If you ask me to name one place that perfectly blends white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush jungles, and a pinch of island magic—I’d say Seychelles, hands down. My husband and I chose this Indian Ocean paradise for our honeymoon in December 2019, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Just a 4.5-hour flight from India, Seychelles is a visa-free destination for Indian passport holders, which makes planning super convenient. Unlike the Maldives, where you’re usually tied to one island resort, Seychelles allows you to island-hop, giving you a richer and more immersive travel experience. It’s also refreshingly affordable and offers unmatched snorkeling, diving, and scenic hikes.
Here’s how we spent ten unforgettable days exploring some of the most iconic and breathtaking islands in the Seychelles.
A day-by-day travelogue
Day 1: Landing in Mahé, Seychelles & heading straight to Praslin
We landed in Mahé, the main international gateway to the Republic of Seychelles, but instead of taking the ferry, we opted for a short and incredibly scenic flight to Praslin. The inter-island flight takes just about 15 minutes and offers breathtaking aerial views of the Seychelles Indian Ocean—brilliant turquoise waters, lush islands, and coral reefs that look like paintings from above. These domestic flights, operated by Air Seychelles, can be booked in advance online and are a convenient option if you’re short on time during your 10 days in Seychelles.
Upon landing at the charming Praslin airport, we walked to our cozy beachside BnB just minutes away—one of those hidden gems that make you feel right at home. Since we arrived in the afternoon, we spent the rest of the day unwinding by the ocean, watching the sun dip behind palm trees, and letting the pace of island life sink in. This is also a great time to pick up a rental car for your stay in Praslin. Car rentals are easily available right at the airport or through your accommodation, often at budget-friendly rates. Having a car makes Seychelles sightseeing on Praslin much more flexible and allows you to discover some of the best places to visit in Seychelles at your own pace.
Day 2: Exploring Vallée de Mai & Anse Lazio, Praslin
Day two of our Seychelles trip from India started with a visit to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the Seychelles country—the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often called the Garden of Eden for good reason. Home to the rare Coco de Mer palm, its ancient forest feels like a window into a prehistoric world. There are multiple walking trails to choose from, ranging from short 1-hour loops to longer 2-3 hour circuits, all well-marked and shaded beneath towering palms. The reserve is open daily, and entry is ticketed (SCR 350 per person, approx. €20). Guided tours can be arranged at the entrance—our guide was a lovely local woman whose deep knowledge of the ecosystem made the walk far more enriching.
She shared fascinating stories about the Coco de Mer—a fruit famous for its distinct, suggestive shape. The female seed resembles a voluptuous pelvis, while the male tree bears a long, phallic-looking flower. It’s said locally, with a laugh, that the female fruit never falls on women. The pollination process involves tiny insects and wind helping bridge the gap between male and female palms—nature doing its slow but magical matchmaking. These quirky facts, paired with the dense jungle soundtrack, made Vallée de Mai an unforgettable Seychelles sightseeing experience.
In the afternoon, we headed to Chevalier Bay for a leisurely seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant of the same name. Nestled close to the beautiful Anse Boudin beach (just a few minutes’ walk away), this spot serves up grilled fish, Creole curries, and tropical drinks with a view. The peaceful shoreline nearby is perfect for a post-lunch stroll.
We ended our day at Anse Lazio, one of the best places to visit in Seychelles and often considered the best place to go in Seychelles for beach lovers. The massive granite boulders, soft white sand, and warm turquoise water make it feel unreal. Another golden sunset, another swim in the calm sea—our 10 days in Seychelles were already shaping up to be pure paradise.
Day 3: Snorkeling & island-hopping tour, Praslin
Day 3 of our 10 days in Seychelles was all about island-hopping and discovering the marine life that makes the Seychelles Indian Ocean so legendary. While the remote Aldabra Atoll remains a protected conservation zone and isn’t accessible on casual tours, many local operators offer equally stunning day excursions to nearby islands like Curieuse Island, Cousin Island, and St. Pierre Islet.
We booked our day tour through Cat Cocos (https://www.catcocos.com), which also handles Seychelles ferries and inter-island transfers. Our group set out early in the morning and began with a snorkeling session near St. Pierre Islet. The water was unbelievably clear, and the coral reefs were teeming with colorful fish, making it one of the most exhilarating Seychelles sightseeing experiences.
