Seychelles is one of the best Beach Destinations in the World. The beautiful island country is blessed with clear blue waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and exotic sea life. The 115-island country is within the Indian Ocean off the East Coast of Africa and actually has the least population among other independent African countries. Seychelles had been a French and an English colony, but the influence of the French is stronger than that of the English. Once you have traveled to Seychelles, you will remember its exotic beauty forever. After Seychelles whichever Beach I have seen, I have always compared that with the Beaches in Seychelles unconsciously. Seychelles is one of the top Travel Destinations in the World. Its name comes at the top amongst Best Beach Destinations too. Here sharing my complete Travel Guide for planning a trip to Seychelles.
Table of Contents
About Seychelles
Area if Seychelles: 459 Sq Km
The population of Seychelles: 98,347 in March 2020
Capital City of Seychelles: Victoria
The currency of Seychelles: Seychelles Rupee (used locally) and Euros (preferred by Tourists)
Currency Conversion : 1 SCR = INR 5.44 , 1 Euro = 82.82 in March 2020
Languages Spoken in Seychelles: French, Seselwa (Creole) and English
When did I travel to Seychelles?
In mid-July 2017
For how many days did I travel to Seychelles?
7 days 6 nights.
How many people traveled with me to Seychelles?
I traveled with my Parents
How did I travel to Seychelles from India?
My flight Details:
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Departure from Mumbai
Air Seychelles Flight at 5.25 a.m. on a Friday. The flight cost me INR 15000. Keep checking rates of Flights at Skyscanner.com, sometimes flights to popular destinations, drop to very reasonable rates. We reached the Seychelles International Airport at 8.20 a.m. Flight duration is 4 hours 25 minutes.
- Arrival at Mumbai
We flew to Mumbai via Air Seychelles at 10.05 p.m on a Thursday from the Seychelles International Airport. We reached Mumbai at 4.10 a.m.
Where did I stay in Seychelles?
In Mahe, we stayed at the AuxCap Self Catering La Nature Appt, the host Ma’am Fillomina was a gracious lady. She treated us really well. She sent a car to the Airport to pick us up. She dropped us off at a beach one day in her own car. We stayed there for three nights. The Apartment had a Dining – Kitchen area and a large Bedroom. The Apartment was fully furnished with all kinds of Home Appliances and Utensils. My Mom cooked dinner on two nights for my dad and me in the Kitchen. There was a Departmental Store nearby at a walking distance of 600 meters.
In Praslin, we stayed at the C’est Mon Choix Hotel, this small hotel is run by a French family, who were very sweet and cooperative. They guided us about the places to visit in Praslin Island. We stay here for three nights. This place was near to a Market having Departmental Stores, Local liquor stores, Utility stores, and Good Restaurants and Cafes.
Both our stays were booked from the Booking.com.
Car Booking in Seychelles for visiting the major spots
Self-drive Cars Counters were available at the Airport which might have been much cheaper than hiring a chauffeur-driven car. My father was not too keen on me driving a car in a Foreign Land, hence we opted for the second option.
We booked a car on our second day in Mahe to go about all the major spots in Mahe Island. It cost us a hefty SCR 3000 (nearly INR 15000). The driver cum guide was courteous and knowledgeable.
Ferry Booking in Seychelles for traveling between the Islands
From Mahe to Praslin: I booked a Ferry from Cat Cocos Website. It cost us around SCR 1285 each. Time taken by ferry from Mahe to Praslin is 60 minutes. The Indian Ocean is slightly turbulent at times and a lot of people get sea-sickness during the ride.
From Praslin to La Digue: I booked from the Cat Cocos Website again. The Cat Rose ferry took around 15 minutes to reach La Digue and the ride was not too bumpy. The views of the Ocean are stupendous.
Places I Visited in Seychelles
- Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden, Mahe Island
We enjoyed a meal with a panoramic view of the sea at Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden, a lush hilltop garden and restaurant. The garden cultivates a wide variety of spices, including vanilla, nutmeg, and citronella, as well as endemic plants, all of which feature in meals served at the establishment. One can learn about the plants’ cultivation and use, and visit the small museum testifying to the island’s vibrant spice trade in the past. One can shop for some spices, homemade jams (must buy), and marmalade, and stop in the yard to see the pet tortoises. This is a Must-Visit on your Seychelles trip.
