Top 9 Cultural Sites in Mauritius: A Journey Through History and Heritage

Mauritius, often celebrated for its sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear lagoons, is equally rich in cultural and historical treasures. This vibrant island nation in the Indian Ocean is a mosaic of influences, African, Indian, Chinese, French, and British, all of which are reflected in its architecture, cuisine, traditions, and landmarks. For those who crave more than just sea and sand, exploring the cultural sites in Mauritius offers a deeply enriching experience.

In this blog, we take you on a journey through the top cultural sites in Mauritius, highlighting temples, colonial buildings, museums, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reveal the soul of this diverse island.

Why Explore Cultural Sites in Mauritius?

Mauritius is a melting pot of civilisations, where centuries of immigration, colonial rule, and religious diversity have left an indelible mark. From colourful Hindu temples to solemn slavery memorials, these sites tell the story of a people shaped by movement, resilience, and fusion.

Exploring these sites offers:

• A deeper connection to the island’s multicultural roots
  
• Insights into religious harmony and cultural coexistence
  
• A chance to visit UNESCO-recognised heritage
  
• Authentic interactions with local customs, art, and history
  

1. Aapravasi Ghat – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Location: Port Louis

Aapravasi Ghat is one of the most significant cultural sites in Mauritius, serving as a poignant reminder of the island’s colonial past. This site marks the arrival point of nearly half a million indentured labourers from India, brought to work on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery.

Why visit:

• Learn about the Great Experiment in labour migration
  
• Explore restored immigration buildings and exhibits
  
• Understand the origins of Mauritius’s Indo-Mauritian population
  

Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through Port Louis’ historic streets and Chinatown.

2. Marie Reine de la Paix

Location: Port Louis

Perched on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the city, this open-air Catholic chapel is a serene place of worship and reflection. It symbolises the island’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage, a legacy of French colonialism.

Highlights:

• 82-step stone stairway leading to the statue of the Virgin Mary
  
• Stunning views over Port Louis and the harbour
  
• Peaceful gardens are perfect for a meditative break
  

3. Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin)

Location: Savanne District

Ganga Talao is the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius. This crater lake, nestled in the highlands, is considered an extension of the Ganges River and plays host to the largest Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage outside of India.

What to see:

• Massive statues of Lord Shiva and Durga
  
• Temples dedicated to various deities
  
• Monkeys roaming freely around the lake
  
• Peaceful natural surroundings
  

Don’t miss: Visiting during Maha Shivaratri to witness over 500,000 devotees in a spiritual celebration.

4. Jummah Mosque

Location: Port Louis

Located in the heart of the capital, the Jummah Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture with Moorish, Indian, and Creole influences. Built in the mid-19th century, it is still a functioning mosque and a symbol of the island’s religious diversity.

Features:

• Ornate white-and-green façade
  
• Inner courtyard with banyan trees
  
• Welcoming atmosphere for visitors (outside prayer times)
  
• Historical importance to the local Muslim community
  

5. Eureka House (Maison Eureka)

Location: Moka

Step back in time at Eureka House, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion that offers insight into 19th-century aristocratic Creole life. The home is surrounded by lush gardens, waterfalls, and a scenic mountain backdrop.

Highlights:

• Authentic colonial architecture and antique furnishings
  
• Museum with family heirlooms and cultural exhibits
  
• Nearby nature trails and river walks
  

Perfect for: History buffs and those looking to understand plantation-era Mauritius.

6. Le Morne Brabant – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Location: South-West Mauritius

A dramatic mountain rising from the ocean, Le Morne Brabant is both a natural landmark and a cultural memorial. It served as a refuge for runaway slaves (Maroons) in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Why visit:

• Hike to the summit for spectacular coastal views
  
• Learn about its tragic history and symbolic value
  
• Pay tribute to the enslaved Africans who sought freedom here
  

Note: Guided tours are recommended for the hike.

7. Mahébourg Museum (National History Museum)

Location: Mahébourg

This lesser-known gem showcases Mauritius’s early colonial history, maritime heritage, and archaeological discoveries, all housed in a charming colonial building.

Exhibits include:

• Relics from the 1810 Battle of Grand Port
  
• Ancient maps, weapons, and uniforms
  
• Artefacts from Dutch and French settlements
  
• Historical insights into slavery and local resistance
  

8. Chinatown, Port Louis

Wander through Chinatown in Port Louis to experience another layer of Mauritius’s multicultural tapestry. The colourful gates, Chinese temples, herbal shops, and street food stalls bring a slice of East Asia to the Indian Ocean.

Must-do:

• Sample Chinese-Mauritian dishes like bol renversé
  
• Visit Kwan Tee Pagoda, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the Southern Hemisphere
  
• Attend the Chinatown Food & Cultural Festival if you’re visiting in May
  

9. Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre & Caudan Waterfront Art Galleries

Location: Port Louis

While not traditional heritage sites, these spots showcase Mauritius’s evolving cultural landscape, particularly in science, innovation, and local art. Visit for contemporary exhibitions, creative workshops, and youth-focused events.

Tips for Visiting Cultural Sites in Mauritius

• Dress respectfully, especially at religious sites
  
• Hire a guide to gain deeper insights into historical landmarks
  
• Visit museums early in the day to avoid crowds
  
• Combine cultural visits with culinary exploration, try local Creole, Indian, and Chinese dishes near heritage zones
  
• Consider renting a car or hiring a driver for full-day cultural explorations
  

When to Visit Cultural Sites in Mauritius

The island is a year-round destination, but the dry season (May to November) offers pleasant temperatures and less humidity,  ideal for sightseeing. Key cultural events include:

• Maha Shivaratri (February/March)
  
• Chinese New Year (January/February)
  
• Cavadee and Thaipusam (February)
  
• Diwali (October/November)
  

Final Thoughts: Discovering the Soul of Mauritius

While Mauritius is famed for its luxury resorts and idyllic beaches, its true charm lies in its people and stories,  stories that unfold at temples, colonial mansions, sacred lakes, and bustling markets. Exploring these cultural sites in Mauritius offers a journey into a society that has embraced diversity and resilience through centuries of change.

Whether you’re walking through the gates of Aapravasi Ghat, lighting incense at Ganga Talao, or simply enjoying tea in a Creole mansion’s garden, you’ll find that Mauritius speaks not only to the eye but also to the soul.