Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is one of the best destinations to go to if you want to unwind. Surrounded by spectacular nature, Seychelles consists of more than 116 islands. Most of the islands are uninhabited and consist of nature reserves. However, only tiny remnants of the natural vegetation remain in Seychelles. The best example of this is Vallee de Mai, declared a World Heritage Site on Praslin Island. `Many believe that Seychelles is the original site of the Garden of Eden due to its secluded location and mystical ambiance. Aldabra is the second largest coral atoll globally and is home to unique species of fauna, which includes the largest population of giant tortoises in the world.
The Seychelles Why Is This Island Called A Heaven On Earth
Facts About Seychelles
Here are some interesting facts about Seychelles that make it worth visiting.
1. Seychelles is home to some of the rarest endemic birds, such as the bare-legged Scops owl and the occasional black parrots, considered the national bird of Seychelles. The former was thought to have become extinct before being rediscovered in 1959. The latter, on the other hand, is down to as few as 200 and can be seen in only one place in the world, Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and the lower part of Fond Peper in Praslin National Park.
2. Seychelles is one of the best diving destinations all year round. It has dive sites for both beginners and experienced divers. Its stunning topography composed of coral reefs, drop-offs, wrecks and canyons, and marine life makes it one of the best diving sites worldwide.
3. Mahe, the island’s capital, is the smallest capital city globally. Despite its dense population, it has preserved its beauty and charm. The city is home to more than 70 beautiful beaches, the best restaurants and shops, and the Morne Seychellois National Park.
4. Seychelles is the home of Anse Lazio, the sixth-best beach globally, as rated by TripAdvisor and other travel websites. If you are lucky, you can come across sea turtles feeding in its abundant underwater life.
5. Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond, visited Seychelles in 1958 to look for adventure and inspiration for his latest collection of stories, For Eyes Only.
6. Bird Island is home to the heaviest land tortoise living in the wild, Esmeralda, who weighs 670 pounds.
7. Moyenne Island in Saint Anne Marine National Park is believed to be haunted by a spirit that stands guard over a buried treasure.
Facts About Seychelles
Tips When Visiting Seychelles
Are you looking to travel to Seychelles? The ideal way to reach the island is via air travel. Victoria has an international airport that hosts international flights. Victoria International Airport serves as the headquarters of Air Seychelles, the island’s national carrier. To hop between the islands, you can take chartered flights. Another travel option in Seychelles is by sea travel. There are boats and chartered cruises that will take you to the different islands. Using catamaran ferries between the islands is another form of sea travel on the island, although it is not advisable when traveling to the smaller islands. When traveling to Seychelles, you need to know that it is not a budget destination. If you travel in a budget, you will be torn between choosing an expensive place and a little expensive place. Accommodations range from luxurious villas and apartments to standard suites and hotel rooms. Even the food is not cheap as you can expect the restaurant bills to be pretty high. Thus, it is best to do some research before traveling to the island.