Introduction
Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles Archipelago, is situated in the Republic of Seychelles in the western Indian Ocean. The capital city Victoria, the wonderful beaches, and the lush green vegetation of the island make it one of the mostly visited tourist destinations in the world. Mahé, housing a well equipped international airport, destinations that provides you with relaxation and the much-needed break from the monotonous chores of daily life, attracts a good number of visitors all through the year. Surrounded with the calm and quiet neighbouring islands Mahé also serves as the base to access all the neighbouring islands on the ocean, ideal to make your weekend itinerary.

What to do
Sightseeing, water sports, scuba-diving, fishing, boating and indulging in a helicopter ride to get a birds eye view of the wonderful island are some of the many things you can do in this groovy beaches of Seychelles. Moreover, if you are planning to stay in an international hotel look for the ones that also provide you with tennis and squash courts. The Reef Hotel of the city even offers a nine-hole golf course making sure that you don't miss on anything that your heart desires.

History
Like most of the other countries, the island of Mahé also has an interesting history. According to the records available, Mahé, the island was discovered in the year 1502 by a navigator who didn't name the islands of Seychelles. Later the Portuguese called them the "Seven Sisters." In 1756, Mahé with the other island of Seychelles became a French colony and the name Séchelles has been given to it. During the 19th century, the English took over it and named it with its present name of Seychelles. The English continued its control over Seychelles from 1903 until 1976. Later the island mass gained Independence and became the Republic of Seychelles.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Mahé has a comfortable weather with temperature remaining between 26°C to 29°C all through the year. However, during the month of November to February, the island gets a good amount of rain. Due to the position of the island, which is beyond the cyclone belt, you can keep your worries of high storm or thunderstorm aside. Looking at the Southeast trade winds and the Northwest monsoon the best time to visit Mahé would be between March and October.

Attractions
Housing the capital of the Seychelles, Mahé has a number of attractions to offer. Starting from the busy commercial as well as fishing ports to the coral reefs the list of attraction is endless. Clear, calm waters of the ocean, the markets, the 100 year old Botanical Gardens, the famous clock tower of Victoria, the National Museum dedicated to island history, graceful colonial mansions and old plantations, vibrant green jungles to the breath taking view of the lush green landscapes of Mahé and its neighbouring islands are some of the many attractions or highlights that make Mahé a dream destination for all. Being the heart of the entire Seychelles, the island also makes an economic hub keeping its beauty intact.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Most of the religious festivals that are celebrated in Port Victoria are related Roman Catholicism like Easter, Corpus Christi on June 10, The Assumption on August 15, and the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Festival Kreole is celebrated every year at the end of October to showcase the Crèole culture and tradition to the outside world.

Getting Around
Almost all the islands around Mahé are easily accessible by both water and air. Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, which is just 3 hours by boat or 15 minutes by air from Mahé. The picturesque island could easily be included in your itinerary. La Digue is another eye-catching little island is probably the most photographed island in the world. It's 3 hours 15 minutes by schooner from Mahé and 30 minutes from Praslin. La Digue is regarded as the bird watchers' paradise and the breeding ground of the rare Black Paradise Flycatcher. The Chinese Bittern, Cave Swiftlet and Waxbill are some of the rare species of the feathered beauty. Moreover, vanilla plantation, the beaches famous for the Bacardi advertisements are some of the other attractions of the beach. The Ox-carts are the most obvious and primary mode of transportation here. The islands have endless storehouse of things to see and do. You can even have a bath in the wild, deserted but safe beaches there. Not to mention the snorkelling and fishing options here. The wonderful beaches are always inviting for their tranquillity, innocence and the ability to soothe your mind.

Ste Anne National Park
It is a group of 6 islands, the park is full of tropical of vegetation, mangroves, and crocodiles. Ste Anne Island also has the distinction of settling the first immigrant group of French in 1770.

After Hours
The after hours of Mahé are livelier than the daytime because of its incredible amount of exciting options to go for. The lively nightlife beginning with the two famous casinos, the barbecues and dinner dances and folk singing in the hotels to the incredible options for an evening out surely would keep you out of time in the evenings. As if these were not enough to help you have a wonderful time, Mahé also has a cinema located in Victoria. You can also see some of the theatrical productions staged in Creole, performed in both English and French depending on its schedule of shows.

SHOPPING
Apart from the other common things in the market, you can go for some of the local handicrafts that ranges from basket wares to mats, fashion accessories like hats, jewellery etc. if you are fond of folk paintings this is the place to get some of them.

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation in Mahé is not a problem as you can get a number of choices in accommodation starting from international hotels, wonderful resorts to medium-sized hotels with all facilities. The low range guest houses, lodges and chalets also helps you to get an accommodation that would suit your budget yet will give all the facilities required. Camping is however, not allowed.

Mahé Accommodation
Le Meridian,
Fisherman's Cove

Sunset Beach Hotel

WHERE TO EAT
A good number of Restaurants are available and note that the restaurant bills normally include a service charge too.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Air Seychelles is the national airlines serving three continents and many major cities around the world.

Helicopters are available to view the island from up above the sky. For further details you can contact
Helicopter (Seychelles) Ltd.,
P.O. Box 595,
Victoria,
Mahé,
Tel.: +248 373900,
Fax: +248 373055

Land and water
Cruise including the luxury ones are also available in Mahé making sure you don't miss on anything to explore the island. Various packages are available and for further information you can contact
Silhouette Cruises,
Shipping house,
P.O. Box 336,
Victoria,
Mahé,
Seychelles
Office, (248) 32 40 26,
Ship Mobile, (248) 51 40 51,
Fax, (248) 32 29 78,

Local transport
You have an efficient bus service, and the taxis as the mode of local transport. Moreover, you can also get cars and mopeds for hire in Mahé and Praslin. A valid international license would be required in case you are planning to drive on your own.

Travel Resources
The Seychelles Tourist Office
Independence House
Victoria
Mahé

Most credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted.

Travelling to Seychelles requires a passport valid for at least 6 months, which of course include the time of the trip. Visas are not required though a Visitor's Permit valid for 4 weeks is issued to the tourist on arrival at the International airport at Mahé.