Germany, France, and Russia led the pack as Seychelles’ top source markets in 2023, according to official data. While India is gaining attention from the country’s tourism board, it has yet to secure a spot in the top 10—a gap Seychelles is keen to address, albeit with a focus on quality over quantity. For Indian travellers, Seychelles offers more than just convenience. With visa-free entry and connections from various Indian cities, including a direct flight from Mumbai & 4 hours proximity, this island paradise is within easy reach. Read the detailed piece below to understand what makes Seychelles an irresistible destination!
Nestled in the vastness of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has quietly emerged as a popular choice in the global tourism space. Imagine a place where time slows down, and every glance feels like a postcard brought to life—Seychelles is just that! Known for its pristine beaches, unparalleled marine life, vibrant coral reefs and serene islands, this archipelago of over 100 islands is quickly gaining momentum among discerning travellers, including Indians.
This year, the country welcomed 294 071 visitors from January 1 to November 3, 2024, a 1% increase compared with the same period last year, as per the official data. In 2023 alone, Seychelles welcomed 285,488 tourists, with Germany leading the pack at 48,620 arrivals. Official data also reveals that Germany, France, and Russia emerged as the leading source markets in 2023. However, India, which is now on the radar for country’s tourism board, is yet to make it to the top 10 source markets—a gap that Seychelles is eager to bridge, albeit cautiously.
“We don’t want mass tourism. Quality is what matters to us,” shared Stephanie Lablache, Director for India & Middle East- Tourism Seychelles, underlining their target of capping foreign annual arrivals at 500,000 for near future. For Indian travellers, this philosophy of exclusivity and sustainability aligns perfectly with their increasing appetite for immersive, high-quality travel experiences.
For accommodation, Seychelles offers a diverse range to suit every type of traveller, from luxury enthusiasts to budget-conscious explorers. The islands are home to an array of stays, including luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, sustainable lodges, self-catering apartments, and pretty guesthouses. Many accommodations are set along the beaches, providing stunning ocean views, while others are surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for those seeking peace and seclusion.
For Indian tourists, Seychelles also presents a convenient and welcoming destination. The country is visa-free, allowing Indians to enter without prior visa arrangements; only a travel authentication form is to be prefilled. Also, the airlines including Air Seychelles & Emirates currently connect major Indian cities to Seychelles including Mumbai (one direct flight per week). However, efforts are ongoing to enhance the connectivity, including establishing direct flights from key hubs like Delhi.
But the appeal of Seychelles goes beyond convenience, offering an experience as seamless and stunning as the destination itself. Courtesy Seychelles Tourism Board & its India representative BrandIt, T3 had the privilege of exploring this Indian Ocean gem firsthand, immersing in its awe-inspiring beauty and uncovering the myriad attractions, experiences that make it irresistible to travellers worldwide.
Indulge, explore, relax, repeat!
Our journey into Seychelles began at Eden Island, located just 15 minutes from the Seychelles International Airport and a stone’s throw from Victoria, the capital. Nestled amidst turquoise waters and offering a mix of luxury and ease, Eden Island sets the tone for what Seychelles is all about.
The island has everything a traveller could ask for: boutique stores, souvenir shops, supermarkets for daily essentials, alongside top-tier dining options. Indian travellers craving a taste of home can find solace at an Indian restaurant on the island, while Bravo Restaurant, among the others, stands out with its sumptuous seafood platters. Eden Island also offers a wealth of accommodation options, including villas, mansions, and apartments, with prominent hotel brands also making their mark and a few already in development phase, as also confirmed by Stephanie. We stayed at Eden Bleau Hotel which offers a blend of luxury and modern amenities tailored for both leisure and business travellers. Overlooking a super yacht marina, the hotel provides guests with too-good-to-miss views of the ocean.
