Mauritius, deservedly called "a paradise island", is full of beautiful natural wonders. Apart from the turquoise waters, coral reefs and white sandy beaches, there are many astonishing places to visit on this tiny island. The most characteristic of them, probably, is the Seven Colored Earth located beside the village of Chamarel in south-western Mauritius. It is a relatively small area of land but how extraordinary. The soil is composed of different layers, each having one of the seven colors: (red, blue, green, brown, violet, yellow and purple).

It looks as if it was painted by man yet the truth is the colors were formed by natural processes. They appeared as a result of decomposition volcanic rock into clay. The humid climate helps to further break down the soil, rainwater washes away the dust and sand leaving insoluble elements like iron and and aluminium. Iron gives the soil reddish, and aluminium bluish or purple hue. It is another proof that the nature itself creates the best works of art.

Turtles at the Seven Colored Earths National Park

It's an amazing and definitely a must-see spot while staying on the paradise island. It's not difficult to get there from any point of Mauritius. The best option is to drive (from the capital, Port Louis around 1 hour), but there are all sorts of tours that include the Seven Colored Earth in their itinerary widely available too.

Not only the colored earth is worth a visit in the Chamarel area. You shouldn't miss the 100 meters (329 ft.) Chamarel Waterfall which is located literally a couple of steps away from the Seven Colored Earth. It is perfectly set among the forest, gorges and the cliff wall creating a beautiful, unforgettable scenery.

On the way to Chamarel, you can also visit the nearby Black River Gorges National Park, it's truly amazing and you should easily be able to see both attractions, Seven Colored Earth and the national park in one day.