8 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT SAYCHELLES
The Seychelles is a paradise with deep blue waters teeming with sea life and gorgeous, unspoiled shores. But there's more to this remote island archipelago than just beautiful beaches.Here are eight fascinating facts about this incredible archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
1. The Seychelles was once a pirate hideout, in particular Anse Forbans (Pirate’s Cove) on Mahé and Côte d’Or on Praslin. It is believed that famous pirate Olivier Levasseur hid a treasure worth more than $160,000 that remains unfound.
2. Bird Island is home to the heaviest land tortoise living in the wild, Esmeralda, who tips the scales at 670 pounds.
3. Moyenne Island in Saint Anne Marine National Park is believed to be haunted by a spirit that stands guard over buried treasure.
4. The coco de mer, native to the islands, produces the largest seed in the world. The distinctly shaped nut can weigh up to 33 pounds.
5. Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, is the smallest in the world and can be easily explored on foot in less than a day.
6. James Bond author Ian Fleming visited the Seychelles in 1958 looking for adventure and inspiration for his then-latest collection of stories, For Your Eyes Only.
7. The Seychelles has some of the rarest endemic birds, including the bare-legged Scops owl, which is so rare that it was once thought to have become extinct before being rediscovered in 1959.
8. Breadfruit is very popular on the Seychelles and can be eaten in a variety of ways from fried to boiled. Legend has it that anyone who eats it while on the islands will return someday.
GEOGRAPHY
SEYCHELLES is a small island country located in the Sea of Zanj due north of Madagascar, with Antsiranana as its nearest foreign city. The nation is an archipelago of 115 tropical islands, some granite and some coral. the majority of which are small and uninhabited. Around a third of the land area is the island of Mahé and a further third the atoll of Aldabra. There are two distinct regions, the granitic islands, the world's only oceanic islands of granitic rock and the coralline outer islands. The granite islands are the world's oldest ocean islands, while the outer islands are mainly very young, though the Aldabra group and St Pierre (Farquhar Group) are unusual, raised coral islands that have emerged and submerged several times during their long history, the most recent submergence dating from about 125,000 years ago[3]
NATURE
Uninhabited until the 18th century, the Seychelles are unique for having provided ideal conditions for unique plant and animal species, as well as other natural wonders to flourish, far from the dangers of natural selection elsewhere. Thanks to these conditions, the Seychelles are home to a wide variety of animal species, including 13 species of amphibians, 30 reptiles, and 220 bird species. Besides this, there are more than 1,000 species of invertebrates on the islands, many of which require special protection. In terms of percentage of its land mass, the Seychelles has the largest proportion of protected areas in the world.
Some animals you can find in the Seychelles include:
• Aldabra giant tortoise
• Fruit bat/flying fox
• Seychelles tree frog
• Sooty tern
• White fairy tern
• Terrapin
• Hawksbill turtle
• Clownfish
Mammals
The only mammals that were native to the Seychelles before man are the endemic Seychelles fruit bats. These herbivorous bats, as the name suggests, enjoy fruit, with mangoes being their favourite food. The head is tapered, and almost reminiscent of a dog's head, hence their name (they can also be called 'Flying Foxes'). With an imposing wingspan of up to 1 metre (3 ft), they almost give the impression of being vampires as they flutter through the night sky.
Humans have also brought with them other mammals to the islands. For example, there is the rare hedgehog-like great tenrec, which once only existed in Madagascar. Adult tenrecs have a body length of up to 40 cm (16 inches), and their fur is bristly. These animals are usually nocturnal, but can sometimes be spotted during the day as well. They mostly live in forests, but also in areas with dense undergrowth. During their search for food, they can become easily scared, and sometimes aggressive.
Birds
The Seychelles lie far away from any mainland, which normally doesn't help when it comes to variety of life. That said, no other islands can be said to have such diversity when it comes to bird-life, with around 220 species calling the Seychelles their home, including seventeen endemic land bird species, some of which rank among the most unusual zoological rarities in the world.This diversity can be explained by a long evolutionary process. The Seychelles were isolated from the rest of the world for many millions of years, which explains both the variety of bird species, as well as the lack of colourful bird species. The bird species that settled here simply did not need to evolve to be particularly colourful in order to attract the opposite sex. In general, the Seychelles is more home to sea birds and wading birds, as opposed to species which live and breed on-land.The best islands for seeing birds in the Seychelles are Mahé, Praslin, and Bird Island. These species include the black parrot, with its dark, glossy plumage. This species lives on Praslin in the Vallée de Mai, possibly the most mystical forest in the world.
On Frégate Island, the rare magpie robin finds its home. This small bird has black and white feathers, and can be found in hedges and bushes in many of the island's gardens. The Seychelles warbler can be seen on the islands of Cousin, Aride, and Denis. Their green-yellow-white plumage complements their blue beach, and their song is beautiful too. The frigate, with its wingspan of up to 2 metres, the white-tailed tropic bird, the toc-toc, and many different species of tern (e.g. sooty terns, white fairy terns) have their natural habitat in the Seychelles. In fact, the tern can be called a national bird, and is the logo of the national airline. In addition to these rare species, the Seychelles are home to sparrows, owls, gulls, and pigeons (such as the blue Seychelles dove and the snow-white turtledove).