For those seeking adventure, Eden Island’s serene beaches invite visitors to snorkel, surf, or simply soak in the view. The travellers can also pair the itineraries with a semi-submarine excursion which introduced us to the island’s lush marine life. The dazzling underwater spectacle is a bucket list experience to tick off!
The following day, we embarked on a glass-bottom boat excursion, immersing ourselves in the lively ecosystem that makes this destination extraordinary. En route, snorkeling in the clear waters while exploring the underwater world teeming with corals, vibrant schools of fish, and the peaceful sway of the ocean current, was just the right choice.
One of the highlights was our trip to Moyenne Island, part of the marine park and a true oasis of biodiversity. On the island itself, nature trails led us through lush greenery, where we encountered the iconic giant land tortoises, some over a century old. Followed by a hearty barbecue lunch served with the local beer provided the perfect break before continuing to nearby Round Island and Long Island. Connected by a stunning sandbank, these islands are straight out of a postcard—calm, untouched, and picture-perfect. One of these islands also features a hotel.
While mass tourism might dominate other destinations, Seychelles is still carving a niche for travellers who seek serenity over crowds. It reflects the steadfast commitment to sustainability, with islands maintaining their pristine beauty, ensuring tourism enhances rather than overpowers their natural charm.
Praslin’s Vallée de Mai: Witnessing nature’s rarest brilliance
After our check in at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel, a beautiful beach property, the third day began with a jetty transfer to Praslin Island, home to a modest population of 8,000. Often described as a “Garden of Eden”, Praslin boasts the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the place itself feels like stepping into a cinematic wonderland. This mystical forest, draped in lush green canopies, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and houses the endemic and famous coco de mer palm. Weighing up to 18 kg, the coco de mer is a natural wonder and a cherished symbol of Seychelles’ heritage. Its iconic shape inspires a variety of souvenirs, including soaps, magnets, and handcrafted items, celebrating its unique legacy. Interestingly, if you ever notice, even Seychelles’ visa stamps proudly showcase the iconic coco de mer.
During the site tour, Vincent, our passionate tour guide, shared an intriguing folklore—if someone witnesses the pollination of the coco de mer, they may turn blind or even die! While this is just a myth, the unique biology of this tree remains fascinating too.
The pollination process of Coco de Mer palm unfolds with the help of an unlikely ally—the gecko, while the other processes are also aided by bees and air. Known for its adaptability, the gecko is drawn to the distinct scent released by the trees, initiating its crucial role in pollination. As it climbs the female tree, guided by the aroma, the gecko begins to lick the pollen-rich area, transferring pollen from the male tree. This seemingly simple act is vital, as it leads to the fertilization of the Coco de Mer, which then grows and matures into a seed over the course of a decade. Timing is critical in this natural process. Female trees ovulate for just 24 to 36 hours once in their lifetime, meaning any delay by the gecko could result in a missed opportunity for pollination. We were fortunate to witness a gecko in action, aiding the pollination process and even spot a flock of five black parrots, endemic to Seychelles.
Our tour guide summed it up the best: “It’s been my 52 years on this island and every day, I fall in love with this place all over again.”
Simplicity meeting the Spectacle at La Digue
A short ride from Praslin brought us to La Digue, Seychelles’ third most populated island with just 3,000 residents. The island is an ode to simplicity and charm, offering a mix of beach hopping and delectable local dishes. Visitors are seen pedalling their bicycles through palm-lined paths, discovering hidden beaches, vanilla plantations, and houses that embody Seychelles’ Creole culture.
Notably, the beaches here are not just stunning but have the power to make your social media followers green with envy. Whether you’re snapping selfies or serene landscapes, the vistas here redefine postcard perfection. After feeding our soul with iconic views at Anse Source d’Argent Beach and Grand Anse Beach, we headed for our lunch at Chez Jules, a must-visit for its authentic Creole flavours and refreshing coolers. There are plenty other excellent restaurants that serve all types of cuisines besides local, so food in no stress.
