Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean. It is the smallest country in Africa but one of the richest in the continent, thanks to tourism, fisheries, and the export of agricultural products like vanilla, coconut, cinnamon, etc. There are three main inhabited islands, Praslin, La Digue, and Mahe, with 90% of the population living on the latter.

Like Mauritius, Seychelles does not have an indigenous population. The island was first identified around the 16th century by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who mentioned the archipelago on his map. However, the island wasn’t explored until the 1700s by the French navigator Lazare Picault. The country gets its name from the French Minister of Finances, Jean Moreau Sechelles. Over the years, the country was colonised by the French and British until it declared independence in 1976.

Seychellois are a multi-ethnic and multi-religious group living peacefully. Almost 90% of the population is Creole, with Indo-Seychellois, Tamil-Seychellois, and Franco-Seychellois also forming a sizeable population. While Roman Catholicism is the main religion, there are plenty of Hindus and Muslims, as well.

Our customised Seychelles tour packages include a glimpse of every aspect of Seychellois life, including cuisine, shopping, watersports, and wildlife tours.

• Treasures worth $130 million are supposedly hidden somewhere in the Seychelles. Among the items are gold, silver, pearls, emeralds, and a gold crucifix so heavy that it may need three men to carry it.
• Aldabra Island is the world’s second largest atoll.
• The Aldabra tortoise is among the longest living animals on earth, with a lifespan of over 150 years.
• Gardiner’s Seychelles frog is one of the world’s smallest frogs.
• Seychelles national tree, coco-de-mer, is the world’s largest seed.
• The coconut crab is the world’s largest land crab. It can lift objects up to 30 kg & feeds on birds, rats, & fellow crabs.
• Seychelles is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, with a GDP and PPP of $39,662.
• Seychelles is the world’s only granite island in mid-ocean.
• Seychelles is 99% water and 0.3% land.
• Famous tourist attractions include Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, Anse Lazio, Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, and Mission Lodge.
• Things To Do – Scuba diving, rock climbing, snorkelling, ziplining.
• Famous Food – Grilled fish, shark chutney, octopus curry, salted fish.
• Places To Visit – Victoria, Mahe, Praslin.
• Souvenirs To Buy – Coco de mer, black pearls, art pieces, Yi-King essential oils.
• Seychelles’ national bird, the black parrot, is one of the rarest endemic birds in the world.
• The jellyfish tree is one of the world’s rarest plants, with only 30 species scattered over Mahe Island.

• Seychelles is a visa-free country. Indians can stay up to 90 days without paying for a visitor’s permit. However, your documentation and return tickets must be clear.
• In addition to English, French, and Seychellois Creole, you’ll find people speaking Hindi, Tamil, and Gujarati. A majority of supermarket owners are second —or third-generation Tamilians.
• The local currency, the Seychellois Rupee, can fluctuate wildly. It’s best to carry a credit card and a few local currency notes for small changes.
• Some travel sites suggest Euro or Dollar, but you’ll end up paying a conversion fee.
• If La Digue is part of your Seychelles tour package itinerary, check with the tour operator if they will provide taxis (especially if you are travelling with the elderly). There are few cars and people cycle to different places.
• Carry light clothes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as Seychelles is a tropical country.
• Nude bathing is prohibited in the Seychelles, but dress codes are pretty relaxed. Pack plenty of swimwear, sarongs, and shorts.
• Most restaurants and resorts add a 10% tip to the bill; waitstaff don’t expect tips, but they surely appreciate it. Carry enough local currency to tip taxi drivers & waitstaff.
• The network in Seychelles is poor – make sure you communicate clearly and plan things ahead of time. We suggest downloading Google Maps so you can use them offline.
• Water is expensive and not readily available as in India. Make sure you carry a water bottle.

Seychelles’ beaches are spectacular and diverse. While some have long stretches of powdery white sand, others are famous for their dramatic granite boulders. Anse Source d’Argent is an Instagram-worthy beach with translucent waters and white sand. Anse Lazio is another postcard-worthy beach renowned for its beautiful scenery, crystal clear waters, and sunsets. Beau Vallon is popular among locals and tourists for its restaurants, dive centres, and shops.

Because Seychelles was isolated from the world for millions of years, the country has an unparalleled level of endemism with unique plants, birds, and animals that can be found nowhere in the world. Some of its unique flora and fauna include the Coco de Mer, the Seychelles pitcher plant, the Aldabra giant tortoise that can live up to 150 years, the black parrot, the Seychelles magpie robin, and plenty of coral fishes—no wonder the UNESCO has declared the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve a living museum.

