LIKE "the forgotten islands", "the islands of love" and "the original garden of eden". These names were applied to a little-known group of islands in the Indian Ocean. They are halfway between the east coast of Africa and the south coast of India. The Seychelles archipelago is relatively unknown to the outside world as it was discovered by the Portuguese during the time of Vasco da Gama. Only now are these islands emerging from isolation.
"The original Garden of Eden" is the term used by General Gordon of Khartoum in 1881 when he first visited Praslin Island, the second largest of this group of eighty-six atolls. And no wonder! In the Seychelles you will find white sand, tropical beaches with coconut palms and a transparent sea that changes from light green to indigo blue. These waters are filled with hundreds of species of tropical fish and many types of clams. Coral reefs in the sea, lush vegetation and a warm temperate climate make these islands even more "Edenic".
Unlike most tropical islands, the Seychelles are not prone to cyclones and hurricanes, poisonous snakes or dangerous animals. Here you will find peace and quiet in an incredibly beautiful environment. Lonely bays, lonely beaches, rare flowers and birds, sunbathing, diving and fishing among warm, friendly and hospitable people - that's life in the Seychelles.
The advent of the jet age and the increasingly tourist-oriented attitude opened these beautiful islands to the outside world. Although the flow of tourists has increased dramatically in recent years, the Seychelles reflect their long isolation after leaving tropical beaches. Mahé, the most accessible of these islands, houses more than 80% of the total population of 60,000. However, it also has secluded coves where meandering waves and a light breeze between palm trees are the only sounds that can break the silence.
From one of the majestic peaks of the mountains that form the spinal cord of Mahé, you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the many beaches and the adjacent islands. From the top of the Seychelles mountain in the northwest, you can see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It's Beau Vallon, a large crescent of white sand bordered by coconut palms and takamaka. In the distance, the blue of the sea is interrupted by the imposing silhouette of Silhouette, a densely forested island that culminates in a spectacular mountain peak. When the sun slowly sets below the horizon, there is a calm atmosphere of relaxation and peace.
The Seychelles are not only of interest to the "paradise seeker", but also to naturalists. Due to their isolation in the middle of the ocean, far from mainland masses, these islands are home to some of the most rare birds, mammals, fish and plants on the planet. In fact, nowhere else in the world is there little life here.
Vallée de Mai
As you stroll through the lush tropical vegetation of the Praslin Valley in May, you can easily imagine what General Gordon was thinking when he called this place "the original Garden of Eden". There are no less than 80 species of flora in the Vallée de Mai, many of which can only be found on these islands. Praslin, formerly called “Ilha das Palmeiras”, was not disturbed by the progress of the 20th century.
The Seychelles have six unique palm trees and all six grow in and around the Vallée de Mai. The best known is the Coco-de-Mer or Double Coco. Some thought it was "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" mentioned in Genesis. Obviously this opinion is unfounded. Before the discovery of the Seychelles, these strange land-based bilobed nuts were found in the Maldives. People thought that the tree with these big nuts lived on the ocean floor. Therefore, according to the French, it was called Coco-de-Mer, which means "coconut of the sea".
About 4000 of these amazing palm trees grow in the Val de Mai. These huge old trees that spread over the vegetation, like branches, jackfruit, and milky palms, reach a height of around 30 meters for the male and 24 meters for the female. It is estimated that it will take an entire century for the tree to mature. After that, it can live for hundreds of years. The nut itself takes three years to germinate and almost seven years to ripen. And these giant double coconuts can weigh up to 18 pounds!
Other nature attractions
The only human being on Cousin Island is the principal. She takes care of the island, which is the only nature reserve in the Indian Ocean with international funding. Cousin Island is the breeding ground for many bird species. It is home to the fantastic brush singer, not very attractive, but very active and lovable. This bird is not found anywhere else in the world. There are many rare birds in this archipelago, such as the American kestrel, the white owl, the owl and the paradise flycatcher, which until recently were considered extinct. The most famous islands Beacon, Bird, Cerf, La Digue, Moyen and Sainte-Anne give the Seychelles their beautiful beaches, coral formations, fish and rare plants.
