SEYCHELLES – A GEM IN INDIAN OCEAN
Seychelles is one of the most untouched and naturally beautiful places I have visited. The lush greenery, turquoise-blue sea and enormous granite rocks come together to create a breathtaking picture. It is one of those places that stays with you long after you have left, and you find yourself wanting to go back again and again.
The raw, untouched beauty of the islands simply takes your breath away.
Seychelles is also relatively easy to visit. It is visa-free for many nationalities, including Indian passport holders, subject to the country's entry requirements. So, all you really need to do is catch a flight and prepare yourself to feel as though you have landed in paradise.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Seychelles is generally from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and there is relatively less rainfall. The islands are tropical, so short showers can occur even during the drier months.
December falls within the wetter period and can be rainier and more humid. Better avoid December and January.
Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, and is reasonably easy to reach from India with connections through the Middle East and Europe.
THE MAIN ISLANDS
There are three main islands that tourists usually visit:
· Mahe
· Praslin
· La Digue
Mahe is the largest island and has the country's international airport.
Praslin and La Digue can be reached from Mahe by boat, while flights are also available to Praslin.
But Seychelles is not just about these three islands. There are many smaller and more exclusive islands as well. Desroches Island, for example, is home to a luxury resort and is perfect if your idea of a holiday is simply relaxing, enjoying beautiful beaches and doing absolutely nothing!
PLACES TO STAY
Mahe has a wide choice of accommodation. The hotels can get booked up quite quickly, particularly during the popular travel months.
And don't imagine Seychelles as some completely deserted island with nowhere to stay. Some of the world's major hotel groups have beautiful properties here, including Four Seasons, Hilton and Marriott, along with many smaller hotels, guesthouses, villas and B&Bs.
Where should you stay in Mahe?
My choice would be Beau Vallon rather than Victoria.
Victoria is the capital and is worth visiting, but Beau Vallon is much more convenient if you want to enjoy the beach and have restaurants and activities close by.
Beau Vallon has a beautiful, long beach with soft white sand and calm water. There are plenty of restaurants and water activities, making it particularly convenient for families.
Victoria, on the other hand, is a small capital city with a harbor and can easily be covered as a short excursion.
TIP – HIRE A CAR
Hire a car from the airport itself.
I found this to be one of the most convenient ways to explore Mahe. The island is not heavily crowded and driving around allows you to stop whenever you see a beautiful beach or viewpoint.
The roads can be winding in places, but once you get used to them, having your own car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
The public Transport is not much and the taxis are by far very less.
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE?
Seychelles is not really about landmark sightseeing.
You don't come here to tick monuments off a list.
You come here for the natural beauty.
The islands are filled with spectacular beaches, turquoise water, enormous granite formations, lush forests and hiking trails.
One of the best-known beaches in Mahe is Beau Vallon, with its long stretch of silvery-white sand. The water is generally calm and there are plenty of activities for children as well as adults.
But Beau Vallon is only the beginning.
OTHER BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN MAHE
Petite Anse
Petite Anse is one of those beaches that looks almost unreal.
The access is through the grounds of a luxury hotel, so visitors should check the current access arrangements before going. The beach has soft, powdery white sand and deep blue water.
If necessary, ask your hotel to help arrange access.
Takamaka Beach
Takamaka is a smaller and very pretty beach surrounded by lush greenery and granite rocks.
At high tide, much of the beach can disappear under the water, so check the tide before planning a long beach visit.
There is also a small restaurant nearby, making it a nice place to stop for lunch while exploring the southern part of Mahe.
Anse Major
For those who enjoy hiking, Anse Major is worth the effort.
The beach is remote and can only be reached by hiking, which takes roughly 45 minutes depending on your pace.
The walk itself is part of the experience. If you are reasonably fit and enjoy a little adventure, definitely give it a try.
Anse Intendance
Anse Intendance is one of Mahé's most picturesque beaches, with beautiful white sand, clear water and the characteristic huge granite formations that make Seychelles so distinctive.
One of the great pleasures of driving around Mahe is that you can simply stop whenever you see a beautiful stretch of coastline. There is no need to have every minute planned.
HIKING IN SEYCHELLES
Seychelles is also a wonderful destination for people who enjoy hiking.
The islands have numerous trails that take you through dense tropical forests and up into the mountains, often rewarding you with spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding islands.
COPOLIA TRAIL
One of the most famous hikes in Mahe is the Copolia Trail.
