Travel Seychelles with UnCrushedLeaves
Seychelles is a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and east of Kenya. Early British explorers believed they had found the Garden of Eden. Although Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is said to have seen the Seychelles Islands for the first time in 1502, nothing much was known about this place before then.
Beautiful French and British buildings from the 18th- and 19th-century may be found on the main island of Mahé, which is also home to the capital city of Victoria, in addition to an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife.
The main activities for tourists visiting the 115 islands in this Indian Ocean archipelago include sailing, diving, fishing, and relaxing. Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé are the most visited islands. Mahé’s little city, Victoria, has many dining options, cafés, pubs, and casinos in addition to its 65 silver beaches. The Seychelles are home to Vallée de Mai, sometimes known as the Garden of Eden, and the coral atoll Aldabra, both of which have UNESCO designations. Although English and French are often spoken, Creole is the primary language.
Folklore and Mythology in Seychelles
The Seychelles mermaid, frequently connected to the critically endangered Dugong, sometimes known as the “Sea cow,” has sparked a great deal of discussion among historians, scientists, and marine biologists. The Dugong sometimes referred to as the “Lady of the Sea,” “Sea Pig,” or “Sea Camel,” is a marine animal that is critically endangered and was formerly common in the Aldabra lagoons in the Seychelles.
Folklore describes these creatures as aquatic mermaids that are important in local mythology and seafaring myths. The earliest mermaid tales originated in ancient Assyria and eventually spread throughout the world’s civilizations as a result of fairy tales such as Hans Christian Andersen’s 1836 publication of “The Little Mermaid.”
Numerous residents recount firsthand experiences with these enigmatic beings. The Seychelles mermaid mythos is fueled by stories such as those of a man who was almost captivated by a mermaid on Frêgate Island, stories of Dugongs that were mistaken for submarines during World War II, and accounts of individuals going missing and then turning up weeks later to say they had been abducted by mermaids. These fascinating tales go beyond simple curiosity and provide new perspectives on cultural beliefs and marine ecosystems.
Top 10 things to explore in Seychelles
1. Explore The Ruins of The Leprosarium
The leprosarium was constructed in 1829 to shelter slaves from Mauritius who had gotten the disease, and later slaves from Seychelles as well. The purpose of the leper colony was to protect the coco de mer palm and act as a deterrent.
When visiting the Seychelles, schedule a stop at Curieuse Island to explore the remaining remnants of the Leprosarium. Curieuse Island is a little stone island that is remarkably located close to Praslin Island’s north shore. Historians and archaeologists should recommend this location as something to do while visiting the Seychelles because of its exposed red dirt and remarkable natural features.
2. Savor a Full-Day Boat Tour
One of the nicest things to do in the Seychelles is to take a boat excursion, which is a must when departing from Mahe. Some boat companies provide whole days including lunch for people with limited time so they can visit islands like Cousin Island, Curieuse Island, and St Pierre.
If you have some spare time, choose a few islands and spend a few days visiting each one to explore and get a sense of living life to the fullest. Remember to include these three in your visitation: Many wildlife can be found on Cousin Island, Curieuse Island is not far behind with excellent mango forests, and St Pierre is well-known for its breathtaking swimming holes.
3. Explore Victoria Bazaar
The most well-known market in Seychelles is located in Victoria, the capital. The Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is the name given to it. The excitement of the market designates it as the real heart of the city and demonstrates a pleasant fusion of the traditional and modern Seychellois way of life. Seychellois enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the local cuisine and culture.
Additionally, there are booths and counters scattered around the market with sarongs, seasoned oils, and handicrafts. The market is open from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Similar shopping areas include Market Street’s Victoria Bazaar on Fridays, and Beau Vallon Seashore’s Bazar Labrin on Wednesdays and the final Saturday of each month.
4. Discover the Rich Diversity of Morne National Park’s Flora and Fauna
Though Mahé’s beautiful coastline is unquestionably the island’s main draw, its rocky interior is a poignant scene that is fascinating to explore. Taking up an impressive 20% of Mahé’s land area, the breathtaking Morne Seychellois National Park offers a diverse range of habitats, from coastal mangrove timberlands to the highest peak in the nation, the Morne Seychellois (905m).
