Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) Timings & Darshan Guide

The lake and its temples are open every day from morning until evening; there is no entry fee. Hours of individual shrines vary, so plan to visit in daylight.

The busiest time is Maha Shivaratri, when lakhs of pilgrims walk to the lake.

Ganga Talao is a sacred crater lake and the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site of Mauritius. In 1972, water from the Ganga was poured into the lake, and since then it has been revered as part of the Ganga. Temples of Shiva, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Ganesha and others line its banks.

Near the entrance stands the Mangal Mahadev, a 33-metre statue of Lord Shiva, with a matching statue of Maa Durga. During Maha Shivaratri, around half a million devotees make the pilgrimage, many on foot carrying kanwars.

Grand Bassin is in the mountains of south-west Mauritius, about 45–60 minutes by car from Port Louis or Curepipe and close to Black River Gorges National Park. A car or taxi is the easiest way to reach it.