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Are you planning a holiday to Mauritius and wondering where to begin? This tropical island in the Indian Ocean is a dream destination for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers alike.
It is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for Indian travelers, thanks to its scenic beauty, warm weather, and romantic resort options. Mauritius continues to attract newlyweds looking for an exotic getaway without the stress of long-haul travel.
With a strong Indian cultural influence, warm hospitality, and pristine natural beauty, Mauritius offers a truly unforgettable vacation experience.
In this Mauritius travel guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the best time to visit Mauritius to the top things to do and ideal travel itinerary.
Why Visit Mauritius?
Mauritius is a compact island that’s easy to explore. Its scenic roads are well-maintained, with minimal traffic outside of Port Louis. It’s perfect for both laid-back beach holidays and active adventures.
To give you an idea of its size, Mauritius stretches approximately 65 kilometers from north to south and about 45 kilometers from east to west. This means you can traverse the entire island in a matter of hours. For Indian travelers, that distance is comparable to:
Mumbai: Churchgate to Virar or Colaba to Kalyan via Thane ≈ 64–66 km
Pune: Shivajinagar to Lonavala ≈ 65 km
Delhi: Rajpath (India Gate) to Manesar or Connaught Place to Greater Noida (Pari Chowk) ≈ 60–65 km
So whether you’re from Mumbai, Pune, or Delhi, think of Mauritius as the size of a familiar intercity commute. This compactness makes planning day trips easy and travel logistics seamless.
Indian Cultural Influence in Mauritius
A large part of the Mauritian population is of Indian origin, which is reflected in the island’s festivals, temples, customs, and language. From Diwali celebrations to Tamil temples and Hindi-speaking locals, Indian travelers often feel a strong cultural connection.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
One of the most frequently asked questions is: When is the best time to visit Mauritius? Here’s what you need to know:
Summer (December to March): Warm and sunny. Best time for beach activities, swimming, and water sports. Do note this is also cyclone season, so stay updated with forecasts.
Winter (May to October): Cooler, drier, and breezier. Ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor excursions.
Best Months to Visit: April to early December for clear skies and tropical warmth.
Tip: Plan in advance if traveling during school holidays or festive seasons like Diwali or Christmas, as resorts fill up quickly.
Ideal Mauritius Itinerary for Indian Travelers
Most Indian travelers spend around 6 nights in Mauritius. However, many international tourists spend 10 or more days, allowing time to unwind and explore the island at a leisurely pace. For Indian tourists, Day 1 is often spent recovering from travel fatigue, meaning less time to relax. If your schedule allows, it’s worth extending your stay to at least 8–9 nights to truly enjoy what Mauritius has to offer.
The classic itinerary includes three full-day excursions that explore different parts of the island:
1. North Mauritius Tour
- Explore the capital city, Port Louis
- Tour Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice Church in Cap Malheureux is famous for its vivid red roof, scenic location by the turquoise lagoon, and tranquil surroundings.
- Visit Caudan Waterfront for shopping and views of the harbor
- Discover Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO site)
- Relax at Grand Baie—great for nightlife, beaches, and water sports
2. South Mauritius Tour
- Visit Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred Hindu lake
- Explore Chamarel’s Seven-Coloured Earth and Chamarel Waterfalls
- Optionally visit the newer La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park, home to the “23 Coloured Earth” — a more vibrant and immersive natural landscape
- See the volcanic crater at Trou aux Cerfs
- Tour the Bois Chéri Tea Plantation and enjoy panoramic viewpoints
3. Île aux Cerfs & East Coast Tour
- Take a catamaran cruise or speedboat to Île aux Cerfs Island
- Enjoy snorkeling, parasailing, tube rides, and undersea walking
- Relax on the white sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons
- Optional: Try a glass-bottom boat ride or have lunch at a beach shack
Where to Stay in Mauritius
When planning where to stay in Mauritius, you have two main options:
Option 1: One-Resort Stay
Perfect for those who prefer a laid-back vacation without frequent packing and check-ins. Choose a beachfront resort in the North or West that offers easy access to major attractions.
Option 2: Split Stay (North + Southwest)
For those who want to explore efficiently, spend 3 nights in the North (e.g., Grand Baie or Trou aux Biches) and 3 nights in the Southwest (e.g., Le Morne or Flic en Flac). This reduces travel time and gives you a broader experience of the island.
Must-Do: Le Morne Brabant Hike
Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mauritius’ most iconic landmarks. This historic mountain was once a refuge for escaped slaves and now offers one of the best hikes on the island.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (takes 3–4 hours roundtrip)
Trail offers both forested paths and rock scrambles toward the summit
Views: Panoramic views of the ocean, coral reefs, and the famous “underwater waterfall” illusion
Most travelers skip hiking in Mauritius—a missed opportunity! The island’s trails are safe, scenic, and manageable for children, making them perfect for family adventure. After your hike, unwind at nearby Le Morne Beach or have lunch at a relaxed beachfront restaurant like Wapalapam.
Outdoor Activities in Mauritius
Mauritius offers something for everyone. Beyond the standard excursions, here are some must-try activities:
Casela Nature Park – A family-friendly park with safari drives, zip-lining, and interaction with animals
Rum Tasting Tours – Visit local distilleries and sample award-winning Mauritian rum
Skydiving – For adrenaline seekers, skydiving over the coastline offers unforgettable aerial views
What to Eat in Mauritius
Mauritian cuisine is a melting pot of cultures with strong Indian, Creole, French, and Chinese influences. Top local dishes to try include:
Dholl Puri – Soft lentil-stuffed flatbread served with curry and chutney
Rougaille – Tomato-based Creole dish served with meat, fish, or vegetables
Octopus Curry & Vindaye – Spicy seafood delicacies with mustard, turmeric, and vinegar
Gajak – Street food fritters, samosas, and chili bites
Gateaux Piments – Fried dal snacks similar to Indian pakoras
Dive into the rich flavors of Mauritian cuisine — from street food favorites like Dholl Puri and Gajak to Creole classics like Rougaille and Octopus Curry.Vegetarians will find ample options at hotels and local restaurants. Don’t miss fresh tropical fruits and sugarcane juice from roadside stalls.
Travel Tips for Mauritius
- Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
- Language: English and French are widely spoken
- Best way to get around: Pre-booked transfers or rental cars (driving is on the left)
- SIM Cards: Affordable tourist SIMs available at the airport
- Vegetarian options: Easily available at most hotels and restaurants
- Dress modestly when visiting temples or local villages
Conclusion
Planning a holiday to Mauritius is easier than you think. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or solo, the island offers a perfect balance of beach bliss, cultural richness, and adventure. With this Mauritius travel guide, you’re all set to make the most of your island escape.
Start planning your Mauritius dream holiday today! Have Questions? Let’s Chat!
Read our Andaman Islands Blog and Havelock Island Blog for other Beach Destinations.
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