Tag: Seychelles

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INS Sunayna visits Seychelles as part of SAGAR vision

The ship will undertake joint EEZ surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard during the deployment…reports Asian Lite News

Indian Navy Ship Sunayna has visited Port Victoria in Seychelles, where the ship will undertake joint Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) Surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard during the deployment.

The INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel based at Southern Naval Command entered Port Victoria, Seychelles on Saturday last week, in the company of Seychelles Coast Guard Ship (SCGS) Zoroaster.

Notably, Zoroaster had recently completed her short refit at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), India.

The INS Sunayna’s visit to Seychelles aimed at further strengthening the camaraderie and mutual cooperation between the two navies in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).

Following its arrival, the INS Sunayna was received by officials of the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Embassy of India.

Moreover, during the ship’s visit, the Indian Navy and Seychelles Defence Forces’ personnel will engage in official and social interactions and cross-deck visits.

The ship will undertake joint EEZ surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard during the deployment.

Earlier in March, INS Tir, the lead ship of the First Training Squadron (1TS), participated in Exercise Cutlass Express 24 (CE-24) held at Port Victoria, Seychelles, from February 26 to March 8.

The exercise was inaugurated by the President of the Seychelles in the presence of dignitaries from India, the USA and African countries. As part of Cutlass Express, the Indian Navy actively engaged with participants from 16 friendly foreign countries.

The exercise culminated at a closing ceremony held at the Seychelles Defense Academy, Ile Perseverance, on March 24. The Indian Navy has been participating in the exercise since 2019. (ANI)

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Experience the Enchantment of Seychelles

Golf enthusiasts can tee off in paradise at the award-winning 18-hole Lemuria Golf Course. Surrounded by coconut and palm trees, this course with terraced greens offers not just a game but a scenic experience…reports Asian Lite News

Sprinkled like jewels in the heart of the Indian Ocean lies a paradise unlike any other – the Seychelles Islands a 115-island archipelago. The archipelago boasts a prehistoric tapestry of verdant jungles, fish-rich turquoise seas, and giant granite boulders that create a mesmerising landscape. It is the only place on Earth where the iconic Coco De Mer palm grows and giant Aldabra tortoises roam free, rivalling the Galapagos in sheer biodiversity. This stunning destination offers not just a vacation but a symphony of experiences that transcend the ordinary.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Seychelles is committed to preserving its natural habitats, with entire islands designated as nature reserves. Travellers get to enjoy an immersive experience in nature with luxury lodges seamlessly that blend into the landscape. Whether pampering yourself in world-class spas or exploring the diverse ecosystems, Seychelles caters to every whim and budget, making it a soothing balm for the soul.

Discover gems beyond the azure waters

When in Seychelles, the experience goes beyond the postcard-perfect beaches. One gets to uncover hidden gems like Anse Marron, a secluded Eden accessible through a challenging hike, or the untouched beauty of Anse Georgette on Praslin and even engage in adrenaline-pumping activities on Mahé’s Anse Intendance, Anse Gaulett, and Grand Anse. 

Island-Hopping Extravaganza

Explore Seychelles’ diversity by island-hopping. From Cousin Island’s giant tortoises to Silhouette’s protected diving spots, each island reveals a unique facet of this tropical paradise.  Trek through otherworldly landscapes, bird-watch on the aptly named Bird Island or charter a boat to the untouched Aldabra Atoll to witness the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. Each island has its unique charm, from the spirited Mahé to the tranquil Praslin and car-free La Digue, providing various experiences like bird watching, snorkelling, hiking enjoying a barbeque lunch while tapping away to lively creole beats or simply basking on the beaches, Seychelles invites you to discover its many facets. To enjoy these experiences, Seychelles offers a range of accommodations. From ultra-luxurious lodges with private chefs to boutique Creole B&Bs, the options cater to every taste and budget. 

Underwater Wonderland

Seychelles offers an underwater wonderland for snorkellers and divers. Dive with sharks and rays! Explore sunken ships, or indulge in the tranquillity of the lagoons at St Pierre, Bird Island, Coco Island, and Grande Soeur Island. The period from November to May promises the best underwater visibility. A Semi-Submarine at Eden Island is an underwater observatory providing a mesmerizing cruise showcasing spectacular reefs, vibrant corals, and a diverse array of marine life.