In addition, various sunbirds and blackbirds can be found here. The cattle egret is often seen in the Victoria market, while the paradise flycatcher (veuve in French) is threatened with extinction, and can nowadays only be found on La Digue.
Amphibians and Reptiles
The Seychelles are home to a total of thirteen amphibian species, including the endemic Seychelles tree frog, which grows to just 76 mm (3 inches) in length. This species likes to stay in damp forests, while the ptychadena mascareniensis is coloured in various shades of brown, marked with three bright lines on the top of its body.
There are also around thirty species of land-dwelling reptiles to be found, some of which were introduced to the islands by humans. Some species are still represented on the islands, with several subspecies. The imposing giant tortoises are like living fossils, moving sedately across the landscapes. If the Aldabra Atoll had not been designated a conservation area, these animals would likely have been wiped out today (there are over 150,000 on Aldabra). Like the manatee, these tortoises were hunted for their tasty meat, but unlike the manatee, the tortoises can still be found in the Seychelles today.
La Digue's marshes are home to the 20 cm-long (8 inch) terrapin. Unfortunately, it has become rare due to people often hunting it to make curries. In 1967, the sale of terrapins was banned, especially to prevent taxidermists from killing them for souvenirs.
Walking through the island's forests, you will be accompanied by the noises emanating from the different lizard species that move amongst the foliage. In the Seychelles, you will also encountered geckos, which run up the walls and along the ceilings of accommodations too if the lights are left on in the evenings! They are up to 10 cm long (4 inches), very agile, and extremely quick. They cling to surfaces using tiny hairs.
As well as lizards, the islands are home to the chameleon, the Seychelles skink, and some small, shy, non-poisonous snakes. There are also a number of sea turtle species that live in the Seychelles.
Marine Wildlife
The waters surrounding the Seychelles archipelago contain a real bounty of wildlife. Snorkelling and diving excursions reveal an impressive underwater world, but even wading near the shore can be enough to get a sight of many different fish species.
Several species of sea turtles and over a thousand fish species find their home in the coral reefs and deep-sea around the Seychelles. Unmatched in terms of colour is the blue-orange angel fish with its black and yellow stripes. Similarly impressive is the similarly-striped clownfish, which, along with the dascyllus lives in close symbiosis with the sea anemone. Other fish threaten these species by sifting through the anemones to try to reach for them. Clownfish, dascyllus, frogfish, and boxfish can all be seen by simply snorkelling close to shore.
Predatory fish such as the grouper, the subtle-grey doctor fish (named after the scalpel-like shapes on its tail), the yellow tweezers fish peck their pointed muzzles into crevices and other small openings, looking for food. Meanwhile, the blue-green parrot fish gnaws at the coral with its beak-like teeth, expelling any indigestible elements back into the ocean as sand - the Seychelles islands owe their beautiful white, sandy beaches to the tireless work of this animal over millennia.
Travelling from Praslin to La Digue, lucky visitors may spot the flying fish. Meanwhile, large amberjacks and groupers lurk on the reef, and the whitetip shark patrols the waters expectantly. red lionfish can also be found here, but be sure not to touch their fins despite the impressive shape of its body. Also seemingly harmless is the oscar fish, but this species quickly darts through the water and can bite, so be sure not to approach it too closely! The flute fish can also be dangerous despite its refined appearance. The 5 - 10 cm-long (2 - 4 inch) mudskipper has evolved to be able to live on land and in water, being able to breathe through gills and its skin. These impressive species can be found on beaches and in mangrove areas.
The underwater world of the Seychelles has changed little in recent decades. For one thing, many parts of the area were declared as protected from 1973 onwards, so large fishing boats are not permitted here. Unfortunately, the area around the islands of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park suffered from the construction of the motorway leading to the airport, and, due to the changed underwater currents, many coral gardens were destroyed by this.
THE MOST BEAUTIFULL BEACHES IN SAYCHELLES
BEAU VALLON (MAHE ISLAND)
Beau Vallon is not only the Seychelles’ longest beach, but also its most popular one with both visitors and locals alike, thanks to the bevy of restaurant, bars and beach shacks on offer. Far from secluded, this sweeping bay of white sand and clear waters on the north-western coast of Mahé Island offers a very safe swimming area. With hotels stretched out along its sand, together with water sport and diving centers, this is the beach for those wishing to do something a little more energetic than soaking up the sun. Beau Vallon is also popular among families with children, as there are no strong currents, no rocks or corals underfoot and a lifeguard service is supplied. During the south-eastern trade winds, the sea is extremely calm and the beach is at its absolute best.
ANSE LOUIS (MAHE ISLAND)
Situated on the scenic west coast of Mahé in the region of Anse Boileau, Anse Louis is a magnificent, secluded bay shielded from the elements with great wave formations. The beach is conveniently located right off the main coastal road, and is therefore easy to get to, either with your own car, a taxi, or local bus services (although it never gets crowded). One end of the beach is flanked by an enormous, jungle covered cliff made of dark brown granite, while the other end is home to the ultraluxe Maia Resort & Spa (whose Balinese-style villas are scattered in the tropical vegetation). Like most beaches on Mahe’s west coast, Anse Louis does sometimes get seaweed deposited from June to September, but this shouldn’t worry you as there always seaweed-free beaches on the other coasts if you happen to visit at this time of year.
