Set in the middle of lush green vegetation, this unique geological oddity is one of those amazing creations of nature that just make you go “Wow”.
- A curious and unusual phenomenon, the Seven Coloured Earth site became a major attraction from the early days of tourism on the island in the 1960s.
- The geopark measures 8.5-hectares.
- Chamarel is a small village located on the western side of the island of Mauritius in the Black River district.
- The undulating strips of multi-coloured sand that spontaneously settle in different layers are one of the most photographed and visited sights on the island.
- They sit in an open clearing whose lower edge is skirted by an endemic plant garden highlighting the natural heritage of Mauritius. On the upper edge, spectacular views of a vast amphitheatre of ravines clothed with luxuriant tropical vegetation and a glimpse of the picturesque Chamarel Waterfall in the distance.
- It is a fascinating geological phenomenon of volcanic origin generated by the sudden cooling of the lava at different temperatures, at different times.
- The dunes can reach up to 15 metres thick and contain traces of ancient geoclimatic activity.
- The swirling patterns of the dunes have been carved out by tropical rains and winds which fall periodically on the island.
- The dunes are comprising sand of seven distinct colours – red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow.
- The best time to see the Coloured Earths is at sunrise.
