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Places to See - Historical Monuments / Event Places and Picnic Spots |
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Art dwellings and specialized shops |
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Seychelles, primarily Mahe, has an interesting selection of art galleries and studios for the art lovers of paintings, sculptures, handcrafted glass creations, jewelleries, and other handmade crafts. |
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The George Camille Gallery, Michael Adams Gallery, Andrew Gee Artist & Designer studio, Adelaide studio, the Black pearl (Seychelles) Ltd., Antonio Filippin sculpture Studio, La Marine, and Thoughts Stained Glass shop are some of the favourite art lovers’ retreats. The Black Pearl (Seychelles) Ltd has a shop where you can purchase the delicate pearl and its products.
The Craft village and Senpa craft kiosks are also worth a visit for its appealing range of crafts. Kreolfleurage Parfums offers some exquisite and exceptional scented products like perfumes, lotions and soaps; perfect for unique gifts for loved ones or yourself. You will undoubtedly find something to take home from the rich selection of arts and other appealing items. |
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National Parks and Nature Reserves |
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Avid nature enthusiasts will enjoy a multiplicity of indigenous and unique species of tropical flora and fauna, amongst which are the black paradise flycatcher, the Magpie Robin, the Indian Ocean’s only flightless bird (the White-throated Rail or Aldabra Rail), the Seychelles Warbler, the giant land tortoises, the smallest frog (the Sooglossids), and the rare Jellyfish Tree.
You will be thrilled to find that Seychelles is a forerunner in ecological conservation. The locals are passionate about nature conservation, and the passion is felt intensely when you are exploring the protected terrains. A sizeable allocation of the archipelago is national parks and reserves, amongst which are some incredible national marine parks. The underwater life of the marine national parks has over 1000 species- an animated treasure trove.
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It is not hard to understand why so many underwater photographers travel from so far to capture the magnificence. Seychelles is the dwelling of some of the largest seabird colonies in the world such as the Audubon's Shearwater and Lesser Noddy. The exotic nature reserves such as Aride Island Nature Reserve, Cousin Island Nature Reserve, the Morne Seychellois National Park and Veuve Nature Reserve are famed refuges for bird and marine life.
You will be left entranced by your experiences of the national parks and reserves. There are properly built paths (nature trails) that allow visitors to explore the marvels of our national park without risk.
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World Heritage Sites- Aldabra and the Vallée de Mai |
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What’s more, the Seychelles lay claim to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the renowned and unspoiled Aldabra, which is the world’s largest raised coral atoll, and Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, a lush and faultless setting ecosystem. |
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The Vallée de Mai on Praslin, is believed by some to be the original site of the Garden of Eden- you will be lured into the same belief by the sheer majestic beauty of the place. The valley is covered under an emerald cover of rich plant life. The sight of the famous Coco de Mer palms which yield the largest seed in the world, and no doubt the most curiously-shaped, will surely stop you in your track. Just the thought of spotting some of the rarest birds in the world, the Seychelles Bulbul, the Black Parrot, and the Fruit Pigeon, will inspire you. |
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The unspoilt perfection of Aldabra, the largest raised coral atoll in the world, will have you thinking you have stepped into another world. Aldabra is the home of many endemic and indigenous species like the White-throated rail, the only existing flightless bird of the Indian Ocean. The sight of the unique record-holding giant tortoises, the seeming idle landowners of Aldabra, will astound you. Aldabra has the largest population of giant tortoises. |
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Bird Island |
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Don’t forget to seek Esmeralda, the world’s largest tortoise on Bird island, found in the Aldabra group. Bird Island is also a seventh heaven for birdwatchers and is perfect for snorkelling; repeated visits will by no means make it less captivating. Bird Island is especially enthralling during the southeast trade winds when it is colonised by sooty terns coming to lay their eggs- the sight is priceless as is the experience of picking the eggs amongst the not-so-shy birds. |
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National monuments / National Heritage / Historical / Religious sites |
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The history of Seychelles may be quite brief in comparison to many other places, but if you enjoy a bit of history, Seychelles has a number of attention-grabbing national monuments and historical sites to fulfil your curiosity of the past. Amongst the selection is a few of the ancient colonial residences that have been well-maintained, and have retained their original charm.
There are also some national monuments that are both eerie and fascinating, like the Dauban Mausoleum on Silhouette island and the Bel Air Cemetery on Mahe.
There are some interesting national heritage sites, religious sites, and other historical sites that are definitely worth a visit, like the Mission Lodge, L’Union Estate, and Le Jardin du Roi. |
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Museums |
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Seychelles barely has a handful of museums, but with such a short, although fascinating, history, it is sufficient to satisfy the inquisitive historical devotees. The museums are all located on Mahe, and offer valuable historical information. |
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Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, and Anse Source d’Argent |
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Unquestionably, the Seychelles has some exquisite beaches, but if your stay is time-limited and you have to choose only a few to explore, then Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, and Anse Source d’Argent should be among your choices. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette have graced the top-10 list of the world’s best beaches. You’d be inclined to think that it was more a honour for the top-10 list rather than vice versa. Anse Source d’Argent is also world-renown for its seemingly unparallel splendour. The beauty of the beaches is surely unrivalled- No doubt they will feature on your personal top-10 list after visiting them. |
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La Digue |
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If you want to see Anse Source D’argent, then you have to go to La Digue. There are other stunning beaches to revel in, like Grand Anse. The island does not have an airport, but a boat trip offers the opportunity for an invaluable view of the island. La Digue is in a different class altogether, more traditional and tranquil- a calming sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and inspiration. It is difficult not to be philosophical when on La Digue. Forget about flash cars- you can enjoy unforgettable ox-cart rides and tour the island on a bicycle. |
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| The Seychelles is the only paradise left. “its another world” |
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