GRANDE ANSE (LA DIGUE ISLAND)
Grande Anse is a gorgeous beach on La Digue Island’s southeast coast, reached by a 15 – 20 minute bike ride uphill from the island’s main jetty. Surrounded by large granite rocks and featuring white sands, the beach offers exceptional beauty. The beach is also home to a restaurant and washrooms, so visitors can easily spend a whole afternoon there if they like. Two caveats here: although the sea may look inviting there is an extremely strong undertow (especially from April to November), so do not be tempted; and apart from a massive casuarina tree, there’s not much shade. Grand Anse is not as busy as Anse Source d’Argent, but no less beautiful, making it a more peaceful, serene experience for the Seychelles holidaymaker.
PETITE ANSE (MAHE ISLAND)
Petite Anse is a pristine curve of powder soft and blinding white sand, flanked by two giant granite cliffs, on Mahe Island’s west coast. The beach, which also offers perfect conditions for swimming due to its gentle incline, faces northwards, offering mesmerizing views of Mahe Island’s verdant peaks. The ultraluxe Four Seasons Resort completely surrounds the beach and operates a private beach club with water sports center here, but as with all beaches on the Seychelles, Petite Anse remains public and open to all. However, to access the beach you’ll need to register at the gates of the Four Seasons property, followed by a 15 minute walk down the hill. Of course, you can avoid this hassle by splurging on a stay at the phenomenal resort, which includes buggy rides to and from the beach.
ANSE GEORGETTE (PRASLIN ISLAND)
A strong rival to Anse Lazio for Praslin’s “most beautiful beach” title, the magnificent stretch of beach called Anse Georgette is situated on the grounds of the luxurious Lemuria Resort, although it is open to all. Getting to the beach is easy for guests of the Lemuria Resort as the hotel offers golf-cart transfers to Anse Georgette on a frequent basis. For non-guests however, you should inform the hotel of your visit before making the 30-minute walk down to the beach yourself. (Please note: the hotel sometimes limits the number of visitors, so call ahead and check to avoid disappointment). Alternatively, it is also possible to reach Anse Georgette by boat, with some sailing tours stopping in this beautiful bay to enjoy the scenery. If you make it to Anse Georgette, you will be rewarded with great snorkeling and powder soft sand, flanked by lush tropical foliage and curvy chunks of granite boulders.
ANSE COCOS (LA DIGUE ISLAND)
Those who want to get away from it all may want to head to the hidden gem of Anse Cocos on the eastern coast of La Digue Island. This lovely beach is only accessible by a 30 minute hike, either by taking a path from Grand Anse or in the other direction from Anse Fourmis (which are both around a 15 – 30 minute bike ride from the main town on the island). Anse Cocos’ landscape feels similar to Anse Source D’Argent – with white sands, granite boulders and clear waters – only without the crowds, so it’s a truly epic beach that is worth the effort getting there. Because of its more sheltered aspect, this beach, unlike its neighboring bays of Grand and Petit Anse, is safe for swimmers, but there are still some strong currents, so care does need to be taken.
ANSE INTENDANCE (MAHE ISLAND)
The jaw-droppingly beautiful Anse Intendance beach in the far south of Mahe island offers half a mile of the whitest sand you’ll ever encounter, with a lush backdrop of by palm trees, huge boulders and dense jungle-covered hills. There is no reef so the waves here are much larger than at most of the other beaches on the Seychelles, making it more suitable for surfing rather than swimming at most times. During the south-east trade winds the waves can reach fearsome heights, but in the north-west trade wind season the sea is calmer. This beautiful beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing. The 5-star Banyan Tree hotel is tucked away in the jungle on the beach’s far end, adding a touch of glamour.
ANSE LAZIO (PRASLIN ISLAND)
Anse Lazio is the most famous beach on Praslin, and rightly so. The phenomenal beach is often listed among the world’s top ten beaches, but to be honest, you could say that about most of the beaches in the Seychelles. Beautifully framed by granite rocks on both ends, this dream beach features a broad and large stretch of soft white sands leading to calm, turquoise and ridiculously clear waters with a gentle gradient, absolutely perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The Bon Bon Plume and Le Chevalier restaurants are nearby and can provide lunch and refreshments. Its popularity mean that Anse Lazio is quite busy although it will still feel delightfully tranquil when compared to other popular beaches around the world.
ANSE SOURCE D’ARGENT (LA DIGUE ISLAND)
Anse Source d’Argent is reputed to be the most photographed beach in the world. With its soft white sand, clear turquoise water and huge granite boulders sculptured by the elements and time itself, it is not difficult to see why photographers and film makers still love to come here. The sea is sheltered by the reef, and is very calm and shallow. This paradise, however, comes with a cost as the beach can only be accessed through privately-owned plantation L’Union Estate, which charges a small entrance fee. Also, this magical beach is a hugely popular attraction so expect large crowds and a wait at busy times. Watching the sunset at Anse Source d’Argent– it’s absolutely breathtaking.
