Central Mauritius Travel Guide
Discover the cool highlands - volcanic craters, sacred lakes, and authentic Mauritian culture
Central Mauritius offers a refreshing contrast to the coastal regions, with its cooler climate, lush highlands, and authentic Mauritian culture. Home to the capital Port Louis, the crater town of Curepipe, and the sacred Grand Bassin lake, the central region reveals a different side of the island that many visitors miss.
The central plateau sits at 400-600 meters elevation, creating a noticeably cooler and wetter climate than the coast. This is where you'll find volcanic craters, tea plantations, botanical gardens, and the island's most important Hindu pilgrimage site. The towns of Quatre Bornes, Rose Hill, and Phoenix offer excellent shopping and local dining.
This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Central Mauritius - from the best attractions and cultural sites to practical tips for making the most of this unique region.
Central Mauritius Weather Guide
The central highlands have a distinctly different climate from the coast - cooler temperatures, more rainfall, and frequent mist. Pack layers and rain gear when visiting.
Summer (Nov-Apr)
Temp: 18-25°C | Rain: High
Warm but cooler than coast. Frequent afternoon showers and mist. Lush, green landscapes. Bring umbrella and light jacket.
Winter (May-Oct)
Temp: 12-20°C | Rain: Moderate
Cool to cold, especially mornings and evenings. Less rain but still misty. Warm clothing essential. Best for hiking.
Best Time to Visit Central Mauritius
For Clear Views: September-November (less mist)
For Hiking: May-October (cooler, drier)
For Festivals: February-March (Maha Shivaratri at Grand Bassin)
Top Attractions in Central Mauritius
1. Trou aux Cerfs - Volcanic Crater
This dormant volcanic crater in Curepipe offers 360-degree panoramic views of the island. The 300-meter wide, 80-meter deep crater is filled with lush vegetation and a small lake. A paved path circles the rim - perfect for morning walks.
2. Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) - Sacred Lake
The most sacred Hindu site outside India, Grand Bassin is a crater lake surrounded by temples and a 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva. During Maha Shivaratri, over 500,000 pilgrims walk here from across the island. A deeply spiritual and culturally significant place.
3. Port Louis - The Capital City
Mauritius' bustling capital offers the Central Market (best for spices and street food), Caudan Waterfront (shopping and dining), Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and excellent museums. Best visited on weekdays when it's most lively.
4. Eureka House - Colonial Heritage
This beautifully preserved 19th-century Creole mansion offers a glimpse into colonial life. With 109 doors, it's one of the largest houses on the island. Tour the antique-filled rooms, stroll the gardens, and enjoy traditional Mauritian lunch at the on-site restaurant.
5. Curepipe - Highland Town
The main town of the central plateau, Curepipe is known for its colonial architecture, model ship factories, and the beautiful Curepipe Botanical Gardens. Visit the Town Hall, shop for ship models, and experience authentic highland life.
6. Domaine des Aubineaux - Tea Heritage
This historic estate combines a colonial mansion museum with tea plantation tours. Learn about Mauritius' tea heritage, tour the elegant house filled with antiques, and enjoy tea tasting with views over the highlands.
Where to Stay in Central Mauritius
Central Mauritius has fewer tourist hotels than the coast, but offers unique accommodation options including colonial guesthouses and city hotels.
Hennessy Park Hotel
Modern 4-star hotel in Ebene with excellent facilities, rooftop pool, and easy access to central attractions.
Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel
Elegant hotel at Caudan Waterfront with harbor views, perfect for exploring Port Louis.
Highland Guesthouses
Charming colonial-style guesthouses in Curepipe and surrounding areas offer authentic highland experiences.
Eureka House
Stay in the historic Eureka mansion for a unique colonial heritage experience with beautiful gardens.
Best Restaurants in Central Mauritius
Port Louis Central Market
Cuisine: Street Food, Mauritian | Location: Port Louis
The best place for authentic Mauritian street food - dholl puri, gateaux piments, alouda. Upstairs food court serves fresh local dishes.
Eureka Table d'Hôte
Cuisine: Traditional Mauritian | Location: Moka
Authentic Creole lunch served in the historic Eureka mansion. Traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Lambic
Cuisine: Fine Dining, European | Location: Port Louis
Upscale restaurant at Caudan Waterfront with excellent wine selection and refined cuisine.
Happy Rajah
Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian | Location: Rose Hill
Excellent South Indian vegetarian restaurant. Famous for dosas, thalis, and authentic flavors.
Suggested Itineraries
Perfect 1-Day Central Mauritius
Trou aux Cerfs crater walk for panoramic views
Explore Curepipe town, visit ship model factory
Grand Bassin sacred lake and temples
Lunch at Eureka House
Tour Eureka mansion and gardens
Port Louis Central Market and Caudan Waterfront
3-Day Central Mauritius Experience
Day 1: Highland Exploration
Trou aux Cerfs, Curepipe town, Grand Bassin, Domaine des Aubineaux tea estate.
Day 2: Port Louis Discovery
Central Market, Aapravasi Ghat, Blue Penny Museum, Caudan Waterfront, Chinatown.
Day 3: Culture & Shopping
Eureka House, Quatre Bornes market (Thu/Sun), Rose Hill, local dining experiences.
Practical Tips
What to Wear
- • Layers - temperatures vary
- • Light jacket or sweater
- • Rain jacket or umbrella
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Modest clothing for temples
Getting Around
- • Car rental recommended
- • Good bus connections between towns
- • Traffic heavy during rush hours
- • Parking available in towns
- • Taxis available but negotiate fare
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Mauritius worth visiting?
Absolutely! It offers a completely different experience from the beaches - cooler climate, authentic culture, important historical sites, and beautiful highland scenery. Essential for understanding the real Mauritius.
Can non-Hindus visit Grand Bassin?
Yes, visitors of all faiths are welcome. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), remove shoes before entering temples, and be respectful of worshippers. It's a beautiful and peaceful place.
How cold does it get?
Winter mornings (June-August) can drop to 10-12°C in the highlands. Evenings are cool year-round. Bring warm layers if visiting during winter months.
Best day to visit Port Louis?
Weekdays are best when the Central Market and city are most lively. Avoid Sundays when most shops are closed. Saturday mornings are good for the market.
Discover the Heart of Mauritius
Central Mauritius reveals the authentic soul of the island - its culture, history, and natural beauty beyond the beaches. From the sacred waters of Grand Bassin to the bustling markets of Port Louis, the highlands offer experiences that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable island.