Discover the Best of Mauritius: Beyond the Beaches

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

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

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.