BEACHES OF NORTH ISLAND
Unfortunately, the Seychelles’ most sensational beaches will only be witnessed by a lucky few as they are located on North Island, the world’s most exclusive hideaway. The insanely beautiful private island resort has only 11 opulent hand-crafted villas, all of them with private plunge pool, overlooking the pristine, powder-white sands and turquoise waters of the Ile Du Nord eco-reserve. The main beach, Anse d’Est Beach, is a ribbon of gleaming sand that runs almost the entire length of the sunrise side of the island, with all villas and hotel facilities nestled discreetly in the tree-line. The western side of the island features two, even more magnificent beaches: Sunset Beach to the north (where a rustic bar is the perfect setting for drinking a sundowner while the beach is washed in pastel colors in the wake of the descending sun) and Honeymoon Beach to the south. The latter has to be one of the planet’s most romantic beaches, thanks to its private location in a curve of the rocks.
FUN ACTIVITIES
1. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The ocean is excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. The unique geographical layout of the coral reefs, marine walls, apexes, drop-offs, bottomed ship wrecks, and ravines makes scuba diving a true fantasy adventure. Mahe island is perfect for snorkeling at spots like Bay Ternay.
2. The Copolia Trail
Copolia Trail in Mahe Island is the best track in the country for trekking and hiking junkies! The trail leads up to magnificent granite hilltops. You get a bird’s eye view of the islands, its beaches, and the mysteriously exotic blue Indian Ocean. Try heading out in the morning for a fun experience.
3. Sunbathing
The beaches of Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Source D’Argent, and Beau Vallon beaches are ideal to get your tan on. Take a romantic, adventurous walk down the beaches, lay in the sand, paddle in the shallows, and vibe with the bounties of nature. The beaches have to offer snorkelling, jet skiing, water skiing, and scuba diving activities, just in case you’re in the mood for some thrill.
4. Rock Climbing
Go valley-crossing (aka zip-lining) and climb rocks under professional supervision for some secure adventuring! The Constance Ephélia is one such luxury resort with huge granite outcrops for you to venture upon. Pick from the different levels of difficulty and watch yourself get more sure-footed on vacation.
5. Zip Lining
Pre-book this tourist favourite so that you can secure your spot for this busy activity. You get to buzz through the forest canopy, flora and fauna. You have 8 zip lines ranges to pick from, so find your favourite landscape and take off! This is safe for adults as well as children which makes it perfect for family trips.
6. Golfing
Old-fashioned luxury chilling? The golf clubs here are your cup of tea. Choose from one of the two (or both!) sprawling golf clubs - the Seychelles Golf Club and The Lemuria Champions Golf Course. Face the competitive challenges and scenic views. Pick a luxury resort near the club for added fun and convenience.
7. Helicopter Ride
This activity adds to the magic of it all. Witness an actual eagle’s eye view of the entire archipelago. At INR 30,000/- for a 15-minute ride, this is a luxurious gift to your significant other and makes for a very romantic date idea.
8. Anse Lazio Beach
The northwest of Praslin Island has the Anse Lazio beach which is super close to Madagascar and Zanzibar. Large granite boulders enhance the beauty of the beach. This spot here is secluded and relaxing.
9. Petit Amour
Looking for a luxury villa? Petit Armour is the place to be. This is located on Mahe Island and is appropriate for couples as well as family vacations. The aqua blue and white theme goes with the beachy surroundings, and the opulent pools and fluffy king sized beds will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Wake up to the ocean and sky turning beautiful shades and make full avail of the deep-sea fishing activity.
10. Shop Your Hearts Out
Be it French architecture or French wine, Kenwyn House is the place to be. This 18th century construct is a classic French architectural piece. Kenwyn House is a monument that has luxurious and premium retail companies, precious gems and silver shops to spend your holiday cash on!
11. Explore Coconut Plantation House
This is a vintage plantation house named La Digue. This piece of 300 hectares of land is now a national monument. It presents the cultural and historical symbolism of Seychelles. Thick cinematic coconut plantations, spooky old cemeteries, a spontaneous coconut oil mill, Copra house, and tortoise enclosure lounge on this land.
12. Your Adventure With Street Food
Seychelles offers unique traditional creole street food. Head out on a local tour to visit popular local stalls to make the most of your experience. Choose from a plethora of spots, ask the locals around or your resort front-desk for their suggestions. We recommend Jules Take Away and The Copper Pot in Mahe, and the Gala Takeaway in La Digue.
13. Island Hopping
Praslin, Fregate, and Denis - hop from one island to another and witness cultural diversity in nature’s arms. Take in the unique vegetation, exotic biodiversity, mountain tops and moonlit shores for a full throttle load of memories to take back home with you. Pick your favourite restaurants on the way.
14. Another Hike!
Anse Georgette Beach is a hikking gem. Mont Plaisir Georgette is the best trail in Seychelles. You get a 360 view of the whole island! What more do we need? It takes about an hour to finish the hike on an average. Head out in the morning to beat the heat of the sun.
