Picture white sandy beaches and the sun glistening with a force which isn't scorching but warm. The constant breeze and beautiful azure sea, stretching as far as the eyes can see, will fool you into thinking you're in paradise. But it's Seychelles. The land of the Coco de Mer and the Aldabra tortoises, pristine beaches and welcoming people, Seychelles is one of the most beautiful archipelagos that any beach bum would love to explore. While there are various things one could do in Seychelles, island hopping from one stunning island to the next is the best way to chart as much of the country as possible. With its pleasant tropical weather all year round, Seychelles can be visited any time of the year. However, between October and March is considered the best time.
Seychelles, famed for its vanilla produce, black pearls, Takamaka Rum, and octopus curry, is a place that goes beyond its beaches. Enjoy the freshest seafood while you island hop and immerse yourself in the colourful local culture. And do not forget to try the breadfruit, for as the legend goes, those who try it are bound to come back to Seychelles.
Start your Seychelles trip with the second-largest island in the country. In Praslin, there is a good mix of different things for travellers to do.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island is the perfect place to spot the nation's national bird, the black parrot. Vallée de Mai is also home to the world's largest endemic coco-de-mer population, the plant kingdom's largest seed. When you enter the reserve, there are three paths you can take, and with a guided hike, you can learn about the many endemic plant and animal species of the island that line the reserve.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio, is on Praslin Island. Surrounded by Takamaka trees and lofty palms, Anse Lazio, with its perfectly blue waters, makes for a must-visit beach on the island. Enjoy rum-spiked coconut at one of the shacks and bask in the golden sun. Other beaches to explore are the Anse Georgette and Anse Volbert (Cote d'Or), which is commonly known as the most popular beach on Praslin, and if you are looking for something secluded and private, Anse Pasquiere.
After you're done with your beach day, head out to eat at local restaurants for an authentic taste of Seychelles. Try Mabuya, which opened in January this year and be sure to have their caramelised octopus and smoked fish panini. The Cafe des Arts is another great place to eat. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but if you wish to enjoy the view, it's best to take one of the cabana-style tables outside while you indulge in their hearty meals. The staff is always smiling and ready to cater to whatever you need. Try their refreshing pina colada and prawns.
This island is about two kilometres northeast of Praslin and is home to the giant Aldabra tortoises. Curieuse (pronounced 'curious') island is part of Marine Park and is home to only a handful of families. Curieuse Island hosts a thriving population of approximately 250 giant tortoises, introduced from Aldabra in the 1980s, and has implemented a successful breeding program. With a historical past as a leper colony, remnants of the settlement's houses are still visible, alongside the well-preserved colonial villa known as the Doctor's House, where the island's physician resided in the 1870s. Nature enthusiasts can explore the island through winding trails, especially those traversing extensive mangrove swamps housing eight distinct mangrove species. Curieuse excursions typically offer a barbecue experience and sometimes include visits to neighbouring Cousin Island.
Take a 15-minute domestic flight from Mahé airport or take an hour-long ride on the Cat Cocos ferry from Mahé.
Mahé is the largest island in Seychelles. With a landscape characterised by pristine white-sand beaches in well-known areas like Beau Vallon complemented by granite peaks, including the lush Morne Seychellois rainforest and the capital city Victoria, Mahé has much to offer to tourists.
Hike across the largest national park in Seychelles, the Morne Seychellois National Park, for a rewarding panorama of Victoria. The park boasts some of the most gratifying hiking opportunities on the island. For seasoned hikers, an excursion to the summit of the highest peak, Morne Seychellois, standing at 905 metres (3,000 feet), is an unparalleled experience, offering breathtaking views. Various official trails, including Copolia, Mare Aux Cochons, Salazie, Trois Frères, Anse Major, Morne Blanc, and Dans Gallas, are available for visitors to explore the expansive and stunning Morne Seychellois National Park. These trails vary in length and physical difficulty, presenting panoramic vistas and captivating ecological features.
Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, all days of the week
Go to the Beau Vallon Beach on the island for the best swim and motorised water sports. Other beaches to explore are Anse Royale, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Intendance. Anse Intendance, with its soft white sand, is flanked on both sides by granite boulders, making this beach one of the Seychelles' most exquisite coastal destinations. On Beau Vallon Beach, there are many resorts and hotels lined up, along with food trucks, souvenir shops and multiple bars. Don't miss the local reggae bar, Beach Shak Seychelles, which serves up delicious cocktails and has great live music.
Head over to La Plaine St. André, the rum distillery of the famous Takamaka rum. Pick between sampling the regular six rum types, the ten or the two premium types of rum at the distillery. The guided tour of the property is a fun experience where you can check out their museum and medicinal garden and say hello to the two resident tortoises–Taka and Maka. You can buy bottles and souvenirs to take home.
For the most beautiful vantage point, hike up to the Mission Lodge, an 1800s missionary school for the children of liberated Africans who settled in Seychelles, which now lay in ruins. The forested hilltop offers stunning views of the island. Next is Le Jardin Du Roi, a well-known spice garden. Spanning 35 hectares, this plantation embraces indigenous flora and is inspired by 18th-century French spice garden layouts designed to cultivate rare spice-yielding plants in tropical colonies. A sojourn to the garden can be a delightful half-day expedition, allowing ample time to discover its rich array of fauna and flora. The entrance hosts an ancient Creole house transformed into a museum, showcasing vintage photos, household utensils, and equipment. Adjacent to the museum, a restaurant offers lunch featuring a traditional Creole menu and other delectable dishes, with a must-try being the fruit crepes seasoned with Domaine spices.
Acclaimed Seychellois artist George Camille is a big name in the country. You can visit his art gallery in Victoria and admire the vibrant depictions of the Creole people and their lifestyle on canvas, sculptures, and mixed media. Spend the rest of the day roaming around the city and exploring the local market. Shop for souvenirs and local spices at the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, visit the historic clock tower at the heart of the town and check out the National History Museum. Have a nice Creole lunch at Marie Antoinette restaurant. Do try their octopus main and the breadfruit. The restaurant has a huge wall plastered with business cards of guests who have visited, where you can also leave yours.
Hop on a glass-bottom boat excursion to Moyenne Island, offering the opportunity for scuba diving or snorkelling in the pristine waters of Saint Anne Marine National Park. Witness a diverse array of sea life and captivating underwater reefs in Seychelles, from vibrant corals and colourful seaweed to enchanting sea meadows and bustling schools of fish. After the aquatic adventure, savour a delectable local Creole lunch at a popular barbecue spot on Round Island. For a unique marine experience, take a Semi-Submarine ride from Eden Island on Mahé, Seychelles' only man-made island. This innovative vessel remains above sea level while providing enchanting views of the reef and marine life beneath the water's surface. Finish your adventures with a hearty Indian dinner at Mahek restaurant on Beau Vallon Beach.
Take a direct flight by Air Seychelles from Mumbai to Mahé, which is around 4.5 hours.
La Digue, the fourth-largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, beckons travellers with its serene charm, offering a tranquil retreat amidst nature. Renowned for its pristine beaches, La Digue boasts some of the world's most picturesque coastal landscapes. The small island could be explored on bicycles or electronic buggies.
Witness the beauty of Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Go for crystal kayaking and admire the surreal granite boulders framing the beach. The clear waters of the beach lets you glimpse various fishes and marine creatures. Anse Cocos, Grand Anse, and Anse Reunion are some of the other beaches you can explore on the island.
Take a buggy or walk across the L'Union Estate, which houses the vanilla plantation on La Digue, the old copra factory and giant Aldabra tortoises. Check out the cemetery at the property commonly referred to as the pirate cemetery, which was the burial ground for one of the first settlers on the island. Take a walk through the coconut kiln, where you will find old equipment that was used in the early years and copra storage rooms.
Conclude your day on La Digue with a satisfying lunch at the Fish Trap restaurant. The blue and white decor of the place lends it an authentic tropical vibe. Try their delicious seafood curry with rice, deep-fried calamari, prawns and fish kebabs.
To get to La Digue, catch the Cat Rose ferry from Praslin, which takes about 15 minutes to reach the island.
For more information visit www.seychelles.com