During our visit to Mauritius, my husband and I had to take our children to Chamerel to see the seven coloured earths. This tourist attraction is found in the Riviere Noire District in the south-western part of Mauritius. Seven distinct colours of sand can be seen in this area:red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow.
The area has changed and become more of a tourist attraction site since my last visit. In addition to the fee that is now charged, people are kept off of the sands. I recall standing on the dunes during my first visit and being able to touch the sands. Now it is all fenced off to prevent people from digging into the sands.
If one looks carefully, one can see some sign of soil erosion near the roots of the trees – probably one of the reasons why the area is now more protected.
We found that when we looked at the sands from a shady area, the colours of the sands were more evident.
We could see the different hues and the almost striped effect of the sands.
I like the contrast between the uncovered sands and the dense forest area that surrounds the dunes.
It was an interesting trip – and our children enjoyed seeing something that they had not known existed. As for myself, it was interesting to notice the changes that had occured since my last visit.
Have you been to see the seven coloured earths?
(This post was inspired by Jake’s prompt: Attraction)
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2013
beautiful pics dear…thanks a lot for sharing
LikeLike
It really is a beautiful place to visit – so interesting to see the different colours of the sands.
LikeLike
These are absolutely amazing. Lovely, flowing color that makes me want to visit. Thank you.
LikeLike
I hope that you can one day. Visiting the small waterfall is also a treat.
LikeLike
No I haven’t seen those particular ones, but we have something called the Badlands here in Canada which is quite like that….
LikeLike
Where are they exactly in Canada?
LikeLike
There are the huge ones in Alberta and then there are smaller ones in Ontario outside Toronto. many people don’t even know the ones in Ontario exist… I will get a few photos out and put them in a blog this week so you can see them.I will leave a comment for you when they go on.
LikeLike
I would be interested in the one in Ontario as we are in Toronto at the moment and may find the opportunity to go there 🙂
Look forward to seeing your pictures.
LikeLike
You can see them in Cheltenham. If you Google the name, you can probably find the directions easily. No admission fee, just park.. Take a 2nd pair of shoes because you will get red dust after walking and it will be all over your car.
LikeLike
Thank you for the tip 🙂
LikeLike
Just beautiful Colline and nope, haven’t been there but I thank you for a wonderful and colourful trip my friend. Now I can also say that I have “seen” it, thanks to you. 🙂 *hugs*
LikeLike
You surely have 🙂
If one day you decide to visit Mauritius, take a drive there – you would not be disappointed.
LikeLike
So beautiful dear Colline.Thanks and Love, nia
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed the photos Nia.
LikeLike
Very cool. I don’t have any plans to visit Mauritius soon so I really appreciate seeing this. The closest thing I’ve seen is the Great Sand Dunes National Park located in the easternmost parts of Alamosa County and Saguache County, Colorado, United States. The dunes are tucked into the mountains and are quite extraordinary, and great fun because you can climb up them and run and jump down. The colors aren’t so intersting, and I occasionally find some of the sand in our vehicle.
LikeLike
On my first visit, we could run and walk on the dunes. I remember we stopped there to have a picnic. The fences now have changed the experience a little.
LikeLike
I have been to Mauritius and had no idea that this existed but now I understand the little bottle with layers of coloured sand one can buy at the port Louis market!!
LikeLike
Yes, that bottle contains the sand from this place. Next time you visit, take a drive there – you can also join a tour bus.
LikeLike
Not only not seen – never heard of them! Thanks for info!
LikeLike
Maybe one day you can go visit – when you are in need of a tropical island holiday 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve been to beaches, each featuring a different colored sand but to see 7 colored sands at once is quite the sight! It would certainly make a great destination for a family outing, Colline.
LikeLike
We enjoyed that day. Before seeing the dunes we stopped off to see a small waterfall (as in high but not as big as the Victoria Falls). Afterwards we had a look at some huge tortoises they have in a pen. The children had fun 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful entry Colline , I really love it 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Jake – and it is good to have your challenges back 🙂
LikeLike
Interesting isn’t it the colours and shades that sand can possess. In Oman, we remain blessed with a long coastline and there are places where the desert meets the ocean. I have see at least five shades of sand at such places. Do these colours arise from different mineral contents?
Shakti
LikeLike
Yes they do – I forget which. It also has something to do with the changes caused by volcanic eruptions.
LikeLike
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. 😉
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed them Ruth 🙂
LikeLike
I never even knew this existed!! Just stunning…Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
It is a rare find I think – which is why one cannot give it a miss when visiting Mauritius 🙂
LikeLike
beautiful! Have never seen anything like It!
LikeLike
It is an amazing sight which we spent many moments looking at.
LikeLike
I didn’t know that existed Colline. So glad you shared this. It is beautiful and fascinating.
LikeLike
Even though it had been my second visit, I still found it beautiful and interesting. I am sure a geologist would have a lot more to say about the composition and colours of the sands 🙂
LikeLike
Quite extraordinary! I’d never heard of this before.
LikeLike
Maybe one day you can visit there – it is quite an experience to see for yourself.
LikeLike
That is amazing, I’ve never seen anything like it. Perhaps they stop people from getting near it so they don’t steal the sand, it would run out one day, or maybe it was getting too mixed, interesting.
LikeLike
It is because people were digging it up. Interestingly enough, the sand doesn’t seem to mix.
LikeLike
Amazing place, Colline. I haven’t heard of it before. Your pics are great, especially the one showcasing the seven different colours.
LikeLike
I took many pictures that visit and the best were when I was in the shade and the sun was shining on the sand full on. 🙂
LikeLike
Echoing most of the comments, Colline. The colours are lovely and neither had I heard of the place. Thanks for educating! 🙂
LikeLike
Mauritius is a beautiful island to visit, and this is one of the spots to see. It certainly makes up for not spending a day at the beach 🙂
LikeLike
Very nice photos
Greetings from Turkey
LikeLike
Thank you so much. And welcome.
LikeLike