Places of interest

Jardin Botanique de Pamplemousses The gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world for their countless species of indigenous and exotic plants.   The Bird Garden of Casela Found between Bambous and Tamarin in the Riviere Noire district, the Casela Bird Park hosts some 140 varieties of birds from around the world. The main attraction remains the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world, still fighting to avoid the fate of the dodo.   Vanilla Crocodile & Tortoise Park Discover tropical flora to find a variety of endemic and exotic plants. In these lush green surroundings where banana and palm trees as well as giant bambous grow, more than a thousand Nile crocodiles are bred. You will visit these animals in their breeding ponds, in perfect safety   Aquarium Situated between Pointe-aux-Piments and Trou-aux-Biches, it hosts some 200 species of indigenous fish, invertebrates, corals and sponges, providing the visitor with a unique opportunity of admiring the fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean.     Waterpark Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes, with family or friends. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.     Adventure Park Regardless of athletic ability, the young and not so young can roam from trees to trees, and path to path, attached to a lifeline (safety equipment). In order to fully enjoy the site’s fabulous views, kiosks have been placed overlooking the Chamarel valley.     Domaine Les Pailles Ten minutes south of Port-Louis lies the nature park of Domaine Les Pailles, stretching over 3,000 acres at the foot of the Moka mountain range. You can choose between touring the park in a Land-Rover, riding in a horse-drawn carriage or in a train.     Domaine du Chasseur Situated in the south-east of the island, near Mahebourg, in the heart of abundant greenery, Le Domaine du Chasseur covers about 1,950 acres. It is also an exciting natural hunting ground with its herds of some 1,000 deer and hundreds of wild boar. Lovers of leafy walks can chose between 5 and 15 kms long, allowing them to admire rare kinds of trees and protected species, such as the famous windhover kestrel. A panoramic restaurant with a very good typically Mauritian menu.     Domaine de l´Ylang Ylang Ylang Ylang plantation in Vieux Grand Port. A visit of the plantation is a must for every nature-lover. Lovely situated restaurant.     Le Val Nature Park Situated in the south-east of the island at Cluny, Le Val offers a view of the natural aquatic life of shrimps, eels and freshwater fish. The park also hosts anthurium green-houses, watercress ponds, deer parks, as well as monkeys and various bird species.     Ile aux Cerfs Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.     Ile aux Aigrettes Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world's rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.     Central Market Port Louis Central Market is still at the heart of local life and traditions. All the ingredients are gathered to capture the essence of Mauritius.   Champs de Mars Champs de Mars is a very popular racetrack, the oldest of the southern hemisphere. It has been often associated with national and political events since the official flag-raising ceremony in 1968 to mark the independence of the country. Today, it attracts a large crowd during horseracing season.   Caudan Waterfront If you go through Port Louis, the Caudan Waterfront is the unavoidable place for one of the best shopping opportunities and a wide range of restaurants.   Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre is a joint venture between Mauritius and India for the popularisation of science and technology to the young.     Salt Pans Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.     Yemen Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see. You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.     Eureka One of the most beautiful colonial villas of the island, today a museum. Restaurant with country typical cuisine.     Bois Chéri The tea production and enjoy the mauritian cuisine in a colonial house build 1819.     Black River Gorges National Park The original jungle and bird life which exists only in Mauritius (the Pink Pigeon, the Echo Parakeet and the Mauritius Kestrel; all very rare species).     Coloured Earth of Chamarel Among the oddest sites of the island are the seven-coloured dunes at Chamarel, believed to result from the weathering of volcanic rocks. These undulating and vividly contrasted layers of earth are a short drive away from the beautiful Chamarel waterfalls.     Tamarin Falls These falls are awkward to reach, but it's worth the effort for a beautiful, deep, cool bathe at the bottom of the series of seven falls. You can see them from the Vacoas side, if you follow the sign from Henrietta.     Rochester Falls Near Souillac with charming vantage points.     Trou aux Cerfs Possibly the main attraction of Curepipe for tourists, is the extinct volcano since a long time. From there you have an excellent view over the whole island.