Plizio Visual Lab
Kanaka Crater
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Relief
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Kanaka Crater, widely known as the Lonar Crater, is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is one of the most spectacular meteorite impact craters in the world. It was formed approximately 52,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch when an asteroid struck the hard basalt rock of the Deccan Plateau. The crater has a diameter of about 1.8 kilometers and a depth of around 150 meters, with its center occupied by a unique saline-alkaline lake. Scientifically, the site is of immense importance as it is one of the few impact craters globally formed in basaltic rock, providing analogues for the study of the Martian surface. The surrounding area of the lake hosts a rich ecosystem and several 12th-century temple ruins, such as the Daitya Sudan Temple, located near its rim. In 2020, the crater gained international attention when the lake water temporarily turned pink due to the presence of haloarchaea microbes and changes in salinity.
- Location: Mauritius
- Top sights: Bois Chéri Tea Museum · Mont Perruche
- Nearby: Britannia (5 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
Getting there
Situated in the central plateau of Mauritius, the crater is generally reached by car or taxi from nearby towns like Curepipe, often via smaller, winding residential and rural roads.
Best season
Accessible year-round, though the drier months from May to November offer cooler, less humid conditions and better visibility for appreciating the shape of the extinct volcanic depression.
Terrain & paths
The area surrounding the crater is mostly covered by lush vegetation and tea plantations; viewing areas are generally accessible, though paths leading down can be steep, muddy, and overgrown.
What to bring
Light walking shoes with decent traction, a rain jacket due to the central plateau's frequent brief showers, and insect repellent are practical items for exploring this inland area.
Parking
There is usually informal space to park a rental car or taxi along the approach roads or near the main viewing points, though dedicated large-scale tourist parking lots are uncommon.
Safety
Visitors should exercise caution near the crater's edge, as the ground can be slippery and unguarded; if venturing onto smaller trails, be wary of dense brush and uneven volcanic soil.
Time needed
A visit to view the crater and its immediate surroundings is relatively brief, typically lasting around 30 to 60 minutes, and is frequently combined with other central plateau attractions.
Geography
Facts
- Created approximately 52,000 years ago by meteorite impact.
- The crater diameter is about 1.8 kilometers.
- The central lake is both saline and alkaline in nature.
- Earth's only known impact crater in basaltic rock.
- Water turned pink in June 2020 due to haloarchaea microbes.
- The circumference of the crater rim is roughly 6 kilometers.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the Kanaka Crater?
A former volcanic crater that now gives a fascinating geological landscape.
What is the terrain like at the crater?
The terrain is rugged and rocky, with some loose stones on the trails.
Is a guided tour recommended?
Yes, as the trails are not always clearly identifiable, a local guide is helpful.
What equipment should I bring?
Sturdy shoes, sun protection, and sufficient water are essential.
Can you camp there?
Wild camping is not permitted, please use official campsites.
Kanaka Crater: where is it located?
Kanaka Crater is located in Mauritius.
Kanaka Crater: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bois Chéri Tea Museum, Mont Perruche.
Kanaka Crater: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Kanaka Crater: why is it worth visiting?
The Kanaka Crater, widely known as the Lonar Crater, is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is one of the most spectacular meteorite impact craters in the world.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Mauritius →
Nearby cities
Bois Chéri
Bois Chéri is the cradle of Mauritian tea.
Grand Bois
Grand Bois is a village in the Savanne district.
Britannia
Britannia is a historic village in southern Mauritius.
La Flora
La Flora is a mountain village in the Savanne district.
Surinam
Surinam is a coastal village in southern Mauritius, adjacent to Chemin Grenier.
Rivière des Anguilles
Rivière des Anguilles is a picturesque village in southern Mauritius.
Chemin Grenier
Chemin Grenier is a large village in southern Mauritius.
Midlands
Midlands is located in the central highlands of Mauritius.
Bananes
Bananes is a small, remote village in central Mauritius.
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Rose Belle
Rose Belle is a major transport hub and commercial village in southeastern Mauritius.
Dubreuil
Dubreuil is a remote mountain village in central Mauritius.
New Grove
New Grove is a large residential and agricultural village in the Grand Port district.
Cluny
Cluny is a small village in the Grand Port district.
Rose Hill
Rose Hill is a major shopping and cultural hub in Mauritius.
History & landmarks
Siv Soopramaniar Kovil
A major Tamil temple in Curepipe, known for its artistic decorations.
Rochester Falls
A spectacular waterfall in the south of the island, famous for its unique, rectangular basalt columns.
Alexandra Falls
A high waterfall in the Black River Gorges National Park, plunging over a forested cliff.
Tamarind Falls
A series of seven consecutive waterfalls on the Tamarind River, surrounded by dense tropical forests.
Gris Gris Cliffs
The southernmost point of the island, known for its rugged basalt cliffs and the absence of a protective coral reef.
Nature
More places
Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
A crater lake in the Mauritian highlands, situated in an extinct volcano and regarded as the island's most sacred Hindu site.
Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park
An adventure park famous for its 23-colored earth and offering numerous activities like ziplining and quad biking.
Bassin Blanc
Another volcanic crater lake in the south, surrounded by dense forest and recognized as an important bird area.
La Vanille Nature Park
This park is famous for its thousands of Nile crocodiles and giant Aldabra tortoises that visitors can interact with and feed.
🗺️
Savannah Sugar Estate
Located in the south, this factory is a key player in the regional economy and in sustainable energy production.
Heritage Nature Reserve
A conservation area in the south offering a mix of coastal forest and mountain scenery, home to deer and wild boars.
Le Domaine de Saint Aubin
A historic estate in the south of the island, known for its vanilla plantation and a traditional manor house dating back to 1819.
Takamaka Boutique Winery
The only winery in the world producing wine exclusively from lychees, offering tours of its unique production process.