Curepipe Sights and Landmarks Guide, Mauritius

Curepipe is but a small town in the centre of Mauritius and it can’t boast with life and large population. But its popularity has spread far and wide through the entire country because of its scenic beauty, visual splendor and the spectacular natural views it has to offer.

But the main popularity of this sleepy little township is due to its shopping areas. Tourists and locals throng this township on the market days just like the Franco-Mauritians who hail from far flung areas of the island nation.

Since Curepipe was a former colony of the British, the town has preserved its English market town flavor from the days of yore and that is what adds to its distinctive appeal.

Model shipbuilding industry and a thriving tea industry are the main industries of this township. If you visit Mauritius and feel like doing some hardcore shopping, then follow the routine of the locals and make a beeline for Curepipe - the Market Town of Mauritius.

Apart from shopping, you can stroll around and catch a glimpse of some of the marvelous sights and places of interest it has to offer to its visitors.

You can head for the main historical thoroughfare of the town - Elizabeth Avenue.

Hotel de Ville inspired by colonial architecture doubles up as the town hall. It has undergone renovation in recent times and the facelift has done it good.

Outside the town hall, you will find a stately and well manicured garden forming a green canopy around the historic building. This garden is home to the statue of the fictitious lovers Virginie and Paul from the eponymous titled novel of 1788 authored by Bernadine de Saint Pierre.

The other great attraction of Curepipe is the botanical garden lying west to the center of the city. It is informal and nicely manicured. You can take a stroll down the natural walking trails which branch off the main path.

Be sure to visit the TROU aux CERFS crater which is the town’s distinctive natural/topographical feature formed out of a long extinct volcano. The floor of the crater is heavily wooded. From the summit, you can catch a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape.

Tamarind Falls which features a series of 7 falls, is difficult to reach but well worth the trouble.