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Wonder
Chamarel Falls, Mauritius
In short
Not too far from the prime attraction of Mauritius – Seven Coloured Earth – is located another great landmark – the magnificent Chamarel Falls.
42.5%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Alternate names
Height
Stream
Map of the site
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In detail
History
Falls are named after the nearby Chamarel village. This village in turn is named after the first settlers. Infantry captain Antoine Régis Chazal de Chamarel settled here with his brother Tristan in 1786. Later they sold it – but the name remained.
Until the recent road construction the gorgeous, unspoiled Chamarel was a fairly isolated village where people could rely only on themselves and their neighbors.
Description
Waterfall has formed on Baie de Cap stream and falls over a wide, overhanging cliff amphitheatre, formed by two basaltic lava layers.
The stream plunges over the rim and falls freely, hitting the cliff only near the base. Then it flows into small, oval basine. Further the stream flows through picturesque, forested canyon for 6 km until it reaches Baie du Cap.
The beauty of waterfall can be appreciated from diverse viewpoints.
Height
The information about the height of falls is controversial. Back in the 19th century settlers thought that it is more than 200 m high. Now many sources mention the height of 95, 110, 127 m. More credible though seems the frequently mentioned height of 83 m.
Chamarel Falls is not the tallest waterfall in Mauritius – but the tallest and most impressive single plunge for sure.
Linked articles
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
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