Places to visit in Mahe - For a relaxing vacation!

This is like the first and the most obvious things to do. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches. If you head towards the eastern coast – near Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino – you will find Beau Vallon beach – most popular for activities like swimming and snorkelling. If you've got kids, however, head down to Anse Royale as it is quite a safe spot. On the other hand, you have Port Launay – another beautiful beach – though it usually gets crowded on weekends. It's better if you can book into one of Beau Vallon Hotels for ease of travel.

The market place is built in early Victorian style architecture – though it was renovated in 1999. If you want to buy the freshest of vegetables and fruits, this is where you should go. There are piles of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and spices. The market is open from early morning until late evening. The place is vivid with different colours of goodies that are on sale.

The capital city of the largest island of Seychelles and the smallest African city, Victoria was colonised by the British – hence the name Victoria. As you walk along the streets of the city, you will see the buildings that are emblematic of the colonial era.

If you want to know more about Mahe than what you can see on the surface, make your way to the Natural History Museum. It won't be anything like those grand museums you've seen in other countries, but it's not disappointing at all. The architecture of the building is quite something.

You can see these tortoises on many islands of Seychelles, especially in Mahe. These creatures have a life span of roughly 150 years. You can see them wobbling about if you go to the botanical garden. Aldabra Giant Tortoises are endemic to Seychelles and quite symbolic.

A tour to the tea plantation is a must-do if you are in Mahe with your kids as it could be quite educational. You can take the guided tour which lasts for about 15 minutes. The guide will answer any question you have for them and walk you through the process of plucking, drying and packaging of tea leaves. Even after the tour, if you wish, you can walk around and enjoy the picturesque sceneries.

The best time to visit the garden would during weekdays as it tends to get packed with people on weekends. There are lines of palm trees and other tropical trees. If you want to have some peaceful time, you can easily do so under the shade of a tree. The garden is sort of the highlight of Mahe that is visited by almost everyone.