Smothered by dense forest, the enigmatic centerpiece of the recreation complex is deserted and can only be accessed via meandering pathways, most of which start at the street.
5. Explore Aldabra
Aldabra is the second-largest raised coral atoll in the world. One of the greatest aspects of Seychelles is the tidal pond and its enormous variety of amazing foliage, which supports the largest population of goliath turtles in the world, which numbers 150,000.
The atoll was named by Bedouin sailors, who also kept everything under control with its harsh, sun-prepared climate and swiftly flowing tidal pond waters. Since 1874, there has been a small, intermittent permanent community on the island, primarily contractors from Mahé who were drawn in to fish, mine guano, and produce copra that could be bought locally.
6. Wander along Anse Georgette Beach
Mahé Island offers some lovely walks along Anse Georgette Beach that lead you into unspoiled landscapes of vibrant wildlife and breathtaking views of the island. The Copolia Trail, located 500 meters above sea level in the Morne Seychellois National Park, is the easiest route across the islands. A 2-hour climb is possible in certain dangerous spots.
Another hike that is worth seeing is the Morne Blanc Trail. Given its difficulty, it takes about forty-five minutes. There are some beautiful stone buildings to view, and the relatively easy Anse Major Trail offers a pleasant 90-minute nature walk. Adventure seekers need to put it on their bucket list of things to do.
7. Take a stroll through Eden’s Garden
The Seychelles boasts unusual and remarkable plant and flower varieties that flourish in this tropical climate, as it was previously thought to be the first Garden of Eden. These are the most informed about carefully planned gardens, such as Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden in Anse Royale or the Seychelles Botanical Garden in Victoria. Learn about the medicinal applications of various bushes and plants that are cultivated locally in Seychelles’ homes, and have a supper prepared with regional flavors and spices—this is a must-do activity for any foodie visiting the Seychelles.
Timings: From 7:30 to 5:00 every day, the Seychelles Botanical Garden is open. Location: Mahe is where it’s situated.
8. Grand Anse Beach windsurfing
With its amazing circumference of white sand and pure blue ocean, Grand Anse Beach is Grenada’s most popular beachfront and one of the top things to do in Seychelles. It has some nice, altered conditions and a respectable selection of watersports administrators. All year long, novices will find some fantastic breezes and flat water near the coast.
Travelers seeking a bit of sun, sea, and sand frequently overlook it in favor of more prestigious destinations like Barbados. That being said, it’s okay because Grenada is a gorgeous, enchanted place to windsurf. Enjoy some amazing windsurfing and one of the Caribbean’s most pristine countries when you go windsurfing in Grenada.
9. Gaze at The Famous Beach, Anse Lazio
The Seychelles have the world’s best beaches, with breathtaking coastlines and secluded coves found on every island. Near resorts are some of the most beautiful beaches on the islands. Anse Georgette is known for its exquisite signature rock stones and opulent white sand beaches.
The waves and nightfalls in Anse Lazio are even more spectacular. See Anse Cocos and Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, and Anse Intendance, Beau Vallon, Anse Louis, and Petite Anse on Mahé. One of the greatest things to do in the Seychelles is to visit one of these beaches; it will add even more value to your vacation.
10. Vallee De Mai Tour
On the island of Praslin, there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Vallée de Mai. This notable hold, often referred to as the “Garden of Eden,” is home to the native ecosystems of the Seychelles’ distinctive palm wildernesses and features over 4,000 Coco de Mer trees. It is also regarded as one of the top things to do in the Seychelles. You spend an evening in this otherworldly backwoods relaxing in the Seychelles’ native palm palms’ green radiance.
Using the largest and heaviest seeds on the globe, the female tree forms an organic product in the shape of a heart, like the state of a woman’s pelvis, which is used to identify uncommon flying species like the Seychellois bulbul and the uncommon black parrot.
Looking to travel and experience the culture, food, and nature or soak in adventure; explore curated Journeys with UnCrushedLeaves now.
