Features in: Best places to visit in Mauritius 2026
Book a Taxi to The Giant Shiva Statue at Grand Bassin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 over 5 – 1200+ Reviews
If you are planning a visit to the Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin, arranging comfortable transport is the easiest way to enjoy the journey. The sacred lake of Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, sits high in the forested mountains of southern Mauritius. The road is scenic but winding, so many visitors prefer private taxis to reach the site comfortably and safely.
Did you know? This attraction is included in our Full-day Chamarel Tour
As a local transport operator, I often drive visitors to this spiritual landmark. Many guests combine the trip with nearby waterfalls, tea plantations, or viewpoints in the south. In this guide, I will explain how to reach the statue, share practical advice from traveler reviews, and give a clear idea of taxi prices and travel options.
Trip Highlights
Round-Trips
as from
€ 70
for a group of 4
Up to 4 hrs waiting time included
Free cancellations *
Price of Taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue at Grand Bassin
Please book a day in advance. Daily pick-ups are available from any region in Mauritius.
Standard Car
as from
EUR 70
4 people max.
Family Minivan
as from
EUR 100
7 people max.
Standard Minivan
as from
EUR 120
10 people max.
Executive Minivan
as from
EUR 125
14 people max.
SUV
as from
EUR 100
4 people max.
Coasters / Buses
as from
EUR 250
22 people max.
Where is The Giant Shiva Statue at Grand Bassin located?
The Giant Shiva Statue stands near Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) in the forested highlands of southern Mauritius. The area is close to Bois Chéri Tea Factory, Alexandra Falls, and the scenic viewpoints of Black River Gorges National Park, making it easy to combine several stops during one trip.
Taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue at Grand Bassin in Mauritius: Insider Tips from a Local
About the Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin
The Giant Shiva Statue is one of the tallest religious statues in Mauritius. It stands around 33 meters high, overlooking the sacred lake of Grand Bassin. The statue represents Lord Shiva and is an important symbol for the Hindu community on the island.
Grand Bassin itself is a crater lake surrounded by dense forest. For Mauritian Hindus, it represents the sacred Ganges River. During the Maha Shivaratri festival, thousands of pilgrims walk here from all parts of the island.
Visitors come not only for religious reasons but also for cultural interest. The atmosphere around the lake is calm and respectful. You will see temples, statues of Hindu deities, and devotees offering prayers.
When I drive guests there, many tell me the place feels peaceful and very different from the beaches. The cool mountain air and the quiet forest surroundings make the visit quite relaxing.
Why many visitors choose taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin
The roads leading to Grand Bassin pass through the central plateau and forest areas. Public transport is available but often slow and involves multiple connections.
That is why many travelers prefer taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin. A private vehicle allows you to travel directly from your hotel without changing buses.
A taxi also allows flexible stops along the way. For example, I often suggest short photo stops at viewpoints in the Black River Gorges area.
Another reason people book private transport is timing. The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Leaving early helps avoid mist or rain.
What travelers say in reviews (honest assessment)
Traveler reviews about the Grand Bassin area are generally positive. Many visitors appreciate the spiritual atmosphere and the impressive size of the Shiva statue.
However, some reviews also mention a few practical issues. These are normal for a religious site that receives many visitors.
One comment often mentioned by travelers is the weather. The central plateau is cooler and sometimes foggy. If the sky is cloudy, the statue may appear partially covered in mist. I always advise guests to visit earlier in the day when visibility is better.
Another common remark is that visitors sometimes expect more activities around the lake. Grand Bassin is mainly a place of worship, not a theme park. Understanding this helps visitors appreciate the calm environment.
Some travelers also mention monkeys around the lake. They are generally harmless, but visitors should avoid feeding them.
Overall, reviews show that people who arrive with the right expectations usually enjoy the visit.
Insider tip #1: Visit early in the morning
One of my personal recommendations is to arrive before 10:30 AM.
