometers until reaching Baie du Cap. During summer when the stream is weak, it would divide into two or three smaller trickles, which would join into one after heavy rain. Generally, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls from many different viewpoints.

Information about the height of waterfalls has been controversial, where it was thought to be more than 200 meters high back in the 19th century, but now, it is mentioned to be just 83 meters. But while it is not the tallest waterfall in the country, it is regarded to have the tallest and most impressive single plunge. (See All : Mauritius holiday packages)