Mauritius is among the most famous international beach destinations for Indians. Some of its biggest claims to fame are the luxury water villas dotting the coastline of its pristine beaches. While these villas cost around $1,000 (around INR 95,000) per night, there are more affordable options in this island nation. However, it is important to note that Mauritius is certainly not a cheap country to visit. It is moderately priced for most affluent Indians, and you can further cut costs by budgeting your trip smartly. This unstumbled budget guide will help you understand how much a trip to Mauritius can cost, realistically, and how you can maximize savings without compromising on your experiences.
Can You Visit Mauritius On A Budget?
Yes, if you can afford around INR 65,000 per person for a six- to seven-day trip. This includes flights, accommodation, conveyance, and sightseeing. Luxury beach resorts can significantly increase your expenses. Hence, foregoing those is key if saving money is a priority. The good news is that Mauritius offers free visas to Indians on arrival and has a number of budget stays that make the nation a reasonably-priced international beach destination. The following is a table that gives you an idea of the kind of money needed for a Mauritius trip:
| Travel Style | Estimated Daily Cost (INR) | Primary Accommodation and Food |
| Backpacker or Ultra-Budget | INR 3,800 to INR 5,500 per day | Self-catering apartments, street food, public buses |
| Mid-Range or Flashpacker | INR 7,000 to INR 11,500 per day | 3-star boutique stays, mixed dining, rental car/scooter |
| Luxury Resort Standard | INR 29,000 to INR 65,000+ per day | 5-star beach resorts, fine dining, private transfers |
How And When To Book Mauritius Flights For Cheap?
Flights are two of the most expensive things you’ll have to budget for. A standard round-trip costs around INR 30,000 to INR 65,000 depending on the flight prices when you book.
Avoid Booking Tickets In Peak Season (Mid-December To January And April/November)
Flight tickets can be expensive if you book them during the peak season. The festive surge as well as the cyclonic weather can increase the prices of the tickets.
Target The Shoulder Seasons (May To October)
If you want to enjoy the best weather but also save money on flight bookings, make sure you book tickets for the shoulder seasons. During the May to October season, Mauritius sees the dry or winter season with relatively less rain. The temperatures range between 20°C and 26°C with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. Hotel and flight tariffs, too, drop by 30 percent to 40 percent.
Tips For Cheaper Flights
If Booking Direct Flights: Book non-stop flights from major regional hubs like Mumbai. Flights via Air Mauritius or Air India should be booked three to five months in advance to lock in round trips around INR 35,000 to INR 45,000.
If Passing Via Other Transit Hubs: Utilizing local budget carriers via transit hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, or Nairobi, depending on origin, can also help you fetch cheaper tickets.
How To Get A Stay In Mauritius For Cheap?
Cheapest Towns In Mauritius For Accommodation
- Flic-en-Flac (West Coast): This particular town has a massive public beach, endless street food trucks, affordable self-catering units, and direct public bus routes. All of these factors make it one of the more affordable options for tourists on a budget.
- Grand Baie And Pereybere (North): These regions have a high density of affordable guesthouses, local supermarkets (Super U), and vibrant nightlife. This allows tourists to experience the island life without having to break the bank.
- Mahebourg (South-East): Authentic, non-touristy local village close to the airport with low-cost stays and traditional markets.
Skip Resorts And Opt For Homestays
Budget guesthouses, homestays, or standard apartments range from INR 2,500 to INR 6,000 per night. Compare that with luxury resorts. These high-end beach resorts easily exceed INR 12,000 to INR 25,000+ per night.
Therefore, you should look for locally run Chambres d’hôtes (B&Bs), Airbnb apartments, self-catering apartments, guesthouses, and beachside studios. These cost around INR 3,000 to around INR 6,000 per night, and are more affordable than luxury resorts.
Also Read: Do Indians Need Visa To Visit Mauritius? Travel Rules For Indians Explained
Where To Eat In Mauritius For Cheap?
