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Curious Corner of Chamarel
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Curious Corner of Chamarel is located in the southwest of Mauritius, directly opposite the famous Seven Coloured Earth. This facility specializes in optical illusions and interactive physical phenomena, conveying scientific principles in an engaging manner. The building houses over 40 different exhibits that challenge perception, perspective, and gravity. Geographically, the site benefits from the tourist significance of the Chamarel region, which is renowned for its unique geological features. Notable attractions include the mirror maze and the 'Ames Room,' which manipulates the viewer's sense of scale. The design of the exhibits relies on mathematical precision to achieve visual effects that challenge the human brain. Curious Corner serves as a complement to the region's nature-based tourism, offering insights into the psychology of visual perception. The architecture is modern and designed to efficiently guide visitor flow through the various themed areas.
- Location: Mauritius
- Top sights: Viewpoint Chamarel · Piton du Canot · Sublim Point
- Nearby: Le Morne Village (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 127 | 113 | 124 | 79 | 47 | 32 | 28 | 26 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Curious Corner of Chamarel is an indoor attraction featuring optical illusions and interactive puzzles. You can enter all exhibition rooms and thoroughly explore the installations.
Typical hours
Opening hours typically follow standard tourist attraction times, often daily from late morning until early evening. It is advisable to check the current schedule online before your visit.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed throughout the exhibition, and the illusions provide excellent opportunities for creative shots. Some rooms have special lighting effects that produce fantastic images.
Time needed
Most visitors spend about one to two hours exploring the optical illusions and puzzles. If you try all interactive challenges, you might stay even longer.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Colored Earths. These natural wonders are just a short drive away and make an excellent day trip.
Getting there
The Curious Corner is located in the village of Chamarel and is accessible by car via well-maintained roads. Parking is available on site, and taxis from Black River or Flic en Flac are an option.
Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak season. Weekdays are generally quieter, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Geography
Facts
- The facility houses over 40 interactive optical illusions.
- It is located in the Rivière Noire district in the southwest.
- The mirror maze consists of a complex arrangement of reflective surfaces.
- The 'Upside Down Room' simulates a reversal of gravity.
- Mathematical calculations underpin all the visual exhibits.
- Chamarel is famous for its geological diversity and microclimate.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Curious Corner of Chamarel (7)
Ebony Forest
Protected forest area with ebony trees. Habitat for rare birds and endemic plants.
Curious Corner
Interactive exhibition with optical illusions and visual effects. Suitable for children and adults.
Case Noyale Viewpoint
Viewpoint near Case Noyale. Panoramic view of the bay and sea.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is this place suitable for?
Well-suited for families and friends who love optical illusions.
Does it require a lot of time?
Plan about one to two hours for the exhibits.
Can I take photos there?
Yes, taking photos is part of the experience.
Where is it located?
It is located in the welcoming village of Chamarel.
Is it stroller-friendly?
Most areas are easily accessible.
Curious Corner of Chamarel: where is it located?
Curious Corner of Chamarel is located in Mauritius.
Curious Corner of Chamarel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Viewpoint Chamarel, Piton du Canot, Sublim Point.
Curious Corner of Chamarel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Curious Corner of Chamarel: why is it worth visiting?
Curious Corner of Chamarel is located in the southwest of Mauritius, directly opposite the famous Seven Coloured Earth.
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Nearby cities
La Gaulette
La Gaulette is a fishing village in the southwest that is very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Grande Rivière Noire
Grande Rivière Noire is the heart of the Rivière Noire district.
Baie du Cap
Baie du Cap is an idyllic coastal village at the southwestern tip of the island.
Riviere Noire
A scenic district on the west coast, known as the gateway to Black River Gorges National Park and for dolphin watching tours.
Le Morne Village
Le Morne Village is situated at the foot of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain.
Tamarin
Tamarin is a coastal village in the west known for its salt pans and dolphin watching tours.
Flic en Flac
Flic en Flac is a major tourist village on the west coast.
Chemin Grenier
Chemin Grenier is a large village in southern Mauritius.
Bambous
Bambous is the administrative capital of the Rivière Noire district in the west.
Chamouny
Chamouny is an inland village in the Savanne district.
Surinam
Surinam is a coastal village in southern Mauritius, adjacent to Chemin Grenier.
Gros Cailloux
Gros Cailloux is a rural village in the west of the island.
History & landmarks
Nature
Ile aux Bénitiers
A long, narrow island in the Le Morne bay, surrounded by coconut trees and clear waters.
Tourelle du Tamarin
A standalone mountain on the west coast, rising steeply above the village of Tamarin.
Mare Longue Reservoir
An upland reservoir near the Black River Gorges, surrounded by primary forest.
Trois Mamelles
A distinctive three-peaked mountain in the west of the island.
Mare aux Vacoas
The largest reservoir in Mauritius, located on the central plateau.
More places
Rhumerie de Chamarel
A world-class rum distillery located amidst sugarcane plantations, demonstrating traditional distillation methods.
Ebony Forest Reserve
A conservation project restoring the original ebony forests of Mauritius, providing a refuge for rare native wildlife.
Chamarel Coffee Plantation
The only coffee production site in Mauritius, growing the famous Arabica beans in the fertile soil of Chamarel.
Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel
A geological phenomenon consisting of dunes in seven distinct colors, created by the conversion of basaltic lava into clay minerals.
Chamarel Waterfall
The highest waterfall in Mauritius, plummeting over a steep basaltic cliff into a horseshoe-shaped pool.
Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire
The highest peak in Mauritius offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and is part of the Black River Gorges National Park.
Plaine Champagne
The highest plateau in Mauritius, known for its cooler temperatures and the harvesting of wild Chinese guavas.
Black River Gorges National Park
The largest protected area in Mauritius preserves the last remains of the original rainforest and spectacular gorges.