Add the incomparable beauty of underwater life. Corals, these sensitive animals that look like inanimate plants or even rocks, form large coral reefs that surround these islands. They are obviously home to hundreds of species of animals and plants.
You can dive for hours by the sea, as the protected lagoons and bays are a paradise for explorers. In fact, there is a spectacular underwater area where you can find, explore and enjoy delicate coral gardens and a variety of colorful fish. Large fish such as marlin, sail or tuna can be caught in clear water. There are 800 fish species and 120 species of molluscs. In fact, the natural beauty and splendor of these wonderful creations make us think of this first heavenly home for man, the Garden of Eden.
Mahé, with its international airport built on recycled land, connects the Seychelles with the outside world. When you reach Mahé you will see peaks rising about 914 meters above sea level. Its lower levels are covered by coconut plantations, while dense forests border the higher areas. The zigzag route from the airport along the sea in the northeastern part of the island leads to Victoria, the capital. After a while you get used to these narrow streets that spin around the island, go in and out of the many bays and coves and go to the mountains on the other side. In addition to private cars, there are large trucks for public transport.
Victoria is conveniently located in the shadow of a triple mountain called Les Trois Frères. The capital is undergoing many changes. Victoria and Mahé are preparing to receive the growing number of tourists visiting the islands. New hotels are being built. A large area of the sea was recently reclaimed to provide new port facilities and enable the expansion of the city.
Seychelles
The people of the Seychelles are like the islands themselves, beautiful in appearance, exceptionally warm, friendly and hospitable. But they can be a little shy at first, because Western life and style is new to many. But after a short time, they will feel like old friends.
Life is relaxed. Weather and other factors that dominate elsewhere are not so important here. People love life. As these islands remained uninhabited until the 18th century, there are no indigenous peoples in the Seychelles. The Seychelles today are a race of several origins. I am a mix of African, European, Chinese, Indian and Malaysian. Therefore, there is a wide range of colors and properties among the Seychelles. Most of the population is descended from 19th century slaves rescued by certain sailing ships. Many have French names due to France's original influence on the islands. They all speak the national Creole language. Due to recent British influence, English is the official language and understood by many of the Seychelles. People are distributed in small groups of houses on the island of Mahé. Victoria is the only real city. The typical house is made of wood with a thatched roof and is raised slightly on stilts. The walls can be made of wood, pressed cardboard, cardboard or even corrugated iron. The houses are generally located on steep hills, surrounded by breadfruit trees, coconut trees, cinnamon and plants that produce bananas and vanilla.
People are scattered in small groups of houses on the island of Mahé. Victoria is the only real city. The typical house is made of wood with a thatched roof and is slightly raised on stilts. The walls can be made of wood, pressed cardboard, cardboard or even corrugated iron. The houses are usually located on steep hills surrounded by breadfruit trees, coconut palms, cinnamon, and plants producing bananas and vanilla.
Cattle live nearby and sometimes at home. The city's staple diet consists of rice, fish or even shark, hearts of palm, coconuts, bamboo shoots, eggplant, breadcrumbs and various vegetables. The Seychelles are excellent cooks and love very spicy dishes. A popular local drink known as toddy is made from the fermented juice of the flowering thorns of the coconut.
However, problems exist here as in other parts of the world. For example, Seychelles will warn you to leave your personal belongings on the beach as they could be stolen. Due to the different origins of the people, there is also a minor racial problem. Some are considered superior. Drug use is becoming a growing problem for young people. Although the majority of the population claim to be associated with many of Christianity's main religious groups, there is a promiscuous lifestyle. This, of course, leads to related problems. To some extent, superstitious methods still exist.
