Mauritius - The sparkling jewel in the Indian Ocean

The picturesque volcanic island of Mauritius is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including a national park featuring gorges, waterfalls, and a beautiful coastline. With soft sandy beaches and clear azure waters framed by lush rainforests and striking mountain views, this tropical paradise is ideal for water sports, hiking, waterfall exploration, and snorkelling among vibrant reefs. Its lack of a distinct rainy season makes it a year-round holiday destination. Mauritius is also known for its warm and friendly locals and is considered a safe destination, free from dangerous predators, poisonous plants, and vaccination requirements. Additionally, the island is known for fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities, including Hindus, Christians, and Muslims.

Islam in Mauritius

Islam is one of the major religions practised in Mauritius, contributing to the island’s rich cultural diversity. Muslims make up approximately 17 % of the population, and the majority are of Indian descent, specifically from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from Gujarat and Bihar. The arrival of Islam in Mauritius dates back to the 19th century when indentured labourers from India were brought to work on the island's sugar plantations following the abolition of slavery. The Muslim community plays a significant role in the socio-political life of the island, and there are 65 mosques across the country. 

Muslim landmarks

Mauritius has a number of Islamic attractions, almost all of them located in Port Louis and associated with the religious activities of prominent Muslim devotees. The Islamic Cultural Center was established in 1987 to support the community. The first purpose-built mosque in Mauritius, now known as Al-Aqsa Mosque, dates back to 1805. In 1852, the Jummah Mosque was constructed, and is known for its impressive architecture and historical importance.

Other notable mosques include the Noor-e-Islam Mosque in Curepipe. Next to the Jummah Mosque lies the mausoleum of Pir Syed Jamal Shah (who lived in India and was later invited to the island by Muslim traders). Another mausoleum is located in the southwest of Port Louis - the mausoleum of the saint nicknamed Dada Pir - Pir Syed Zahoor Shah. Having become the murid of Zahoor Shah, he reduced his income to the needs of the family and became an ascetic. Built in 2002, the Maulana Ibrahim Khushtar Qadri Mausoleum. 

Top attractions in Mauritius

• Port-Louis
• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
• Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths
• Le Morne Brabant
• Aapravasi Ghat
• Museums

Port-Louis

The capital city is a vibrant mix of cultures, with attractions like the bustling Central Market, the historic Fort Adelaide, and the beautiful Caudan Waterfront.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

One of the oldest Botanical Gardens in the world, it is home to amazing and unique trees, flowers and plants, including the gigantic baobab tree, rare species of palm trees, ebony trees and the giant Victoria water lily - its leaves reach a metre in diameter.

Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths

A unique geological formation, the Seven Coloured Earths is a striking natural phenomenon where the soil exhibits various colours, ranging from red to violet. Nearby, you’ll find the Chamarel Waterfall.

Le Morne Brabant

This magnificent mountain located at the south-western tip of the island is known for its historical significance and breathtaking views, attracting hikers and history buffs alike. This UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolises the struggle for freedom of Mauritius' slaves.  The world's only underwater waterfall is a spectacle that awaits those who fly over the island by plane or helicopter.

Aapravasi Ghat

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aapravasi Ghat is a significant historical landmark in Port Louis - remains of an immigration depot where indentured labourers (slaves) disembarked and were processed before being sent to work. 

Museums 

• Natural History Museum - Showcases the island's flora, fauna, and geological history, including the story of the dodo, an extinct flightless bird.
• Sugar Museum (L’Aventure du Sucre) - Housed in a former sugar factory, it traces the history of sugar cultivation in Mauritius.
• Mauritius Photography Museum - Showcasing the history of photography in Mauritius.
• Eureka House - A colonial house turned into a museum, showcasing Mauritian history and culture.
• Blue Penny Museum -  Dedicated to Mauritius’s history and art, this museum showcases rare stamps, including the famous Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, and features exhibits on the island’s history.

Top Activities in Mauritius

Mauritius is a versatile destination, offering relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences - from beaches, water sports, coral reef diving and snorkelling, deep sea fishing, yacht excursions, hiking, golfing, open sea fishing, wildlife, culinary delights to shopping and much more.

Here are some of the top-activities in Mauritius:

• La Vanille Nature & Tortoise Park
• Black River Gorges National Park
• Trou aux Cerfs
• Tamarind Falls
• Casela Nature Parks
• La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park
• Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

La Vanille Nature & Tortoise Park

Located in the southern part of the island on a former vanilla farm, the park is home to amazing Seychelles tortoises - both babies and centenarians alike. There is also a crocodile farm, a children's playground, a gift shop and a picturesque waterfall nearby.

