Seychelles Tourism (2019) Travel Guide Top Places

"The zenith of natural aesthetic"

Seychelles Tourism

Seychelles is small country in the western Indian Ocean with an area of 455 kilometres square. An archipelago of 115 islands, the island nation is nothing short of a tropical paradise and is known for its exquisite natural beauty, spectacular beaches, and luxury resorts. A great destination for ecotourism and wildlife spotting, the country is popular for its water activities such as diving and snorkelling, in the clear turquoise waters of the Indian ocean.

Located in the mid Indian ocean and home to world's oldest ocean islands and largest raised coral atoll, Seychelles is land of pristine beauty. A true embodiment of tranquillity and serenity, Seychelles truly deserves the to be called the tropical paradise on earth. The archipelago of 115 islands consisting of 41 granite islands and 74 coral atoll and reef islands is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year and an incredible variety of flora and fauna with some of the most exotic trees, birds and marine life. The entire population is concentrated in inner Seychelles region which consists of three islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Together these islands form the economic, cultural and tourism hub of the country. The islands are renowned for their picturesque beaches, marked by soft white powdery sand, turquoise waters and an aura of seclusion. Do not miss out on the chance of exploring the Seychellois Creole cuisine and the country's capital Victoria, a city that can be explored entirely on foot in less than a day.

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Places to Visit In Seychelles

Mahe

Victoria

Praslin Island

La Digue Island

Aride Island

Silhouette Island

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Hotels in Seychelles

Language of Seychelles

French, English and Creole are the three official languages of the Seychelles islands as it was ruled by both British and the French. The Seychellois speak English fluently and are comfortable conversing in it. The Seychellois Creole is phonetically similar to French, use Bonzour for Hello or Good Morning, Seel Voo Play for Please (form French S'il vous plait) and Mair See for Thank you.

History of Seychelles

Seychelles traces its history to 18th century, when the French first took control of the islands in 1756 before which the islands were mostly uninhabited. After Napoleon's loss in the Battle of Waterloo, the islands came under the British rule formally in 1814. Under the British rule, the population grew in number, important estates were established, slavery was abolished and Victoria was established as the capital. Seychelles finally achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and the period after that is marked by a series of coup attempts. The country has prospered since the beginning of 21st century and is progressing with a special focus on promoting tourism.

Nightlife in Seychelles

While the nightlife may not be as vibrant or eclectic as in other tropical destinations, it is not disappointing either. There are quite a few exciting options provided by larger hotels. Some of the best known centres for nightlife in the country include La Faya Bar, Tequila Boom and Katiolo Night Club on Mahe islands and La Reserve Hotel, The Jungle and Chateau San Souci on Praslin islands. Typical nightlife hours are from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, some of the hotels also have late night theatres in English, French and Creole. And if you have gambling on your mind, head to the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino to try your luck.

Shopping in Seychelles

Mahe offers the best shopping experience with its laid back markets and small shopping outlets. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is a must visit if you plan on bringing loads of souvenir back home such as traditional handicrafts, aromas, spices, teas and jewellery made from sea shells. The classic souvenir in Seychelles is 'Coco de Mer' which requires a special export license.

Currency in Seychelles

All major credit and debit cards are accepted throughout the country. Many establishments will also accept Euros and US Dollars for payments, however, it is always better to get local currency for easier transactions everywhere.

Exchanging Money in Seychelles

ATMs are located throughout Mahe and Praslin, and are the best for exchanging currency. You can exchange your currency in the banks or at an official Bureau of Exchange. Avoid exchanging on the road or with private vendors.

Daily Budget for Seychelles

On a budget trip, SCR 2200 would be enough to spend a day which includes local transport, decent food and a few drinks. A typical Mid-range budget would be from SCR 2400 to SCR 3200, with luxury budgets going as high upto SCR 4500.

Religion of Seychelles

Christianity is the dominant religion in the country with the Roman Catholics comprising 82% of the population and Anglicans making up 6%. The minority religions in the country include Hinduism, Islam and Baha'i, based in the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

Seychelles Customs

Seychelles has a multi-ethnic society with a broad diversity of people. The people are laid-back and relaxed, so there are no specific dress codes as such, however, it is advised for men to wear long trousers and women to dress up in evenings or when visiting a temple. Men and women greet each other by shaking hands and using either French or English greeting for the time of the day. When it comes to tipping in the country, you can always shell out some money for good service, which is appreciated but tipping as a practice is not obligaotry in the country as many places usually include a 5-10% service charge in the total bill amount.

Restaurants and Local Food in Seychelles

The Creole cuisine of today has resulted from a perfect amalgamation of French, Indian, Chinese and English cuisine over centuries to create something unique and remarkable, reflecting the country's multi ethnic diversity. The cuisine is characterized by use of spices such as coriander, lemongrass and ginger and over 10 different varieties of chillies. Being an island nation, most of the cooking is based on seafood, fish, rice, coconut and breadfruit. The national favourite includes grilled fish with curries prepared from coconut milk, tamarind chutney and shredded green papaya salad. What makes Creole cuisine so special is the fact that almost all ingredients are fresh produce due to limited transport options. Head out to some of the country's finest restaurants in Mahe such as Eden, La Grande Maison and La Scala Restaurant.

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How to Reach Seychelles

The only way to get inside the island of Seychelles is via airway. Due to some restrictions, mainly for environmental protection, even getting in via waterways is not a feasible option. (Read More)

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