Explore Seychelles with Benny's Royal Tours: Unforgettable Journey from Cochin to Victoria (Mahé Island), Praslin, La Digue

Seychelles, a picturesque archipelago in the Indian Ocean, beckons with its palm-fringed shores and turquoise waters. The 7-10 day tour of this paradise begins in Victoria, the capital of Mahé Island. The colonial-era Clock Tower stands as a historic sentinel amidst the market’s fresh produce and Creole handicrafts. As I walked through Victoria Market, the aromas of cinnamon and vanilla lingered in the air. The vibrant market and National Botanical Gardens introduced us to the flora and fauna unique to these islands.

Exploring Mahé’s inland attractions is equally captivating. From the forested Morne Blanc summit, panoramic views of Mahé and its neighboring islands stretch across the horizon. Mahé's varied terrain ranges from the tranquil Anse Royale beach to the rolling hills dotted with tea plantations. The Takamaka Rum Distillery provided insight into Seychelles' rum-making tradition, which is a legacy of the islands' rich Creole culture. The Anse Royale beach offered the perfect setting to unwind while sampling delicious seafood.

A ferry ride took us to Praslin Island, the second-largest island in Seychelles, home to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Our guide walked us through the UNESCO-listed forest, pointing out rare and endemic plant species, including the famed Coco de Mer palm. A serene hike through Vallée de Mai’s ancient paths feels like a journey through time. Anse Lazio beach, with its soft white sands and crystal-clear water, is one of Praslin's highlights. Here, I spent the afternoon relaxing and snorkeling, discovering colorful reefs brimming with marine life.

Boat trips from Praslin revealed even more wildlife. On Curieuse Island, giant Aldabra tortoises lumber about, and mangrove forests line the sandy beaches. Guided tours led us through Cousin Island, a sanctuary for bird enthusiasts who will find rare species like the Seychelles warbler.

A journey to La Digue Island meant leaving behind motorized vehicles for a more relaxed mode of exploration. Anse Source d'Argent, with its distinctive pink granite boulders and aquamarine waters, is an iconic spot. Here, the magic of La Digue unfolds, whether basking in the sun or kayaking. The Veuve Nature Reserve protects the elusive black paradise flycatcher, a bird that's both rare and captivating. The village of La Passe was ideal for tasting local Creole cuisine and interacting with locals.

La Digue offers a distinctive charm with its bicycle paths, serene beaches, and hiking trails. Snorkeling around the uninhabited Félicité and Grande Soeur islands revealed reefs teeming with vibrant corals and marine life. Hiking up to Nid d'Aigle rewarded us with sweeping views of the archipelago. After unwinding on Grand Anse Beach, we returned to Mahé for some last-minute shopping and a farewell at Beau Vallon Beach.