- Victoria, Mahe Island
Victoria is the capital of the Republic of Seychelles, located on the northeastern coast of Mahé Island, the largest island in the Seychelles group.
There’s the Victoria Clocktower, which looks like a mini Big Ben. It’s actually a replica of the clock on Vauxhall Bridge in London which was brought over in 1903 when Seychelles became a British colony. There’s also a cathedral, Natural History Museum, a Hindu temple and Botanical Gardens with spice grove and mini rainforest.
Victoria Market is worth a visit. The market in the center Victoria – known officially as the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market. The market is a fantastic place to go to learn about local food and culture. Seychellois love to share their knowledge of locally grown fruits and vegetables and the best way to cook all the different types of fish. It really is somewhere special to go for information in Seychellois Creole cooking.
- Beau Vallon Beach, Mahe Island
Beau Vallon is a bay on the north-western coast of Mahé in Seychelles. Beau Vallon Beach is a well-frequented and is possibly the most popular beach on the island. It is a base for diving and snorkeling due to its clear waters and coral reefs. Beau Vallon has several hotels and restaurants.
- Anse Royale Beach, Mahe Island
Anse Royale is one of the most popular beaches on Mahé, located on the south-east coast of the island. The small town that lies next to the beach shares the name “Anse Royale”, and contains numerous different facilities, including a petrol station, hospital, banks, the Seychelles university, and a number of different accommodations. Getting to the beach is simple, thanks to the nearby public parking and bus stop. Buses in all islands of Seychelles charge a flat rate of SCR 5, one can board and exit at any bus stop on the entire Island. One can bring their snorkel gear and check out corals and fishes here. This is a Must-Visit on your Seychelles trip.
- Anse Lazio Beach, Praslin
This is the best beach in Praslin according to the Tripadvisor. But according to me, this Beach can easily be listed in the Best Beaches of the World. The sand is fine and white, Water is different shades of Cobalt and Turquoise. The Beach is surrounded by tropical trees and Boulders strewn over randomly. Do carry your swimwear and snorkel gear. The water is so clear that corals are clearly visible. The beach is at a distance of nearly one kilometer from the nearest Bus Stop. One has to Travel to Seychelles to truely understand the beauty of this Beach. This is a Must-Visit on your Seychelles trip.
- Praslin National Park
This is one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (another one is Aldabra Atoll), this ancient forest is home to the wondrous Coco de Mer palm, which has the largest seed in the world, and many other birds, plants and reptiles, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Visiting the Vallee de Mai is a step back in time and a unique experience.
Coco de Mer palms are incredibly rare, growing naturally on just two islands in Seychelles. The government strictly monitors these trees, which the IUCN classifies as endangered. This fruit grows to huge sizes and resembles the hips of a Woman.
- La Digue Island
La Digue Island is the third largest island in terms of population, but only has about 3,000 people! The island is still the third most-traveled island in the archipelago since it is easily accessible from Mahé and Praslin. Air Seychelles offers short island hopper flights from Mahé to Praslin, but nothing from La Digue – there’s no airport on La Digue, only a helipad. To preserve the Nature of this Island, there are no Motor Vehicles, only battery carts and bicycles are allowed to operate. Hiring a battery cart can be expensive but renting bicycles hourly wise is affordable.
I will highly recommend opting for a bicycle. One can take the cycle around the island. The tiny island can be covered in just one hour if you are a good cyclist. When you get into port, you’ll see a few different bike rental places, and they’ll get you set up to ride anywhere you need to on the island.
We went for a day trip to La Digue, did not stay the night, but in the future, I will like to stay back the night. We had our lunch at the Ferry Port Cafe. Trip to the La-Digue Island is my highlight of my Travel to Seychelles. This is a Must-Visit on your Seychelles trip.
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Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island is a small granitic island 1.13 sq mi in Seychelles close to the north coast of the island of Praslin. Curieuse is notable for its bare red earth intermingled with the unique coco de mer palms, one of the cultural icons of Seychelles. This island is strictly protected to allow Giant tortoises to prosper.