As someone who isn’t a confident swimmer, I felt pretty nervous diving into the open water. But with my husband’s encouragement and cheers from fellow travelers, I finally took the plunge—and I’m so glad I did. Floating over coral gardens and watching schools of fish dart by was like swimming in a real-life aquarium.
We then sailed to Curieuse Island, known for its large population of free-roaming giant tortoises. The boat dropped us off at the historic Doctor’s House, a restored colonial-era building that now serves as a small museum. From there, we hiked through mangrove forests and dry coastal trails to reach the tortoise sanctuary. The short walk is scenic and easy, and the reward at the end—getting to feed and interact with these gentle giants—was pure joy. Some of the tortoises were nearly 200 years old, their age only adding to their charm.
After another refreshing snorkeling stop on the way back, we returned to Praslin around 4 p.m. and headed to the Seychelles Port Authority to book our La Digue ferry tickets for the next morning. The rest of the day was spent beach-hopping, watching another dreamy sunset, and relaxing in the island stillness—grateful and sun-kissed after a day that truly felt like a dream in the Republic of Seychelles.
Day 4: Seychelles wonder – La Digue island
A short, scenic 15-minute ride on one of the Seychelles ferries, took us from Praslin to the postcard-perfect island of La Digue (or Ladigue, as it’s sometimes written). Known for its no-car charm and laid-back rhythm, this tiny slice of the Seychelles country is best explored on two wheels. After arriving at the jetty, we checked into a cozy lodge just a short walk from the port, where we also rented bicycles for the day—something you’ll find incredibly easy and common across the island.
La Digue is compact and easy to navigate, with a circular network of quiet, tree-lined roads that wind past beaches, coconut plantations, churches, and colorful local homes. Our first stop was the legendary Anse Source d’Argent, often ranked among the best places to visit in Seychelles. Its pink-tinted sand, towering granite boulders, and calm shallow waters make it one of the most photographed beaches in the world—and standing there, you’ll understand why.
Cycling across the island feels like gliding through a living postcard. Along the way, we passed by the scenic L’Union Estate, an old colonial plantation that now serves as a heritage site with vanilla plantations, giant tortoises, and a traditional coconut oil mill. We stopped for a leisurely lunch at one of the charming Creole cafés by the beach and refueled on fresh grilled fish and tropical juices.
Whether you’re into beaches, nature, or simply want to experience a slower pace of island life, La Digue is undeniably one of the best places to go in Seychelles. We wrapped up the day with yet another stunning sunset, our legs pleasantly tired and our hearts completely full.
Day 5: Return to Mahé – Beachfront stay and night market fun
We took the ferry back to Mahé, a comfortable ride of about an hour, and checked into Coral Strand Hotel, an affordable and well-located option right along the stunning Beau Vallon Beach—one of the most popular beaches in the Seychelles country. The hotel helped us arrange a rental car, which made local travel easy and flexible.
In the evening, we walked over to the lively Beau Vallon Night Market. It’s a fantastic place to try local street food—grilled fish, coconut curries, banana fritters—and pick up some Seychelles shopping souvenirs like handmade jewelry and spices. There’s even an open-air gym set up by the beach, adding to the community feel. It was one of the most vibrant nights of our Seychelles itinerary.
Day 6: Rum tasting & spice trails, Mahé
After a beachside breakfast, we drove to the famous Takamaka Rum Distillery. While we missed their guided tour due to timing, we still enjoyed wandering the grounds, learning about local rum-making traditions, and even spotting two giant tortoises lounging under the shade.
Next up was a gentle hike through the Seychelles National Spice Garden, also known as Jardin du Roi. The trail winds past trees bearing cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and exotic fruits, with frequent birdsong and incredible views of the Seychelles Indian Ocean. The garden feels like a living museum of the island’s lush bounty.
Later in the day, we headed back into Victoria to explore the capital a bit more. With its colonial charm and walkable streets, Victoria is home to small museums, craft shops, and colorful markets—perfect for soaking in the everyday rhythm of Seychelles Africa.