The Seychellois Creole culture harmoniously blends cultural practices, food habits, customs, and traditions of multiple ethnicities, including French, British, African and Asian influences. From architecture and cuisine to festivals, music, and dance, the Creole culture is truly unique.

While Seychelles is a haven for watersport enthusiasts, there are plenty of on-land activities as well. You can climb Morne Peak to watch some of its endemic animals and plants, tour the island’s famous rum distillery, Takamaka, walk with giant Aldabra tortoises, tour a tea factory, join a guided bird tour, go on an off-road safari, or sign up for a cooking class. Popular watersport activities include clear-water kayaking, parasailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing.

Seychelles is a melting pot of various cultures and influences. The unique blend of flavours and spices combined with the availability of delicious seafood makes it a must-visit destination for foodies everywhere. You must try traditional Creole food, grilled seafood, various dishes made using breadfruit, and curries made using coconut milk as their base.

Since the warm and tropical climate remains constant throughout the year, it’s possible to visit Seychelles at any given time by booking one of our Seychelles tour packages. Even the rainy season does bring about long periods of sunshine, which is perfect for those looking for a change from the cold winter months.

Seychelles is warm and breathtakingly beautiful all year round. But some months are favourable for certain activities. Here’s what you must know about the country’s weather and climate before signing up for our Seychelles tour packages.

• May to August is peak season.
• December to March is off-season.
• September to November is shoulder season.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Seychelles. The temperature ranges from 25 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius during this season, marking the transition from rainy to dry season. The weather is quite pleasant in Seychelles during spring.

April is the peak of the transition season, with the weather becoming pleasant and welcoming around May. At this time, the ocean is calm, accompanied by a light breeze throughout the day. Mahe holds the International Deep-Sea Fishing Competition during this period. The Seychelles Art Festival also takes place during springtime.

The transition months are best for diving, snorkelling, boating, scuba diving, and sailing. The islands remain relatively uncrowded during these months, making hotel stays cheaper. It’s the recommended time to visit for those who hope for a quieter ambience for their vacation.

The verdant greenery after the wet spell of December to February makes it a perfect time for hiking.

It’s the perfect time for Indians to escape the sweltering heat of Indian summers. If you’re travelling with school going kids, book a Seychelles tour package in spring, as packages are cheaper this time of year.

During this time, temperatures range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius. These are also the coldest months of the year. Humidity drops around this time, with temperatures gradually rising around August. The mix of dry and pleasant weather makes the season the best time to visit Seychelles. Some of the activities during this time include the National Holiday of Seychelles, the Festival of Classical Music, and the Festival of Assumption.

While windsurfing is a popular activity around this time, you must be cautious of the high tides. Among other things, winter months are perfect for snorkelling, diving, hiking, and sailing.

This is peak tourist season in Seychelles. If you are looking for budget-friendly Seychelles tour packages, we suggest you wait until September. But if you’re still craving a tranquil beachside vacation, we recommend exploring Varkala and Vagamon with our Kerala tour packages.

Temperatures gradually rise around September, ranging around 30 degrees Celsius. While September is the dry season, you can expect short periodic showers in October. In November, Seychelles is bathed in rainfall, and the humidity rises to almost 80-90%.

Tourists can expect a bunch of festivals and celebrations in Seychelles during the fall, all of which you can witness through our Seychelles tour packages. These include the Praslin Culinary and Arts Fiesta, the Festival Kreol, and the Seychelles Ocean Festival.

During this time of the year, you can enjoy snorkelling, boat rides, and scuba diving. You can also expect to see migratory birds and shark whales during this time.

Summer temperatures hover at around 30 degrees Celsius and precipitation increases with the possibility of extreme rainfall. It’s hot and humid during this period, with December bringing about the highest temperature of the year, paving the way for a warm holiday season. Travellers can witness the Seychelles Marathon at this time.

Since this is winter time in India, we suggest you enjoy local tour packages in North or South India. But if you are looking for affordable Seychelles tour packages and don’t mind the rains, go ahead.

Some activities can be enjoyed all year, regardless of the season. These include birdwatching, Mahe tours, hiking, and fishing.

Seychelles’s ethereal and exotic ambience is enough for you to want to book one of our Seychelles tour packages. Along with indulging in adventurous activities, there are plenty of activities to help you learn more about traditional Seychellois Creole culture. Whether you’re visiting with your spouse, friends, or family, there are many activities for you to explore with our Seychelles tour packages.

Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Praslin Island. This nature park is home to a well-preserved palm forest and is often called the Garden of Eden due to its mystical and secluded ambience. The island’s highlight is the coco de mer, a tree with the largest seeds in the world. Some other highlights include some of its unique prehistoric plant and animal species, including the famous black parrot, the sooglossid frog, Seychelles skinks, swiftlets, tiger chameleons, and the unique Seychelles tree frog.

This beach is perched northwest of Praslin Island and is considered one of the best beaches in Seychelles. From lounging on the white powdery sands to swimming, sunbathing, or snorkelling, you can enjoy plenty of activities at Anse Lazio. Given that it is popular and crowded, we recommend you arrive early, preferably by 9 am.

Le Jardin du Roi is a French phrase that translates to ‘the King’s Garden’. Overlooking the Anse Royale Beach and spread over 35 hectares, this plantation is inspired by 18th-century French spice gardens that grew rare spice plants. The garden was initially developed to promote the spice trade before it became a popular tourist spot.

Located on Mahe Island, this is a must-visit destination on most Seychelles tour package itineraries. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site owing to its significant role in eradicating slavery. , The Missionary Society established a settlement in the mountains to educate the children of the freed slaves. It was declared a National Monument in 1984. This country’s best and most famous vantage point offers a panoramic view of the blue waters and lush greenery. There is also a gazebo that allows you to take in the views.

• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Rock climbing
• Submarine tour
• Ziplining

Shopping in Seychelles is different from what you’d expect in a tourist country. There are only three shopping malls in the country selling clothes, shoes, etc. But if you are looking for something unique, we suggest scouring the many street markets in the country.

Coco de Mer, or sea coconut, is the largest and heaviest seed in the world and the national fruit of Seychelles. The kernels are rich in micronutrients and carbohydrates and are believed to boost metabolism. But make sure you buy Coco de Mer nuts with a holographic sticker and an official permit. This is because there are only about 8000 trees left, and it takes about 6-9 years for the nut to fall from the tree naturally. The hologram indicates that the environment department has inspected and approved the product. The seller must also provide a permit along with the receipt with details such as the price, weight of the Coco de Mer nut, the name of the shop selling the product, etc. But they sell for around $1000 and don’t serve any purpose except as souvenirs. If you’re looking for budget-friendly souvenirs, we suggest you look for products made using parts of the Coco de Mer plant, like door mats, Coco de Mer perfumes, and even jams.

Yi-King was created on Mahe Island by a French aromatherapist using the finest ingredients from Seychelles. Under the umbrella of this brand, you will find unique essential oils designed for your personality. You can buy essential oil blends created based on your date of birth and how they relate to the eight master elements recognised by Chinese medicine: lake, fire, thunder, earth, mountain, water, wind, and sky.

Book a private consultation and grab a personalised aromatherapy kit when visiting Seychelles.

SeyBrew is the local lager that has been around Seychelles since 1971. This light drink is easy to consume and is found almost everywhere in the country, even in luxury resorts. The product is environmentally friendly, as you can return empty bottles to local stores for a refund on the bottle deposit.

Rum fans will surely love the Takamaka brand. It is available in wide varieties and flavours, such as white rum, dark spiced rum, pineapple rum, coconut rum, and extra noir. The best way to enjoy this rum is by sipping it while relaxing on a Seychelles beach. You can bring a few bottles home, but check the alcohol import limit and duty charges.

Plenty of street markets in Seychelles sell traditional Creole artefacts, including paintings, wooden sculptures, handwoven baskets, handmade jewellery using seashells and coconut shells, and handmade bags.

Several markets sell local Creole spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, chillies and turmeric. Vanilla is also grown aplenty in Seychelles. Shark chutney is a Creole delicacy made using onion, pepper, and other spices and preserved using bilimbi and lime juice. Tea is another popular souvenir, along with honey and dried tuna (maasi karuvadu). As for tea, there are different flavours, including mint tea, strawberry tea, vanilla tea, citronella tea, lemon tea, and cinnamon tea.

Many art galleries in Seychelles proudly display works from local artists, all of which you can see with our Seychelles tour packages. Walking around these art galleries, you will find paintings and sculptures that showcase the Creole lifestyle.

• Sir Selwyn Clarke Market: This is where you can buy local spices, herbs, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat.
• Victoria Market: For local fruits and vegetables, sarongs, artwork, flavoured oils, and spices.
• Bazar Labrin: For local souvenirs, spices, fish, fresh fruits, and local snacks.
• Anse Royale Market: For fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish.

• Carry local currency for an easier shopping experience.
• Don’t buy without bargaining.
• Don’t disrespect the seller when bargaining. Before you begin, make sure you appreciate the craft and quality.