To reach Curieuse island, One has to book a boat/ ferry ride from Cote D’or Beach, Praslin. It takes around 20-30 mins to reach this national park and enjoy its biodiversity park. There is a fee to this island of approx 70 Euros. The Large Tortoises roam freely on the Beach, one can pet them, but take care to not disturb them too much.
Shopping in the Victoria Market
One can find local fruits, vegetables, herbs, eatables, souvenirs, trinkets, wall hangings, paintings, and apparel. I purchased a few Fridge Magnets and Wall Masks for my friends.
The timing of the Market is 8. A.M. to 6 P.M. On Sundays, it remains closed.
My Travel Tips and Tricks for Seychelles
- Seychelles offers Visa on Arrival for Indians for a maximum stay of 30 days. To obtain the visa they must hold an onward or return ticket and funds of minimum US$ 150 per person per day, along with proof of accommodation.
- Rent a self-drive car from the airport only if you are a good driver. This way getting about the Islands of Mahe and Praslin is easier and cheaper than a chauffeur-driven taxi or car. Driving in Seychelles is on the left side of the road. The roads on Mahe are low-traffic, mountainous, narrow roads, so caution is generally advised. The roads usually have steep drops or low walls on the side instead of curbs, which can make driving on the narrow roads stressful, especially if driving a large vehicle.
- Local Bus Sevice is excellent at Mahe and Praslin. The bus fare is a fixed rate of SCR 5 to anywhere within the route.
- Carry Swimwear and Snorkel gear if you are keen on swimming in the Ocean and enjoying the under-water views.
- Carry a good Sunscreen Lotion for the face and exposed skin. I get tanned easily in Beachside sun like a lot of people.
- Take care of your Caps/Hats/Scarfs/Sunglasses while sitting in the deck area of the Inter-Island ferries, the sea breeze is strong and lose accessories fly off a lot. My dad’s Cap flew off while traveling to Praslin.
- Carry some Euros cash. Do not exchange cash at the Airports as rates are exorbitant. ATMs are plenty, use a good Forex Card to withdraw cash from the ATMs. An example of the best Forex Card for Indians is the Niyo Global Card.
- For the jungle trek, wear good walking shoes.
- Carry a good waterproof camera to capture the beauty of the underwater. I use an Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera and the GoPro Hero 7 is a good option too.
Must-Try Foods in Seychelles
- Local food at the numerous Departmental Stores in Mahe and Praslin.
- Eat your lunch at the local food stalls beside the Beau Vallon Beach in Mahe Island. Very Tasty options of Fried Chicken and Rice and salad.
- Lunch of Meat Rice and curry with fruit salad was great at this Sri Lankan Lunch house named Breeze Garden in Praslin Island.
- Try the Local Beers of Seychelles, Sey Brew, and the Seychelles Blonde.
How much did the Seychelles trip Cost?
In 2017 the entire Seychelles trip cost us about INR 80k per person inclusive of Flights, considering the fact my parents are old and they like to travel at an unhurried pace.
Two of my friends who are married went to Seychelles for their Honeymoon in December 2016, their trip cost them about INR 1 lakh per person. They booked beachside Resorts as their mainstays.
For Indians, Seychelles is not exactly what you call an inexpensive destination, but with meticulous planning, one can easily pull off this trip in a tight budget of at least INR 70k per person.
More on Planning a Seychelles Trip
To read the best account of all the things to see in Mahe Island, head to Lucy’s Blog.
To read about what La Digue Island has to offer, head to The Blonde Abroad Blog.
Another Country with amazing Beaches is Greece, here are the 5 reasons to visit Greece.
Read about another of my equally amazing trips, to Jordan here.
What Seychelles is known for?
Seychelles is known for its White Sand Beaches, Blue skies, abundant Nature and nice friendly people.
Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and about 1,600 km (994 mi) east of Kenya.
The best times to visit Seychelles are April, May, October, and November. These months represent the transition times between the hot and humid northwest trade winds (from November through March) and the cooler southeast trade winds that define April through October.
Mahe – Largest Island, Praslin for its Beautiful Beaches, La Digue for cycling around and stunning beaches, Curieuse Island for meeting the Giant Tortoises.
All foreign nationals visiting Seychelles are granted visa-free access. They must be in possession of a valid passport, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.
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