Mauritius is a very beautiful island without any doubt. There is so much more to see apart from what the tourist guides show us. And if you want to explore Mauritius on your own then these are some hidden gems of Mauritius that you would love to explore. But make sure to keep a day aside for sunbath on beaches.
Mauritius is very dear to me because, besides the welcoming locals, a laid-back island vibe, and the stunning views, our trip to Mauritius came with a few firsts. It marked the first time Sayan and I did paragliding and underwater submarine ride. Both were two different experiences and equally alluring, to say the least.
1. La Vanille Nature Park
La Vanille Nature Park is an ideal place to spend some leisure time with your kids. It is an idyllic and stunning park of lush tropical vegetation covering 3.5 hectares. You will certainly enjoy the unforgettable experience of walking among the largest group of captive-bred giant Aldabra tortoises in the world.
They have more than 1000 tortoises in the park and 2000 Nile Crocodiles as well as a variety of other animals such as monkeys, iguanas, bats, deer, geckos, eels, wild boar and more. Try this tour to get the most out of your leisure day!
2. Visit Eureka House (Maison house)
Eureka House is a unique Creole house built in 1830 located by the river of Moka. It is an elegant Créole residence originally owned by British and French aristocrats in the 19th century.
The Eureka house was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1986. The visit of the Eureka Mansion and its grounds provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life. The house is filled with antiques and photos of the period. It also has a magnificent garden surrounded by waterfalls of the Moka River.
3. Pont Naturel
Pont Naturel (Natural Bridge) is a volcanic rock formation (2 meters or 6.5 feet long) that looks like a man-made bridge yet it is formed by natural processes. It’s a part of the cliff at Gris-Gris. On the surface, there are many little holes through which seawater goes making whistling sounds.
That’s why this place is also called “le soufler” which means “a blower”. Nearby, there’s a nice wooded area where you can find shelter from the heat. It’s a perfect place for picnics, very popular among locals.
4. Rochester Falls
An absolutely spectacular spot surrounded by immense natural beauty in Mauritius is the Rochester Falls. The spot lies in the south of Mauritius on the Savanne River and is a widely popular attraction among tourists.
Cascading down a height of about 10 meters, the Rochester Falls make for a beautiful sight with thick foams of water settling at the bottom and looking like furry white cotton balls.
5. Blue Penny Museum
If you are someone who takes an interest in the history and culture of a place, then Blue Penny Museum should be on your list of must-visit places in Mauritius. It is the most well-known museum in the country and is located in the famous Le Caudan Waterfront Mall in Port Louis. The museum takes its name from its most cherished artifact that is probably the most precious treasure on the entire island.
These are two of the world’s rarest stamps: the red one-penny and blue two-pence ‘Post Office’ stamps issued in 1847. These stamps are lit up only for 10 minutes every hour at 25 minutes past the hour, in order to preserve their color. Though the most valuable pieces on display, they are not the only fantastic items in the Blue Penny Museum.
6. Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River Gorges national park is a wild expanse of rolling hills and thick forest covering about 2% of the island’s surface. It is spread over an area of 6754 hectares and has as many as 60 km of beautiful trails which make for a great hiking experience. The national park is home to 311 species of rare plants out of the total 700 types that are found in Mauritius.
Some of these that are definitely worth a sight are The Trochetia, the Chinese Guava, the Dodotree, the Tree of Travelers, Verbena, Ox Tongue and vibrant plants like Orchids and Anthurium. Moreover, it is inhabited by many endangered species of animals like Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon, Macaques, Tenreks, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Wild Boar, various butterflies, and flying foxes.
7. Le Morne viewpoint
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne viewpoint is a place that you should not miss a visit to. It is located in southwestern Mauritius and has a great historical significance due to the fact that it was used as a shelter by runaway slaves and maroons through the 18th and 19th centuries.
The main highlight of this place is the iconic Le Morne Brabant, which is a looming basaltic rock peak dotted with caves. It is visited by several thousands of tourists every year for its amazing beaches and adventure activities.
8. Chateau De Labourdonnais
The Château de Labourdonnais is a stunning colonial house that has been restored to show the lifestyle of the families who lived there in the nineteenth century. Beautifully restored, this grand mansion, built-in 1859, promises a tour full of surprises through the island’s history.
You can walk along with the gardens and orchards and visit an architectural treasure. You can then enjoy a tasting of their delicious onsite products such as Rum, fruit juice, and jam.
9. Pieter Both Mountain
Pieter Both is the most iconic mountain in Mauritius and the second highest after Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire. It is named after Pieter Both who was the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies before dying in a shipwreck on his way home.
Reaching the summit is no longer possible without climbing gear. Climbing the mountain and getting back down is the challenge and should be attempted by experienced hikers only.
10. Champ de Mars racecourse
Horse racing is very popular in Mauritius and takes over the week-ends of many ‘racegoers’. This racecourse was a military training ground until the Mauritius Turf Club was founded in 1812, making it the second-oldest racecourse in the world. Mauritian independence was proclaimed here in 1968.
If you’re here on a race day, it’s well worth joining the throng of betting-crazy locals. Tickets for the stands range from Rs 50 to Rs 100, but admission to the rest of the ground is usually free. You could enjoy a day at the horse races in Mauritius with a premium spot in the VIP suite here.
I have very fond memories of Mauritius, being my first international destination. They say your first international trip leaves a great mark on you. I would totally agree with this as after coming back, I felt this confidence in my bones that I cannot explain in plain words.
If you liked this post then read about my entire journey in Mauritius here. If you have been to any of these hidden gems, comment below and tell me about your experiences!
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