animationSpeed:600, Entrance fee: Rs 550 (US$ 12) for adults and Rs 275 (US$ 6) for children (tourist price) Related post: 10 best things to do in Chamarel Mauritius. Our experience at Mauritius was great. My selection here. Browse. South Africa Il y a une ferveur et une atmosphre qui s'en dgage difficile dcrire. There are also - as almost everywhere in Mauritius - two different entrance fees: a cheaper entrance fee for locals (25 rupees; about 0.70 euros) and the more expensive fare for tourists ( 200 rupee; about 5 euros). Swimming in MauritiusYou could step on a stone fish! Rather book a taxi with a driver-guide. us was excellent. Dress respectably; long pants recommended. . itemMargin:0 The best way to enjoy your visit is with a tour guide. Grand Bassin Mauritius is a sacred lake also called Ganga Talao, it's tucked away in the mountains of the South West, in the district of Savanne, deep in the heart of Mauritius, about 1800 feet above sea level. There's information here you won't find anywhere else! <p>Wild beauty abounds in Mauritius. Enjoy a unique tea route excursion and experience gastronomy, history, and culture together on a guided tour. Must Read: 10 Best Temples In Mauritius Thatll Help You Uncover Its Secrets. The entire land is considered sacred and pious in the minds of the locals. $('#metaslider_50011 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_50011 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { Devotees ardently making the journey to get a glimpse of the Lord, or a touch of the sacred pool is believed to be cured of all illnesses! Hanuman the Monkey God on the shore of Grand Bassin is another popular Hindu God. The sacred lake of Grand Bassin (also called Ganga Talao ) is one of the essential visits to do in Mauritius. From then on the lake would be known as Ganga Talao. How to avoid them here. The Grand Bassin in Mauritius is not a grand geological feature as some may expect from the name, although it is quite nice, no the Grand Bassin is actually a religious site. Walk with Lions at Casela and Underwater Sea Walk. Very nice experience. el.before(cloned); It will take around 15-20 minutes. After soaking up the sun on the beautiful white sand beaches of Mauritius for a few days, today Sam and I decided to head up into the hills and visit the Grand Bassin. The significance of the Grand Bassin sacred lake and temple will not be clear unless we take a quick sneak peek into the history of the Indian laborers residing in Mauritius. The beautiful sacred lake is surrounded by temples and colourful Hindu deities. Mauritius, Great Wildebeest Migration Experience Review, Registered Members of these Organizations, 2nd floor, Tygervalley Discover the picturesque Ile aux Cerfs with its beautiful waterfall and lagoon. The Grand Bassin Mauritius map gives you clear directions to the sacred lake and the tourist spots nearby that you can visit. Ganesh the elephant God can easily be recognized with his elephant head. If youre traveling with kids, youll find lots to do, from seeing the tortoises at the Seven Coloured Earths and the interactive displays at the Curious Corner of Chamarel to guided walks in Black River Gorges National Park and the canopy walkways in the Ebony Forest. H Ballito, South Africa, Just a few words from Bath, England, to thank you for putting together such a lovely website!I have enjoyed reading the pages and have shared it with all the others so they can whet their appetite's and look forward to visiting. Youll see devotees praying to Hindu deities with offering of fruits or vegetables. Mauritian artisanal rum making is a recent trend, and now there are several artisanal distilleries on the island producing some excellent rums. Browse. Is it a coincidence? Entrance is free to Grand Bassin. Home Privacy Policy Disclaimer DisclosureAbout Me Contact Me, Copyright 2015 - 2023 All Rights ReservedMCR Travel www.mauritiusinsideout.com. Because of its proximity to natural attractions such as Black River Gorges National Park, Grand Bassin is great for adventure travelers who would like to experience Mauritius wilder side by hiking, abseiling, and canyoning in the regions waterfalls, forests, and rivers. It was inaugurated in 2007 and is the highest known statue in Mauritius. After that you will visit Grand Bassin, which consists of a Spiritual Lake in the forest and a giant Shiva statue as well as the Black River Gorges viewpoint. . . Here is the complete line-up of the festival Their album Where we belong which came out in 2018 has been an absolute hit. Religion and spiritual beliefs were the only driving forces for the inhabitants who sought the almightys blessings to help them get past their many ordeals. if( ! easing:"linear", Please remove your shoes before entering a temple and dress modestly. All my recommendations and tips for a stress-free holiday. The Grand Bassin Shiva statue is a whopping 108 ft in height, and is the third highest Shiva in the world. See how rum gets from the plantation to your bottle and taste Chamarel premium rum. 