7 Underrated Attractions in Mauritius

Mauritius is an idyllic island country that boasts of white sands, lavish hotels and serene turquoise waters. To most people, sunbathing and water sports are the order of the day when you visit here. However, there is a deeper, more varied Mauritius just waiting to be explored outside of the more popular tourist attractions and the beaten trails. The real soul of the island lies in its secret waterfalls, stormy shores and a long history with another story to tell. To those who seek the real thing and some adventure, going off the beaten track is the trick to uncovering the magic of the island. Go Kite travel has an array of Explore Mauritius Packages in Dubai which is aimed at showing you the best kept secrets of the island.

The Underrated Attractions in Mauritius are as follows:

Rochester Falls

A trip to Rochester Falls in the lush, green south of the island will be a raw and rugged experience that is the opposite of the serene lagoons. It is not completely unheard of, but tends to be passed over in favor of more well-known locations. These falls are special in that the water falls down unique, rectangular formations of lava rocks, which make the sight of the falls quite spectacular. This natural beauty is just a short walk through sugar cane fields and the clear pool below is a refreshing dip. The roar of water and the wild beauty of the nature offer a relaxing and refreshing retreat.

Eureka House (Maison Eureka)

Time travel to Maison Eureka a well maintained Creole colonial house in the Moka region. Constructed in 1830, this elegant mansion provides a very interesting look into the life of the French and British elites in the 19th century. Once you are inside its twenty rooms with antique furniture, you will be taken back to the past. The true beauty is in its spacious grounds, however, with an enchanted garden, four tiny waterfalls, and a river. It is a calm and informative excursion, which is ideal to history lovers and any individual who is in need of some quiet time off the coast.

Gris Gris Beach

Gone are the days of smooth waters and light winds, Gris Gris Beach is where the ocean is in its natural state of power. This is a dramatic stretch of coastline, at the most southerly point of the island, and is characterized by rugged cliffs and a total absence of a protective coral reef to take the full brunt of the Indian Ocean as it crashes into the coastline. The perspective provides a spectacular view of mighty waves and the feeling of free wildness. A brief walk will bring you to a place called La Roche Qui Pleure (The Crying Rock), the face of a cliff that seems to be crying when waves crash against it.

Le Souffleur

A little further on along the rocky southern coast is Le Souffleur, a natural blowhole of spectacular beauty. Here the great Indian Ocean has hollowed out a cave in the rocks, and as each great wave rushes on the shore a fountain of water darts up in the air. It is quite impressive and humbling to see and hear: a stark reminder of how powerful nature can be. This is well off the beaten track and the trek to reach it is an adventure in itself, in many cases involving a hike through a remote, wilderness scenario.

Tamarin Salt Pans

To get an authentically distinct experience of culture, go to the Tamarin Salt Pans on the west coast. This is a historical site that has been extracting salt since the French colonial times and this has not changed much. The geometrical shapes of the salt flats, in contrast to the background of the Black River Gorges mountain, give a surrealistic and beautiful landscape, particularly at sunset. It is possible to know about the traditional salt production techniques and even buy some of the salt extracted locally. It is a place of attraction that comprises of history, industry and beautiful natural beauty.

La Vall ee des Couleurs Nature Park

Although the better-known Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel are the more popular attraction, La Valllee des Couleurs Nature Park displays an equally colourful, albeit smaller, geological phenomenon, the so-called 23 Coloured Earth, and a variety of other activities. This south-side nature park has a variety of unique volcanic geology, endemic plants and animals. And it is not just about admiring the natural palette, you can get your adrenaline rush with adventure activities such as zip-lining, quad biking or crossing a Nepalese bridge against a background of breathtaking scenery and four majestic waterfalls.

Domaine de lEtoile

Domaine de lEtoile is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the heart of the island that provides an ideal combination of adventure and tranquil scenery. It has more than 2,000 hectares of dense vegetation, rivers and native forests so it is a dream come true to an outdoor lover. You may ride a horse around the reserve, quad bike through the beautiful trails or a leisurely hike to explore the biodiversity. It is a spot where one can interact with nature actively, outside the crowds of the coast and get the other side of the natural wonders of Mauritius.

Conclusion

Mauritius is much more than a place to go on an ordinary beach vacation. Getting to know the less popular sites will open you a world of scenic beauty, history, and real life that will make your visit memorable indeed. Whether it is serene colonial architecture and grand waterfalls or the raw beauty of its southern coast, the island has a myriad of secrets to be discovered by those who are willing to look.