Hello Local Guides family,
Last month, we hosted a meetup in Mauritius, which was attended virtually by people from many countries around the world. This can be considered the very first Local Guides meetup in Mauritius, because not only did Local Guides join virtually and explore a beautiful place in Mauritius with me, but my longtime friend and Local Guide from Pakistan, @KashifMisidia, also joined in person and explored this place for the first time. This was truly a remarkable moment, as I consider it a wonderful beginning for Local Guides activities in Mauritius.
Our trip from Rose-Hill, located in the island’s western central plateau, took just under an hour. For reference, the drive from Mauritius’ SSR International Airport in the south to Ganga Talao is about 30 minutes.
First, I’ll share a few details about this sacred place, and then I’ll list the spots we visited during the meetup.
Introduction
Nestled in the lush Savanne district of Mauritius, Ganga Talao, also known as Grand Bassin, is more than just a scenic crater lake, it’s a spiritual heartland for Hindus on the island. Located about 550 m above sea level and reaching depths of 15–17 m, this volcanic lake is a serene escape and a deeply revered pilgrimage site. The drive to Ganga Talao is a peaceful experience, winding through green forests and quiet roads.
The sacred significance of Ganga Talao dates back to 1866, when Pandit Sanjibonlal consecrated the site as a place of worship for Lord Shiva. Later, in 1897, Pandit Jhummon Giri Gossagne, guided by a dream, led the first pilgrimage from Triolet village. In 1972, water from the holy Ganges in India was ceremonially poured into the lake, symbolically linking it to one of Hinduism’s most sacred rivers. This marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day.
Meetup
During our hybrid meetup, I shared with our Local Guides the story behind Ganga Talao and showed them the statue commemorating the Pandit.@KashifMisidia and I gave a live walkthrough of the site, showcasing temples, murthis (idols), the surounding structures, the shimmering lake, and even its resident fish and recently added ducks.
It was truly encouraging to see Local Guides actively participating in the meetup. Their enthusiasm was evident, they could name many idol even before I had a chance to read the informative inscription, which was impressive! That energy gave me the motivation to keep going 
We highlighted the site’s accessibility features, though limited, there is some infrastructure in place to support visitors with mobility needs such as ramps, parking etc. Despite cloudy skies and rain forecasts, we completed the tour just in time and covered many of the below-mentioned spots.
Temples & Shrines Around the Lake
Ganga Talao is home to 11 main temples along its banks and up to 17 shrines in the wider complex, including:
- Shiv Mandir – The main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, housing a large Shivalingam.
- Hanuman Mandir – Located on a hilltop, reached by a steep staircase, offering panoramic views.
- Ganga Mandir – Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, symbolizing the sacred river connection.
- Ganesh Mandir – Honoring Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles.
- Durga Shrine – Near the entrance, complementing the towering Durga statue.
- Bhairava Shrine – Devoted to Bhairava, an avatar of Shiva.
- Parvati Shrine – Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva.
- Durga Mata Murti Shrine – A smaller shrine near the Durga statue.
- Jain Shrine – Representing Jain spiritual tradition.
- Sikh Temple (Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara) – Serving the Sikh community.
- Buddha Statue – A serene statue symbolizing peace and harmony, highlighting the site’s inclusiveness.
However, the site is too vast, so here’s a quick overview of highlights we couldn’t cover within the limited time:
- The 2 iconic statues at the entrance
- Lord Shiva (Mangal Mahadev): Inaugurated in 2008, this towering 33 m (108 ft) statue is one of Mauritius’ tallest and a focal point during Maha Shivratri.
- Goddess Durga: Unveiled in 2017, this equally impressive 108 ft statue depicts Maa Durga riding a lion, symbolizing strength and protection.
- The Hanuman Mandir: Perched on a hill above the lake, this temple offers breathtaking panoramic views. The climb takes about 30 minutes from the main Shiva statue, but the serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make it worth every step.
Post-meetup
After the meetup, we wandered through the nearby food stalls, introducing Kashif to the flavors of Mauritius. My family and I treated him to an assortment of local snacks, crispy potato, onion, brinjal, and bread pakoras paired with steaming tea and tangy tamarind juice. We also savored soft bakri (roti) served with creamy kheer, an absolute delight. On our way home, we made a quick stop at the Mare aux Vacoas reservoir, where we enjoyed a refreshing shaved ice topped with tamarind; a perfect, sweet-and-sour finale to a wonderful day.
Personal note
Thanks to @KashifMisidia for making this hybrid meetup possible! I suggested Ganga Talao, a spot he’d never visited despite 2 previous trips to Mauritius and his idea to turn it into a community event gave me the perfect chance to learn hosting. We kept his presence a surprise, which I hope added a fun twist; it’s not every day you see Mentor @KashifMisidia live in Mauritius! Having my co-host by my side for my first meetup was an incredible learning experience.
A big heartfelt thank you to all who joined the meetup virtually and explored this amazing place with us! I’m so happy and proud because this was just a small effort on my part to showcase the beauty of my country. If even one friend feels inspired and decides to visit Mauritius after this, it means my mission has been successful. Honestly, you all made my first meetup not only successful but truly special. Thank you for being part of this journey!
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to @TravellerG, @Kumaarsantosh, @Anil6969, @Gurukrishnapriya, @TravelClever, @K.K.Sharma, @abbasiii, @velvel, @zuhraLC, @shrut19, @VikramSingh_Valera, @RehanQazi, @DrFoodieOfficial, @Swalay, @shubhu1, @SarathUpendran, @_Akshay_K, @aliakhan, @Sarbland and and to all the friends I may have missed, please let me know, and I’ll gladly update my recap!
Thank you all for sharing the shapshots!
Here’s a quick video from that memorable day!
Why Visit Ganga Talao?
Whether you’re seeking spiritual peace, cultural insight, or simply a scenic escape, Ganga Talao offers all of it. From towering statues to tranquil waters, this sacred site is a must-visit in Mauritius. The site is free to visit and becomes a vibrant spiritual hub during Maha Shivratri, when thousands of pilgrims walk carrying kanwars to collect holy water.
Ref: Facts and figures gathered from online sources
pic.
Thank you so much for tagging me!
snacks.. Your trip to Mauritius was Wow.