Historical Ruins of Balaclava, 18th-century ruins in Turtle Bay, Mauritius
The Historical Ruins of Balaclava are 18th-century remains set within a tropical park about 25 hectares in size, featuring stone structures, pathways, and architectural elements from colonial days. The site contains various building complexes that show what the structures and layout looked like during that period.
The location developed in the 18th century as one of the island's early industrial centers and reflects the economic history of Mauritius. The structures that remain today show how this period shaped the island's early development.
The site reveals different periods of Mauritian history through its buildings and how they blend with the natural surroundings. Walking through the structures gives visitors a sense of how people once used this place and why it mattered to the island.
The site can be reached through a resort on the grounds and is best explored on foot with good walking shoes, as paths and structures are spread across the property. It is wise to allow enough time to walk through all areas, especially during warm weather.
The property includes a park with giant tortoises as well as the Citron River with waterfalls and an estuary. These natural features make the location special and show how history and nature come together here.
GPS coordinates: -20.08580,57.52061
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:05
Mauritius offers natural places away from tourist centers. The island shows its geological diversity through beaches, waterfalls, and hiking paths. Black River Gorges National Park is home to rare animal and plant species. You can swim in clear water at beaches like La Cuvette and Pointe d'Esny. The Valley of Ferney protects local wildlife. Sites like Pont Naturel, Le Souffleur, and Gris Gris Beach display the raw coastline, while waterfalls such as Tamarind Falls and Chamarel Waterfall allow walks through green areas. The island's cultural sites tell its story. Apravasi Ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage site that remembers the past. Chateau de Labourdonnais records how people lived in earlier times. Small chapels like Notre Dame Auxiliatrice and historic ruins like Balaclava show the religious and social roots of the island. The island also offers less common experiences. Visiting a tea plantation like Bois Cheri gives insight into local farming. Small islands like Ilot Gabriel and Ilot Mangenie invite day trips. Nearby Rodrigues Island with beaches like Trou d'Argent offers a quieter choice than the main island.
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