The trail takes you through thick tropical jungle before reaching a spectacular viewpoint from where you can see Mahe spread out below, along with the surrounding islands on a clear day.
The hike is considered moderate, although there are some steep sections.
And just to be clear — this is not a completely effortless walk!
Some sections have large, uneven stepping stones, and the rocks can be quite high and wide. You need a reasonable level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes.
But the effort is absolutely worth it when you reach the top.
One of the fascinating things you may see along the trail is the pitcher plant, a carnivorous plant that thrives in Seychelles' unique environment.
A small tip
Carry plenty of water and some snacks. The complete hike, including the return journey, can easily take around 4–5 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views.
EDEN ISLAND
Eden Island is a small man made Island where the land has been claimed back from the sea. The Island has many private housing complexes with shopping areas, restaurants and even a casino.
Not many people stay here but the houses are given out on B&B. Its a quiet plush neighborhood just as one exits Copolia.
MORNE BLANC TRAIL
If Copolia sounds challenging, Morne Blanc is a step up.
Morne Blanc is one of the highest peaks in Seychelles, and the trail is considered difficult.
The path is steep and challenging, and in my experience it was much much harder than Copolia.
Since you are climbing to a very high point, the views can be spectacular — if the clouds decide to cooperate!
The summit is very often covered in clouds. So you may climb all the way up only to find that the magnificent view is hidden behind mist.
But that is also part of the character of hiking in Seychelles.
Check the difficulty before starting
The trails in Seychelles generally have information boards indicating their level of difficulty and accessibility before you begin.
Do take these warnings seriously.
A trail marked as difficult can genuinely be difficult, particularly when the rocks are wet.
ROC SODER TRAIL
Another interesting trail is Roc Soder, which means "rock pool."
This trail is marked as moderate, but don't assume that moderate means easy.
There are some very large boulders to cross, and at certain points you may need a helping hand to haul yourself up.
This was my experience, although I have also seen people negotiating these rocks quite easily!
The trails pass through dense foliage and thick forest, so it is important to stay on the marked route. In many places, the path is indicated by paint markings on the rocks or tre
Eventually, you reach the rock pool.
The pool itself is quite fascinating. It is essentially a natural depression in the rock where seawater collects. When the waves come in, the pool fills up almost to the brim.
Many people actually do this hike for swimming so if you are planning to swim, do carry your swimming gear.
The descent towards the pool can be slippery, so be careful, particularly if the rocks are wet.
And after all that climbing, there is a very pleasant reward waiting for you.
The trail is close to Takamaka Beach, so treat yourself to a cool drink and some snacks at one of the restaurants overlooking the beach.
FERN TRAIL
Not every hike in Seychelles needs to be an adventure!
There are easier trails too, such as the Fern Trail.
The walk takes you through lush fern-covered surroundings and, after some climbing, brings you to a viewpoint with beautiful views.
These easier trails are perfect for people who want to experience the tropical forests without taking on the more strenuous hikes.
NATURE EVERYWHERE
This is what makes Seychelles so special.
Even when you are not deliberately looking for wildlife, nature seems to be everywhere.
There are many untouched stretches of coastline, and some beaches are nesting grounds for turtles.
Every bend in the road, every trail and every secluded beach seems to offer something new.
Seychelles is truly a destination for nature lovers.
And when it is time to leave, you may find yourself wondering when you can come back.
PRASLIN – THE SECOND ISLAND
The next island you should consider visiting is Praslin — pronounced roughly Pra-lin.
Praslin is smaller and quieter than Mahe and has some of the most spectacular beaches in Seychelles.
Getting to Praslin
There is a ferry from Mahe to Praslin that takes approximately one hour.
You can also fly between the islands in a small aircraft, but we decided to take the ferry.
The journey can be quite bumpy, so if you are prone to seasickness, I would strongly recommend carrying your medication and taking it before boarding.
Hire a car in advance
Just as on Mahe, I would recommend booking your rental car before arriving.
Cars can get booked very quickly, particularly during busy periods.
Driving around Praslin is easy during the day, but there is one thing to remember:
Many roads are not well lit at night.
So if you are driving after dark, be extra careful and avoid rushing.
FOOD AND RESTAURANTS IN PRASLIN
One thing that surprised us about Praslin was how early many restaurants close.
Eat on time!
