Seychelles is a picturesque archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean, east of mainland Africa. The largest island is Mahé at a length of 28 km and 8 km width. The capital city Victoria is located in Mahé while the Seychelles International Airport where all foreign tourists embark to proceed into the country, is also situated in Mahé. It is also home to the nation’s major population that comprises of a mixed race of African, European, Chinese and Indian people. The island is the principal base for excursions to the other islands in Seychelles.
The island, which was named after a Mauritian governor, Bertrand-François Mahé de la Bourdonnais was visited first by the British in 1609. No Europeans visited the island again until later in 1742 when Lazare Picault led an expedition here. Mahé thus became a French possession and remained so until 1812 when it was taken over by the British and remained a British colony till Seychelles gained independence in 1976. The island reflects a beautiful blend of customs and traditions of all the various races that settled here, giving Mahé a rich mixed cultural heritage.
Mahé consists of an extraordinary variety of the most unusual flora and fauna some of which are only to be found in Seychelles. Besides the regular tropical plants and fruits, the mountain areas of Mahé contain the highly endangered ‘Jellyfish Tree’ while the lush forests are home to some of the most exotic varieties of orchids and the splendid pitcher plant. The Morne Seychellois is the highest peak in Mahé standing at a height of 905 m. Apart from the scenic landscape and the plush beaches; Mahé has other places of interest too.
The Botanical Garden in Victoria that was built in 1901 and the Victoria Clock Tower, which is a replica of the London clock tower in Victoria Street are places that one must visit. Apart from this there is the Cousin Island, which is a special biodiversity reserve that a lot of tourists visit each year. There are of course the beaches and you have the several excursions to the other islands in Seychelles. Activities such as snorkeling, swimming, diving and other beach activities can be enjoyed here. Mahé has a warm tropical climate and any time of the year is a suitable time to visit it.
Photo by mabut provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Gianni Trevisanato provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Rasit.S provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by AxLange provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Tianzhan provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
April 26th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Your blog is as beautiful as the photos. Seychelles is truly beautiful. The unique geographical isolation of this island has manifested itself in nearly every aspect of life here.
May 9th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Splendid choice of images to show the true beuty of the Seychelles