With its postcard-perfect beaches, endless shades of blue, and a touch of adventure, there is something magical about the palm-fringed islands of Seychelles. Whether you’re swinging from palm trees, watching giant tortoises roam ancient forests, or simply soaking up the sun, there are countless reasons why this tropical paradise makes for the perfect island getaway.
By H.E. Mrs. Harisoa Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India
“Seychelles: A Garden of Eden teeming with rare wildlife, melodic birdsong, and lush palm canopies”
While the powder white beaches and aimlessly swaying palm trees certainly justify its popularity, this island nation offers much more than postcard perfection.
Island Adventure
With 115 islands to choose from, from private island resorts to wildlife havens, island hopping is the fastest way to explore this archipelago. Start with Mahé, the largest island, rich in character and history. Discover its markets, monuments, and museums. Take a leisurely stroll through the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria, the capital city, to immerse yourself in vibrant Creole culture. Treat your taste buds to local delicacies as you marvel at colourful displays. Don’t miss the iconic Victoria Clock Tower, reminiscent of London’s Big Ben. At Beau Vallon Beach, families can enjoy water activities ranging from thrilling to tranquil. Mahé is also a haven for nature enthusiasts, with lush greenery and scenic hiking trails such as the Venn’s Town Mission Ruins and Mission Lodge Tea Factory. Nearby forests cradle nature sanctuaries that offer unforgettable encounters with Seychelles’ unique flora and fauna. Other must-do’s on Mahé include visiting the Botanical Gardens, the National Museum of History, and embarking on a semi-submarine tour of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Island hopping is a breeze thanks to the seamless ferry system connecting the three main islands. A quick ferry or flight takes you to Praslin, the second-largest island, renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage site Vallée De Mai Natural Reserve. This prehistoric forest is home to the legendary coco de mer palm, which is the largest seed in the world! Apart from the famous seed, this natural reserve is also home to some of Seychelles’ endemic wildlife, like the black parrot, the Seychelles bulbul, three gecko species and more. Hailed as a true ‘Garden of Eden’, the place envelops visitors in the ethereal ambiance of towering palm trees and the melodious calls of wild birds echoing through the Vallée. After immersing yourself in the enchanting Vallée de Mai, treat your senses to the allure of Anse Lazio, a beach revered as one of the planet’s most exquisite beaches with powder white sand, deepest blue waters and the calming sound of the waves caressing the shore. Don’t miss the chance to explore Cote d’Or or Anse Volbert, offering an array of exciting activities such as snorkelling, sailing, or fishing. Cote d’Or is also home to the Praslin Museum, a quaint yet informative gallery showcasing local art and beloved traditions. Visiting La Digue is like stepping into a world of tradition and adventure. A swift 15-minute ferry ride from Praslin, La Digue unfolds before you, a canvas of idyllic island life. This car-free haven can be explored via electric buggies, bicycles, or the timeless charm of the traditional oxcart. Renting bicycles is a fun way to bond with the family. Traverse La Digue’s enchanting landscape and uncover its hidden gems—countless beaches, secluded caves, and quaint eateries dotting the path. Stop by these charming spots to immerse yourself in the local flavours or take a spontaneous dip into the crystalline waters for a refreshing snorkelling escapade. Immerse yourself in the island’s history at L’Union Estate. The estate houses a traditional copra mill, a vanilla plantation and majestic Aldabra giant tortoises! Wander through the enchanting Plantation House, framed by colossal granite boulders and nestled within meticulously landscaped gardens. The estate also serves as the resting place of La Digue’s original settlers and boasts one of Seychelles’ pristine beaches, the renowned Anse Source d’Argent. Famous for its photogenic allure, Anse Source d’Argent mesmerises with its clear waters and the surreal granite rock formations. Enhance the experience by navigating the waters on a crystal kayak offering unparalleled views of these natural wonders. For those looking for some exclusivity, private islands like North Island, Denis Island, Félicité Island provide unparalleled seclusion and luxury.
Local Flavours and Stories
“Creole” refers to the people, their culture, their French-based language, and the cuisine, and the best way to soak in the culture is through the food. For those who want to immerse themselves in the culture and gastronomy of the country, Seychellois Creole cuisine is a harmonious blend of African, French, Indian, Chinese, and English culinary influences, making it a truly distinctive gastronomic journey.
Over time, these diverse influences melded into a rich tapestry of flavours, creating the grand symphony of Creole cuisine known today. Seychelles’ cuisine features a tantalising array of salads, main courses, and desserts, characterized by spices like vanilla, muscat, coconut, lemongrass, cinnamon, and allspice, along with an abundance of seafood, quality meats, herbs, and vegetables.
The colourful and enticing dishes of Creole cuisine, set against the islands’ natural beauty, offer a unique experience for food enthusiasts. Dining options range from five-star hotels to intimate Seychellois restaurants, standalone eateries in stunning settings, and beachside restaurants offering excellent seafood with a feet-in-the-sand experience.
Travellers can start by exploring the capital city Victoria and wander through the busy market in the morning. Here, the air is filled with the aromas of familiar spices and the banter of locals discussing everyday stories. South of the island is Jardin du Roi, where Seychelles’ spice trade history is displayed through a farm-to-table concept. After a quick history tour through the spice plantations, head over the Takamaka Rum Distillery to learn about the island rum. Learn how they converted this heritage site into an island rum experience and end it with a fun rum tasting experience.
Notable restaurants like Marie Antoinette in the North and Maison Marengo on the East Coast and Chez Baptista in the South serve authentic Creole cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. On Praslin, Mabuya is a crowd favourite on Anse Lazio. For those looking for familiar flavours, Mahek on Beau Vallon and Maharaja’s at Eden Island serve classic Indian cuisine.
An Accessible Paradise
Reaching Seychelles is remarkably easy. It’s just a 4.5-hour direct flight from Mumbai. Seychelles’ national carrier operates weekly flights from Mumbai, while IndiGo offers four flights a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
The best part? No visa is required for Indian travellers. All you need is a Travel Authorisation Letter, mandatory for all travellers including children. This digital permit is typically processed within 24 hours, provided no extra documentation is needed. Once approved, it’s emailed to you in PDF format.
