For those looking to "get away from it all," the Seychelles may be the perfect get-away. After all, the most important feature of the Seychelles is their isolation. This 115-island archipelago is located about a thousand miles off the eastern coast of Africa, smack dab in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The islands are scattered over 150,000 square miles (400,000 sq km) of the Indian Ocean and range from granite rock islands with lush vegetation to coral atolls that barely rise out of the sea.
This geographical isolation has manifested itself in nearly every aspect of life here. The Seychelles history, for example, has been relatively tame, as the islands were uninhabited until modern times. Though the French and English maintained colonial control until 1976, there was no bloody revolutionary to speak of. This geographical isolation has also had ecological consequences, as much of the Seychelles flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Most visitors are drawn to the scintillating beaches and turquoise waters that dot the sea like an exquisite pearl necklace. The coral atolls are home to giant lagoons chock full of marine wildlife.
Aldabra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 150,0000 giant land tortoises—happens to be the second largest atoll in the entire world. Aldabra has been billed as one of the wonders of the world by prominent naturalists due to its pristine coral reef ecosystems and is still protected from full-scale tourism. Mahé, home to the international airport, the capital city and a vast majority of the country's inhabitants, is surrounded by coral reefs, making its powdery white sandy beaches optimal for a dream island vacation.
This geographical isolation has manifested itself in nearly every aspect of life here. The Seychelles history, for example, has been relatively tame, as the islands were uninhabited until modern times. Though the French and English maintained colonial control until 1976, there was no bloody revolutionary to speak of. This geographical isolation has also had ecological consequences, as much of the Seychelles flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Most visitors are drawn to the scintillating beaches and turquoise waters that dot the sea like an exquisite pearl necklace. The coral atolls are home to giant lagoons chock full of marine wildlife.
Aldabra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 150,0000 giant land tortoises—happens to be the second largest atoll in the entire world. Aldabra has been billed as one of the wonders of the world by prominent naturalists due to its pristine coral reef ecosystems and is still protected from full-scale tourism. Mahé, home to the international airport, the capital city and a vast majority of the country's inhabitants, is surrounded by coral reefs, making its powdery white sandy beaches optimal for a dream island vacation.
Nearby St. Anne National Park, a short boat-ride away, is one of the best places in the Indian Ocean to view marine life. Terrestrial fans will want to visit Praslin, which is home to Vallée de Mai, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tropical forest is the best place to check out the coco de mer, which is the famous palm that yields the world's biggest fruit (and one of the most interestingly shaped ones at that).
Desroches, the main island in the Almirantes Group, is renowned for its scuba diving. Other islands are even more off-the-beaten-track, such as La Digue: with ox-carts dominating the streets and an easy-going spirit, visiting La Digue is like taking a trip back in time. These islands are also a favored destination of migratory birds who travel thousands of miles to frequent these spectacular islands. Drawn to the idyllic surroundings and ideal weather, they also endure punishing long flights, except they don't pay for airfare. With nearly half of the country's land preserved as natural parks, the Seychelles are an ecologists dream.
Desroches, the main island in the Almirantes Group, is renowned for its scuba diving. Other islands are even more off-the-beaten-track, such as La Digue: with ox-carts dominating the streets and an easy-going spirit, visiting La Digue is like taking a trip back in time. These islands are also a favored destination of migratory birds who travel thousands of miles to frequent these spectacular islands. Drawn to the idyllic surroundings and ideal weather, they also endure punishing long flights, except they don't pay for airfare. With nearly half of the country's land preserved as natural parks, the Seychelles are an ecologists dream.
Seychelles Island the Paradise On Earth
Seychelles Island
If you want some exotics and magnificent sandy beaches, then the best of all is to go to Seychelles in September. Besides the traditional tropic fairy-tale, this is the time when you can observe the whales, sharks and cramp-fish in one of the national parks.
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