Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao It is a tourist-favourite, a place that oozes out a deep sense of spirituality, surrounded by forestation that gives a feeling of calmness and contentedness. Grand Bassin is about 1,800ft above sea level and is considered as one of the most sacred and spiritual places for Hindus in Mauritius. With the main revered deity being Shiva, you will find at its entrance Mangal Mahadev, the 33-ft tall, giant Shiva Statue, standing with his trident, a worthy copy of the one of Sursagar Lake in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. During the pious month of Maha Shivratree, pilgrims from all over the island walk from their homes to the lake, carrying “kanwars” (colourful and sometimes awesomely creative masterpieces, built usually to resemble a temple), to gather sacred water from the lake.

Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park, covering an area of 67.54 km², is in the south-western part of Mauritius. Proclaimed as a National Park on June 15, 1994, it is managed by the National Parks and Conservation Service. Black River Gorges National Park is a mostly endemic park abounding of endemic fauna and flora, many of which are treated as endangered species and are actively protected as part of a national conservation effort of the NPC (National Park and Conservation Service) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. To name a few: the Mauritius Kestrel, Mauritius Parakeet, Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Bulbul. About 300 or so of the 700 species of plants found in Mauritius can be seen growing in the fertile lands of the National Park. These would be the wonderful Trochetia, the Ox Tongue, the Chinese Guava and gorgeous Orchids and Anthuria. As part of the conservation exercise, Macaques, Tenreks, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Wild Boar, various butterflies and flying foxes were introduced to the park. Visitors facilities: There are 2 information centres, picnic areas and 60 kilometres of trails for those who love a bit of adventure and want to enjoy the serene surroundings. There are four field stations in the park which are used for research.