La Belle Maurice

Sacred Hindu lake

Ganga Talao, Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin · Savanne

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Ganga Talao, also known as Grand Bassin, is a crater lake set high in the mountains of Savanne, and one of the great places of Hinduism in Mauritius. At the gateway to the site, a statue of Shiva thirty-three metres high greets the visitor. The walk around the lake is taken on foot, unhurried, among the colourful shrines at the water’s edge and the monkeys that play there.

What sets it apart

The lake is the heart of Maha Shivaratri, one of the most widely observed festivals in the Hindu calendar. Worshippers from all over the island, and from much further afield, then make the pilgrimage on foot to Ganga Talao to pray, burn incense and make offerings.

Highlights

  • The statue of Shiva, thirty-three metres high
  • The walk around the lake and its shrines
  • The Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage
  • The monkeys by the water

Good to know

  • During Maha Shivaratri, the approach roads are shared with pilgrims on foot.

Getting there

In the heights of the Savanne district, by Grand Bassin Road.

Where to stay

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