Postcard handsome, that’s the first thing popping up in mind when thinking of Mauritius island in the Indian Ocean, but the surprises are not present in the postcards, rather they lie in the journey & hidden gems there. It is a place with dreamy emerald hills and powder-soft beaches, where Indian spices give fragrance to relax, and each road brings a surprise. When I first walked along the coast near Grand Baie, I realized that every turn felt like stepping into a new postcard.

No matter what your aim in coming to Mauritius was, it’s a perfect spot for family time or just a solo trip to relax. If you look at its map, you will think that it’s small and might not have much to offer, but that’s the thing, it’s not a drop in the ocean, but literally the whole ocean packed within a single drop. Roadside stalls selling dholl puri or refreshing coconut water are a personal recommendation for making memories.

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

Although a hot tropical climate envelopes Mauritius the whole year, your mood and what you want out of your holiday decides what the best time is to visit. From October to December is always pleasant weather, making it peak time for everyone as clear skies make it well-suited for beach activities and water sports.

From January to March are the hottest months, but also cyclone season. Expect an odd, heavy shower randomly.

From April to June, aka my favorite time, because the weather is cooler with only a few visitors, it’s best for hiking and tours.

 Winter is there for you throughout July to September, but the weather remains pleasant. That is also when locals say the sunsets are the most dramatic. Ideal time to go whale watching, for cooler hiking, and quieter beaches.

Getting Around the Island

Life at the resort isn’t all; the real magic of Mauritius is outside your hotel. Public buses are the cheapest option, but can be slow and unreliable if you want to cover more than one area in a day. Taxis are easy to find but can be expensive for longer trips.

For flexibility, many visitors opt to rent a car. International platforms like Kayak list several providers, while local brands and companies are present all over the island. Local names include Crystal Car Rental Mauritius and OLA Mauritius Rental. Most of the companies provide airport pick up and drop off across the island as per the travelers’ needs.

If driving is not your thing, you can also hire a taxi with a driver-guide for the day. Some travelers find this less stressful, especially in busy areas like Port Louis during weekday rush hours.

The North: Vibrant Beaches and Island Life

If you are a beach lover/night owl, the north of Mauritius will give you your home vibes. Grand Baie lies at Mauritius’s northern core, famous for its unique nightlife and watersports. If my memory serves me right, I still remember feeling like a déjà vu of falling in love with the sunset there.
Pereybere might be small, but its beaches are lovely and quieter, and give a relaxed atmosphere. Île aux Cerfs is cool for snorkeling and watersports. Its turquoise lagoons and beauty rank it as the top spot on the island.

The East: Untouched Beauty

The East Coast is less developed and provides longer sections of peaceful beaches. Belle Mare Beach is perfect for morning walks and sunrises. If you are a morning lark, catching sight of the sun peeking out of the horizon will give you goosebumps. The reef provides safe swimming waters, so bring your reef safe sunscreen. Île aux Cerfs can be accessed from this side of the island as well, and is worth a day excursion. It has golf, lagoons, and lots of water sports.

The West: Sunsets and National Parks

The west coast is where the spectacles of the island lie. Flic en Flac, with its clear water, is perfect in length as it’s one of the longest beaches there and quite suitable for snorkeling. Renting snorkeling gear for a cheap price gives you the experience of floating above colorful reefs just meters from shore.
Tamarin Bay is popular for dolphins and surfing. Black River Gorges National Park covers over 60 square kilometers, consisting of its native forest and waterfalls that make up the best walking trails in all of Mauritius. Nature lovers can even find rare birds such as the Mauritius kestrel and enjoy it to the fullest.

The South: Wild and Rugged

Mauritius’s southern area isn’t the same as the other island parts, as it is less civilized and more wild. Chamarel, with 7 colours, gives rainbow vibes, and its Waterfall is one of Mauritius’s highest. Do stand at its base, and get sprayed instantly, cooling on the hottest days.
La Vanille Nature Park has tortoises and crocodiles for families, it’s perfect. Gris Gris has cliffs enough to be a spectacle upon which massive waves crash against the rocks; it offers a different shore experience from the peaceful lagoons on other sections of the coast.

The Heart of Mauritius: Holy and Picturesque

The island’s interior has its own charm. Ganga Talao, aka Grand Bassin, is a blessed lake for Hindus outside India. The Mangal Mahadev boasts at the entrance, a 33-meter-tall figure of Lord Shiva that is awe-inspiring for all. Le Pouce Mountain offers panoramic views of Port Louis on its easy walk.

Suggested 7 Day Itinerary

If you plan on spending 7 days in Mauritius and appreciate its diversity of scenery, then the short plan below is your expert’s guide:

  • Day 1 – Arrive in Mauritius, settle in to relax and enjoy a smooth beach night.
  • Day 2 – Start with the north from Grand Baie, Pereybere, and sunset at Cap Malheureux.
  • Day 3 – Stop making Île aux Cerfs wait and go for snorkeling and lagoon activities.
  • Day 4 – Flic en Flac, Tamarin, and Black River Gorges in the west should be paid a visit.
  • Day 5 – Chamarel, the Seven Colored Earths, and Gris Gris cliffs will make sure you know that when things go south it is not always bad.
  • Day 6 – Merge with the culture and religion by visiting Ganga Talao, Mangal Mahadev, and tea estates.
  • Day 7 – Visit Port Louis markets and the Caudan Waterfront upon departure.

Food & Culture in Mauritius

Mauritius’s cuisine blends cultures. Take dholl puri as an example, which is a flatbread with spiced lentil filling, tastes awesome with chutneys. Rougaille is a Creole tomato-based dish with seafood. Gateaux piments are lentil fritters that are spicy and a great snack to consume. I found myself grabbing them fresh from a stall in Port Louis, crispy, warm, and addictive.
 Alouda is a milky sweet beverage that tastes of basil seeds and is perfect on a sunny day. The island is also home to a formidable variety of festivals featuring Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Chinese traditions, and so is by far one of the most multicultural places you can visit.

Travel Tips for Mauritius

  • Drive safely on the left side.
  • Be wary of the number of fuel stations in rural areas, as there are not many, so fill up whenever you can.
  • If you do not want to be sunburned, pack sunscreen, and save yourself from mosquitoes through repellent, and wear light cotton clothing for relaxation and heat.
  • Do not disrespect local traditions and be wary of your manners in places of worship.
  • Small stores and street stalls will probably not take cards, so keeping local currency will come in handy.

Final Thoughts

Mauritius is a demo version of the actual paradise, and those who have visited it know it. Its size is compact and makes it easy to cover most in a limited time, but still, it is so diverse every day that no two days can be the same. With mountains, beaches, and the thrill of it, you are surely going to relax and enjoy every second.

Preplan your trip well, so that no time is wasted there; otherwise, you might have regrets. So the island’s freedom can be felt best through renting a car. Whether you want to chase the sunrise at Belle Mare or just watch waves crash at Gris Gris, every moment feels alive. Sunrise hunting, or maybe it is sunset, what you vibe, from summit climbing to trying Creole food, Mauritius covers your trip’s worth.