Day 7: Copolia Trail adventure & island farewell, Mahé
We started our final full day in Mahé with a hike up the Copolia Nature Trail, one of the most recommended trails for Seychelles sightseeing. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours roundtrip and is moderate in difficulty. As it had rained earlier, the path was muddy and slippery, adding a bit of an adventurous twist. On clear days, the summit offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Victoria, the surrounding mountains, and the Seychelles Indian Ocean.
Although clouds obscured our view, the trail still delivered a sense of serenity and satisfaction. In the afternoon, we kept things light, visiting the Seychelles Natural History Museum and a local seafood market, where vendors sold fresh catches of the day, spices, and handmade goods. We ended the day sipping drinks by the beach, watching the waves one last time.
Day 8: Secluded paradise on Seychelles – Silhouette Island
Our next escape took us to Silhouette Island, a quiet and untouched gem in the Seychelles itinerary. Reached via a 45-minute boat transfer from Mahé, it felt like stepping into a secret world of tropical bliss. The only resort on the island is the luxurious Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, with room rates typically starting around $450–$700 per night depending on the season.
The rest of the island is a preserved national park and not open to tourism, keeping the environment pristine and private. We spent the day snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons, lounging by the water, and enjoying gourmet meals at the resort’s cliffside restaurant. This island is perfect for honeymooners or anyone looking to disconnect completely. With no crowds and nature at its best, Silhouette Island truly is one of the best places to go in Seychelles.
Day 9: Journey back from Seychelles
We returned to Mahé by boat with hearts full and sun-kissed skin. After a quick freshen-up, it was time to say goodbye to the Republic of Seychelles and catch our flight back home. As the plane lifted over the Seychelles Indian Ocean, we knew we were leaving a part of our soul behind on those dreamy shores.
Travel Tips & Practical Info – Seychelles
Best time to visit Seychelles:
April to October is generally ideal, with pleasant temperatures and calmer seas—perfect for snorkeling, diving, and beach activities.
Approximate budget for 10 days:
- With Silhouette Island: INR 3.5 to 4 lakhs per couple (luxury resort + boat transfer adds to cost)
- Without Silhouette Island: INR 2.5 to 3 lakhs per couple (mid-range accommodation + ferries)
Stay recommendations:
- Praslin: Beachfront resorts near Cote d’Or or Anse Volbert
- La Digue: Boutique guesthouses or beach chalets
- Mahé: Stay near Beau Vallon for beach access or Eden Island for upscale vibes
- Silhouette: Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa (only resort on the island)
Getting around Seychelles:
- Praslin & Mahé: Rent a self-drive car or scooter for flexibility (we booked ours in advance and highly recommend it). Note: Seychelles follows left-hand driving (same as UK).
- La Digue: Bicycle rentals are available right at the ferry port and are the best way to explore the island
- Silhouette: No transportation needed—everything is walkable within the resort area
Ferry & tour operators:
- https://www.catcocos.com – Inter-island ferries
- https://www.masonstravel.com – Day tours and island transfers
- https://www.creoletravelservices.com – Excursions and local transfers
Food & dietary options:
- Vegetarians: Most resorts and restaurants offer basic vegetarian fare like curries, stir-fried veggies, pasta, and tropical fruits
- Non-Vegetarians: A haven for seafood lovers—fresh grilled fish, prawns, octopus curry, and Creole chicken dishes
- Tip: If you’re strictly vegetarian, carry some ready-to-eat meals or snacks from India
Other things to keep in mind:
- Respect local traditions and be courteous to locals
- Avoid littering—Seychelles is incredibly clean and eco-conscious
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
- Enjoy the sunsets—they’re different and magical on each island
- Stay hydrated and carry reusable bottles
Packing essentials for Seychelles:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel set (if you prefer your own)
- Flip-flops + one sturdy hiking pair
- Light cotton clothes + beachwear
- Portable charger & travel adapter (UK-style plug)
- Waterproof dry bag for island-hopping
- Travel-size mosquito repellent
- Copies of travel insurance and hotel bookings
Planning well made our trip smooth and spontaneous at the same time—hope this guide helps you experience the same magic!
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