La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park

Chamarel, a town that's home one of the unique geological formations all over the world, is a tiny hamlet nestled amidst the western hills of Mauritius. Chamarel's main tourist attraction is the La Vallee des Couleurs, which is one of the biggest tourist draws on this side of the island. Being the most intriguing tourist attraction on the island, the nature park is home to a variety of different natural attractions, the most famous of them being the 23 coloured earth.

23 Coloured Earth of La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park

The 23 coloured earth was discovered as late as 1998, but its actual origin goes all the way back to when the Bassin Blanc volcanic eruption took place, millions of year ago. This magnificent spot is primarily a result of magma and lava from the volcanic eruption cooling and solidifying over the years. 

With the process of weathering of molten rock due to surface conditions altering the chemical as well as the mineral composition of the molten rock; thus giving birth to the myriad of colours one would be able to see today.

At first glance, the 23 coloured earth looks artificial; however, not even a single inch of the landscape has been artificially enhanced in any way, and the colours that you would be able to see today have stood witness to climatic changes over thousands of years, and still retained the same appearance.

The 23 coloured earth is a unique phenomenon that is unlike anything else you will find anywhere in the world, making it the main highlight of the La Vallee des Couleurs nature park.

Exhibition Room
If you’re interested in knowing more about the scientific process behind the formation of the coloured earth, there is an exhibition room near the entrance to the park where you can test the various soil samples and see their composition for yourself.

Biodiversity at La Vallee Des Couleurs
Apart from the 23 Coloured Earth, the La Vallee des Couleurs is also home to a variety of fern gardens, which house a stellar collection of different plants and wild orchids, including the rare Banana Bouquet and the Trochetia. The La Vallee des Couleurs comprises not just of flora, but fauna as well, with the park being the habitat of various animals such as turtles and monkeys, along with rare Mauritian birds like the Pink pigeon and the Cateau Vert.

Other activities that tourists can enjoy at the La Vallee des Couleurs nature park include quad biking and ziplining, both of which are done under the supervision of trained professionals.