You will arrive in Mauritius at the Ramgoolam International Airport on day one of your dream vacation. Instead of jumping right into what the country has to offer, unwind after your flight. You can head towards your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day there. If you are feeling up to it, explore nearby beaches and taste the local cuisine. But turn in early and get ready for your adventure the next day.

Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, is a must-visit. You can trek to Le Pouce from Port Louis. Le Pouce is the third highest mountain in Mauritius and is named so because of its thumb-like shape. As you hike to the top of the mountain, you can see a view of the entire island.

If you like water and animals, swimming with dolphins is a must-try activity when visiting Mauritius. You can head to the South-West coast of the main island for one such guided tour. You can swim with dolphins in their natural habitat and watch the mesmerising underwater world as you swim.

The bustling town of Port Louis, on the north side of the island, offers its share of attractions. You can visit the central market which has been existing for centuries. The market is colourful, has colonial influences, and is perfect for a day full of shopping. You must try the “Allouda” which is a famous cold drink made of milk, basil seeds and ice cream while you are here.

The penny museum, Chinatown, Port Louis race track and Kaylasson Temple are a few other places to see in the capital city.

On day 4, visit the Heritage Nature Reserve, a 1,300-hectare nature reserve run by a local heritage group. You can explore the reserve on a quad bike. You will find sugarcane fields, natural pools and waterfalls on the reserve.Then visit the Ganga Talao, also known as Grand Basin. It is a crater lake situated in the region of Savanne, a secluded mountain region. The lake is in the heart of the country and is about 1800 ft deep. The lake is surrounded by Hindu temples and is a place of religious importance. The place lights up during Shivratri as people walk to the lake barefoot.

You can end your day by eating a traditional Creole meal at Eureka — one of the best places to try local Mauritian cuisine.

Head over to the autonomous islands on the east of the main island. There are plenty of options for kayaking, kite-surfing, hiking and skydiving here. You can scuba dive to see the beautiful coral reefs or hike to the central Mont Limon. The François Leguat Tortoise and Cave Reserve is a must-visit too.

Discover the hidden gem of southern Mauritius, where rugged cliffs and rich history converge. Enjoy sun-kissed beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and must-see attractions like Le Souffleur geyser, the Blue Bay marine park, and the longest bridge on the island, the Cavendish Bridge. Relax at Gris Gris public beach and relish traditional cuisine. Don’t miss Rochester Falls, a captivating waterfall with unique basaltic columns for diving or a refreshing dip.

You can reserve this day for any shopping or local sightseeing near your hotel/resort. You can try local cuisine and restaurants near your hotel and head back to the airport with beautiful memories from the trip.