Street food items are by far the most cost-friendly food options available to tourists. Here are a few famous street food items to try:
- Dhal Puri And Roti: Dhal puri and roti are the national staple available at street stalls. The Dewa Dholl Puri in Rose Hill or beach stalls in Flic-en-Flac offer this iconic street food for around MUR 20 to MUR 45 (INR 40 to INR 100) per pair.
- Boulettes: These are delicious meatballs that are either fried, steamed, or braised in a sauce. Sometimes, they are also served along with other ingredients such as eggs and spiced with various condiments. These cost around MUR 120 to MUR 180 (INR 250 to INR 400).
- Mine Frite: This is a local Creole-Chinese dish of fried noodles. Think Mauritius’s version of Desi Chinese. These noodle dishes cost around MUR 140 to MUR 220 (INR 350 to INR 450).
Supermarkets And Cooking
Another big way of saving money is to cook for yourself. You can shop at major local supermarket chains like Super U, Winner’s, and Intermart. Fresh tropical fruit, local baguettes, French cheeses, and Mauritian rum (Green Island or Chamarel) are available at these supermarkets at local shelf prices rather than inflated hotel bar prices.
How To Travel Within Mauritius On A Budget?
Cheapest Option: Public Bus Network
- Mauritius has a great public bus transport network. It is, by far, the cheapest way to get around town in the country.
- Tickets usually cost around MUR 40 to MUR 60 (INR 40 to INR 120)
- However, a lack of familiarity with the bus transport networks may cause some confusion for tourists.
Most Convenient Option: Renting A Vehicle
- These are by far the most popular and affordable way to get around town.
- You can rent a two-wheeler for around MUR 550 to MUR 800 (INR 1,200 to INR 1,800).
- The cost of renting a four-wheeler typically ranges from MUR 1,100 to MUR 1,600 (INR 2,300 to INR 3,300).
- Renting a four-wheeler is significantly cheaper than hiring a taxi. Taxis cost around MUR 3,000 to 4,500 (INR 6,000 to INR 9,500 per day.
Free Things To Do In Mauritius
- Beaches: By law, all of the beaches in Mauritius are open to the public. This means that no hotel or resort can cordon off an area for private use. You can visit beaches like Trou aux Biches, Le Morne Beach, Pereybere, Blue Bay, and Mont Choisy, as they feature free parking, public restrooms, and shade under filao trees.
- Black River Gorges National Park: You can explore lush rainforest trails and Macchabee viewpoint with zero entrance fee.
- Le Morne Brabant: If you’re a fan of hiking, you can hike the UNESCO World Heritage mountain trail independently up to the halfway viewpoint for free. Guided options are available, but you realistically only need them for the upper technical climb.
- Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin): Cultural sites like the sacred crater lake and giant Shiva/Durga statues with free entry and parking are also available.
- Port Louis Central Market: You can also walk through bustling spice and craft stalls for authentic local culture.
Budget 6-Day Itinerary
First Day:
- Arrival
- Check in at Flic-en-Flac Airbnb
- See the sunset at the closest beach in the evening
- Try street food rotis on the beach
Second Day:
- Explore the North Coast
- Take the public bus to Port Louis market
- Head to Pereybere Beach from there
Third Day:
- Self-drive or shared tour to Southwest sights
- Go on the Black River Gorges hike
- Visit the Chamarel viewpoints
Fourth Day:
- Beach day at Le Morne
- Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park. Remember to bring your own snorkeling gear!.
Fifth Day:
- Take a shared catamaran trip or public ferry to Île aux Cerfs ($30 to $45 or INR 3,000 to INR 4,500 including lunch).
Sixth Day:
- Shop for souvenirs at the local Super U
- Departure
Also Read: Top Visa-Free Countries For Indian Passport Holders Worth Visiting
Summing Up
While Mauritius may not be the cheapest destination, the free visa-on-arrival, as well as budget stays and rental vehicles, can help you plan a budget-friendly trip. For maximum savings, remember to smartly time your flight bookings, and when you’re there, try cooking meals for yourself.
