Introduction
Largest town of Seychelles and one of the smallest capital cities of the world, Port Victoria is a place integral to any visit to this part of the world. The town is located on Mahe island, the major holiday island in Seychelles and shelters around one - third of the total population of this country. The town has not much to offer as a regular sightseeing opportunities, but it is an excellent travel base and the best place to understand the culture of Seychelles. With a history of just around 200 years, Port Victoria do not live with a burden of the past and has tried constantly to blend in its existing culture whatever exciting came in its way.

What to do
Victoria and all the places around the town offer excellent opportunities to involve in multitude of exciting activities. Enjoying a peaceful day under the sun at Mahe beaches is a fantastic option and so are activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and wind surfing. Enjoy the breathtaking views that nature has bestowed upon this place and try to have a taste of fine cuisine that has blended every influence that stayed even for a small period here.

City at a Glance

Latitude 4º37'S Longitude 55º28'E Population 27,000 Language Creole, English, French Religion Christianity Telephone Code 00248

History
The town do not have a long history as it was discovered only in the early 17th century by a British East India ship. The first settlement begin in 1770 when a group of French citizens and slaves loaded off here and started agricultural activities. In the first quarter of 19th century, Britain took over the charge of Seychelles from the French and ruled here till 1976 when the country became independent. In this period, French language and culture lived on, despite strong British influences. The country today is led by Albert Renè of Seychelles People's United Party, now in his 24th year of rule.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Victoria has a tropical climate that qualifies it as a place with hot summers and cold winters. But, preferred season in Seychelles is dominated more by the activities you are going to participate in than usual climatic changes. By far, December and January and July and August have been proved to be the best seasons as they are the most suitable time to participate in some or other indulgence.

Attractions
Most of the city has been rebuilt and except few buildings like courthouse and main post office, which still have the colonial character, everything has changed.

Natural History Museum
located in the center of the city, the museum exhibits bones of the crocodile species that have now extinct, dried out fish, a deformed piglet contained in a jar, stuffed animals, giant robber crabs, wreckage of a ship, local artifacts.

Other Museums
some of the better known museums in the town include, National History Museum and Seychelles People's United Party Museum.

Botanical Garden
This is a place for the visitors who are interested even slightly in botanical aspects of life. There are a variety of native and newly introduced trees in the park.

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.

Places Around
Mahe Beach
This is the most important and most famous of all the tourist attractions in Seychelles. The beach is situated just a few kilometers off from Victoria and offer wide options like wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many more like that.

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
In Victoria, nightlife revolves around the larger hotels, apart from a few theatres and discos. "Camtolet" music, originated as a mix of waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles often accompanied by dancers is performed and is a hot favorite among the tourists. Moutia (an African dance form) is another local favorite.

SHOPPING
Main handicraft items that can make interesting souvenirs are sea shell and mother - of - pearl jewelry, batik textiles, basketware, tablemates, hats made fro raffia and palm, needlework and crochet, local paintings, bamboo and woodwork, most importantly coco - de - mer. Apart from the handicrafts, you can also look for local tea, vanilla pods, cinnamon's, works of local artists.

WHERE TO STAY
Victoria as the capital of this little country and also as the only place with some population has got maximum number and variety of accommodation options available. The options include hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. You will have to remember that Seychelles is a costly affair and accommodation is not an exception.

WHERE TO EAT
A wide variety of eating options are available in Victoria and Mahe beaches not far away from here. International Cuisine is the norm of the day and many restaurants and hotels offer Chinese, Japanese, Italian cuisines, apart from regular continental varieties. Local stuff include a unique Creole style cuisine that has influences of French, African, Chinese, Indian and English heritage. Fish delicacies include red snapper (bourzwa), Octopus curried in fresh coconut cream, curried fruit bat (chauve -souris), and salade de palmiste (locally known as millionaire's salad).

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Seychelles International Airport is situated at a distance of around 10 km from Victoria on Mahe Island. Coaches and taxis are available to ferry the travelers to and from airport to the city. Air Seychelles is the national airlines that connects almost all the islands of the country with this airport. There are direct flights from almost all the major capital cities of Europe. Flights from North America and Africa are also available.

Land and water
Cruises and ocean freighters passes regularly through Victoria, but there are no direct passenger services. There is an extensive bus service on Mahe island that connect Victoria with all the major points. Helicopter and ferry services are available to travel from one island to other.

Local transport
Buses, taxis, and bicycles are the three major way of traveling from one point to another at this place. Distances are short and scenery is extraordinary, and it is not a bad idea to walk around a bit.

Travel Resources
Tourist Office
Seychelles Tourist Office
P.O. Box 92
Victoria
Mahe
Seychelles
Telephone: +248 22 53 13 or 22 53 14 or 22 40 30
Fax: +248 22 40 35

Banks
Central Bank of the Seychelles
P.O. Box 701
Victoria
Tel: 00 248 225 200
Fax: 00 248 224 958

Barclays Bank
Independence Avenue, Victoria
PO Box 167
Tel: 00 248 383 838
Fax: 00 248 224 678
International Airport Concourse
Mahe
Tel: 00 248 373 029

Hospitals
Victoria Hospital Phone 224400