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Praslin
This second largest island is 3 hours by boat or 15 minutes by air from Mahe. Praslin is a lot slower, a lot less
'rushed'; Praslin is like a trip back in time. When first visited by General Gordon over 100 years ago he believed he had found the original Garden of Eden, particularly on seeing the female pelvis shaped double nut coco-de-mer which instantly conjured Eve in his mind.
Praslin is the universal blueprint for the perfect tropical island. In its limited area, the richness and variety of plant and animal life is astounding. Fantastically shaped huge granite boulders dot the island. Coral reefs teeming with over 900 species of fish, living coral and jewel toned shells paint a living seascape.
Most of the interior is virgin forest and the exquisitely beautiful Vallee de Mai, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, is the only place where the coco-de-mer palm is found in the world. Its nut, the curious female pelvis-shaped fruit, has been successively believed to be the fruit of the tree of knowledge, a powerful aphrodisiac, and the object of a dying emperor's quest.
The rare black parrot, Seychelles national bird, inhabits the Vallee de Mai, and if you're very, very fortunate you may catch a glimpse of this elusive creature, but you'll certainly hear its shrill cry through the thick palm groves.
Besides the black parrot, Praslin is home to two other of the world's rarest birds: the Seychelles bulbul and the fruit pigeon. Praslin is famous also for its gorgeous pink granite, and you'll see many examples of it built into the local hotels and restaurants. And it's an excellent jumping off point to visit other islands.
Silhouette
Lying 20 km off the northwest coast of Mahe Silhouette is the third largest island in the archipelago and, topologically, could be Mahe in miniature. Small settlements connected by tracks link residents who work to produce copra, cinnamon, sugar cane and other crops. While its beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkelng, it is easy to get lost walking through these wild and primitive forests and a guide is recommended.
Silhouette was thought to be the home of Hodoul, one of the Indian Ocean's most notorious pirates, and, some believe his treasure is still buried here. Although visited by early Arabs it was named for an 18th century French minister (who was so vague in his plans his name lives on meaning
'ghostly outline').
The moderate Silhouette Island Lodge has 12 bungalows by the beach, just outside the main settlement of La
Passe.
Therese
A 5-minute sail on Mahe's regular ferry service brings the visitor to a perfect place for total relaxation.
Enroute, the giant steps at Pointe Escalier on Mahe's west coast can be seen; whether a natural construction or carved by Polynesians settling Madagascar remains a cause of speculation. Walk or sunbathe on the long, sandy beach. This privately owned island is also known for its tortoise colonies and interested rock pool formations.
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