Immerse in Local Culture

To truly understand Seychelles, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. Explore the bustling Sir Selwyn Clarke Market in Victoria or the smallest UNESCO World Heritage Site – Vallée de Mai on Praslin, mingle with locals, and savour Creole delicacies. Visit art galleries like the George Camille Gallery and historic sites such as the Plantation House of La Digue for a glimpse into the island’s rich history. Dining at Maison Marengo on Mahé feels like an authentic local meal cooked in a typical Seychellois home. Or catch a Creole celebration on a Friday evening at the Takamaka Rum Distillery, complete with amazing local food and yummy cocktails.

Conquer the Mountains

For those seeking adventure beyond the beaches, Seychelles’ mountainous terrain offers rock climbing, zip-lining, hiking, and bird watching. The Morne Blanc trail near Port Glaud on the island of Mahé is a haven for nature lovers, providing a mix of mangroves, mountains, and lush jungles.

Play Golf in Paradise

Golf enthusiasts can tee off in paradise at the award-winning 18-hole Lemuria Golf Course. Surrounded by coconut and palm trees, this course with terraced greens offers not just a game but a scenic experience.

Aerial Delight: Helicopter Tours

Soar above Seychelles on a helicopter tour. Explore diverse lagoons, opt for themed experiences, and even indulge in a private picnic in secluded spots. It’s the perfect way to capture the breathtaking beauty of this archipelago.

Seychelles is not just a destination; it’s an immersive journey where nature, luxury, and adventure harmonise to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek tranquillity on secluded beaches, thrilling adventures, or cultural immersion, Seychelles invites you to discover the extraordinary. Plan your escape to this Indian Ocean haven and let Seychelles weave its magic on your soul.

Best Times to Visit

April, May, October, and November offer the hottest and driest months, ideal for diving and snorkelling in the calm seas. Wildlife enthusiasts should plan for October to witness sea turtles nesting and migratory birds passing through. Avoid the wet monsoon season from December to March.

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Jaishankar, Radegonde Discuss India-Seychelles Bilateral Ties

Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Radegonde on Wednesday arrived in New Delhi on an official two-day visit to India….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Seychelles counterpart Louis Sylvestre Radegonde, the two witnessed MoU exchange on Indian Grant Assistance For Implementation of Small Development Projects and Cooperation in the field of Youth and Sports.

“Welcomed FM Sylvestre Radegonde of Seychelles in New Delhi today. Had a wide-ranging conversation on our bilateral relations. Also exchanged views on regional concerns,” the EAM wrote on ‘X’.

He further wrote: “Witnessed exchange of MoUs on Indian Grant Assistance For Implementation of Small Development Projects & Cooperation in the field of Youth and Sports. Confident that our conversations today will further strengthen our cordial bilateral ties.”

Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Radegonde on Wednesday arrived in New Delhi on an official two-day visit to India.

“Warm welcome to FM Sylvestre Radegonde of Seychelles as he arrives in New Delhi for his first visit to India as Foreign Minister. Substantive discussions on strengthening the partnership lie ahead,” Bagchi had posted from his official handle on X.

India and Seychelles enjoy cordial ties and the bilateral relations will be further strengthened by Sylvestre Radegonde’s visit to India. India’s diplomatic ties were established with the Seychelles after its independence in 1976, as per a release issued by the MEA.

“India and Seychelles enjoy cordial bilateral relations buttressed by the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ – Security and Growth for All in the Region. Minister Radegonde’s visit will further strengthen ties between the two countries,” the MEA stated in its release.

Launched in 2020, ‘Mission Sagar’ was an Indian initiative to deliver Covid-related assistance to countries in the Indian Ocean region, the MEA noted in its release.

As part of this mission, INS Kesari visited the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles to deliver assistance in dealing with the Covid crisis, it added. (ANI)

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Romantic activities in Seychelles for couples

What could be more romantic than an intimate picnic with your loved one on an award-winning beach? All that’s needed are the essentials: towels, food, and a trip to the beach!… report Asian Lite News.

Seychelles is not just recognised for its turquoise crystal waters, world-renowned beaches, or peaceful way of life, but it is also one of the world’s best romantic vacation destinations. Here is a list of the best romantic activities to do as a couple in Seychelles, ranging from indulging in decadent local food to unwinding in a well-deserved spa vacation!

Underwater Experience

It can be a sensory experience to go on an underwater journey in the deep blue sea. The island is home to a diverse range of marine species, and diving to the deepest depths of the Seychelles’ waters can reveal a breathtaking ecology. Another alternative for viewing the unmatched variety of fish and corals in a calm setting is glass bottom boats and semi submarines.

