Mauritius is a tropical paradise that offers everything you’d expect from a dream island destination. With its dazzling azure waters, vibrant marine life, and sandy coves lined with palm trees, it’s a place that promises unforgettable experiences.
Mark Twain once said, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; heaven being copied after Mauritius.”
You’ll understand this as you fly in, seeing the lush greenery and dramatic mountainscapes meeting the stunning blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
While Mauritius is famous for its beautiful beaches, but there is more to Mauritius than just the beaches. If you look around, there’s so much more to discover.
Here are six must-do activities that showcase the island’s diverse beauty and rich culture. Don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to relax on those gorgeous shores!
1. Visit Le Morne
Le Morne mountain, standing 550 meters tall, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a powerful history, and provides an opportunity to move beyond the beaches of Mauritius. This majestic mountain served as a refuge for runaway slaves, who tragically leaped to their deaths to avoid capture, unaware that slavery had been abolished.
Today, Le Morne is a symbol of freedom, and you can either admire it from afar or hike to the top for breathtaking views.
2. Tea factory tour and tea tasting at Bois Cheri Tea Plantation
Bois Cheri Tea Plantation is one of Mauritius’ oldest tea producers, with a history dating back to 1892.
Spanning 250 hectares, this plantation produces up to 700 tonnes of tea annually, with a quarter reserved for export.
Visitors can tour the factory, explore the museum, and enjoy a tea tasting session while overlooking the scenic plantation.
3. Grand Bassin – Ganga Talao
Ganga Talao, also known as Grand Bassin, is one of the most sacred sites in Mauritius.
This natural lake, located in an extinct volcano crater, is a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It’s especially significant during the Maha Shivaratri festival when thousands visit to honor Lord Shiva.
The site is also home to a 108-foot statue of Lord Shiva, the second-largest of its kind in the world.
4. Chamarel
Chamarel, a charming village in southwest Mauritius, is known for its stunning waterfall, unique seven-colored earth, and rum distillery.
The Chamarel Waterfall, standing at 83 meters, is surrounded by lush greenery and offers two spectacular viewpoints.
Nearby, the seven-coloured earth features natural sand dunes in shades of red, brown, violet, and blue, a phenomenon you won’t find anywhere else.
5. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens, originally a private garden for the French colonial governor, are now open to the public and feature hundreds of plant species.
Highlights include giant water lilies, palmier bouteille, and the rare talipot palm, which blooms only once every 40 years. The gardens also have an aromatic spice garden, and you might spot giant tortoises and stags roaming the grounds.
6. The Domaine de Labourdonnais
Visiting the Domaine de Labourdonnais in Mauritius is like stepping back in time to a period of colonial elegance and lush natural beauty. This beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, surrounded by expansive orchards and gardens, offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.
As you stroll through the grand halls of the estate, you can admire the exquisite architecture, antique furniture, and carefully curated exhibits that tell the story of the estate’s past. The grounds are equally enchanting, with tropical fruit trees, vibrant flowers, and a distillery that produces rum from the estate’s own sugarcane.
A visit to the Domaine de Labourdonnais is a journey through time, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and Mauritian charm.
These six activities offer a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Mauritius. Whether you’re exploring mountains, tasting tea, or wandering through gardens, you’ll see there’s much more to this island than its stunning beaches.
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