10 Best Places to Visit in Mauritius for a Perfect Island Holiday

Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. It has white-sand beaches, sacred Hindu sites, volcanic craters, dense forest reserves, and a lively capital city, all packed into a single island. A direct flight from Mumbai takes about 6.5 hours, and from Delhi, around 7 hours and 45 minutes, making it one of the most reachable island destinations for Indian travellers. In 2025, India recorded the highest year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals to Mauritius at 33.5%. Here are the 10 best places to visit in Mauritius.

In this guide, you'll read more about the top Mauritius tourist places, the best time to visit Mauritius by season, travel tips for getting here from India, and answers to common questions before booking a Mauritius holiday.

Why Mauritius Should Be on Every Indian Traveller's List?

Mauritius sits roughly 6.5 to 8 hours from India by air, depending on your departure city. Indian passport holders get a free visa on arrival, valid for up to 60 days, with no prior application needed. Mauritius holiday packages for two are generally more affordable than those in the Maldives, with a wider range of budget and mid-range options.

With so many Mauritius places to visit across beaches, heritage sites, and forests, knowing when to go makes a real difference. The best time to visit Mauritius is generally from May to December, when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for sightseeing. June to September offer the most comfortable temperatures, while October and November bring warm weather with fewer crowds.

10 Best Places to Visit in Mauritius

Mauritius tourist places range from reef-protected beaches and volcanic landscapes to UNESCO World Heritage sites and Hindu pilgrimage sites. Here are the 10 best, with what to do and what to know at each one.

1. Île aux Cerfs

This 87-hectare island off the east coast is just a short boat ride from Pointe Maurice. It’s famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and water sports. It is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer, making it one of the most complete Mauritius tourist places on the island.

Best for: Snorkelling, water sports, beach dining, golf

Tribe Travel Tip: The island is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Boat transfers run every 30 minutes from Pointe Maurice between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

2. Black River Gorges National Park

The park covers 6,574 hectares in southwest Mauritius and was proclaimed a protected reserve in 1994. It has over 300 species of flowering plants and nine endemic bird species, including the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel. With over 60 km of trails, it suits both casual walkers and serious hikers.

Best for: Hiking, birdwatching, nature photography

Tribe Travel Tip: Start at the Le Petrin entrance for easier trails, or the Black River entrance for gorge views. Go early to spot endemic birds.

3. Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and is known as a symbol of resistance against slavery. This basalt mountain rises 556 metres above sea level. It’s one of the most important historical places to visit in Mauritius, offering a powerful story from colonial times, stunning ocean views, and a beach at its base.

Best for: Heritage walks, guided hikes, kitesurfing at the beach

Tribe Travel Tip: Hiring a local guide is strongly recommended for the summit hike, especially for the steeper upper section. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the full climb.

4. Grand Baie

Grand Baie is a beachfront town on the north coast with calm emerald waters, water sports, restaurants, and a lively nightlife. It’s the most popular area for first-time visitors and a great base for exploring the northern coast and nearby islands like Coin de Mire and Gabriel Island.

Best for: Nightlife, shopping, snorkelling day trips

Tribe Travel Tip: The town gets crowded on weekends. Weekday mornings are the best time to visit the beach without the crowds.

5. Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth

The Seven Coloured Earth is a unique spot where volcanic soil displays seven distinct colours: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. Close by, you’ll find Chamarel Waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius at about 100 metres high. Both are easy to visit on the same holiday.

Best for: Photography, family outings, geology

Tribe Travel Tip: Layers never fully mix, even after heavy rain. The different densities of the minerals keep them naturally separated.

6. Trou aux Biches

This northwest coast beach is calm, shallow, and shaded by casuarina trees. It’s also one of the top diving spots in Mauritius, with wreck dives and coral gardens close to shore. It’s a great choice if you want a quieter holiday away from the busier resort towns.

Best for: Diving, snorkelling, lazy beach days

Tribe Travel Tip: The south side of the beach near the Popo supermarket is the best spot for snorkelling, with shallow, calm water and less boat traffic.

7. Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital city and one of the most underrated Mauritius tourist places. Fort Adelaide gives the best panoramic view of the city and its markets. The waterfront market is lively and affordable, and it's the best place on the island for street food.

Best for: Food tours, cultural sightseeing, market shopping

Tribe Travel Tip: The market stalls around Port Louis are the best place to try local street food. Look out for farata or farrata (flatbread filled with vegetables or lentils), dholl puri (a yellow split pea wrap considered the national street food), and freshly pressed sugar cane juice. 

8. Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park covers 353 hectares on the Southeast Coast and is one of Mauritius' most important marine conservation areas. It is home to 38 coral species and approximately 72 fish species, according to its Ramsar Convention designation. It was declared a protected area in 1997, granted Marine Park status in 2000, and designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in January 2008. The water is clear enough to see corals from the surface.

Best for: Snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours

Tribe Travel Tip: Glass-bottom boat tours are available directly from Blue Bay beach and are suitable for non-swimmers and children.

9. Rodrigues Island

Rodrigues lies around 600 km east of the main island of Mauritius, covers 108 square kilometres, and is surrounded by a coral reef. Its lagoon is nearly twice as big as the island itself. Rodrigues is quieter and much less developed than the main island, so it’s a great pick if you want a more authentic Mauritius experience.

Best for: Diving, slow travel, island hopping

Tribe Travel Tip: Air Mauritius operates direct flights from Mauritius to Rodrigues. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours.

10. Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin)

Ganga Talao is the most sacred Hindu lake in Mauritius, set in a volcanic crater in the Savanne district. Every year, it hosts a pilgrimage during Maha Shivaratri, the island’s biggest Hindu festival. A 33-metre statue of Lord Shiva stands at the lake's entrance and is the tallest statue in Mauritius. For Indian travellers making the journey from India to Mauritius, this is the most culturally meaningful place to visit on the island.

Best for: Cultural tourism, spiritual visits, photography

Tribe Travel Tip: Entry is free. Visit early morning for a quieter experience outside of festival season.

Quick Travel Tips for Your Mauritius Holiday from India

Travelling from India to Mauritius is simple thanks to direct and one-stop flight options from major cities, including Mumbai and Delhi. Flight time ranges from approximately 6.5 to 8 hours, depending on the route.

• Visa: You do not need a pre-arranged visa. Indian passport holders get a free visa on arrival, valid for up to 60 days. Just carry your return ticket and proof of accommodation when you land.
• Currency: The local currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). Rates change, but 1 MUR is about ₹2 INR. Be sure to check the latest rate before you travel.
• Payment: You can use cards at most hotels and restaurants, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for local markets, street food, and bus rides.
• Getting Around: Taxis are available at every hotel and are easy to negotiate with. If you prefer more freedom, car rentals start from around MUR 1,000 per day. The Metro Express light rail is a handy option between Port Louis and Curepipe.
• Island Size: Mauritius is small, and most places are less than a two-hour drive apart. You can see a lot in one day without feeling rushed.
• Best Time to Visit Mauritius: June to September is the best time to go. The weather is cool and dry, the skies are clear, and it’s perfect for both the beach and outdoor activities.

How Many Days Do You Need in Mauritius?

For most first-time visitors, 5 to 7 days is ideal. If you are planning a Mauritius holiday from India, a 6-day itinerary usually offers the best balance between sightseeing and relaxation.

Final Takeaway

Mauritius works for almost every kind of traveller. The variety here means you can combine beaches, mountains, culture, wildlife, and adventure in a single holiday. These places to visit in Mauritius offer far more than many island destinations, making it a strong choice for both first-time and repeat visitors. From the sacred crater lake at Ganga Talao to the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant, there is more on offer than most people expect.

The good news for Indian travelers is that getting to Mauritius is easy. With a free visa on arrival, direct flights from major Indian cities, and a small island size, you can see a lot without stretching your budget or your schedule.

If you’re ready to plan your Mauritius holiday, Holiday Tribe’s travel experts can create a custom itinerary just for you. Contact us today.