According to the recent statement by Mauritius Tourism, the country will open its borders to Mauritian nationals, residents and tourists travelling to Mauritius for long stays, from October 1, 2020. However, it was also mentioned that passengers need to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test five days prior to travel. Upon arrival, a 14-day quarantine will be mandatory, at an establishment approved by the authorities. Since the country is very dependent on tourism, with 20 per cent of the country’s workforce employed in the sector, Mauritius has had to take these steps. If you are planning to visit the island nation, we’ve listed the best places to visit in Mauritius that’ll give you an opportunity to experience its sapphire waters, powder-white beaches and contrasting cultures.
# Black River Gorges National ParkStretching over 6,574 hectares, the Black River Gorges National Park is one of the main ‘green’ attractions and one of the best places to visit in Mauritius. The largest national park of the country includes incredible native forests and is home to 300 species of flowering plants, the famous and endangered pink pigeon (endemic to Mauritius), giant fruit bats, and more. Covering 3.5 per cent of Mauritius’ land area, and including a range of ecosystems, the national park is the ideal place to discover native forests and wildlife. It offers a number of long hiking trails where one can check out some wonderful panoramic views of the island’s gorges, mountain peaks, and waterfalls.
# ChamarelNamed after the Frenchman Charles Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel, this small village in Mauritius is located in the Rivière Noire District and is quite known for its hushed bucolic vibe and cool breezes. The village has distinct natural attractions which have made it one of the best places to visit in Mauritius.
Dropping down from a height of 272 feet (83 metres), the Chamarel waterfalls are formed by the river St Denis flowing through the island. It’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius. This striking piece of nature stands amid the dense vegetation of the Black River Gorges and is fed by the waters of three distinct streams pouring into the St. Denis river. Visit the upper deck built at the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Reserve from where you can watch the water crashing below, or you can head down the trail to enjoy some swimming at the bottom of the falls.
# Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical GardensAlso known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens was built in 1770 and stretches over 37 hectares of land. It is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius and is the largest botanical garden in Mauritius. It’s recognised as the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere and features 85 varieties of palm trees curated from several parts of the world, an extravagant variety of exotic and rare species of plants such as giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies, and endemic animals on the verge of being endangered.
# Le Morne BeachThis beautiful tropical beach is situated on a peninsula on the west coast of Mauritius at the foot of the majestic Morne Brabant mountain. The renowned Le Morne beach is famous for its miles of white sand, large casuarina trees surrounded by crystal clear water that offers great visibility ideal for scuba diving, and the Le Morne Brabant mountain that sits as the backdrop. This beautiful setting is famously known to be a hotbed for many beach and sports activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, and snorkelling.
# Port LouisPort Louis, the cosmopolitan city of Mauritius is located on the northwest coast and is the main port of the island nation in the western Indian Ocean. Founded in 1735 by the French governor and pioneer Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the city is one of the most popular places to visit in Mauritius. Port Louis is the administrative and business capital of the island and lies between a well-sheltered, deepwater harbour, accessible to ships through a break in the coral reef, and a semicircle of mountains. This beautiful town is a melting pot of glitz and glamour harmonising beautifully with traditions and customs from its 300-year-old past. Visit the historical centre of the city—La Place D’Armes, the Caudan Waterfront to check out the bustling, lively seafront, the Champ de Mars to witness lively horse races, and Blue Penny Museum that represents the mixed historical and cultural heritage of Mauritius.
# Île aux CerfsLocated off Mauritius’s east coast in the Flacq District, Île aux Cerfs is a privately owned island which is famous for its spectacular white sandy beaches, palm trees and turquoise waters. The island lies off Trou d’Eau Douce in the largest lagoon of Mauritius and is also known as Deer Island. The island is considered a water sports paradise by many and offers various water activities such as parasailing, diving, snorkelling, and underwater walking. It also houses the massive Bernard Langer 18-hole golf course.