15. Vallee De Mai Tour
This is a proud World Heritage Site and gift that the Praslin Island of Seychelles has in store for you. This rare spot houses the coco de mer palm trees, in their natural habitat. Naturally, this place has some beautiful birds for you to admire and photograph. The Seychelles bulbul, the Seychelles warbler, and the endangered black parrot can all be seen along the walking trails.
16. Admire The Biodiversity
Morne National Park is one of Seychelles’ best spots for tourists that love wildlife and trekking. This eco reserve interlinked walking routes, birds and animals for your eyes to feast upon. It also makes for a great Instagram photoshoot venue. Opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm so schedule your itinerary accordingly.
17. The Ruins Of The Leprosarium
Curieuse Island is home to the ruins of the Leprosarium. This small granite island, is located close to the north coast of Praslin Island. It has cinematic bare red earth and a wide range of ecological goodness.
18. Curieuse, Cousin Island & St. Pierre
Hire a pedal boat or kayaks to venture the streams and inlets of ocean water. Go on a cruise to truly feel as one with the ocean while you lounge in luxury. Glass-bottom kayaking and sunset cruises await romantic getaways, so couples on their honeymoon know exactly what to pick!
19. Stroll On Moyenne Island
This particular island is decorated with giant rocks, exotic giant turtles and well-preserved natural habitats. This relaxing walk gives you a good work out too. There are bistros that incentivise you with their delicious foods, summer-y mocktails and cocktails. Moyenne Island is an ideal date night pick.
20. Traditional Grills and Barbecues
Whether it’s a family vacation or date night, the all-day boat tour of Therese Island offers traditional African creole barbecue. It’s a 40-minute boat ride to and around Therese Island - a great spot to snorkel or sunbathe.
21. Art Shopping
For all our artsy travellers out there, and we know how many of you are out there, this antique gallery displays the work of George Camille. Purchase his artwork here as an elegant and tasteful souvenir from your trip to Seychelles.
22. Explore Victoria Bazaar
This bustling Seychelles’ market has literally everything under the moon and sun. The local vendors offer you printed t-shirts, necklaces and island merchandise as souvenirs to take home for your friends and family. Gorge on some local creole food while you’re at it for the full experience.
23.See prehistoric palms at Vallée de Mai
Forming the emerald heart of Praslin island, this Unesco-listed prehistoric palm forest is the only place in the Seychelles where all six species of palm grow together. King among them is the endemic coco de mer palm that seems to have been picked straight from the set of Jurassic Park. Kids will gawk at their man-size leaves and giggle at their bottom-shaped coconuts, which are the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. Remember to keep an eye (and ear) out for tree frogs, tiger chameleons and the black parrot — one of the world’s rarest birds and only found here.
24.Tour a tea factory
Unbelievably, tea was only introduced to the Seychelles in the 1960s; it’s now the most popular drink after water. The local SeyTe factory, in the hills of Morne Blanc in the district of Port Glaud on Mahé, offers visitors 20-minute tours to see how traditional methods of withering, rolling, fermentation, firing, sifting and grading are used. Samples can be sipped and purchased afterwards in the Tea Tavern — the vanilla is an island favourite. It’s only open on select days, so best to book a tour with a local operator.
25.Cook Creole cuisine
A mish-mash of West African and European cultures, Creole cuisine features many lively favours. Join a Seychellois family as they tour Victoria’s morning market, gathering island-grown coconuts and cassava, cinnamon and sweet potatoes. Afterwards, drop by a fisherman’s stall to sniff and select the catch of the day, then it’s back to the family’s house to learn some local recipes, finished off with a spot of dancing to jiggle it all down. This tour is a highly recommended insight into everyday island life.
26.Tour one of the world’s smallest cities
A capital you really can’t get lost in. Home to just 25,000 people, Victoria is well worth a wander. Rise early and head for the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market, where you can follow your nose around stalls laden with seafood and tropical fruits, or shop for souvenirs and pareos (sarongs) in the upstairs sections. Also worth a look is the colonial clock tower — which didn’t work for the first 96 years of its life — the rainbow-coloured Hindu Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple and the National Museum of History for a beginner’s guide to Creole culture. If the humidity gets too much, venture into the leaf-shaded Botanical Gardens.
27.Eat at Marie Antoinette
Book a table at the oldest restaurant in the Indian Ocean; with its wood walls and lace tablecloths, this colonial mansion is a real slice of history. Henry Morton Stanley — of “Dr Livingstone, I presume” fame — stayed here in 1872. Today, it dishes up small bowls of Creole favourites such as aubergine fritters, mango salad, sweet and sour tuna steak and ¬— for those brave enough — curried fruit bat. Whatever you go for, be sure to wash it down with a glass of fresh passionfruit juice. Kids will be entertained by the rescued giant tortoises roaming the back garden.
28.Walk with giant tortoises on Aldabra
With no airstrip, harbour, helipad, hotels or guesthouses, Aldabra is undoubtedly a logistical challenge to reach. Visitors must travel the 1,000km from Mahé on a liveaboard vessel, or charter a flight to Assumption Island and sail from there. Why go? This remote Unesco-listed four-island atoll is on par with the Galapagos as a global biodiversity hotspot, home to red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Aldabra drongo, the once thought-to-be-extinct giant banded snail and, mostly importantly, the largest population of giant tortoises in the world. Its central lagoon — large enough to swallow Mahé — is also home to seagrass-munching dugong.
