Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
Ganga Talao
A Hindu pilgrimage site on the shore of a crater lake, with a Shiva statue about 33 meters tall at the entrance. It is the most important place of pilgrimage on the island.
Located in the mountains of the Savanne district in the southern highlands, this crater lake is regarded by Mauritian Hindus as sacred and connected to the Ganges River. Along the lakeshore stand several brightly colored Hindu temples and statues. The giant statues of Shiva (Mangal Mahadev) and the goddess Durga at the entrance are about 33 meters tall, the tallest statues on the island. Entry is free, but visitors must remove their shoes and dress modestly to enter the temples. Monkeys are common by the lake, so keep food out of sight. During the Maha Shivaratri festival, hundreds of thousands of devotees make pilgrimages on foot from all over the island. It is usually combined with the Black River Gorges and the Seven Coloured Earths for a southwest day trip, which requires a private car or a hired vehicle.
Opening hours
Open all day (temple approx. 07:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Black River Gorges National Park
- Tamarind Falls (Seven Cascades)
- Black River Peak
- Rochester Falls
- Rhumerie de Chamarel
- Trou aux Cerfs
- Chamarel Waterfall
- La Vanille Nature Park