TRAVEL POINTERS Air Seychelles flies from London Heathrow to Mahé via Abu Dhabi . The flight time is about 13 hours in total . Emirates flies from London , Birmingham , Manchester and Glasgow via Dubai . The flight time is about 13 hours in total . The prices we offer you on Emirates allow for a stopover in Dubai , making the Seychelles and Dubai an excellent two-centre holiday option . Once you reach Mahé we have included the most appropriate type of transfer to your hotel , either by boat or plane . Details can be found under the individual hotel descriptions .
FACTUAL Time difference : GMT + 4 . Language : English , French . Population : 73,000 . Size of the islands : 455 sq km . Currency : Seychelles rupee ( about 8 Rs = £ 1 ). Capital : Victoria .
WEATHER The Seychelles fall outside the cyclone zone . The seasons divide into May to October , when the south-east trade winds blow and November to April when the winds are from the north-west which can bring rain , particularly in January . January is the wettest month , July and August are the driest months . The temperature is pretty constant throughout the year , ranging between 24 and 31 degrees Centigrade and humidity is around 80 %.
GETTING OUT AND ABOUT Driving is on the left . Mini mokes are usually the form of transport in the Seychelles and probably only necessary on Mahé and Praslin . On Praslin and La Digue cycles make a great form of transport .
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS The famous coco de mer found in the Vallée de Mai on Praslin . Paintings by numerous local artists including Michael Adams and Christine Harter to be viewed and purchased . Local handicrafts include batik , pottery , clothes and boxes made from local wood . The amazing beaches of the islands including Anse Lazio on Praslin and Anse Source d ’ Argent on La Digue . Cousin Island off Praslin is home to several endangered species of birds and the black noddies . Walks on the islands . Toddy made from coconut palm . Local beers are called Seybrew and EKU . Creole dishes include a great range of fish from kingfish to grouper , carri coco ( a meat or fish curry with coconut cream ) and tec-tec soup .
PLACES TO VISIT Mahé with the capital Victoria has the Natural History Musuem , the market and the Botanical Gardens . Beau Vallon beach on Mahé . The walk from Danzilles to Anse Major on Mahé . Kreol Fleurage on Mahé where perfumes are produced . Sauzier Waterfall on Mahé . Numerous walks on Mahé including the Trois Freres Peak Walk , Copolia Walk , and the Tea Factory to Morne Blanc Hike . Le Jardin du Roi on Mahé is a garden with lots of spices and aromatic plants . Ste Anne Marine National Park containing some islands off Mahé which can be visited , usually for snorkelling . On Praslin there is the Vallée de Mai with the famous coco de mer and the black parrot . Anse Lazio beach on Praslin . Views from Grand Fond hill on Praslin - try cycling up . On La Digue Anse Source d ’ Argent is one of the most spectacular beaches and Anse Patates is one of the most beautiful for swimming . La Digue is also home to the Paradise Flycatcher Reserve . Barbara Jenson ’ s studio and Zimaz Kreol Art Gallery on La Digue . The La Passe to Grand Anse walk on La Digue or the Grand Anse to Anse Fourmis walk .
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