Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Terres de 7 Couleurs
OFFLINE MAP
(Chamarel Coloured Earths; 483 8298; adult/child Rs 125/75; 7am-6pm)
The Chamarel Coloured
Earths, 4km southwest of Chamarel, has, for reasons that remain something of a mystery
to us, become one of the sights on the island's usual tourist circuit. Most travellers find it
quite underwhelming after a long journey, but if you temper your expectations and ap-
proach an excursion here as a quirky side trip, then there's a greater chance of enjoying
the variations of colourful sand - a result of the uneven cooling of molten rock. Tortoises
are kept in an enclosure just below the coloured earths, which lie 3km inside the reserve.
The entire property was once the private estate of Charles de Chazal de Chamarel, who
entertained Matthew Flinders during Flinders' captivity in Mauritius during the Napoleon-
ic Wars.
NATURAL LANDMARK
Chamarel Waterfall
About halfway (1.5km) between the Terres de 7 Couleur's entrance gate and the colourful
sands is a scenic viewpoint over the Chamarel waterfall, which plunges more than 95m in
697 5430;
www.verticalworldltd.com
)
from the top of the falls all the way into the pool at its base.
WATERFALL
Rhumerie de Chamarel
OFFLINE MAP
MUSEUM
( 483 7980;
www.rhumeriedechamarel.com
;
Royal Rd; adult incl tasting Rs 350, child Rs 175; 9.30am-4.30pm
Mon-Sat)
Set among the vast hillside plantations of Chamarel, the Rhumerie de Chamarel is
a working distillery that doubles as a museum showcasing the rum-making process. The
pet project of the Beachcomber hotel tycoon, the factory opened in 2008 and uses a spe-
cial 'ecofriendly' production method ensuring that all materials are recycled. The rum is
quite tasty and makes for a pleasant coda to a guided tour of the plant. It's best to time
your visit with a lunchtime break at the on-site gourmet restaurant, L'Alchimiste (
Click
Yemaya
( 283 8187, 752 0046;
www.yemayaadventures.com
)
Full- and half-day adventures can be arranged
with professional 'cycle-path' Patrick Haberland at his outfit, Yemaya. They also arrange
hikes through Black River Gorges National Park.
HIKING, MOUNTAIN-BIKING
