Serenity on the hills...

📍 Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin Temple

Mauritius, being a volcanic island, has several dormant volcano craters. One of the most prominent among them holds a sacred lake nestled within an extinct volcano. It is one of the most sacred Hindu sites in Mauritius, with a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities along its banks.

From the Gorges, the temple was just a ten-minute drive away. On the way, we noticed a very wide road leading up the hill, but almost half of it was unused by vehicles and kept separate. Our guide, Akash, explained that part is reserved for the devotees who walk up to the temple, especially during Maha Shivaratri, when thousands from across the island makes the journey to collect water from the lake.

We were dropped at the gate of the temple and spent around twenty minutes exploring the temple complex. The place felt calm and peaceful, with only a few visitors offering prayers. Several idols were placed along the banks of the lake, open to the surroundings, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

On our way back, we stopped at the parking area to see the 108-foot long statue of Lord Shiva, along with another towering statue of Lord Parvati, standing at an impressive height. We took some pictures there, but what stood out more was a small yet memorable moment. While clicking photos near the entrance lane, I didn't realize that a car had arrived and was waiting for me to move. The driver didn't even honk or rush - just patiently waited until I noticed. It felt like a small, but striking difference from the usual chaos of honking we are so used to at home - the crowded Indian streets.Read more