Seychelles - Paradise on Earth

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Seychelles, often hailed as "Paradise on Earth," is a breathtaking archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Comprising 115 idyllic islands, it is renowned for its pristine beaches with powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes that seem to belong to a different world altogether. The islands are home to remarkable flora and fauna, including rare species like the Aldabra giant tortoise and the coco de mer palm. The reefs surrounding the islands make it a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering an underwater paradise teeming with marine life. Beyond its natural beauty, Seychelles boasts a rich culture influenced by African, European, and Asian traditions, reflected in its cuisine, music, and art. It is one of the best tourist destinations due to all these factors and connectivity with the world.

Best time to visit Seychelles: The ideal time to visit Seychelles is between the dry season, which typically extends from May to October. This period offers optimal weather conditions with plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall, and lower humidity levels, creating perfect conditions for exploring the islands and enjoying various outdoor activities. However, Seychelles enjoys a warm and tropical climate year-round, so even during the wet season (November to April), you can still experience enjoyable weather.

How to reach Seychelles?

  • By air: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé Island is the archipelago's main gateway. It receives flights from major global hubs, such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, India, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, as well as several European cities, including Paris, London, and Frankfurt.

    Inter-island flights are available from Mahé to other islands like Praslin and La Digue. Air Seychelles operates regular domestic flights, offering convenient connections for travellers exploring multiple islands.

  • By sea: Some cruise lines include Seychelles in their itineraries, allowing travellers to arrive by sea. However, this option is less common than air travel and may require additional planning due to limited availability.
  • Getting around/local transport in Seychelles: Once in Seychelles, you can easily explore different islands by domestic flights, ferry services, or private boat charters. Local airlines offer frequent flights between Mahé and Praslin, while ferry services connect Mahé with Praslin and La Digue. Additionally, renting a car, hiring taxis, or using public buses are common ways to get around Mahé and Praslin, while bicycles and walking are popular options for exploring the smaller islands.
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Places to visit in Seychelles

  • Anse Source d'Argent: Anse Source d'Argent, located on La Digue Island, is one of the world's most photographed and exquisite beaches. This stunning beach is prominent for its unique granite boulders, soft white sands, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The shallow lagoon is best for swimming and snorkelling, making it a favourite spot for relaxation and adventure. The surrounding lush greenery and coconut palms add to the idyllic scenery, creating a postcard-perfect destination that epitomises the natural beauty of Seychelles.
  • Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve: Situated on Praslin Island, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to ancient palm forests. This reserve has rare Coco de Mer palm, known for its distinctively shaped nuts and various endemic flora and fauna. You can explore well-marked trails that wind through the lush forest, allowing you to see exotic birds like the Seychelles Black Parrot. The serene and untouched environment of Vallée de Mai provides a unique opportunity to experience Seychelles' natural heritage.
  • Morne Seychellois National Park: Morne Seychellois National Park, covering over 20% of Mahé Island, is the largest national park in Seychelles. It features a diverse landscape of dense forests, rugged mountains, and mangrove swamps. Hikers can go on trails leading to the park's highest peak, Morne Seychellois, at 905 metres. From the summit, you are rewarded with unbelievable panoramic views of Mahé Island and the surrounding Indian Ocean. The park is also rich in biodiversity, hosting various endemic species of plants and wildlife.
  • Beau Vallon Beach: Located on the northwest coast of Mahé Island, Beau Vallon Beach is one of the most popular and accessible beaches in Seychelles. Known for its impressive stretch of golden sand and calm, clear waters, it is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports like jet skiing and windsurfing. The beach has various accommodations and restaurants, making it lively for daytime activities and nightlife. Don't miss the sunset at the beach.
  • Aldabra Atoll: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Aldabra Atoll is one of the world's largest and most beautiful coral atolls and an untouched natural paradise. Located in the remote southwestern part of Seychelles, it is home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises, various bird species, marine life, and unique flora. The atoll's isolated location and pristine environment offer a rare opportunity for scientific research and ecotourism. You can explore its rich biodiversity through guided tours and boat trips.
  • Sainte Anne Marine National Park: Just a quick boat ride from Mahé, Sainte Anne Marine National Park comprises six small islands surrounded by a rich coral reef. This marine park is a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, offering an underwater wonderland teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic creatures. The park also features beautiful beaches, lush mangroves, and historical sites, including remnants of old French settlements. Boat excursions, glass-bottom boat tours, and kayaking are popular ways to explore the park's natural beauty.
  • Curieuse Island: Curieuse Island, located near Praslin, is a protected marine reserve known for its giant tortoise population and diverse ecosystems. The island's distinctive landscape is created by its red soil, unique Coco de Mer palm trees, and mangrove forests. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the island's conservation efforts, hike the nature trails, and visit the historic ruins of the old leper colony. The island's beaches, such as Anse St. Jose and Laraie Bay, offer pristine spots for swimming and snorkelling.

