Goodlands
,Goodlands is a vibrant town located in the Rivière du Rempart District of Mauritius. It is known for its bustling market where locals and tourists flock to purchase fresh produce, textiles, and local crafts. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Goodlands also has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French influences evident in its architecture and cuisine.
- "Salut" - Hello
- "Mersi" - Thank you
- "Bondie beni" - God bless you
- "Pa probleme" - No problem
- "Ki manyer?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Goodlands
morning
:Start your day with breakfast at a local café, sampling Mauritian pastries. After breakfast, visit the bustling Goodlands Market for fresh produce and handicrafts.
afternoon
:Enjoy lunch at a popular restaurant, trying some traditional Mauritian dishes. Spend your afternoon at the nearby Labourdonnais Orchards, taking a peaceful stroll among the fruit trees.
evening
:As evening approaches, relax at the shore and watch the sunset over the ocean. Consider dining at a beachfront restaurant to savor fresh seafood.
Market Day
morning
:Visit Goodlands early to experience the vibrant morning market. Engage with local vendors and discover unique handmade crafts.
afternoon
:For lunch, find a local eatery and enjoy a plate of biryani or curry. Afterwards, take a short trip to nearby Triolet for some historical sights.
evening
:Return to Goodlands for dinner in the town. Wind down by trying a local dessert, such as coconut tart, from a nearby bakery.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions
- Vibrant local markets and delicious food options
- Warm and welcoming community
- Opportunities for water sports and outdoor activities
Bad
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Potential for a slower pace of life
- Infrastructure may not be as developed as urban areas
- Occasional transportation challenges within the region
- Higher cost of living in some areas due to tourism
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in Vallée D'Osterlog
Enjoy the picturesque views and lush vegetation of Vallée D'Osterlog while hiking in Goodlands, Mauritius.
Watersports at Grand Baie
Enjoy a variety of watersports activities including snorkeling, diving, and sailing at the nearby coastal town of Grand Baie.
Exploring Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Visit the nearby Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, home to a diverse range of plants and trees, and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the serene surroundings.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Goodlands with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Trou-aux-Cerfs Volcano
Offers panoramic views of the island.
Mont Choisy Beach
Beautiful beach with turquoise waters - great for photos.
Cap Malheureux
Scenic village with a picturesque red-roofed church.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Stunning gardens with unique photo opportunities.
Black River Gorges National Park
Gorgeous views of lush greenery and waterfalls.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Dholl Puri
A thin, soft bread stuffed with spiced ground split peas, usually served with various chutneys and pickles. Try 'Dholl Puri' at La Passage, Goodlands Market.
Must-Try!
Octopus Curry
Tender pieces of octopus cooked in a fragrant curry sauce with tomatoes, onions, and local spices. A must-try at Chez Rosy, Goodlands.
Gateau Piment
Spiced split pea fritters, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Available at local street food vendors in Goodlands.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Goodlands better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Goodlands Market
A bustling market offering a variety of street food stalls where you can sample local delicacies like Alouda (milk-based drink), Roti (flatbread), and fresh tropical fruits.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Elders
In Goodlands, Mauritius, it is important to show respect for elders, including using respectful language and gestures when interacting with them.
Respect for Religious Customs
Mauritius is a multicultural and multi-religious society. It is important to be respectful of religious customs and traditions, such as dress codes when visiting religious sites and being mindful of religious holidays and practices.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Goodlands with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Goodlands, Mauritius, tipping is not always expected, but it is appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and for exceptional service. A 10% gratuity is often added to the bill at restaurants, but additional tips for good service are welcomed.
Payment
Payment in Goodlands, Mauritius is primarily done in Mauritian Rupees (MUR). Cash is widely accepted, and credit cards are also commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments and local markets.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Goodlands.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter (May to October)
This is considered the best time to visit Goodlands, Mauritius, as the weather is cool and dry, perfect for outdoor activities and beach vacations. Expect clear skies, less rainfall, and comfortable temperatures.
Summer (November to April)
During this season, Goodlands experiences hotter and more humid weather. It's also the cyclone season, so visitors should be aware of potential tropical storms and heavy rainfall. However, it's a great time for water activities and diving due to warm sea temperatures.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Le Pouce Mountain
A popular hiking destination offering stunning panoramic views of the island. The trail is moderately challenging and suitable for most hikers.
Lion Mountain
Known for its unique shape, Lion Mountain features a challenging hike that rewards adventurers with breathtaking scenery and views overlooking the coastline.
Black River Gorges National Park
A vast park with numerous trails winding through lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, perfect for both novice and experienced hikers.
Tamarind Falls
Offering several hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls, Tamarind Falls is a captivating spot for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Macchabée Trail
Located within the Black River Gorges, this trail provides an immersive experience in the unique flora and fauna of Mauritius, ideal for a moderate hike.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Goodlands through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Goodlands by plane.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)
The main international airport serving Mauritius, located approximately 48 km from Goodlands, offering flights to various global destinations.
Réunion Roland Garros Airport (RUN)
Located in Réunion Island, about 200 km from Goodlands, this airport offers international flights mainly to European and regional destinations.
Antananarivo Ivato Airport (TNR)
The primary airport serving the capital of Madagascar, located about 1,100 km from Goodlands, it operates flights to several international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indo-Mauritians
The largest demographic group in Goodlands, primarily of Indian descent, known for their cultural and religious contributions.
Creole
A significant community with African and French ancestry, contributing to the island's diverse culture and traditions.
Sino-Mauritians
A smaller community of Chinese descent, involved in various business sectors and cultural exchanges.
Franco-Mauritians
Descendants of French settlers, playing a role in Mauritius' historical context and cultural heritage.
Other Ethnic Groups
Includes various smaller communities and expatriates contributing to the multicultural fabric of Goodlands.
The Soul of Goodlands
Discover the essence of Goodlands through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
Football is the most popular sport in Goodlands, with many local clubs and community engagement.
Cricket
Cricket has a strong following in Goodlands, with regular matches and tournaments held throughout the year.
Basketball
Basketball is growing in popularity, especially among the youth, with several courts available for play.
Badminton
Badminton is widely played both recreationally and competitively in Goodlands.
Athletics
Athletics events, including running and field sports, are commonly held in schools and local clubs.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Most local restaurants and cafes in Goodlands offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, including flavorful curries, fresh salads, and vegetable stir-fries.
Gluten-Free Choices
While traditional Mauritian cuisine often includes wheat-based ingredients, many eateries in Goodlands accommodate gluten-free dietary needs. It's recommended to communicate your requirements to the staff for suitable options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Goodlands with these cultural adventures.