Black River Gorges National Park

This lush park covers over 67 square kilometres and is home to waterfalls, forests, lush valleys, a rainforest and rare bird species. Enjoy the stunning views, hiking and nature walks.

Trou aux Cerfs

This extinct volcanic crater located in Curepipe offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers. 

Tamarind Falls

Located in the jungle, seven waterfalls, one after another, flow into the lakes they created, in which you can swim. It is also a great spot for hiking and canyoning.

Casela Nature Parks

The natural park and zoo is the most popular tourist destination in Mauritius, where you can observe a variety of exotic animals including zebras, rhinos and ostriches, pet deer and even walk with lion cubs! To avoid queues at the entrance, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park

Extreme sport lovers will be attracted by a walk along the Nepalese suspension bridge and jumping into a gorge on a zip line.

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

For nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, these tours offer an exhilarating experience, usually conducted off the island’s western coast around Tamarin Bay and nearby waters. Enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and lush landscapes and experience the breathtaking beauty of the marine fauna.

Halal food and restaurants in Mauritius

Mauritian cuisine is a delectable blend of French, Creole, Chinese and Indian influences. Since “island” and “ocean” go hand in hand, seafood, fish and freshly picked fruits are a natural part of its gastronomic richness. Most meat on the island is halal and many butcher shops are run by Muslims. Halal food in Mauritius perfectly combines the traditions of the peoples inhabiting the island.

There are numerous restaurants in Mauritius that serve halal food. You will find a large selection of delicious and halal street food, in addition, all KFC restaurants in Mauritius are halal and have halal certificates.

Popular dishes include:

• Sept Cari – seven vegetarian curry sauces served on fresh plantain leaves along with rice or flatbread.
• Mauritian Biryani - spicy rice with meat, fish, eggs or vegetables.
• Roti or Farata - Indian flatbreads stuffed with meat or vegetables.
• Vindaye - fried fish or octopus is marinated in vindaye sauce, consisting of various spices and vinegar.
• Gajacks – cassava or eggplant, sweet potato, deep-fried breadfruit.
• Gateaux piments - a Mauritian version of falafel.
• Curry Jacques - curry based on jackfruit with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, curry mixture.
• Bol renverse - a dish consisting of rice, eggs, pieces of fried chicken and vegetables. The finished dish is turned over, forming a dome - hence its name "overturned bowl".
• Gateaux Coco - coconut macaroon with added sugar and vanilla.
• Aluda (or Falooda) - a milky fruit drink served with ice cream.

Shopping in Mauritius

Mauritius is renowned for its jewellery, spices, designer clothing, cashmere and linen. The bustling Port Louis Central Market is divided into sections with different stalls selling different products, the main section presenting fresh fruits and vegetables. The Caudan Waterfront Handicraft Market in Port Louis is known for its unique handicraft collection, showcasing a wide variety of products ranging from woodwork to detailed baskets and beautiful glass souvenirs. Also in Port Louis, don’t miss the coloured umbrella square above a shopping lane in the Le Caudan Waterfront.

How to get around in Mauritius

Having a well-developed transport infrastructure, getting around Mauritius is straightforward with several convenient options. Renting a car offers flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, with well-maintained roads and driving on the left side. Taxis are available throughout the island, ideal for short trips or full-day sightseeing, though it's wise to agree on the fare in advance. Buses are an affordable choice with extensive coverage, though routes may be less frequent in rural areas. Rental bikes are ideal for a more leisurely exploration of the surrounding area and scenic routes. Scooters and e-bikes provide a fun and efficient way to navigate villages and coastal regions.

Best time to visit Mauritius

The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December, during the island’s cooler, dry season. This period offers pleasant temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 25°C, and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities, beach outings, and exploring. The summer months from January to April are warmer and more humid, with a higher chance of rain and occasional cyclones.

Where to stay in Mauritius

Halalbooking.com offers a great range of accommodation options throughout Mauritius. Many hotels are alcohol-free and have halal food on the menu, and a few hotels serve only halal food. Most hotels have pools, spas and beaches where modest swimwear is permitted. Some have private secluded pools or pools and spas available for private hire. Use our halal filters to find accommodation that suits your requirements.

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