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The Grand Bassin (or Ganga Talao), in Mauritius, is the most important Hindu place of the island and a must visit for anybody interested in experiencing a different culture. No extra fees are applied to this booking. Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Contact me for special hotel rates and local tips. Its all about the experience. Grand Bassin is a crater lake about 550 metres above sea level with a depth of . direction:'horizontal', Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner. If you only have time to visit one distillery on your trip, it should be Rhumerie de Chamarel, which has won multiple awards for its rums. The tour continues to the mountain village of Chamarel to gaze at the amazing sand dunes of different colors, at the Seven Coloured Earths. }); $(window).resize(function(){ Travel agent in Mauritius was helpful to plan our itinerary to ensure we make the most of our trip. 45-minute scenic helicopter flight in Mauritius, Enjoy an helicopter tour in Mauritius and see some of its most iconic places: Le Morne Brabant, Underwater Waterfall and many more, Mauritius Ebony Forest and bird watching tour. Out of respect, ask for permission before taking a photo. Embark on an exciting speedboat excursion in the east of Mauritius. From then on the lake would be known as Ganga Talao. The Hindu priest had a dream and in his dream he saw a holy lake which was connected to the sacred river Ganges in India. Kruger National Park Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2). Slaves threw themselves off a 550+ meter cliff to escape from their masters. Cash & sim card - It's better to get USD cash from India and exhange that at Mauritius Airport for MUR, rather than loading up a forex card, as no forex card provides MUR and places there will charge about 3% more if paid by a forex card. RM M45AY8 - Mauritius. The entrance is free to visit and has parking and toilet facilities as well. Ganga for Ganges and 'Talao' means 'pool'. No need to worry if your plans change with free cancellation options available. KwaZulu-Natal 1.8 mi Bodies of Water. Exploring the south, Chamarel Mauritius, Grand Bassin , La Vanille & Anantara room tour. However, it is strictly forbidden to fish here due to the sacred nature of the Ganga Talao lake. During Maha Shivaratri, which takes place at the end of February or beginning of March each year, half a million Hindus make a pilgrimage to the lake, the holiest site on the island. transfer from one bus to another was annoying, lost one sunglasses during such transfers which which could not be recovered The Lake is of volcanic formation. Leave the camera aside for a moment and soak in this unique experience! If you have time to spare, you can combine your visit to Ganga Talao with other nearby attractions such as the Bois Chri Tea Plantation or even try a hiking trip in the beautiful Southwest region of Mauritius. The Indian sculptor Shri Matu Ram Verma who is famous for his giant statues was commissioned by the government of Mauritius to design the statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Durga. Our safari planners aren't available now. Considered by many as the most sacred Hindu place in Mauritius, Grand Bassin or the Ganga Talao is a large lake formed out of a crater, situated near the western boundaries of the island, atop the mountains. RF K10R6G - Landmarks of Mauritius - Grand bassin hindu temple on the lakeside. (4) $127.00. We are talking about 1897. }); The Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin is the first and most impressive statue you will see on site. The sacred lake is open to visitors and pilgrims every day. My Guide Mauritius is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. Ample parking space and toilet facilities are provided at Grand Bassin/ Ganga Talao, and entry to the site is free, though donations for the upkeep and maintenance of the temples are always welcome. In 1972 a priest from India brought sacred water from the Ganges and amid much ceremonial poured the holy water into the lake. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity. The lake is quite deep, about 50-55 ft. and situated amidst picturesque views all around that adds to the tranquility of the lake. Love this? Do you need help choosing your accommodation? February & March are the best times to visit Grand Bassin as pilgrims embark on The Sacred Lake to make sacrifices to their gods. Located in the south of Mauritius, this sacred lake is worshipped by all communities in the country who believe in its divine energies. It's a fascinating feast of information of such a beautiful island. Romance Aboard A Catamaran Cruise On Your Mauritius Honeymoon For Memories Of A Lifetime, Feeling The Tropical Love On A 4N 5D Honeymoon In Mauritius. However, fear not about your doom, at Grand Bassin you will find the Hindu God of destruction smiling and as peaceful as ever. In 2007 a huge statue of the Hindu god Shiva was unveiled and remains the tallest statue in Mauritius at about 33 metres high. I was talking with a local guy which told me that everybody on the island goes on this pilgrimage and he could not remember a year when they havent experience lots of rain during the festivities. Meenal J. Aberdeen, UK. Short review - Extraordinary place and good service from travel triangle, go for it. There is actually more than one temple in the Grand Bassin. minItems:1, Book your Ile Aux Aigrettes and Ile Des Deux Cocos Island day-tour and get ready to explore uncontaminated breathtaking territories. }); All rights reserved. Sandya, one of our local guides, says, 'The south is how I imagine my island was 400 years ago. I've created this website to help and guide you! This large crater lake set amidst the secluded mountainous area is beautifully adorned by temples and statues of deities. It is surrounded by several colorful temples and idols of gods and goddesses; and witnesses a humongous fair every year during the festivals. init: function(slider) { If you miss the golden hours, dont worry as Grand Bassin remains truly fairylike throughout the entire day; like a reminder of ancient times when gods roamed the earth. In addition, hotel experience was, and 2nd flight left leaving us had to take extra flight. connecting flight not really connecting need to give extra tips for specific destinations eg regarding currency exchange water things to carry, About the trips - Best was Ile Aux Cerfs, then North Island and South Island was quite boring as it was tiring and not so exciting places. }); It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Mauritian culture and celebrate with us! Visit highlights such as Grand Bassin, Maccabee Viewpoint, and Seven Colored Earth over the course of the day and learn about the island's history and culture. before: function(slider) { Champs de Mars Racecourse is the oldest turf club in the Southern Hemisphere as well as the second oldest worldwide. Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano which was active some 2 million years ago during the creation of Mauritius Top waterfalls in Mauritius. Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon. Grand Bassin is a crater lake about 550 meters above sea level with a depth of between 50 and 55 feet. They didnt have much vegetarian options & we had to request it till last day for every meal. Yes, we are open during Sundays and public holidays What are the opening hours of the Coffee Shop and Souvenir Shop? With a playground and some giant tortoises to see, its a great family attraction. Ganga Talao (commonly known as Grand Bassin) is a crater lake situated in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne, deep in the heart of Mauritius. This particular festival is celebrated in the form of pilgrimage here in Mauritius for many years now, especially by the majority of youths. In those dire times, one of their driving forces was their beliefs and their religion. }, The main trails take between three and four hours. How to avoid them here. var el = $(this); Airlines - Air Mauritius is a good choice and booking from their official website is preferable. Login to create your guides for Mauritius. On top is a big cross as a memorial for the history of this mountain. Grand Bassin discounts - what to see at Mauritius - check out 72 reviews and 13 photos for Grand Bassin - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Grand Bassin Grand Bassin is definitely worth exploring for a few hours. During Maha Shivaratri, it almost always rains every year, making it a great time to plan for a Grand Bassin reunion with friends and family. le aux Aigrettes and le Des Deux Cocos Island day-tour. Thousands of devotees face the hardships of traversing the rugged island, and make their way to the sacred lake, with handmade kanwars or shrines which are put down on the banks and offered prayers. The name is a tribute to the Ganges River in India also known as Ganga. Move along the seaside from Point dEsny and enjoy a typical Creole picnic on Ile des deux Cocos. You can combine your visit to Grand Bassin with another attraction at the tea plantation in Bois Cheri. Sabi Sands Hiking is the best way to explore this last corner of island rainforest, and there are 50km (31mi) of trails you can walk on your own or with a guide. Privacy with your own cook and maid! Find the perfect grand bassin in mauritius stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. Definitely worth going if you haven't visited. Thanks again for your wonderful website, it is by far the best one I have visited and I was so excited when I found it!Cecilia. People may take time to complain, but don't often write with praise, so I want to correct that imbalance!Ian K. Bath, UK, Thank you for your well documented and informative web-site. The largest natural lake in Mauritius, Grand Bassin, is surrounded by candy-colored statues of gods and Hindu temples. from . Most of them also carry kanwars on their shoulders. Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner. In local folklore, the Ganga Talao lakes history as a pilgrimage site goes back to 1887, when a Triolet pujari, or priest, had a dream in which he saw the lakes water springing from the river Jahnavi, another name for the goddess Ganga. Explore the dormant volcano of Trou aux Cerfs in the heart of Curepipe, Watch local craftsmen make painstaking replicas of authentic sailing ships, Taste the Chamarel Rums and visit the Giant Shiva statue that found at Grand Bassin, Discover Seven Coloured Earths, a natural phenomenon of sand dunes, and the Chamarel Waterfall, Please make sure to fill in all the requests at checkout and carefully read the voucher after booking, The pick-up time and duration of the tour will vary depending on the location of your hotel. Grand Bassin Address: Chamarel, Mauritius, 001, Best time to visit Grand Bassin(preferred time): 08:00 am - 11:00 am, Time required to visit Grand Bassin: 04:00 Hrs. Its a good idea to go with a guide who can give you a background on all the gods depicted on the statues. You are most welcome to visit Ganga Talao at anytime of the year. Shiva statue at lake Grand Bassin temple. Feel the spiritual atmosphere. Aman provided quite responsive and satisfactory services. Best prices. Ganga Talao is a holy place for Hindus. Abo, Overall trip was good. Read more on Home Featured Destinations Mauritius. These huge statues are a real marvel! . One of the most amazing place to visit and sacred place, Grand bassin Mauritius is a very special place. But far from better, the island of Mauritius earlier had extremely rough and uninhabitable conditions prevalent, which made it harder to survive for the ones who were still alive. It claimed lives at sea and at numerous quarantines at the doorstep of Mauritius. From the temple you can follow the steps to the top of the hill where you will have a beautiful view of the surrounding area, beside encountering a few monkeys. Ille aux Cerf's and hotel, The trip arranged by aga tours was economical, hotel was decent. South Africa Book the Hiking Le Morne Mountain tour and venture up the magnificent mountain enjoying an outstanding view of Mauritius from the top. . Ganga Talao (commonly known as Grand Bassin in Mauritius) is a crater lake, about 550 metres above sea level, located in the mountainous Southwest district of Savanne. It will give you an idea of the size and work involved. If you're a vegetarian, better carry some food and snacks as there are quite limited options everywhere. However, the life that awaited them was far from that. Enjoy a rum tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel before having a mouth-watering lunch at Le Chamarel restaurant. nextText:">", Want best packages handpicked just for you? }); } Good news! Have a private tour of the southeast coast of Mauritius and spot the wild dolphins by speedboat. Right next to the Seven Coloured Earths is the newly opened Ebony Forest. Do you know which airlines carry golf bags for free? Take a stroll around the pretty lake and up to the top of the peak for spectacular views, and take time to see the statues and temple. Posted on March 7, 2023 In todays video we explore Chamarel Mauritius including Chamarel waterfall, Chamarel seven coloured earth the black river gorges national park even though the weather was not on our side yet again for Mauritius weather. Or wild monkeys happily munching on coconuts. Town , 7530, June/July 2022 Great Migration Safari in Tanzania, Tanzania Affordable Calving Season Safari 2022, Wildebeest Migration, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar Journey, Copyright Discover Africa Safaris | Grand Bassin | Last Updated: 21 Jun 2023, View 1 Mauritius Vacation, Discovering Namibias Unique Wildlife: Animals Youre Likely to See in this African Nation, 10 of the Most Important Conservation Initiatives to Support in Kenya, 6 of the Best Destinations for Walking Safaris in Africa, The Big Five of Botswana: Where to Spot Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalos, The 10 Best Experiences You Can Have on a Botswana Safari. Relish the mystical lake, covered with flowers from offerings, blissfully reflecting the bright colours of the temples while the warm and comforting scent of incense awakens your senses. Grand Bassin. The best way to come here is by renting a car, alternatively, you can take a taxi. Create unforgettable memories with your family or friends. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner for your territory and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity. Grand Bassin in Mauritius is now one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage site outside of India! Please don't drive during your Mauritius holiday. You can see the map below for more information. This is obviously a sacred place and you should remember to remove your shoes. downscale_only: false, directionNav:true, We even have a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesh called Ganesh Chaturthi. There is no entrance fee. $123.08. If youre a botany buff, plan your trip between September and January, when its the flowering season in Black River Gorges National Park. Located in the south of Mauritius, this sacred lake, Grand Bassin is worshipped by all communities in the country who believe in its divine energies. During your visit of this sacred site, you will inevitably be awestruck by the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer. If you arent hard pressed for time, hire a car and plan to spend an entire day at the Ganga Talao. Have also walk up to theHanuman Temple. As one of the most important religious sites in Mauritius for the Hindus, Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a great place to visit when exploring South Mauritius. COFFEE SHOP SOUVENIR SHOP An immersive experience Our 8.5-hectare park is a must-see place to discover our wonderful island. Grand Bassin in Mauritius should be on your must see list of attractions. Black River Gorges National Park, the largest reserve on the island, is a world of rolling hills and dense emerald-green rainforests that extends over 6000 hectares and conserves more than 300 species of native and endemic flowering plants and bird species unique to Mauritius. Make time to explore the main Hindu temple built in honour of Lord Shiva alongside the sacred lake. The scenery is at its peak during sunrise and sunset. If time and resources permit, would definitely recommend to go to Casela Nature Park on your own and do activities there. Duration 6 hours. Take an interesting tour of the distillery and then do a tasting of the oak-matured and fruit-infused rums before having lunch at the excellent restaurant, LAlchimiste, where dishes (such as indulgently rich chocolate pudding) come laced with rum. Grand Bassin is a crater lake located in the south of Mauritius some 1800 metres above sea level. The statue is f 108 feet (33 meters) high and . Choose from a range of different packages to discover unique sites and amazing views. Grand Bassin was discovered by Pandit Jhummon Giri Gossagne Nepal who lived in a village in the North of the island called Triolet. There are many colorful idols all around the lake, with legendary stories spun around them. var cloned = el.clone(); During the lending, however, few drops of water spilt from the Ganges to create the Grand Bassin, in a crater of an extinct volcano. Incense sticks are gently lit up. }; You might even catch a glimpse of giant eels and some fish in the lake. KazOut has now become one of the most awaited music festivals in Mauritius and one of the few to come back every year. February is the month with the highest percentage of rain and this area is the place in Mauritius with thehighest number of storms on the island. Louis B. Stellenbosch, South Africa, Your website is such a wonderful help to families like mine planing a trip to the island for the first time. Grand Bassin is close to many natural attractions and exciting places to visit, including the wildest place on the island, Black River Gorges National Park. So you must be wondering who plays at what time? Mist sometimes rises from the lake and makes it colder inside the lake complex. Spend a day discovering the breathtaking sights of southwest Mauritius, including Trou aux Cerfs, the Black River, the seven Colored Earths, and more, with your own private tour guide. Book the Mauritius five islands speedboat tour and enjoy the beautiful beaches and relaxing time on the islands. window.open(layer.attr('data-link'), layer.attr('data-target')); At a height 1800 feet above the sea level, this is a scared place for Hindus in Mauritius. Grand Bassin, Mauritius - December 26, 2017: Mangal Mahadev - Shiva Statue, 33 m tall Hindu god, standing at the entrance of Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin lake the most sacred Hindu place on Mauritius. The statue is f 108 feet (33 meters) high and is the highest known statue in Mauritius.