As you look beyond the luxurious resorts and pristine beaches, you will realise that Seychelles has a wonderful cuisine. Some of the local food you’ll try on our Seychelles tour packages include:
The cuisine blends Indian, French, Chinese, British, Spanish, and African influences. Also, given its geography, seafood is a huge part of the Seychellois menu. Other delicacies include spicy curries, locally grown fruits, and sweet fried bananas.

Seafood lovers will surely love Seychelles cuisine. While you’ll find them steamed, smoked, and baked, grilled fish is the most popular way of cooking. Freshly caught fish is stuffed with fresh herbs like ginger, chilli, garlic, and local spices and barbecued. Grilled rabbitfish or red snapper is popular and served with rice, sweet potatoes, and tomato-tamarind chutney.

Shark chutney, or satini reken, as it is locally called, may have been influenced by Indian chutney but tastes completely different. Shark meat is cooked, flaked, and mixed with grated bilimbi and then sautéed with onions and turmeric. Lemon juice and green chillies are added for that extra kick. This is a common condiment in restaurants and is served with boiled cassava.

This is a typical Creole dish made using coconut milk, ginger, spices, curry leaves, and saffron. Hailed as one of the most famous traditional meals in the country, its savoury taste coupled with its unique aroma draws travellers in to experiment.

Salted fish, or Pwason Sale as it is known locally, is one of the most popular foods in Seychelles. Freshly caught fish is salted and sundried to preserve and prevent it from going rancid. The salted fish is added to curries, fried rice, a tomato-onion sauce (rougail), and chutneys. Salted fish is sometimes fried and served with rice and papaya chutney.

Satini is a salad made using a seafood medley. It is sometimes combined with chillies, lime, papaya, apples, onion, and bilimbi for a kick of flavour. The dish is quite popular in the Seychelles. Ground coconut is also an occasional ingredient in satini.

If you want something warm and comforting on your Seychelles tour packages, we suggest trying the bouillon brede. This broth uses plenty of green vegetables, including bok choy, spinach, lettuce, and moringa leaves. Other ingredients added include garlic, stir-fried onions, and ginger.
Tomatoes and chillies are also added to the chicken or fish stock. Bouillon brede is a side dish served alongside rice, beans, and fried fish. Try visiting Victoria’s The Boardwalk Bar & Grill for a scrumptious version of the bouillon brede.

Salade de palmist is a Seychelles culinary delicacy consisting of coconuts, red bell peppers, palms, avocados, coriander, green mangoes, and mint. Accompanied by a mix of sweet and sour dressing, the salad has a tangy flavour with lime and ginger.

This creamy curry is packed with garlic, ginger, fried onions, and other spices that enhance its aroma and taste. Fresh coconut cream, curry leaves, and saffron complete the dish.

Breadfruit is an integral part of Seychelles cuisine and is often called the Tree of Life. The locals eat them baked, stewed, fried, barbecued, grilled, and microwaved.
It is also used to prepare adobe, a coconut milk dessert. You can also grill it on an open flame and eat it with a spoon.

Popular in the Seychelles islands, the kat-kat banana is made using mashed green bananas or plantains and shredded fish fillets cooked in coconut milk. Other ingredients include garlic, ginger, and cinnamon. This savoury dish is either eaten with rice and fresh chilli peppers or on its own.

The traditional dance of Seychelles is known as Moutia, and it forms the central part of all celebrations in the country. There is also the Sega dance, in which women dress up in frilly skirts and move their waists in an enchanting manner, propelling onlookers to join them as well.

With a music history that dates back more than 200 years, the music in Seychelles focuses a lot on percussion instruments. For instance, Zouk is a new music genre in Seychelles that can be defined as a mix of traditional music and fast-paced beats in the modern sense.

Seychelles has some original art and crafts you can discover once you visit the Craft Village. This is the spot to see some of the island country’s authentic and historical craft pieces.

Most people in Seychelles are immigrants, making the country a wonderful potpourri of different cultures. You will find a good mix of Indians, Europeans, Africans, and French people in Seychelles, and the exciting fact is that the country has a matriarchal society.

Our Seychelles tour packages include plenty of festivals. For instance, the Creole Festival lasts a week and presents a fantabulous mix of food, cultures, dances, and music. The festival serves as a tribute to the traditions, customs, culture, and practices of the Creole lifestyle. There is also the Seychelles Ocean Festival, the unique underwater festival comprising school events, photography competitions, snorkelling, and diving. The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a local festival in Seychelles wherein devotees pray to the Virgin Mother Mary and seek her blessings.