Top 5 tourist attractions in Mauritius – Must see attractions

Also known as the Pamplemousse Garden and the SSR Botanical Garden, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius. Located near Port Louis, the oldest botanical garden in the country is nothing short of spectacular and was built by Pierre Poivre in 1767. The gardens were initially used as a private garden by the French governor of Mauritius about 300 years ago. The lush gardens cover an area of around 37 hectares and is home to over 650 types of plants and flowers. Those visiting the botanical gardens will find that the main attraction are the 85 varities of palm trees located here that were brought from different parts of the world. Tour guides for this massive expanse of beauty are available at the entrance, who will be able to guide you through the various plants and its origins. Keep a keen eye out for the Giant Water Lilies – which have proven to be quite popular amongst its visitors.

Black River Gorges National park covers a breathtaking area of 6,574 hectares in the south west of Mauritius. The highest point on the island known as Black River Peak can be reached for eager visitors. The park also holds various facilities for its visitors which includes picnic areas, and 60 kilmoetres of breathtaking trails. The National Park protects the island's rainforest and is therefore home to many wild animals and birds, which include the Mauritian kestrel, the Mauritian flying fox, parakeet, pink pigeon, wild pigs and many more, most of which are endemic to the island. A hike through the national park is strongly advised as one will come across waterfalls, gorges and other splendid sceneries.

The islands of Mauritus are cluttered with tiny pristine islands, most of which are privately owned, however Île aux Cerfs Island, which translates to Deer Island is open to visitors. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches, stunning lagoon and an endless selection of water sports. Visitors to the island can spend the day relaxing on the white beaches or engaging in some thrilling water activities such as snorkelling or jet skiing. The island covers around 100 hectares of land is a top tourist attraction in the country. In Mauritius, luxury resorts are abundant and those looking for a beach side property would find that properties similar to InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort will be much to their liking.

Chamarel Park – the 'seven coloured earth' is a geological wonder and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Mauritius. The park is most popular because it is the only place in the world where visitors will be able to see seven colours of clay earth in one place, taking the form of dunes. The colours of these dunes vary from red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. A visit to the park will give those a great view of the Waterfall of Chamarel.

Ile aux Aigrettes is a coral island that covers an area of 25 hectares in Mauritius. The island is presereved by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and has been declared as a nature conservation site. This is because it is home to some of the rarest birds in the world, such as the kestrel, Pink Pigeon and the Aldabra giant tortoise.