Don't assume you can stroll out for dinner at 10 pm as you might in a big city.
Some restaurants close relatively early and some require reservations in advance.
La Roche is one restaurant where prior booking is advisable.
Because of the limited late-night dining options, many visitors choose hotels that offer a half-board or dinner-inclusive meal plan.
For families, this can actually be quite convenient.
THE BEACHES OF PRASLIN
The beaches of Praslin are spectacular — powdery white sand, crystal-clear water and huge granite rocks surrounded by lush green vegetation.
ANSE LAZIO
Anse Lazio is perhaps the most famous family beach on Praslin.
It is attractive for families as the water can be calm and relatively shallow, making it pleasant for swimming.
The beach is framed by large palm trees and scattered granite boulders, creating the quintessential Seychelles postcard.
There are no rows of beach shacks selling everything under the sun as you might find on many beaches in India or elsewhere. Instead, the beaches feel beautifully uncluttered. However, there are small restaurants nearby away from the beach.
At Anse Lazio, we did come across a small outlet selling freshly cut fruit and making cocktails from the fresh fruit.
Very tempting after a swim!
ANSE GEORGETTE
If Anse Lazio is spectacular, Anse Georgette is something else altogether.
Nestled among enormous granite boulders, this small beach is incredibly picturesque and feels secluded and exclusive.
Access is through a luxury hotel, and visitors generally need to arrange permission in advance, including providing the number of people visiting.
The walk to the beach takes you through the hotel's golf-course area and is itself quite scenic.
There are golf carts operating within the property, although I am not sure whether these are available to visitors who are not hotel guests.
So check the access arrangements before making the trip.
The effort is worth it.
COTE D'OR – THE HEART OF PRASLIN
Cote d'Or is the main tourist beach area of Praslin and, in many ways, the heartbeat of the island.
It is a long, beautiful stretch of sand with exceptionally clear water.
The water remains shallow for quite some distance, making it a good beach for swimming and families.
There are several resorts and restaurants around the beach, so you can easily stop for a drink, sit under the palm trees and simply enjoy the view.
It is particularly lovely to walk along the beach around sunrise or sunset.
And, as with Mahe, you don't really need
to have every stop planned.
The entire island feels like one giant viewpoint.
You can simply drive around, stop whenever you see something beautiful and spend some time on a secluded stretch of beach.
VALLEE DE MAI – THE FOREST OF COCO DE MER
Praslin has another very special attraction — Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a preserved palm forest and is home to the famous Coco de Mer, the world's largest seed.
The Coco de Mer is one of the symbols of Seychelles, and seeing these enormous palms growing naturally in the forest is a fascinating experience.
The forest is also home to the endangered Seychelles Black Parrot.
But spotting one requires patience and very sharp eyes!
The park has several trails running through the dense palm forest.
You can explore independently, or you can take a guide who can explain the different species of palms, plants and wildlife and help you look for the elusive black parrot.
I would recommend a guide if you are particularly interested in nature.
If you prefer exploring independently, you can take the map provided with your entrance ticket and choose the trails that interest you. By combining a few of the paths, you can spend several hours exploring the forest.
Entry to Vallee de Mai is ticketed, and a map is provided to visitors.
ANOTHER FOREST TRAIL
There are other interesting trails on Praslin as well.
One is located behind the Coco de Mer Hotel and is available as an activity for guests staying at the property. A guide accompanies visitors and explains the flora and fauna along the way.
It is another wonderful opportunity to experience the natural side of Praslin.
SEYCHELLES – A FEW UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Seychelles has some unusual culinary traditions too.
One of the most talked-about dishes is fruit bat curry. Seychelles has a large population of fruit bats, and bat curry is a traditional dish found in the local cuisine.
It is certainly not something everyone will want to try, but for adventurous food lovers it is an unusual part of Seychellois culture.
And then there is the night sky.
Because Seychelles is relatively free from the light and air pollution that you find in large cities, the night sky can be spectacular on a clear evening.
On a cloudless night, look upwards and you can see an incredible number of stars.
Sometimes, after a day of beaches and hiking, the best thing to do is simply sit outside at night and look at the sky.
WHY SEYCHELLES STAYS WITH YOU
Seychelles is not a destination where you have to rush from one attraction to another.
Its beauty lies in the experience of being there.
A winding road suddenly opens onto a turquoise sea.
A forest trail leads to a breathtaking viewpoint.
A deserted beach appears around a bend.