Local Cuisine

Seychelles has a diverse culinary heritage, with influences from India, China, and Africa. Because Seychelles is a melting pot, the country’s cuisine is brimming with tantalising flavours, brilliant colours, and aromatic fragrances. The island’s shores are lined with trendy eateries that combine gourmet creole cuisine with a beautiful outlook. Couples could try the pleasures of Creole cuisine, such as mouthwatering banana la daube to satisfy your sweet craving and smokey grilled fish to properly enjoy the local delicacies.

Beach Picnic

What could be more romantic than an intimate picnic with your loved one on an award-winning beach? All that’s needed are the essentials: towels, food, and a trip to the beach! Every inch of the island’s shoreline has a breathtaking view, so there are never any shortages of picnic locations. Rent a luxury picnic that is exclusively for you and your significant other to up the ante. Luxury picnics are ideal for honeymooners since they relieve you of any duties and allow you to fully immerse yourself in an exclusive experience.

Spa and Retreat Day

With a much-needed day at the spa, you can add a pinch of relaxation to your stay! A holistic vacation is exactly what the doctor ordered, and many packages include a premium spa session for couples to relax. Most hotels have couples massages that cater to everyone’s needs, from rejuvenating facials to full-body massages laced with local herbs and fruits. Seychelles’ flora and fauna are intricately intertwined with the island’s vibrations, amplifying their restorative properties.

Adventure Time

Adrenaline junkies, come together! Why not zip-line through the lush green forest canopy? There’s always more to discover on the island, so why not? The island is known for its tranquilly, yet couples that enjoy adventure will find Seychelles to be a paradise. Adventure seekers can kitesurf while overlooking a gorgeous backdrop during the windy season, and courageous newlyweds can even go horseback riding for a fairy tale atmosphere.

Sunset on the beach

Watching the sunset together will bring a bow to the end of your day. The north is the best place to see the sky change from beautiful blue to blazing amber. Nothing beats a leisurely stroll on the beach for a romantic evening.

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Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism

Enjoy a peaceful and pampered getaway in Seychelles

Couples who prefer adventure, instead of lounging about all day can now pick Seychelles over Maldives for their getaway. As the country eases restrictions on travel, here’s a list of all the fun you can explore.

Hopping the islands

Nothing puts you in touch with adventure and the grand diversity of this archipelago like island-hopping. Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are the principal islands but there are many others to enjoy as well. In contrast to the mountainous Inner Islands, Bird and Denis Islands to the north are flat coral island outposts offering wild nature at its finest while Fregate to the east and the Outer Islands of Desroches and Alphonse are the ultimate remote tropical getaways. Island-hopping around the Seychelles archipelago introduces you to the incredible diversity of these islands.

A network of air and sea connections places these islands within easy reach, with excursions by local operators offering the chance of day trips to the closer islands where you can enjoy nature walks, swimming, snorkelling and traditional Creole food which is a delicious fusion of old French kitchen and Indian and Chinese culinary traditions that produce such masterpieces as freshly baked fish basted with garlic, ginger and chillies; coconut curries; terrines and fruits used as vegetables in a variety of piquant chutneys.

Hitting the water

With limpid, warm turquoise waters and a climate of perpetual summer, Seychelles is ideal for water sports. Mahe Island’s Beau Vallon bay is where to enjoy paragliding, water skiing, jet-skiing, banana rides and wind-surfing. The islands’ water sports centres and hotels can hire your snorkelling equipment and sometimes canoes for that individual sortie into the big blue but watch for signage indicating strong currents or other hazards. Operators offer deep-sea fishing in waters offering one of the most varied catches on the planet, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, jobfish, dorado and barracuda. Land-based and boat-based dive centres can introduce you to some of the best diving on the planet on both granite and coral reefs.

Blazing the turquoise trail

A new activity that blends beautifully with the stunning Seychelles backdrop is horse riding, now available on Mahe Island. Stables are neatly arranged, professionally operated with a string of gorgeous Appaloosa horses. Travellers have the delight of riding beautiful horses with treks into the lushly vegetated countryside along little-used paths, especially carved out to make the most of the surroundings and to introduce you to the very best of Seychelles’ natural beauty as you ride flanked by pristine forest and the mighty Indian Ocean. Travellers can now have riding lessons, countryside treks, riding on glorious Grand Anse beach, romantic picnics for couples in picturesque settings complete with Champagne and canapes, wedding celebrations and photoshoots, and even swimming with a horse in the ocean.

