Ganga Talao, Sacred lake in central Mauritius.

Ganga Talao, also called Grand Bassin, is a lake in an old volcanic crater in the Savanne district, at about 540 m above sea level. A low wall runs along its edge, topped by a continuous row of small rounded markers that glow orange. A small island of dense shrubs and thin trees sits in the water, and temples to Shiva, Hanuman, Ganga and Ganesh stand along the shore.

In 1887, Pandit Jhummun Giri, a priest from Triolet, said he had dreamed of the waters of the Ganges flowing into this crater lake. The first pilgrims came from Triolet in 1898, led by Pandit Giri Gossayne of Terre Rouge. In 1972, water from the Ganges was poured into the lake and the name Ganga Talao was made official.

The lake's name means "Lake of Ganga", linking it to the Ganges 4,000 miles away. During Maha Shivaratri pilgrims walk from their homes carrying hand-made kanvars, small shrines to Shiva, and place them along the water's edge with offerings of food and fire. Many bottle the water as sacred liquid for those unable to come, and tradition holds that people offer food and drink to the pilgrims.

The site has parking, restrooms, and several pathways around the water for exploring. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain varies, and food vendors are available if you get hungry.

A 33-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva stands near the entrance and is visible from far away. This colossal sculpture is one of the island's most notable religious monuments.