Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean near East Africa, is famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves and rare wildlife. With its beautiful landscapes, luxurious resorts and plenty of activities, it is the perfect place for destination management companies (DMCs) to offer unforgettable travel experiences.
The islands of Seychelles are scattered like gems across the Indian Ocean, each offering its own unique charm and allure. Mahé, the largest island and home to the capital city Victoria, is a vibrant hub where Seychellois culture blends with colonial architecture and bustling markets. Praslin, the second-largest island, is famed for the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the rare coco de mer palm grows amidst ancient forests.
Beyond the main islands, Seychelles boasts numerous smaller islands and atolls, each with its own character and appeal. La Digue, with its timeless charm and iconic granite boulders at Anse Source d'Argent, offers a glimpse into Seychellois island life. Silhouette Island entices with its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, ideal for hiking and exploring endemic flora and fauna.
Seychelles isn't just for beaches; It is also a paradise for nature lovers and adventure lovers. Discover the underwater wonders of Aldatra Atoll, the world's largest coral atoll and a World Heritage Site, famous for its marine biodiversity including colonies of giant turtles and seabirds. Spend the month hiking in the misty Morne Seychelles National Park, where rare endemic species live among granite peaks and lush rainforests.
Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate year-round, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. The islands experience two main seasons: a hot and wet season from November to March, and a cooler and drier season from May to September.
The official languages of Seychelles are Seychellois Creole, English, and French. Creole (Kreol) is the most commonly spoken language among locals, while English and French are used in official and business contexts.
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ): Located on Mahé Island, SEZ is the main gateway to Seychelles. It serves as the primary hub for international flights and connections to other islands within Seychelles, including Praslin and La Digue.
Visa Requirements: Visitors from most countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, it's advisable to check specific requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Extensions: Extensions of stay beyond 30 days may be possible through application to the Seychelles Department of Immigration.
The official currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). ATMs are available on the main islands, and major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Anse Lazio is often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With its fine white sands, clear turquoise waters, and lush backdrop of granite boulders and palm trees, it offers a picturesque setting for relaxation and snorkeling.
How to Reach: You can fly to Praslin Island from Mahe (Seychelles International Airport) in a short 15-minute flight, or take a ferry from Mahe (approximately 1 hour).
Vallee de Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a mystical primeval forest known for its towering coco de mer palms, which produce the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. It offers serene walking trails amidst lush greenery and rare endemic flora.
How to Reach: Vallee de Mai is located on Praslin Island, about 15 minutes by car from the ferry terminal or Praslin's airport.
Beau Vallon is Mahe Island's most popular beach, known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and various water sports activities. It's lined with hotels, restaurants, and beachside cafes offering a range of cuisines.
How to Reach: Mahe Island is Seychelles' main island and is accessible by international flights to Seychelles International Airport. Beau Vallon is approximately 20 minutes by car from Victoria, the capital city.
Anse Source d'Argent is famed for its surreal beauty, featuring powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and large granite boulders that create natural pools. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
How to Reach: La Digue Island can be reached by ferry from Mahe (about 1.5 hours) or Praslin (about 15 minutes). There's also a small airport on La Digue with limited flights.
Victoria is the vibrant capital city of Seychelles, offering a blend of historical landmarks and cultural attractions. Highlights include the Victoria Clock Tower, Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, and Seychelles National Botanical Gardens.
How to Reach: Mahe Island is Seychelles' transportation hub, accessible by international flights to Seychelles International Airport. Victoria is a short drive from the airport.
Morne Seychellois National Park covers a large part of Mahe Island, including its highest peak, Morne Seychellois. It offers excellent hiking trails through dense forests, leading to panoramic viewpoints of Mahe and neighboring islands.
How to Reach: Access points to the park are spread across Mahe Island and can be reached by car or local transport from Victoria or other parts of the island.
Aldabra Atoll is the world's second-largest coral atoll and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's renowned for its pristine ecosystem, including giant tortoises and diverse marine life. Access is restricted, with guided tours available from Mahe or other islands.
How to Reach: Tours to Aldabra Atoll typically depart from Mahe Island via expedition cruises or chartered flights.
Cousin Island is a designated nature reserve and bird sanctuary, known for its conservation efforts and biodiversity. It's a haven for birdwatchers, offering sightings of endemic and migratory bird species.
How to Reach: Cousin Island is accessible by boat tours from Praslin or Mahe Islands, with guided tours focusing on conservation and wildlife.
Silhouette Island is the third-largest granitic island in Seychelles, featuring rugged terrain, lush forests, and pristine beaches like Anse La Passe and Anse Mondon. It's ideal for nature walks, birdwatching, and relaxation.
How to Reach: Silhouette Island can be reached by ferry or helicopter from Mahe Island, offering a secluded and tranquil escape.
La Digue is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and traditional Seychellois charm. Visitors can explore secluded beaches, ride bicycles through vanilla plantations, and visit attractions like l'Union Estate.
How to Reach: La Digue Island is accessible by ferry from Mahe (about 1.5 hours) or Praslin (about 15 minutes). There's also a small airport with limited flights on La Digue.
The most common way to travel to Seychelles from India is by air. Direct flights are available from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahe Island. Airlines such as Air Seychelles, Air India, and other international carriers operate regular flights. The flight duration from India to Seychelles is approximately 4-5 hours depending on the route and layovers.
