Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Thursday, 28 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Our Mihin Lanka flight A321, the second direct Mihin Lanka flight from Colombo to Seychelles, landed at the Mahé International Airport after four hours of flying from Colombo over the Indian Ocean, numerous islands, mountains and finally the airport with a beautiful view of the sea. On board was a contingent of Sri Lankan journalists on a special media trip organised by Mihin Lanka and the Seychelles Tourism Board.
Situated 1,000 miles east of the African coast in the western Indian Ocean at the crossroad of Asia and Africa and northeast of Madagascar, the archipelago consists of 115 islands and spread over the 1.3 million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean.
Whether it is to relax by the beach, explore the abundant marine life or learn about the heritage of the islands, the Seychelles has always proven to be an excellent tourist attraction that brings in visitors from all over the world.
Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve
Seychelles’ second UNESCO World Heritage Site is the legendary Vallée de Mai, administered by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. The place is so remarkably beaitiful that it was once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden. This hauntingly beautiful primeval forest is home to some 6,000 coco-de-mer trees, considered to be among one the botanical wonders of the world. The Vallée de Mai boasts six endemic palm species as well as many other indigenous trees and is also the last habitat of the endangered black parrot.
Anse Lazio Beach
The most famous beach on Praslin and rightly so. Well worth the long winding drive from Côte d’Or, Anse Lazio can claim to be the perfect tropical paradise beach and is often listed among the world’s top ten beaches. Beautifully framed by granite rocks, this dream beach has soft white sands leading gently down to calm clear waters with a gentle gradient absolutely perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The Bon Bon Plume and Le Chevalier restaurants are nearby and can provide lunch and refreshments
Kenwyn House
One of Seychelles’ most renowned monuments, Kenwyn House is a must-see for visitors exploring the Seychelles capital Victoria.
An elegant example of French colonial architecture, Kenwyn House offers visitors a chance to explore this historic national monument while browsing a world-class selection of crafted South African diamonds and other precious gems at duty-free prices, as well as an array of gifts and souvenirs.
Esplanade Craft Kiosk
The Fiennes Esplanade Artisanal Kiosks epitomise the colourful blend of cultures and traditions which characterises the ‘Seychellois’ society. The style is a marriage between traditional and modern architecture, which is reflected in the products on sale.
The shady surroundings provide a cool ambience for browsing at leisure while choosing a souvenir item.
Victoria Clock Tower
The Victoria Clock Tower, or ‘Lorloz’ as it is better known in Creole, is the most prominent feature of Seychelles’ small capital and has acted as a focal point for nearly 100 years. While all around massive transformations have taken place in the town centre, with modern buildings of concrete and glass springing up, the clock tower has remained virtually unchanged.
The Lorloz is an elegant replica of the clock that was first erected in London in 1897 at the junction of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road, near Victoria Station. Seychelles’ Governor Sir Ernest Sweet-Escott, who had admired it during a visit to London, ordered a similar clock for Seychelles as a memorial to Queen Victoria, who died in 1901 after a reign stretching over 63 years. Made by Messrs Gillet and Johnson of Croydon and paid for partly by public subscription, the clock was eventually erected in Victoria in 1903, the same year that Seychelles celebrated its new status as a Crown colony, administered directly by a Governor appointed by London instead of from Mauritius.
Originally, the clock was expected to chime, but sadly failed to do so. Today, however, the Victoria clock regularly strikes the hour, having had its mechanism completely replaced in 1999 by a modern, quartz master clock. The work was carried out by the original manufacturer, Gillett and Johnson, with the cost again being met in Seychelles partly by public donation. The Clock Tower is one of Seychelles national monuments.
Sir Selwyn Clarke Market
A visit to Mahé’s busy and colourful market is the way to get a feel for the Seychellois and their way of life. Built in 1840 and renovated in 1999, it remains the bustling heart of the capital and definitely the best place to buy fresh fruits, fish, vegetables and spices.
An attractive array of boutiques and shops selling a variety of souvenirs, clothing and local works of art further complement the lively atmosphere that is especially vibrant on Saturday mornings.
Hindu Temple
The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles. Built in 1992, the temple was named after Lord Vinayagar, the Hindu god of safety and prosperity.
Catholic Church and La Domus
La Domus, the imposing residence of the Roman Catholic priesthood in Victoria, was an outstanding architectural achievement of its time. Built in 1934 to house the Swiss missionaries ministering to the Diocese of Port Victoria, the magnificent two-storey building constructed from granite rocks even contains an aqueduct that supplies it with water from a nearby artesian well.
In the 1960’s it housed a dozen Capuchin missionaries. Today La Domus is occupied by only three priests with many of its rooms used as administrative offices. It stands in a quiet corner of Victoria, a poignant reminder of those days when there was no shortage of priests to disseminate the word of God among the islands.
Le Grand Trianon: Marie Antoinette Restaurant
The Marie-Antoinette is housed in a colonial mansion with unique Creole architecture, and well over a hundred years old. The restaurant prides itself upon a time-honoured menu that has remained at the same price since its first opening in 1972.
It has won a number of local as well as international hospitality awards, whilst promoting traditional Creole cuisine dishes such as tuna steak, battered parrot fish, aubergine fritters, chicken curry, grilled fresh red snapper, fresh local salad, chutneys and local desserts featuring coconut nougat banana caramel assorted local sorbets. The house which was the first convent in the Seychelles, is now a national moment.
Mihin Lanka services
Mihin Lanka currently flies to 10 destinations. Bahrain, Dubai, and Sharjah are the direct Middle East destinations, while Gaya, Varnasi and Madurai are the Indian destinations. Direct flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh and Jakarta and Medan in Indonesia are also available. The most recent destination added to the Mihin network is Seychelles.
As a low cost carrier, Mihin Lanka has the distinction of being able to offer competitive rates with certain incentives that a normal airline will never be able to match. Passengers on Mihin Lanka flights receive a complimentary meal, a free baggage allowance and an in-flight entertainment system apart from other benefits and amenities.
With a fleet that comprises of one A320 and two A321 Airbus Aircraft, Mihin Lanka is now fully geared to fly to their 10 present destinations and beyond.
