Planning an exotic honeymoon in the lap of nature? Look no further than the Seychelles. One of the world’s smallest countries, located in Africa, Seychelles is characterised by lush tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches, and a wide variety of marine life. Its popularity as a honeymoon destination can be gauged by the fact that celebrities like Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton honeymooned in the Seychelles. With activities like snorkelling and scuba-diving, a honeymoon in Seychelles is never short of excitement. Let's check out the places that are a must-visit in the Seychelles.
Mahé Island is the largest island of the Seychelles, which is made up of 115 islands scattered throughout the Indian Ocean, east of Africa. Capital Victoria is located on Mahe Island. You can either stay in Victoria or move to areas which are relatively less crowded than the capital region. The island, with its string of beaches and nature reserves, offers Seychelles in a crucible. Taking the local bus—though it can be crowded at times—is a cheaper option for sightseeing. Taxis are costly. The national languages of the Seychelles are English, French, and Seychellois Creole.
Where To Stay:
Ephelia Resort
Four Seasons villas
Banyan Tree Seychelles
Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa
Kempinski Seychelles Resort
This town can be the starting point for a drive down the coastal roads going up to Anse Louis. There are quite a few lovely beaches in between. If you have time, you can drive further—to Port Glaud and Port Launay Marine Reserve (known as a snorkelling and diving site).
Where To Stay:
La Relax Hotel and Restaurant
Fishermen's Cove Resort
Story Seychelles
It is a beach resort hugging the bay. The sea is calm and relatively shallow, which makes it safe to visit for families with kids. There are quite a few restaurants to explore in the area.
Where To Stay:
Rowsvilla Guest House
The Beach House
Jessies Guest House Seychelles
Self-catering accommodation, small beaches and a slew of restaurants make this not-too-crowded town a pleasant getaway. You can taste creole food at the Copra House restaurant.
Where To Stay:
Villa Panoramic Seaview
Carana Beach
Bliss Boutique Hotel Seychelles
AQUA Boutique Hotel
Said to be Seychelles' most famous vantage point to enjoy a sweeping view of the sea and the mountains. There is a small gazebo where Queen Elizabeth II had once sat for tea.
The tropical forest sprawls along the slopes of the mountain range that divides Mahé into east and west. You have a choice of trails to see the park's diverse habitat, ranging from coastal mangrove forests to the country's highest peak.
More information here.
Devote a whole day to see the major attractions of the capital city. The Clock Tower (Lorloz) in the centre of the city is a replica of the clock tower on London's Vauxhall Bridge. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a magnificent structure that has been renovated several times. See the famous Coco de Mer plant at the Botanical Gardens, which also contains a tropical rainforest patch, spice groves, giant tortoises, etc. The city's market is also worth a visit, especially for souvenirs such as sarongs and colourful shirts. To experience Creole culture, you can visit the Domaine de Val des Pres or the Craft Village. You can even get married here. The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, built in 1992, is the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles.
Where To Stay:
Captain's Villa
Club Med Seychelles
Valmer Resort
Beau Sejour
The island of Praslin appears to love its life in the sun. Divide your time between beaches and tropical forests located here. Anse Lazio and Anse Geogette are two of its most famous beaches. Don't forget to visit Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the plant called Coco De Mer; apparently, many believe this was the Garden of Eden. Praslin can be reached by catamaran from Mahé (45 minutes) or La Digue (15 minutes); the choppy waters may lead to sea sickness. Or, you can take the 15-minute flight from Mahé. Here, too, the local bus is a cheaper option. Sometimes, hiring a private vehicle for a day works out cheaper than taking a taxi.
Where To Stay:
Le Relax Beach Resort
Constance Lemuria Seychelles
Raffles Seychelles
Hotel le Duc de Praslin
The smallest of the three main inhabited islands, La Digue can be seen on a day-visit from Praslin. Those with a penchant for walking will love exploring the island and its many beaches. Be prepared for some steep climbs, though. Or, you can hire a bicycle (some hotels provide free bicycles to guests). Anse Patates is the beach for swimming and snorkelling. Anse Source D'Argent, a beach overlooked by granite boulders and located to the south of the town, has won several awards for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach is located within the L'Union Estate, where, among other things, you will see giant land tortoises.
Where To Stay:
Mountain View Hotel
Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel La Digue
Chez Marston
The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It is a visa-free country, but visitors have to follow with the prescribed norms. A favourite holiday spot for the rich and elite, Seychelles may appear pricey to the budget-conscious traveller. But that does not mean you cannot travel to the island nation. The tourism website offers detailed information about the destinations, activities, and hotels as well as a list of prices of some commodities so that you have some idea before drawing up your budget.
The best time to visit Seychelles is between April and May, or during October and November. The hottest months are December to April and the wettest are January and February.
A nonstop flight from India to Seychelles takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to travel. SEZ Airport is located near the capital city of Victoria and acts as the hub of Air Seychelles. Travellers can also book Emirates, Sri Lankan, and Kenya Airways to reach Seychelles from India.