Ganga Talao Sacred Lake
The sacred crater lake of Mauritian Hindus, watched over by a 33-metre Shiva statue, one of the island's two tallest along with the nearby Durga Maa. Colourful temples, playful monkeys and highland mists create a uniquely mystical atmosphere.
Tip: Awe-inspiring during the Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage (Feb-March), but roads are jammed. Cover shoulders in the temples.
360° view
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A living place of worship
Ganga Talao, "the lake of the Ganges", fills an old volcanic crater at about 550 m in the Savanne district. The first pilgrimage set out from Triolet in 1898 and the lake was officially declared sacred in 1998. For Hindu Mauritians it is the spiritual heart of the island, so expect worshippers, not just visitors.
Two 33 m statues (108 feet, a sacred number) rise above the site: Mangal Mahadev, the trident-holding Shiva at the entrance, inaugurated in 2007, and Durga Maa, unveiled in 2017. Small lakeside temples to Shiva, Hanuman, Lakshmi and Ganesh receive flowers, incense and fruit all day.
Getting there, hours and entry
Entry and parking are free (checked in October 2026). The lake sits on the central plateau between Pétrin and Bois Chéri, roughly 1 hour's drive from Port Louis or Flic en Flac and 1h15 to 1h30 from Grand Baie. The lakeside is open all day; the temples keep their own hours, so aim for 8am to 4pm.
A hire car or a day taxi is by far the easiest option, as buses are impractical for visitors. Allow 45 minutes to an hour on site.
What to wear and how to behave
Cover shoulders and knees, men and women alike; a sarong or light scarf in your bag solves it. Shoes come off before entering a temple, so wear something easy to slip off.
Swimming is forbidden because the lake is sacred. Photographing the statues and scenery is fine, but ask before photographing worshippers or priests and skip the flash indoors. Monkeys hang around the offerings, so keep food out of sight.
Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva
Every February or March, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims dressed in white converge on the lake, many walking from home for several days and carrying kanwars, decorated bamboo shrines. They collect holy water to take back to their village temple.
In 2027 Maha Shivaratri falls on Saturday 6 March, a public holiday announced by the Mauritian government. It is an unforgettable sight, but plateau roads are jammed or partly closed in the days before: go with respect for the pilgrims, or plan your visit for another week.
Best time and nearby stops
Early morning brings soft light and fewer tour coaches. At 550 m it is often cool and misty, so pack a light jumper, especially from June to September.
Grand Bassin pairs naturally with Pétrin, gateway to Black River Gorges National Park, then the Plaine Champagne road past Alexandra Falls and the Black River Gorges Viewpoint down to Chamarel.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Grand Bassin?
No, the lake, temples and car park are free. A small offering or donation in the temples is welcome but optional.
What should I wear to Grand Bassin?
Cover your shoulders and knees and wear shoes you can slip off, as they come off inside the temples. Bring a jumper too, it is often cool up there.
Can you swim in Grand Bassin lake?
No. Ganga Talao is a sacred lake and swimming is forbidden; worshippers only make ablutions and offerings at the water's edge.
When is Maha Shivaratri 2027 in Mauritius?
Saturday 6 March 2027, a public holiday. Pilgrims start arriving at Grand Bassin days before, and traffic on the plateau becomes very slow.
How long do you need at Grand Bassin?
45 minutes to an hour is enough to walk round the lake, see the statues and visit the temples. Make it half a day if you continue into the national park and Plaine Champagne.
