Start your morning with a comfortable pickup from your hotel, villa, or apartment and get ready for a full day discovering the spiritual, natural, and cultural treasures of Mauritius’ southern highlands. As you leave the coast, your driver-guide will share local stories and insights into island life while the scenery transforms from bustling villages to lush green forests and misty mountains.
Your first stop is Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, the most sacred Hindu site on the island. Walk peacefully around the volcanic lake surrounded by colorful temples and statues, including the impressive 33-meter-high figures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. Feel the deep sense of spirituality as locals come to pray and make offerings, and take time to admire the tranquil reflections on the water. This visit offers a unique glimpse into the island’s cultural diversity and spiritual harmony.
Continue your journey through the scenic Plaine Champagne region to reach the Alexandra Falls Viewpoint, one of Mauritius’ most beautiful waterfalls. The air here is cooler, filled with the scent of wet earth and forest. Listen to the sound of cascading water as you gaze out over the Black River Gorges, a breathtaking panorama of deep valleys, dense tropical forest, and endless green horizons. It’s the perfect place for photos and a refreshing pause in nature.
Next, explore the heart of Black River Gorges National Park, the largest protected area in Mauritius and home to many endemic plants and birds. A short walk or viewpoint stop will let you appreciate the wild beauty of this region and its importance to conservation.
After this immersion in nature, it’s time to relax and taste one of Mauritius’ most famous local products — tea. Arrive at the historic Domaine de Bois Chéri, the island’s first tea plantation, established in 1892. Visit the small museum to learn about the history of tea production, see the processing machines, and discover how the delicate flavors are created. Then, enjoy a guided tea tasting session where you can sample different blends such as vanilla, coconut, or traditional black tea.
An optional Creole-style lunch stop can be arranged at a local restaurant, where guests may enjoy authentic Mauritian flavors prepared with fresh ingredients at their own expense. After the break, continue your journey through the lush southern countryside before heading toward the coast.
In the early afternoon, your adventure continues toward the southern coastline. Feel the air change as you arrive at Gris Gris Cliffs, where powerful waves crash dramatically against the volcanic rocks. Take a short walk along the viewpoint and admire the breathtaking scenery of Mauritius’ untamed south coast, a striking contrast to the calm lagoons found elsewhere on the island.
As the day winds down, relax on the drive back to your hotel through charming villages and countryside landscapes.