Stopover in PARADISE!

 

 

Dazzling turquoise waters, charming islands, exotic marine life – sounds like a perfect holiday! At Seychelles, it ought to be.

An archipelago of over a hundred islands, comprising of the granite and coral variety, Seychelles offers one of the most pristine locations in the Indian ocean.

Among the coral islands, the Aldabra Atoll floats out expansively enclosing a lagoon and the islands surrounded by a coral reef. It has been protected from excessive human influence and hence retains the world’s largest population of some 152,000 giant tortoises.

For the botanically inclined, a nature reserve in the heart of the island of Praslin, Valle De Mai, has the vestiges of a natural palm forest preserved in its pristine state. The famous coco de mer is the largest seed in the plant kingdom. From plants to aves – close to Praslin is Cousin Island, where over 3 lakh birds of seven different species nest. Catch a glimpse of the fairy terns, shearwaters and the rare Seychelles warblers and magpie robins – all within a radius of just 1 km.

About 5 kms from the main island of Mahe is the Sainte Anne Marine Reserve encompassing a group of 6 tranquil islands. The park protects a large area of sea grass meadows and it is not a rare sight to see green turtles feeding on them. This being one of the most important nesting sites for hawksbill turtles in the Granitic islands, it is the perfect place to spot them in the waters and on the shores of the park.

Now, if you don’t find the turtles very romantic, set adrift on a yacht with your beloved amidst the tranquil seas! Don’t have a yacht? Go snorkelling along the sea bed! With Seychelles, it’s not (just) marriages, but holidays that are made in heaven!