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Destinations: Mahe   |   Victoria   |   La Digue   |   Praslin

Seychelles at a Glance

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It's home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.
Area459 Square KilometersCapitalVictoriaPopulation0.09 MillionOfficial LanguagesFrench, English, SeselwaCurrencySeychellois rupeeTime DifferenceIndia is 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead of SeychellesISD Code+248
  • VISA Requirement

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    Seychelles tourist visa is not required for citizens of India for a stay up to 30 days.

  • Overview

    The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colourful blend of peoples of different races, cultures and religions. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture.

    The Seychelles islands' management of its two UNESCO World Heritage sites could be used as a worldwide model on how to link culture and heritage for the protection of sites that have outstanding natural beauty, historical and cultural importance.

  • Overview

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    Echoing the grand assortment of people who populate Seychelles, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavours of the Orient.

    Grilled fish or octopus coated with a sauce of crushed chillies, ginger and garlic are national favourites as are a variety of delicious curries lovingly prepared with coconut milk and innovative chatinis made from local fruits such as papapya and golden apple.
    As may be expected, seafood dishes feature predominantly in the local cuisine, appearing alongside the national staple, rice.

    Some restaurants specialise in Indian, Chinese or Italian food and many feature popular international and specialist dishes.

  • Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria

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    This fun, annual event is spread over three days at various locations on Mahé Island to highlight the various cultures that have helped shape the Seychelles. It features float parades during the day, while all main hotels host special events that take place the first few weeks of February.

  • Semaine de la Francophonie

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    Celebrating French culture in mid-March, Semaine de la Francophonie is a similar entity to that which is enjoyed in Franco-influenced destinations around the world. The week-long party takes place on Mahé Island and features an array of art exhibitions and literary readings, along with French music, song, fashion and food.

  • Holy Week

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    Don’t be surprised to see lots of parading and partying over the Easter period. Seychellois are a deeply religious folk and these events are a jolly affair, when street fests are accompanied by numerous food stalls and colorful music of the region.

  • Independence Day

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    Independence from the UK in 1976 in celebrated and relived on June 29 throughout the Seychelles, with lots of flag-waving and the obligatory singing and dancing to local tunes. Beaches, parks and streets are filled with festivities, fireworks and special events put on by the resorts.

  • Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta

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    Held during the pleasant high season months of August and September, the hotly anticipated Beau Vallon Regatta is comprised of yacht races and a myriad of other water events. There is a swimming competition, tug-of-war (on land) and all sorts of events that tourists can get in on at the beach. Beau Vallon is especially busy at this time, so be sure to pre-book hotels as far ahead as you can.

  • SUBIOS Underwater Festival

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    This three-day event at Mahé’s main beach (Beau Vallon) takes place in early October and is all about promoting underwater conservation. People come from all over to see films and photographs of the world beneath the waves. Accompanying the event are boat rides, screenings, a natty craft bazaar and lots of competitions.

  • Creole Festival

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    A must for tourists visiting Mahé, Praslin or La Digue in the last week of October is this fabulous six-day foodie event. It celebrates everything Creole, including their arts, crafts, music, dance and food. Hit any main area on these islands, including (and especially) Victoria, Beau Vallon and Anse Royale on Mahé Island, and you are sure to be in for a treat.