Places to Eat in Seychelles

  • Marie Antoinette: Marie Antoinette is one of Seychelles' oldest and most iconic restaurants. It is located in a charming colonial-style house in Victoria, Mahé. This restaurant offers authentic Creole cuisine, with dishes like grilled fish, octopus curry, and bat curry prepared using traditional recipes passed down through generations. The rustic ambience, combined with the warm hospitality, provides a truly immersive dining experience.
  • La Plage Restaurant: Situated right on Beau Vallon Beach, La Plage Restaurant offers a dining experience with stunning ocean views and the tranquil sound of waves. The menu features a fusion of Creole and international dishes, emphasising fresh seafood. Guests can enjoy tuna tartare, grilled lobster, and prawns in coconut curry.
  • Del Place Restaurant: Located in Port Glaud on Mahé Island, Del Place Restaurant is renowned for its spectacular setting and delectable seafood dishes. Nestled by the water's edge, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the vast ocean and nearby islands. The menu highlights local ingredients and Creole flavours, with specialities such as seafood platters.
  • Café des Arts: Situated on Praslin Island near Cote d'Or Beach, Café des Arts is a chic and artistic restaurant that combines fine dining with an art gallery atmosphere. The menu combines Creole and international cuisines, including crab soup, seared tuna, and decadent desserts. The stylish decor adds a unique touch to the dining experience.

Shopping in Seychelles

  • Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (Victoria Market): Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, commonly known as Victoria Market, is the hub of local commerce. This market is renowned for its colourful stalls offering fresh produce, including tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and an array of freshly caught seafood. The market also features an assortment of local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Creole goods, such as handmade jewellery, textiles, and artisanal products.
  • Beau Vallon Bazaar: Held every Wednesday and Saturday evening, the Beau Vallon Bazaar is a popular market near the famous Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé Island. This open-air market transforms the beachfront into a lively scene of food stalls, local crafts, and entertainment. You can indulge in Creole street foods like grilled fish, curries, and fresh coconut drinks.
  • Victoria Flea Market: The Victoria Flea Market, also known as the Selwyn Market, is located in the capital city of Victoria on Mahé Island. This market is a treasure trove for bargain hunters and those looking to experience the local shopping scene. It offers various goods, including second-hand items, clothing, electronics, and local crafts.
  • Anse Royale Market: Located on the southeastern coast of Mahé Island, Anse Royale Market is a lively market that captures the essence of local Seychellois life. This market operates every Friday and is mainly known for its fresh produce, including an impressive variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Seafood lovers will find various freshly caught fish and other marine delicacies.

Where to stay in Seychelles?

  • Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: This luxurious resort in Seychelles offers an elegant hillside escape with breathtaking ocean views. The rooms are luxurious with private villas, and deluxe amenities, ideal for a couples' retreat or an idyllic vacation of leisure.
  • Constance Ephelia: A fun and family resort in Seychelles, Constance Ephelia has a series of large suites, beautiful gardens, several pools, and access to two gorgeous beaches. This resort is suitable for active adventure and for those who crave some blissful relaxation in equal measure.
  • Kempinski Seychelles Resort: Kempinski is situated in Baie Lazare. This beach resort features stunning views, fine dining, and great spa facilities. Ultimately making it one of the great stay options for a wonderful island getaway in Seychelles.
  • Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa: Situated on Silhouette Island, this environmentally friendly Hilton resort offers luxurious villas, varied dining experiences, and amazing diving experiences, providing the best combination of nature and luxury.

More reasons to visit Seychelles

  • Exquisite marine life and diving spots: Seychelles is a haven for enthusiasts, offering some of the world's best diving and snorkelling experiences. The archipelago is home to coral reefs with diverse marine life, including eclectic fish, sea turtles, rays, and even whale sharks. Popular diving sites and the waters around Silhouette Island provide exceptional visibility and the chance to explore underwater caves, shipwrecks, and coral gardens. The rich biodiversity and pristine underwater environments make it a must-visit destination for those excited about marine exploration.
  • Unique flora and fauna: Seychelles has an incredible variety of precious and endemic flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else. The islands are home to the rare Coco de Mer palm, which produces the world's largest seed, and the Seychelles black parrot, the national bird. Nature reserves and the island of Cousin offer opportunities to see these and other rare species up close. You can explore lush tropical forests, mangroves, and coastal habitats, discovering the remarkable biodiversity that makes Seychelles an ecological treasure.
  • Cultural and historical richness: Beyond its natural beauty, Seychelles offers a rich cultural and historical arena that reflects its diverse heritage. The islands have been influenced by African, European, and Asian cultures, resulting in a mix of traditions, languages, and cuisines. You can witness historical sites such as the colonial architecture in Victoria, the capital city, and the Bel Air Cemetery, one of the oldest in the region. The local Creole culture is celebrated through music, dance, and festivals, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Visa and Immigration

There is no requirement for a Seychelles visa since it is a visa-free country for India as well as several other countries. However, a visitor’s permit is required for entry which will be provided after arriving in Seychelles International Airport. Apply for travel authorisation from their official Seychelles Electronic Border System. You can also download the Seychelles E-Border app. The officials in Seychelles will receive your information and upon arrival, you will be granted a visitor’s permit. To learn more about it, visit the Seychelles visa guide.

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