Description of the attraction
The highest mountain of the island of Mauritius is Riviere Noir (or Piton de la Petit), with a height of more than 800m, as part of a volcanic plateau, located in the national park of the state - Black River Gorges. The area of the park is about 66 square kilometers, since 1977. it is included in the list of natural biosphere reserves, includes a part of the Black River Canyon in the east, over the Pirin plateau, the Tamarin Gorge to the waterfalls of the same name, the Bris-Fer mountain ranges and the Mgenta descent. The gorge and the sloping part of the plateau, the Mgent escarpment, go down to sea level, while the average height of the reserve is 55-60 m. The beautiful plateau and foothills covered with tropical greenery attract travelers and hunters (in certain periods, shooting of some ungulates is allowed).
Numerous waterfalls, wetlands with flowering lilies, picturesque peaks and slopes with paved hiking trails provide an opportunity to see rare species of plants and animals. Some of them grow and live exclusively in the reserve, that is, they are endemic: ebony, tambalakoke, lizards and geckos. Mount Python is a great location for panoramic shots of the waterfalls.
Lake Gran Bassen in the former crater of an ancient volcano, which is considered sacred by the Hindus, is noteworthy. water from the Ganges was brought into it. The Ganga Talao temple was built on the shore of the lake and the statues of Shiva and Anuamang were installed.
For hiking, 60 km of roads are offered in relict forests, miraculously preserved during the massive felling. The inhabitants of the national park are monkeys, wild pigs, deer and native bird species. The territory of the park is a field of activity for researchers, defenders of the natural resources of the island of Mauritius, an educational center for students and schoolchildren.
