The Seychelles is a collection of one hundred and fifteen islands off the eastern coast of Africa. Uninhabited for most of recorded history, the islands have retained much of their unspoiled natural beauty. Though often thought to be an expensive holiday destination with ultra-luxurious facilities, there are several affordable Seychelles resorts and family run guesthouses. The country’s international airport is located on Mahe Island but commuter planes connect the islands, as do boats. Boat rides, though much slower, offer wonderful views of the Indian Ocean setting. Bird Island, as its name would suggest is where one would go for bird watching; the bird is also thought to be a symbol of freedom. Praslin is a fifteen minute plane ride from Mahe, the second largest of the country’s islands, at the heart of which you will find the Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve and also the Berjaya Praslin Resort.
The centre of Praslin National Park is marked by Vallée de Mai, a valley which is surrounded by a palm forest. The valley remained in its natural state until the 1930’s. It is home to a species of palm, endemic to the Seychelles, known as coca de mer or sea coconut. The plant yields the largest nut in the world and much myth and legend has been built around it. Vallée de Mai also boasts five other species of endemic palm and an endemic species of black parrot. The gourgeon, an endemic freshwater fish can be found in local streams along with two endemic snail varieties.
The island of Praslin has grown densely populated in recent years but the Vallée de Mai and its palm forest have miraculously remained along with all the life forms it sustains. Some replanting of coca de mer has been carried out to preserve the island and help maintain its delicate ecosystem.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