29.Visit the world’s smallest national park
The Yorkshire-born former Times editor, Brendon Grimshaw, purchased Moyenne for just £8,000 in the 1960s and spent the next few decades as its sole inhabitant, planting 16,000 trees, building miles of nature paths, breeding Aldabra giant tortoises and attracting 2,000 species of bird until it was finally designated the world’s smallest national park — a year after this accidental conservationist’s death in 2012. Today, a warden looks after the island and charges a €10 entrance fee.
30.Takamaka Rum Distillery
The d’Offay brothers, Richard and Bernard, founded Takamaka 20 years ago and it has since become part of the archipelago’s identity. The distillery on the 18th-century La Plaine St Andre estate produces a handful of tipples blended with local spices and fruit extracts, but by far the best are the easy-drinking coconut rum and amber-hued eight-year-old St André aged in American oak barrels. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the distillery and gardens with a tasting on weekdays.
31.Island-hop around Curieuse, Cousin and St Pierre
Within easy reach of Praslin, the islands of Curieuse, Cousin and St Pierre make the ideal island-hopping trio. Explore the ruins of Curieuse island’s dark past; it served as a leper colony until 1965 and the doctor’s house and a few homes remain. A short hop east is the uninhabited St Pierre. Seemingly drawn by a child, this tiny island is comprised solely of a handful of granite rocks and a few palm trees and offers spectacular snorkelling. Finally, Cousin Island’s nature reserve is the most important nesting site in the western Indian Ocean for the endangered hawksbill turtle.
32.Dive with sharks and rays
Whether you’re a novice or pro, take the plunge and book a scuba-diving experience in the Seychelles. Liveaboards or day trips are both available and best arranged in April, October or November when the seas are calm and visibility is good. From May to September blooms of plankton blur visibility, but the trade-off is that it brings inquisitive filter-feeding whale sharks to sites such as Channel Rocks. Locations worth trying include Shark Bank for barracuda, stingrays and fan corals, and the deliberately sunk Dredger Wreck for giant grouper. For manta rays you’ll need to travel further afield to Desroches or Aldabra.
33.Ride a horse on the beach
Cantering through the waves of a white-sand beach is a bucket-list activity you can make reality on the Seychelles. Saddle up a dappled Appaloosa horse for a one or two-hour ride along a jungle trail scented with cinnamon and ylang ylang flowers before emerging onto Mahé’s Barbarons beach. No experience is required, beginners will be led, and children aged six and above can also participate. Rides can also be combined with a romantic champagne-filled picnic for couples wanting to celebrate an engagement, birthday or honeymoon.
34.Go surfing
The Seychelles is by no means a surfing mecca; waves can be inconsistent. However, from April to September conditions do allow for some good breaks — the most famous of which are Grand Anse on La Digue and Anse Lazio on Praslin. Beginners are better off at Carana Beach on Mahé, while experienced surfers speak highly of Anse Lascars on Silhouette. Three-hour private or group lessons are offered by iSurf on Mahé’s Baie Lazare. Top tip: the rough wax on the board can be unkind to skin, so it’s well worth wearing a wetsuit or rash vest, however warm the water.
35.Go fishing
The Seychelles falls within some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, with species such as wahoo, dorado, barracuda and tuna regularly ending up on the line. The outer islands, such as Alphonse, Desroches and Cosmoledo, sit on the precipice of the steep continental shelf drop-off and are the best place to seek out trophy giant trevally. Try to time your visit between October-November and February-April to improve your chances.
36.Sail away
Charter a yacht and follow in the footsteps of the Arab traders that first sailed to the Seychelles more than 1,200 years ago. Some of the archipelago’s 115 islands are hard to reach, but a boat opens up all possibilities. Options range from skipper-led day trips offering snorkelling and picnics, to week-long luxury catamarans and Bond-style speedboats with self-sail choices for those with experience. Time to play out your castaway dreams in style.
MOST BEAUTIFUL HISTORICAL SITES IN SEYCHELLES
The Clock Tower in Victoria
The Clock Tower in Victoria, Seychelles(or Lorloz in Creole) is the most famous historical site in the small capital of Seychelles and has been the center of the city for almost 100 years. While massive changes have taken place throughout the city center, creating modern buildings made of glass and concrete, the Clocktower has remained virtually unchanged. Lorloz is a beautiful replica of the Clock, which was first built in London in 1897 at Victoria Station at the intersection of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road. Governor, Sir Ernest Sweet-Escott, admired this clock during a visit to London and ordered a similar one in memory of Queen Victoria, who died in 1901 after 63 years of rule.Messrs Gillett of Croydon (now Gillett & Johnson) designed the clock, which was funded by public donations and installed in 1903. Seychelles gained its new status as a royal colony in that year, and instead of being controlled by Mauritius, it was now administered directly by a governor despatched from London. The clock was meant to ring as well, but that didn't work out. After its mechanism was totally replaced by a contemporary quartz movement in 1999, it now strikes every hour on the hour. The restoration was done by its previous manufacturer, Gillet, and Johnson, and was partially funded by public donations once again. The Clock Tower is one of Seychelles' national monuments.