Tour buses often arrive around late morning. Visiting earlier means fewer crowds and easier parking.
Morning light also makes the statue look impressive for photos. The lake area feels quieter during those hours.
Insider tip #2: Combine the visit with southern attractions
The location of Grand Bassin makes it ideal to combine with other stops.
Many guests who book taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin also visit:
• Bois Chéri Tea Factory
• Alexandra Falls viewpoint
• Chamarel Seven Colored Earth
• Chamarel Waterfall
This route creates a very pleasant day trip through the mountains and forests.
Some travelers even combine the visit with their airport transfers to Grand Bois area when their hotel check-in time is later.
Road access and travel time
Driving to Grand Bassin is straightforward from most tourist regions.
Approximate travel times:
- Grand Baie – about 1 hour 40 minutes
- Flic-en-Flac – about 1 hour
- Belle Mare – about 1 hour 30 minutes
The road climbs into the mountains, so the temperature drops slightly. Visitors often enjoy the cooler air after spending days on the coast.
Using taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin also allows you to stop for photos safely along the route.
Cultural etiquette when visiting
Since Grand Bassin is a sacred location, respectful behavior is appreciated.
Visitors should dress modestly if entering temples. Removing shoes before entering certain areas may be required.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but always be respectful of people praying.
If you see pilgrims walking along the road, especially during religious festivals, drivers usually slow down as a sign of respect.
Why many travelers prefer private transport
Many visitors searching for taxi prices in Mauritius are surprised by how different the rates can be. Street taxis sometimes charge variable prices depending on distance and waiting time.
With pre-booked private transport, everything is arranged in advance. Guests know the price before the trip begins.
Our service offers:
- Free Child Seat
- Reserve Now, Pay Later
- Driver waiting time up to 4 hours included
- Local drivers with island knowledge
- No souvenir shop-stops
- Free cancellations
These policies are designed to keep trips simple and transparent.
Taxis to Grand Bois and surrounding regions
Visitors staying in the south often search for taxis to Grand Bois when planning their trip to the sacred lake.
From this region, the drive is relatively short. This makes the visit easy to include in a half-day trip.
Guests can also combine it with other places to visit in Mauritius such as Chamarel or the Black River Gorges viewpoints.
Many travelers also include Grand Bassin in their best full day sightseeing tours around the southern part of the island.
What makes this place unique in Mauritius
Among the best things to do in Mauritius, visiting Grand Bassin offers a cultural perspective that many travelers do not expect.
Mauritius is known for beaches, but the island also has deep religious traditions. The Shiva statue reflects the multicultural identity of the country.
Many visitors who read a Mauritius Travel Guide 2026 notice that Grand Bassin appears among the most meaningful cultural sites.
It is also commonly included in Mauritius activities and tour packages because it pairs well with nature attractions nearby.
What is the cost of taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin?
The price of a taxi to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin starts as from depending on your pickup location. All trips are strictly private.
Taxi fare to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin in a standard car for up to 4 pax starts as from €70 & Minivan for larger groups starts as from €100
All bookings include up to 4 hours waiting time, which allows visitors to explore the lake area comfortably.
Compared with transport desks at the airport or hotels, private bookings are often up to 45% cheaper with fixed pricing and no hidden fees.
Final advice from a local driver
The journey to Grand Bassin is not just about reaching the statue. The drive through the forests and mountains is part of the experience.
Many visitors who book taxis to The Giant Shiva Statue in Grand Bassin tell me the trip becomes one of their most memorable days on the island.
Take your time, enjoy the quiet atmosphere around the lake, and combine the visit with a few scenic stops. That is usually the best way to experience the south of Mauritius.
Terms
This is a private, round-trip chauffeur service from your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius to The Giant Shiva Statue at Grand Bassin and back. Your driver will remain available during your visit and ensure a smooth return journey after your activity.
We design our service to provide you with a comfortable, flexible, and stress-free experience while exploring the island.
Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Costs
Transport is charged per vehicle, not per person.
Our “one price for everyone” policy ensures that the price you see is the price you pay, without hidden charges or tourist mark-ups. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, the vehicle price remains the same.
Waiting Time Included
Your quoted price includes up to 4 hours of waiting time at The Giant Shiva Statue at Grand Bassin.
This allows you to enjoy the venue comfortably without feeling rushed. Your driver will remain nearby and ready whenever you are prepared to leave.
If additional waiting time is required, it may be subject to an extra charge depending on the schedule of the driver.
Entry Tickets
Entry tickets are not included in the transportation price.
Tickets must be purchased directly at the attraction if required. We recommend bringing sufficient Mauritian Rupees (MUR) for ticket purchases.
Your driver will gladly assist you at the ticket counter upon arrival if needed.
Respectful Dress Code
When visiting religious or sacred sites in Mauritius, visitors are kindly asked to dress respectfully.
Please avoid wearing:
- Bikinis
- Crop tops
- Revealing clothing
Visitors should also not enter sacred locations under the influence of alcohol.
Local authorities may impose penalties for disrespectful behaviour, and both the tour company and visitors may be held responsible. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting our island’s cultural traditions.
Payment Methods
You may choose from the following payment options:
Online Payment
Pay online before the trip.
Payment to Driver
Cash payment directly to the driver in:
- Mauritian Rupees (MUR)
- Euros (EUR)
- US Dollars (USD)
Kindly provide the exact amount, as drivers may not always carry change for foreign currencies.
Additional Stops or Attractions
If you wish to visit additional attractions along the route, please inform us at the time of booking.
We carefully plan each itinerary in advance to ensure a smooth schedule. Since drivers may have other bookings later in the day, advance notice allows us to allocate sufficient time so you can enjoy your day without feeling rushed.
Child Seats
For families travelling with children, we provide three sizes of child seats suitable for ages 1 to 9 years.
- First child seat: FREE
- Additional seats: €10 each
Please mention your child’s age when booking so we can prepare the appropriate seat.
You are also welcome to bring your own child seat if preferred.
Free Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your booking free of charge up to 2 hours before the trip start time.
If the trip has been prepaid online, you will receive a full refund for cancellations made within this timeframe.
Vehicle Cleanliness Policy
To maintain a clean and pleasant environment for all passengers:
Eating, drinking (except water), and smoking are not allowed in the vehicle.
An exception may be made for medical reasons if necessary.
If the vehicle requires special cleaning due to:
Vomiting
Spilled food or drinks
Excess sand inside the vehicle
a cleaning fee of Rs 400 will be applied.
We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in keeping our vehicles clean and comfortable for everyone.
Weather & Safety Policy
Passenger safety is our top priority.
Taxi Service Mauritius reserves the right to cancel trips in case of severe weather conditions, including cyclones or official warnings issued by local authorities.
We do not operate transfers when a cyclone warning of Class 3 or higher is in effect.
If a trip must be cancelled due to weather:
We will inform you as early as possible.
You may reschedule the trip, or
Receive a full refund if rescheduling is not possible.
Booking Policy
For proper coordination and service quality, all bookings must be made through our office.
Customers are kindly requested not to arrange trips directly with drivers.
This policy helps us maintain:
Proper scheduling
Insurance coverage
Service accountability
Failure to follow this guideline may result in suspension of both the driver and the customer from our booking system.
We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Why choose us
No Boring Stops at Tourist Shops for a Reward
Enjoy an authentic, uninterrupted journey with our ‘No Stops at Tourist Shops’ driver policy. Our drivers won’t detour to commission-based tourist shops, a common practice in Mauritius.
Up to 45% cheaper than hotel & individual taxis
With our service, you can bask in the premium comfort of a private, well-maintained vehicle and enjoy the expertise of professional drivers, all while saving up to 45% compared to hotel and individual taxi rates.
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