Ziplining & rock climbing

On the island of Mahe, you can find many other activities such as rock climbing, ziplining and abseiling facilities. Zip-lines range from 80 -120m, suspended both within and above a beautiful, pristine forest canopy, allowing the adventurer the opportunity to sail through the vegetation almost within touching distance on an exhilarating ride. This ride is an adrenaline rush as you speed through the emerald panoply at high speed catching glimpses of the ocean as you descend, as if on hidden wings. You can also have a sensational rock-climbing experience on an 18-metre granite cliff face in a controlled, safe environment which allows you to have a feel of mountaineering but without the danger.

Sailing and cruising the islands

With a near-perfect climate and islands well outside the cyclone belt, the Seychelles archipelago leaves little to be desired when it comes to sailing and cruising. Seychelles’ extraordinary marine scene offers breath-taking panoramas, easy sailing distances and great moorings in many a secluded bay.

Sailing and cruising can be enjoyed from a state-of-the-art fleet of single hulls and catamarans which you can hire either skippered or bare-boat, choosing to stay within the area of the Inner Islands or setting your sails for adventure among the more remote Outer Islands to be greeted by reef islands, sand cays, sapphire lagoons and teeming wildlife.

The big advantage of sailing the Seychelles archipelago is that it is a year-round activity although sailors should bear in mind that the south-east trades which blow from May to September bring with them somewhat stronger winds and rougher seas. Another plus is that the waters around the islands are still relatively uncongested and, very often, the only sails you may see will be your own.

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Seychelles: A Real Magic Of Heritage

Still alive today, you can find yourself mesmerised by the rhythm and movements along sandy shores during the golden hour and at cultural events such as the annual Festival Kreol in October…writes Puja Gupta.

Heritage and tradition curate the culture of a nation. A tender nation of merely 250 years, the Seychelles Islands harbour a wealth of heritage, stemming from the continents of Africa, Europe and Asia. Blending into what is now known as the Seychellois Creole culture, this melting pot captivates onlookers with its diverse history, art, cuisine, dance, and language.

First settled in the 17th century, the islands have held much intrigue throughout the years. Today, beyond its crystal-clear waters and pearly white beaches, the pristine islands’ authentic charms are sure to enchant its visitors. With roots sprouting from three continents, the Seychellois creole culture still reflects its origins.

African influences are still present in the rhythm of creole music, with vivacious beats telling stories of their slave ancestors who used music to escape the day’s troubles. Guided by the blaze of a bonfire, African slaves would find themselves moving to the beating of drums and belting of notes, a practice which has been passed on and can occasionally be witnessed across the islands.

The “moutya” and “sega” are some of the most popular bonfire dances inspired by their African ancestors, followed by the European-influenced body of more formal “kanmtole” dances such as the “kontredans”, “kotis”, “mazok” and “valz”. Accompanying dynamic dances are vibrant rhythms of instruments accented by percussions and strong, steady vocals, staples of creole music which has kept much of its original influences.

Still alive today, you can find yourself mesmerised by the rhythm and movements along sandy shores during the golden hour and at cultural events such as the annual Festival Kreol in October.

Dance and music aren’t the only elements that tantalise travellers; creole cuisine creates a lasting impression on one’s palate, tantalising the tastebuds with flavours bursting with warm spices and fresh ingredients. Creole cuisine is something that remains one of the most exciting aspects of the local culture.

Around every corner of the island, local bites can be relished as one explores some of the archipelago’s many natural wonders where many of the ingredients for the creole dishes can be found. Historical sites such as the Jardin du Roi even offer such tours which ends with homemade dishes at a quaint cafe surrounded by the blissful whispers of nature.

Discover creole creativity

At the heart of every culture lies art and the creole culture is no different. Whilst Seychellois dance, music and cuisine can easily be considered art, one must give special recognition to the creole artisans who have engraved the islands’ history in many of their works.

Galleries showcasing local artwork invite you to an immersive experience in a world of vivid strokes and brushwork whilst heritage and craft villages such as Domaine de Val de Pres and souvenir shops scattered across the islands display handcrafted accessories which serve as reminders of the easy-going island life once you return to your daily routines.

Voyagers can wander beyond the natural wonders of the archipelago, leaping through time into the past by visiting some of the islands’ historical sites such as the slave children’s school and cemetery at Venn’s Town at Sans Souci, the Domaine de Val des Pres and why not the Seychelles National History and Natural History Museums which echo ancestral tales. National monuments, such as the lighthouse on Denis Island, some 90 kilometers north of Mahe, also bear witness to these islands’ past, when only hardy seafarers could navigate the archipelago’s wild oceans.

Welcome home

With a unique ethnic blend, the Seychellois heritage has given the creole community a special talent for making you feel right at home. Travellers from the most unlikely places are sure to catch a glimpse of their own heritage when exploring the creole culture of the tiny island paradise.

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