Surrounded by the vastness of the Indian Ocean, the archipelago of Seycheles has retained its stunning natural treasures, together with a balanced development of tourism. Populated by a unique fauna and flora, this tropical paradise offers beaches, clear waters and superb coral reefs.
Strictly controlled in order to preserve the undeniable charm of the islands, the tourism industry is one of the mainstays of the economy. The strong ecological awareness, together with the defense of a very special culture, has allowed the preservation of the authenticity of one of the last paradises on earth. Thus, any visitor who landed first in Seycheles not only will be surprised at the purity of natural scenery, as with tourist facilities, where quality is combined with a deep respect for the surrounding nature. Far from everything and everyone, feels an indescribable stillness, as if time ran at a different pace, slower. Feel like extending the towel in the soft sands of the beaches and stay there, to contemplate the stunning clarity of warm water.
The dolce farniente seems to dominate the long, sunny days, but it would be unforgivable not to discover the treasures of the island generously offers, especially those who hide under water. Diving the abundant coral reefs is one of the most enriching experiences that can live in Seycheles. The transparency of the sea provides the perfect conditions for underwater photography lovers. Obviously the snorkelling is also on the list of mandatory activities, as well as fishing off the coast, relatively new sport in the islands but that has more fans because of the amazing diversity of fish. Finally, full days and pleasantly salty that can and should be tempered by the delicious Creole cuisine, where fish dishes get new colors and flavors with very imaginative use of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices of the Indian zone .
Composed of 115 islands and islets, divided into two main groups, distinguished by geography that present - the granitic and Corallines - the isolated archipelago of Seycheles was considered by early Western explorers like paradise lost. Too? It would seem, if we take into account the many natural beauties that have.
The first record of its existence dates back to the sixteenth century, and fell to the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, who reached these parts in one of his trips to India sea. However, the islands remained uninhabited until the eighteenth century, when the French there founded the first permanent community. With them came the African slaves whose influence forever mark the peculiar culture of Seycheles, is particularly revealing in Creole - an official language of the country - dances and traditional music and also in their own food. In the nineteenth century the British arrived there they left the other official language, English. Interesting blend of various peoples, the inhabitants of Seycheles reveal themselves and hospitable, even with the strong development of recent decades, still preserve a simple way of life, keeping traditions with over 200 years!
Mahé
The group of granite, granitic source instead of the common volcanic features lush tropical vegetation, teeming with coconut palms, banana and mango trees. The 42 islands that comprise it still retain, in the higher lands, some areas of native forest, which are also plantations of cinnamon and tea. Mahé, the largest of all islands, with 27 km long and 8 wide, hosts the main port of the archipelago and also the capital, Victoria. Truly charming, small city still has many colonial buildings, two of which are home to the Museum of Natural History and National Museum of Seycheles, and an interesting botanical garden. Wandering the island, visitors are surprised by old colonial mansions, without notice, come amid verdant forests or plantations of fragrant cinnamon and vanilla. With 905 meters high, the Morne Seychellois is the highest point of the archipelago, also giving name to one of the most important natural parks.
Praslin
The second largest island is Praslin. Located just over two hours by boat or 15 minute flight from Mahé, the main attraction appears as the valley of Mai, inhabited by an impressive forest of more than 4000 palm trees coco de mer - tree is a symbol of the islands and bears fruit that weigh 20 kg each - "saved" by the black parrot Seycheles curious. But Praslin also serves as an excellent starting point for the discovery of the other islands that make up the body of granite, such as La Digue, Aride, Cousin and Curieuse, a natural reserve dedicated to the protection of many rare species of birds that chose to habitat.
Islands Corallines
Composed of a set of coral atolls, islands Corallines are located southwest of the granitic group. None of atolls has a permanent population and are, however, lively, because this side is the Indian which are some of the finest wildlife reserves that part of the globe. The atoll of Aldabra, the largest planet, is home to the giant tortoise - calculating that their number will reach 200,000 - and the rare white trail - a seabird species in the Indian Ocean - which did earn the rank Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Other points of interest that can be included in the script of the trip is the island of birds, particularly between May and September, when he receives thousands of terns who come there to nest, and Desroches, the perfect destination for those seeking the thrills of water sports.
Related posts
- Top 20 Eco Resorts of the World
- Universities in unlikely places and paradisiacal
- The best places in the world for scuba diving
Water , Destination , Destinations , Species , Fauna , Flora and Fauna , Forest , Forests , Food , Natural History , Hotels , Hotel , Island , islands , coral islands , Indian Ocean , Lake , Luxury , Mahe , Sea , Diving , Museum , National Museum , Nature , Ocean , Gold , Paradise , Tropical Paradise , Paradises , Park , Birds , Heritage , Fish , Fishing , Beach , Beaches , Praslin , Reef , Reef , Reserve Wild , Visit