Temple du Colosse is one of the most striking Tamil temples in Réunion, with a façade that bursts in color against the sugarcane fields of Saint-André. Built in the early 1900s, it’s a key site for the island’s Tamil community and an important symbol of the Indo-Réunionnais identity. Ornate sculptures of Hindu deities cover the gateway tower, each meticulously painted and maintained.

The temple isn’t open to tourists at all times, but respectful visitors are welcome to observe from outside or step quietly in when invited. During religious festivals, especially Cavadee, the temple becomes the heart of dramatic rituals with processions, body piercings, drumming, and firewalking. Outside those times, it’s calm, devotional, and a powerful expression of faith and continuity.

👉 Wear modest clothing and remove shoes if invited inside. And if you're here in January or February, ask around about the exact date of the Cavadee procession. It's one of Réunion's most intense and unforgettable cultural experiences.