Top Rated Attractions in Mauritius

Characterized by the verdant monolith that towers up to 556 meters (1,824 feet), the Morne Brabant peninsula is a treasure trove of nature and history. Located at the far southwestern end of the Indian Ocean and enveloped by a lagoon, the peninsula brims with an abundance of flora and fauna. Home to two rare species of plants, Mandrinette and Boucle d’Oreille, this peninsula is drenched in rich culture and history as well. While no official records of this incident have been found, the peninsula is associated with a heartbreaking legend from 1835. Out of fear of getting arrested and going back to the life of slavery, the refuge slaves of the island jumped from the massive monolith. They mistook the intentions of the policemen who arrived to free them from the bonds of enslavement. Mauritian Creoles celebrate this day as a reminder of the abolition of slavery and a tribute to the slaves who lost their lives. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the glistening waters of this magnificent peninsula shine brightly, triumphing over the gloomy past of the island.

Mauritius connotes crystal clear beaches and unlimited fun while enjoying a host of activities and water sports. Pereybere Beach is one such popular destination abuzz with tourists and locals. Restaurants, nightclubs, shopping arcades and much more await you at Pereybere. Opt for snorkeling and explore the underwater world and exotic marine life; owing to the deep waters, it's an ideal spot to go diving. After a tiring marine excursion, you can simply sit at the promenade lined up with Casuarina and Palm trees or walk-in at the nearby dining outlets and relish local cuisine. Truly, Pereybere Beach is a great vacation destination!

Spread over a massive area of about 6,754 hectares (16,690 acres), the Black River Gorges National Park is a green haven and a testament to the island's biodiversity that constitutes nearly two percent of Mauritius' expanse. The national park is a rippling sweep of verdant foliage, like a spectacular ocean of green, its massive waves frozen in place, pierced sparingly by rocky outcrops. This park is home to several species of flora and fauna, including trees like the Trochetia Boutoniana, Cassine Orientalis, and Diospyros Tessellaria, as well as birds such as the Pink Pigeon, the Mauritius Cuckoo-shrike, and the Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher. The old-growth ebony forests are the haunt of giant fruit bats, macaque monkeys and wild boar, alongside nine endemic species of birds and hundreds of flowering plants. As it contains such a wealth of wildlife, it is protected by the Mauritian government and has also been recognized by UNESCO as a tentative entry to the World Heritage List. Visitors can enter this park at different locations, and one of them is located near the Grand Riviere Noire.

Backdropped by the infinite waters of the Indian Ocean, the Notre Dame Auxillatrice is one of the most charming sites of Mauritius. Located in the village of Cap Malheureux, the whitewashed Roman Catholic church, topped with a striking red roof, is an embodiment of the tranquility that Mauritius offers. Intricate stone-carved altar housed in the interiors is a sight to cherish for many tourists. The church, built as a tribute to victims of an unfortunate shipwreck, is a popular photo-op destination for couples.

Dotted with strips of white sandy beaches and tranquil neighborhoods, this coastal town is one of the most charming surprises of Mauritius. Earning its name from the Dutch phrase ‘Fried Landt Flaak’, meaning free flat land, the words are fitting for the picturesque landscape of the town. Blessed with immaculate beauty, the white sand Tamarin Beach is deemed to be one of the most spectacular beaches of Mauritius. The jewel-toned blue waters near the town are abundant with coral reefs. The Casela Bird Park of the town shelters the rare endangered Pink Pigeon. Several upscale hotels and resorts have mushroomed to boost the commercial and tourist value of the place. A beautiful balance of nature as well as quaint town life, Flic en Flac is as interesting as its name.

Mauritius is naturally blessed with gorgeous and unique flora and fauna, and with so much precious natural life comes the responsibility of protecting and preserving it. Spread over a massive area, the Casela Nature & Leisure Park is one such entity that preserves this bio-diversity in its own way. This park boasts sheltering about 1,500 birds, tigers, lions, monkeys and a lot more. Marketing itself more as a recreational attraction than a nature reserve, this park is nonetheless an essential trip for kids and adults alike so that they learn more about nature.