Chamarel Coloured Earth is a small village located in the southwestern part of Mauritius and is one of the most exceptional attractions on the island. This natural wonder is a spectacle of seven different colours of sand surrounded by lush scenery. Breathtaking, to say the least!
What is Charamel Coloured Earth?
This geopark combines history and nature conservation within 8.5 hectares of its terrain spanning a hilly landscape, stunning waterfalls, and more. However, the star attraction is the earth with seven colours of sand contrasting with the lush surroundings. If you are in the Blue Bay, Mauritius hotels such as the Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas are among the best options available.
How is it formed?
This natural phenomenon started with the formation of Mauritius. Exploding lava cooled down into basalt, which later broke down into refined basalt, and underwent oxidation resulting in aluminium and iron staining it to multiple colours from purple to orange. The effect it has on the earth is magnificent, and one of the best attractions in Mauritius.
History
During a meeting in 1879, on Nov 20th, an officer of the Mauritian Royal Society of Arts and Sciences reported the phenomenon of the multicoloured earth in this region. As tourism gained momentum in Mauritius in the 1960s, the Chamarel has become among the most iconic and popular tourist destinations for visitors. The geopark was later established in the late 1960s and aided in developing Chamarel as an area famous for its abundant history and beauty.
The best time to visit
Try to visit during the sunrise or at midday! The sunlight gives off an iridescent glow to the dunes and illuminates the terrain to an almost otherwordly level to make it one of the more visually-attractive places on Earth to visit, if that’s what you desire.