Tempio Hindu
Tempio Hindu is one of the most well-known and popular tourist attractions in Victoria, Seychelles' capital city. This temple was built 240 years after the first Indians arrived in Seychelles and are known as Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple. Tempio Hindu gives color to Seychelles' rich cultural community because it is conspicuously positioned on the town's busy main street, which is framed by three gorgeous mountains.The façade of this modest and gorgeous temple in Seychelles boasts a carefully carved gopuram with ornate carvings, and the interiors are just as opulent as the exterior, which together are the temple's major characteristics. The Hindu Tempio, which rises prominently on the town's busy main street, gives color to Seychelles' ethnically diversified population. Three gorgeous mountains sit behind the town. With its distinctive facade that exhibits a plethora of hues that lend appeal to the Hindu community and the vibrant archipelago island of Seychelles, you could say that this eye-catching
landmark stands out among its neighboring buildings. The Hindu Tempio is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Seychelles.
Bicentennial Monument
The three pairs of sprawling white wings of the Bicentennial Monument are simply bricked up at the roundabout between the 5th of June and Liberation Avenue. Striking as they are, they inevitably make all viewers speculate about the significance of this elegant, geometric work of art.
The Bicentennial Monument, also known as the 'Moniman trwa lezel' (Three Wings Monument) in Creole, was built in 1978 to commemorate the city of Victoria's 200th anniversary. Mahé...was built. As a branch of the King, it was founded in 1778 by the Frenchman Charles Routier de Romainville. The monument was designed by Lorenzo Appiani, an Italian artist who lived in Seychelles.The three wings indicate the ethnic origins of the Seychelles population, which can be regarded as a happy blend of ethnic groups from three continents (Africa, Europe, and Asia). The wings could also represent the islands' earliest discoverers. Of course, there are birds. Bicentennial Monument is the third most beautiful historical site in Seychelles.
The Liberation Monument
The Liberation Monument or also liberation Monumentand likewise Liberty Monument represents a major political milestone in the history of Seychelles. It is a powerful symbol of La Liberté for all Seychelles residents who rebelled against colonial oppression and injustice on 5 June 1977. The metal statue, which used to be located behind the People's Stadium on 5th of June Avenue, has been relocated to the front of the International Communication Center (ICCS), near the United Seychelles party building. The triumphant defiance and victory for a fully independent nation are symbolized by the sturdy, masculine figure with outstretched arms and clenched fists, freed from restraints.
The Liberation Monument was dedicated to the Revolutionary War martyrs by the President of the Second Republic in 1978. Marble stairs, flanked by the national flag, were erected to the granite base on which it rests in March 1989. Since 1978, the 5th of June has been a national holiday, with dignitaries and the general public laying wreaths and flowers at 'Zonm Lib.' This monument, built in the aftermath of multi-party democracy, represents the spirit of revolutionary zeal and the people of Seychelles' will to maintain the flag of peace, harmony, and freedom flying in the future.
Liberation Monument; Location: Mahe, Seychelles A three-meter-tall bronze statue of the late Seychelles president James Mancham was unveiled on Thursday and a family member said it was a fitting tribute to an inspirational leader. James Mancham Monument is the fifth most beautiful historic site in Seychelles.The bronze statue, which stands tall in the Peace Park, overlooking Freedom Square and Victoria, stands as a commemoration of the achievements and contributions of Sir James during his reign as President between June 29, 1976, to June 5, 1977, and his numerous noteworthy achievements and awards in subsequent years.The location for the statue, the Peace Park in the centre of Victoria, is a vivid testimony of the significant part of his life that Sir James Mancham has been advocating for global peace and reconciliation. President Faure and an emotional Lady Catherine Mancham then unveiled the statue, which was carved by a prominent South African sculptor, Jean Doyle.
Diamond Jubilee Fountain
This watch was launched in 1900 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Day and you can find it on Independence Avenue. The Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Fountain features what is believed to be the smallest statue of Queen Victoria in the world. The statue you see today atop the fountain is actually a copy and the original porcelain can be found in the National Museum. And apart from being really beautiful, many people don't know that this fountain is actually a drinking fountain.
Today, along with the clock tower (see below), the Jubilee fountain represents the period when Seychelles was part of the British Empire. It also represents the close relationship still maintained with England today. The beauty of the fountain is an ancient and old beauty, but still has the beauty of Queen Victoria. Although it is just a copy, it still has its own characteristics. Diamond Jubilee Fountain is on the list of the most beautiful historical sites in Seychelles.
Bel Air Cemetery
Without a doubt, the Bel Air cemetery is the oldest historical site in Seychelles. It was the first official burial ground on Mahé, having been established shortly after the French colonization in the late 18th century. Many renowned people's remains can be found in tombs, vaults, and shrines, including the corsair Jean-Francois Hodoul and the 9-foot (274.32cm) tall Charles Dorothée Savy, who was poisoned at the age of 14 by neighbors who were afraid of his size.There are also the remains of the mysterious Pierre-Louis Poiret in the cemetery, considered by some to be the son of Louis XVI, who fled the French Revolution and sought refuge in Seychelles. The cemetery also holds the grave of Jean Baptiste QUÉAU de QUINCY's son-in-law, a district official and county administrator, who was buried among other recently uncovered graves buried by the big landslide of 1862. Bel Air Cemetery is recognized on the list of the most beautiful historical sites in Seychelles.