A giant granite boulder sits against impossibly blue water.
And then, at night, you look up and see a sky filled with stars.
Every bend and every corner seems to offer something new.
Seychelles is a place for people who love nature, beaches, hiking and simply slowing down.
And perhaps that is why leaving Seychelles is so difficult.
You may leave the islands, but a part of you will always want to return to this beautiful paradise.
LA DIGUE – THE CAR-FREE ISLAND
Another island that you must visit in Seychelles is La Digue.
You can easily do it as a day trip from Praslin, or, if you have more time, stay on the island for a few days and experience its wonderfully slow pace of life.
La Digue is only about half an hour by ferry from Praslin, making it very easy to visit.
But what makes La Digue really special is something you notice almost immediately after getting off the ferry:
There are virtually no cars.
EXPLORE LA DIGUE BY BICYCLE
The best way to explore La Digue is by bicycle.
There are several bicycle-rental shops close to the ferry terminal, so you can simply hire a bicycle and set off.
Cycling around the island is a wonderful experience. You can stop whenever you want and enjoy the island at your own pace.
For those who don't want to cycle, there are also small open trucks that transport visitors to hotels and other parts of the island.
But the absence of normal traffic is what gives La Digue its unique charm.
There is no constant noise of cars or traffic. Instead, you have bicycles, pedestrians, the sound of the sea and the occasional open truck passing by.
It feels wonderfully relaxed.
ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT
The most famous beach on La Digue is undoubtedly Anse Source d'Argent.
It is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and when you see it, you understand why.
Huge, weathered granite boulders line the beach, contrasting beautifully with the powdery white sand and turquoise-blue water.
The beach is protected by a reef, which keeps the water relatively calm and shallow in many areas, making it suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
The granite boulders have been naturally sculpted and smoothed over time, and their unusual shapes against the blue sea and white sand create an almost surreal setting.
It looks like something from a postcard.
L'UNION ESTATE
Access to Anse Source d'Argent is through L'Union Estate, a historic plantation estate.
When we visited, we paid an entrance fee of SCR 150.
The estate itself is worth exploring and gives you an insight into the traditional life of the island. There are coconut and vanilla plantations, and the route to the beach takes you through the estate.
You can reach the beach by bicycle or on foot, and there is also the option of taking an ox cart, which makes the experience even more traditional.
The Giant Tortoises
One of the things you will notice on the way is an enclosure housing some enormous tortoises.
You can go inside the enclosure and, where permitted, feed them.
They are huge and fascinating to watch, and this is particularly enjoyable for children.
TAKE YOUR TIME AT ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT
Anse Source d'Argent is much larger than it initially appears.
There are several sections of beach separated by the enormous granite formations, and it is worth walking from one section to another rather than simply stopping at the first viewpoint.
Every section seems to offer a different combination of rocks, sand and sea.
The smooth granite boulders, turquoise water and brilliant white sand create one of the most distinctive landscapes in Seychelles.
There are also kayaking activities, and you can rent a kayak from the beach area when available.
If you enjoy photography, this is the place to keep your camera ready. The rocks look completely different depending on the angle, the tide and the light.
OTHER BEACHES ON LA DIGUE
Anse Source d'Argent may be the most famous, but it is certainly not the only beautiful beach on La Digue.
There are several other beaches around the island, some of which are quieter and more secluded.
A few require hiking to reach, so if you have more than a day on La Digue, it is worth exploring beyond the most famous beach.
This is another reason I would recommend staying overnight if your itinerary allows it.
A day trip gives you a taste of La Digue.
Staying for a few days lets you experience La Digue.
DAY TRIP OR STAY?
If you are short on time, La Digue can easily be visited as a day trip from Praslin.
You can take a morning ferry from Praslin, spend the day cycling around the island, visit L'Union Estate and Anse Source d'Argent, explore some of the other beaches and then take an evening ferry back.
Praslin is much closer to La Digue than Mahe, so it makes more sense to combine the two.
If you are staying on Mahe and want to visit La Digue, it is possible, but it makes for a much longer day.
For me, the best way to experience La Digue is to slow down.
Hire a bicycle.
Ride along the little roads.
Stop at a beach.
Have a leisurely lunch.
Explore without a timetable.
And let the island's wonderfully unhurried atmosphere take over.
That is the magic of La Digue.
It is not just another beautiful island in Seychelles — it is an experience in itself.
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