Praslin, Seychelles

The Garden of Eden

Legend has it the Garden of Eden can be found on the tropical isle of Praslin—in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve to be exact. And while the, shall we say, “suggestive shape” of the giant seeds found on the park’s coco de mer palm trees could lead the road to temptation, it’s more likely that the island’s exotic scenery helped fuel this biblical tale.  

When it comes to discovering additional flora and fauna, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal on Seychelles’ second largest island. Birdwatchers in particular will rejoice, especially if you catch a glimpse of the rare Seychelles Black Parrot, which can only be found in this part of the world. But if you’d prefer a little less wildlife in your explorations, the Praslin Museum is well worth a visit to learn more about local culture and traditions.

And finally, no discussion of Praslin would be complete without mentioning its gorgeous white-sand beaches that are surrounded by swaying palm trees and the heavenly warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. So slip on your shades, stake out a spot, and get ready to lose yourself in paradise.