St.Paul's Anglican church
St.Anglican Paul's Church, the diocese's cathedral, and the Anglican parish church of Victoria, Mahé, is a significant historical sites. The original church, which stood on the site of the current church, was dedicated to the apostle St. Paul. Vincent William Ryan, Mauritius' first bishop,
blessed it on May 14, 1859. The structure has been enlarged twice throughout the years, once in 1910 with a new tower and again in 1978 with an offset altar.The name of the diocese was changed from Mauritius to the Diocese of Mauritius and Seychelles in December 1920, when St. Paul's became a pro-cathedral, where the bishop had his second bishop's see ('cathedra'). The structure was entirely replaced in 2001 due to a persistent lack of space and difficult and costly upkeep. The cathedral, which was then sanctified on April 25, 2004, was built with generous government and private-sector donations and now has a capacity of 800 people.
Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple
Kaz Zanana is a Victorian art gallery housed in a traditional Creole building containing paintings by renowned Seychellois painter George Camille. With a cafe in the building, you can enjoy both great food and art. As an added bonus, some paintings can also be purchased. More than just an art gallery, Kaz Zanana is also the ninth most beautiful historical site in Seychelles.
Built in the early 20th century, the chalet houses Camille's depictions of Creole daily life, and his works have been shown in galleries around the globe. This restaurant inside the famous historic Seychelles landmark is highly rated and serves some of the finest coffees in all of Mahe and is the perfect instrument when you're admiring the acrylic, oil paintings. and watercolors by George Camille. Come with Toplist to Kaz Zanana to admire the beauty of this place and enjoy excellent coffee.
Mission Lodge
Mission Lodge is one of the most significant historical sites in Seychelles. The viewing spot and the adjoining ruins have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to their significant contribution to the eradication of slavery in the region. It has also been designated as a National Monument since 1984, in recognition of its vital role in the education of emancipated slave children throughout the 17th century. This effort by the missionaries eventually led to important contributions of the freed African slave children who formed an important part in the formation of the Creole Seychellois community of today.Once you reach this 405-meter-high viewpoint on the island's southern part, you can see the beautiful green mountains and the azure water that surrounds it. The road leading to it may be found immediately off the trek to Morne Seychellois Peak, Mahe's highest peak. There is a gazebo where you can take in spectacular views all around and also visit the ruins of a missionary school for slave children nearby.
MUST-VISIT CITIES IN SAYCHELLES
Beau Vallon
One of the best cities in Seychelles, Beau Vallon, is around 3 km away from Victoria. This popular holiday destination is known for its turquoise waters, which makes it a hub for several water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving. You’ll be astounded by its huge range of vibrant coral reefs and the abundance of marine life. And that’s not all – when you’re in Beau Vallon, you must witness the sunsets cause it is breathtaking. While you’re in Beau Vallon, head to their stunning beaches and visit the wide range of tiny shops, food stalls and restaurants that serve lip-smacking food.
Anse Takamaka
Anse Takamaka is yet another gorgeous city with its beautiful beaches and stunning views. Located on the northern end of Mahe, Anse Takamaka is one of the best cities in Seychelles. And, if you’re someone who loves beaches, then you should hit the Takamaka bay. It’s not only a beautiful beach but also a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkelling. Walk down this 15km long beach to explore mouth-watering restaurants and beachside shops.If you’re an art lover, then you should consider visiting the art gallery at the Takamaka Bay, which offers a feast to the eye.
Victoria
Victoria is among the list of the little capital cities in the world. It’s true that Victoria is a tiny capital city but don’t underestimate the variety of things that Victoria has to offer. This capital city, which is home to one-third of the country’s population is not to be missed. There’s so much to see and do in Victoria that it would easily take you a day or two to fully explore the place. You’ll not want to visit another city with just beaches and scenery. But don’t worry, Victoria is not only about that. This city is a melting pot of cultures as well as a historical hub. Explore the old part of the town to witness the colonial era and learn some history. The new part of the city, on the other hand, is for amazing art galleries and botanical gardens.Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple. To catch a glimpse into history, culture, and the daily life of the locals, you must visit Victoria. It is indeed one of the best cities in Seychelles.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Seychelles experiences a pleasant wheather throughout the year which makes it a year round destination.However,peak tourist season falls in April,May,October and November.
RELIGION
The main religion in the Seychelles is Roman Catholicism,with 82% of the population belonging to this religion.Around 6,4% of the Seychellois are Anglican Christian,while the next largest religions are Hinduism (2%) and Islam(1%)
LANGUAGE
More than one -third of Saychellois can use English,and the great majority of younger Seychellois can read English,which is the language of government and commerce.Speakers may also use Creole or Franch.
*Sites that were used:www.pickyourtrail.com;www.tcsworldtravel.com;www.toplist.info;www.the luxurytravelexpert.com,www.traveltriangle.com,www.holidify.com,www.thetimes.co.uk,www.seyvillas.com
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