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La Cuvette

La Cuvette (beach) (Rivière du Rempart) — La Cuvette Beach is located near the town of Grand Baie, in the northwest part of Mauritius. This is one of the many beaches situated in the Rivière du Rempart district. Until recently, La Cuvette beach in Grand Baie was a tiny little hidden gem of the north, mostly known only to the local residents and a few tourists in the immediate neighborhood, mainly from the Royal Palm Hotel next door. The beauty of La Cuvette is the open space, the many hideaway mini beaches, rocks and cliffs, and above all – the quiet tranquil surroundings. There are plenty of grass to play football on, plenty of benches to while away an afternoon at and plenty of manicured pathways around it all.

Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin – a.k.a. Ganga Talao (in Hindi), this is a major Indian religious site (located about an hour south of Port Louis). This 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 February 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 colorful 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.

Tourists are welcome to visit the temples and Grand Bassin itself. Nevertheless one should follow a certain code of behavior: Do not dress inappropriately (no short skirts, trousers and shirts). To take photos is allowed, but do not forget to behave respectful. Before entering the temple, please take off your shoes.

Grand Bay

Grand Bay (beach) – this seaside village and large tourist beach is located at the district of Rivière du Rempart at the north end of Mauritius. Grand Bay was once called De Bogt Zonder Eyndt (Bay Without End) by the Dutch in the 17th century, and when visiting the village it is easy to understand why. Today, the resort town of Grand Bay is the most popular holiday destination in Mauritius. Grand Bay owes its popularity to the enchanting quality of its emerald waters and to its liveliness by day and by night.

Grand Bay is also known for its night-life as it hosts most of the island best bars and night-clubs, including Banana Café, Zanzibar, Les Enfants Terribles and the famous Buddha Bar. For the night owls, the Grand Bay night clubs are the place to be, where parties pick up, generally at around midnight and parties last till the early morning hours.

Flic en Flac

Flic en Flac (beach) – located 45 minutes (24 km.) southwest of Port Louis, Flic en Flac was once a small fishing village. Over the years, this 8 km.-long beach has rapidly developed into a major tourist area. Nowadays, Flic en Flac is very popular destination which attracts both tourists and locals Mauritians. This is a great place to spend a holiday, where one will find excellent beaches, range of watersports and a quiet setting for complete relaxation. It offers pleasant and charming setting with beautiful white sand beaches and beautiful blue lagoons. Along its very long beach, there are many restaurants, hotels, shops and centers. A piece of trivia: “Flic en Flac” derived its name from an Old Dutch phrase “Fried Landt Flaak” that literally means “Free and Flat Land”.

Domaines Les Pailles

Domaines Les Pailles (Les Pailles, Port Louis) – located 10 minutes from Port Louis is this estate, which is spread over a huge area of 3,000 acres on the foothills of the Moka Range. The Domaine les Pailles have developed from a sugar estate into theme park and center of cultural and heritage. Today it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals coming for an enjoying day or half-day excursion at the domaine.

The estate which spreads over several hectares, houses four restaurants, a museum and an international conference centre. It is a place where man and nature have combined their forces to preserve the beauty of the landscapes. The facilities available for visitor of the Domaine les Pailles include rides in horse-drawn carriages, a miniature railway, a working replica of a traditional ox-driven sugar mill, a rum distillery producing the estate’s own brew, a spice garden, a quad-biking circuit and a children’s playground. See the Domaine’s website for further info: www.domainelespailles.net

Champ De Mars Racecourse

Champ De Mars Racecourse (Champ de Mars Road, Port Louis) – this thoroughbred horse race track was opened in 1812 by the Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) (which was founded that same year by the first British Governor of Mauritius, Sir Robert Farquhar). This is the oldest horse-racing club in the Southern Hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. Before its opening as a horse race track, it was a military training ground for French troops. Nowadays, horse races are still held here (during the racing season from late March to early December). See the following website for details on upcoming races and other events: www.mauritiusturfclub.com

Bois Chéri Tea Plantation & Museum

Bois Chéri Tea Plantation & Museum (Bois Cheri, Savanne) – located 45 minutes (40 km.) south of Port Louis, this is the island’s first tea plantation (dating back to 1892). A tour guide leads visitors through the factory and the tea plantation, revealing the history, stories and tales of the Bois Chéri and the importance of tea productions in Mauritius. Bois Chéri offers a great panoramic view of the south of the island. Visitors are advised to participate in a tour of this site during the morning, which can be arranged via phone or email: +230 617 9109 sales@saintaubin.mu. Admission: Rs. 350 (adult), Rs. 165 (child).

Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park (B103 – Plaine Champagne Road) – this is the largest national park in the island — located in the hilly south-western part of Mauritius. The park extends over an area of 6,754 hectares. With the help of the guides, you will discover Mauritius’ natural heritage in this unique area which is also the location of one of the rarest forests in the world. It harbors about 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and 9 species of birds, which are found only in Mauritius. Such wildlife includes the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, Mauritius parakeet, Mauritius cuckoo-shrike, Mauritius bulbul, Mauritius olive white-eye, Mauritius grey white-eye and the Mauritius fody. Tours are offered (for Rs. 50 per person).