La Digue also offers a mix of wide choice of accommodation including hotels, guesthouses, homestays among others. One can also look for excursion options like scuba, fishing expeditions, snorkelling, sunset/ guided tours and more.
For Indian travellers, exploring both Praslin and La Digue over a day or two offers an ideal itinerary and is an absolute must-try experience. And why not consider a pre-wedding photoshoot here? With Indians venturing across continents for those perfect, dreamy shots, these picturesque islands provide the ultimate backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Pick up souvenirs from Victoria
No trip to Seychelles is complete without a day in Victoria, the bustling capital. Our stop was the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, a vibrant hub of local culture. From handcrafted jewellery to aromatic spices to coco shaped soaps and magnets, the market offers a plethora of souvenirs. Visit here and you would find the bustling seafood stalls showcasing an incredible variety, including parrotfish and barracuda and the fresh produce and tropical delights, such as authentic coconut oil and vanila tea.
Pair you visit with the nearby Clock Tower, a replica of London’s Vauxhall Clock Tower, which symbolises Seychelles’ colonial past and serves as a prominent city landmark and a perfect point for taking the “I Love Seychelles” memory snap.
For our next stop, we moved to the Mission Lodge, also known as Venn’s Town, a site steeped in history. Once a school for liberated Africans, it now stands as a tranquil vantage point with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. It’s no surprise that Queen Elizabeth II once enjoyed tea here.
We ended our day with Lunch at the historic Marie Antoinette Restaurant provided a perfect respite. Declared a national monument in 2011, the restaurant offers a slice of Seychelles’ culinary, international cuisines and architectural heritage, complete with a habitat for giant tortoises.
A Spirited Finale @ Takamaka Rum Distillery
Our journey culminated with a visit to the Takamaka Rum Distillery, a 60-acre property that seamlessly blends history and innovation. What’s usually a paid Takamaka rum tasting experience, costing up to 150 Seychellois Rupees, turned into an enriching and extensive tour – all on the house. The experience was more than just about rum; it was filled with stories, laughter, and the history behind the distillery’s rise to success.
Over the course of our visit, we sampled a total of 12 varieties of Takamaka rum. We were fortunate enough to be personally hosted and guided by Riata, the owner of the distillery, who is also the wife of Richard D’Offay, the MD and founder of the Trois Frères Distillery. Not just the rum tasting, but the fascinating process of rum-making, the importance of local ingredients, sight of a massive steel barrel containing 20,000 liters of molasses rum, and the story behind the brand dating back to two decades, was truly captivating.
Takamaka has also made impressive strides in sustainability, with a remarkable 91% reduction in its carbon footprint in Seychelles’ bars, showcasing their commitment to both quality and the environment. Their new Cocktail Kitchen is a testament to sustainability, using fresh fruits and spices to create signature flavours. These concoctions are also served at both the La Plaine St André Rum Shack and the Takamaka Lounge at the Seychelles Airport.
Also, did you know that the name Takamaka is inspired by a local tree? This, according to Riata, added a touch of nature’s charm to the distillery’s identity. She also shared that Takamaka rum has gained a solid fanbase in India, with exports reaching cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Cochin.
After our unforgettable Takamaka tour, the Seychelles Tourism Board chose the charming Le Jardin du Roi Restaurant to treat us to a delightful feast of local flavors before we bid adieu to the charming country. Nestled within a vibrant spice garden, this spot offers more than just a perfect local meal island’s plantation history, showcasing rare plants and exotic spices. Guests can enjoy leisurely nature walks, or simply relax and soak in the breathtaking views while sipping on a refreshing mocktail. It truly was the perfect way to end a memorable Seychelles experience.
More than being just a destination, Seychelles is an experience that lingers in your heart long after the journey ends. As you leave its shores, the memories of turquoise waters, virgin beaches, and vivid sunsets serve as a gentle reminder that some places really feel like heaven on earth.
