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Mauritius, An Island of Emotion @ The Sacred Lake

1. Trou Aux Cerfs
 
Trou Aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano with a well defined cone and crater. It is 605m high and located in Curepipe, Mauritius.
 
Our guide drove us to the viewpoint where we can have a glimpse of this so-called dormant crater. I would say that it doesn't quite look like a volcano crater. However, the surrounding view of the mountainous range was stunning.

Drove by a lettuce farm on our way to curepipe
The dormant volcano crater


 
The surrounding area in Cure Pipe
 
 2. Grand Bassin
 
Ganga Talao, also known as "The Grand Bassin" is a crater lake situated in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne. It is considered as the most sacred Hindu place in Mauritius. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Gods including Hanuman, Lakshmi, and others along the Grand Bassin.
 
The design of the Hindu temple is quite simple and not as elaborate as other Hindu temples. The temple has this stunning sacred lake which is the major highlight for most tourist. During day time, the lake sparkle like a mirror and you could even see the reflections of the clouds in the lake. Inside the lake, there are perhaps thousands or millions of reared fishes.
 
Along the lake is the blue statute of Lord Shiva. Somehow, the statue of Lord Shiva standing in front of the lake makes the lake more sacred!
 
 
 

Gigantic statute of Lord Shiva @ entrance of the temple

 
 
 
The Sacred Lake
 
 
Lord Shiva in front of the Sacred Lake
 
Sacred Lake reflects like a mirror
 
 

Fishes in the lake

 
 
 
 

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3. Pieter Both Mountain
 

 Pieter Both is the second highest mountain of Mauritius. It is named after Pieter Both, the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. It is located in the Moka range. The notable feature of this mountain is the gigantic rock formation at the very top of it, which resembles a human head. Throughout our journey to various places of interest, we will definitely drive by Pieter Both Mountain. The entire mountain range is really a stunning sight, truly unique to Mauritius.
 



 
 
 4. Le Morne Beach  

Le Morne is located on the southwest coast of Mauritius and is a small village overshadowed by a small mountain called Morne. It has a very pleasant public beach that attracts surfers, paragliders and kite surfers, it is slightly windy and this place is an ideal location for these sports. The beach there, has a beautiful view of the mountain and the village is very relaxing and accommodating.

The guide told us that in the past, Le Morne was occupied by the Africans who were mostly slaves. Life was hard for them and after the abolition of slavery in Mauritius, on 1 Feb 1835, a police expedition traveled there to inform the slaves that they had been freed. However, the purpose of the expedition was misunderstood and the slaves leapt to their deaths from the cliff of Le Morne Mountain. Since then, the date is celebrated by Mauritians as the Annual Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery.

Because of the stunning scenery of the Le Morne Mountain and its beautiful beach, a number of world class resorts including St Regis are built in this area. However, the prices for these resorts can be quite expensive.







5. Gris-Gris

After a short stroll at the beach of Le Morne, we proceeded to Gris-Gris. While on our way to Gris-Gris, we stopped briefly at Marconde to enjoy stunning views of the Islands of Southern Coast and the views out to the sea.





Gris-Gris is well known for its sea cliff. This part of the island is not surrounded by coral reefs. Thick waves crash directly on the cliffs. The most spectacular part of Gris-gris is the "Roche Qui Pleure" where the constant squashing of waves against the flanks of the cliff gives the impression that the cliff is crying. The place is very much visited by tourists.

Well, while standing above the cliff and looking across the vast ferocious ocean, for a moment, I thought I was at Cape Leeuwin @ Perth, viewing the Indian Ocean. Oh well, at Gris-Gris, that was the Indian Ocean as well!







Heading back to our Grand Baie Suite at Grand Baie, we continue to chill with Phoenix Cider, Chips and of course our self prepared Maggie mee with hotdogs! And not forgetting our dessert, Haagen Dazs ice cream with fresh coconut slices!


 



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