There is an option for all budgets — especially those looking at mid to luxury segments. Selfie with a sea turtle — you need to have a waterproof camera with you and maintain a safe distance. Sipping on the ample supply of ‘happy’ juices. The country has a police force but with little to do — crime is almost unheard of. However, US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted everywhere. You can also rent a bicycle, a bullock cart, a motorcycle or a scooter. And there are no madding tourist crowds — not only are the islands a bit out of the way for most airlines, but the country also conducts carrying capacities to ensure sustainable growth. Surprisingly, almost no fruits and vegetables grow here and everything has to be imported — raising the prices a tad bit in the process. Do carry sun protection, hats, shades etc. Of course I did more than just that.  On islands like La Digue, you can simply walk to every place. You will always feel safe there. There are a wide range of activities that you can book with local operators, even at the last minute. Take your boat to islands like Coco Island, Felicite Island and Sister Island and build a barbecue on the beaches. Its 80,000 residents comprise all but a sixth of the country’s population — indicative of how the low density gives everyone ample room to stretch and breathe.Getting Around: Getting around in the Seychelles is quaintly easy. Prices are quite similar, and most offer a high quality of service.

It can be quite humid — you may want to shower more than once a day. And usually with views of the seas and mountains while you eat. There were enough where I was the only one; I could have gone into the water in any state of dressing (or undressing) and no one would have been around to be bothered. You cannot rent a self-drive car there. And of course, I spent ample time on hilltops looking at clear blue skies and waters stretching far into the horizon. The corals were colourful and beautiful too, even though some have been killed by El Nino a few years back.10 TIPS TO PLAN YOUR TRIP BETTERGetting There: Located in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are served by their national carrier and only a few other airlines.Pack for Summers: Temperatures range from 30-32 degrees Celsius all year round, so pack accordingly. A package from a tour operator might work out cheaper overall though and you will be taken care of through your stay. And it’s easy — everyone is happy in his community. Pick up a self-catering apartment or villa starting at a hundred dollars usually. Not that anyone cares — I spotted a few topless women and no one minded.Enjoy the Food: Seychelles are a delight for foodies — there is something for everyone.You can pick from a range of activities on these islands; my favourite bit was doing nothing.The writer is a traveller, photo artist, writer, and founder of Kunzum Travel Cafe in New Delhi. I had thousands of fish and sea animals for company — and a few sea turtles too who weren’t too pleased when I took selfies with them."For the annual carnival in Seychelles, the most colourful and talented performers come from Brazil, Germany, Mauritius, Reunion Island, South Africa, India, China, South Korea, UK and many other countries where celebration is a way of life.BEING IN SEYCHELLESThe Seychelles are a group of islands, the biggest being Mahe with capital Victoria. It is just 5 km X 3 km, has about 65 guest houses and hotels, a population of just under soap dispenser manufacturers 3,000, around 35 motorised vehicles, an ox cart and innumerable bicycles and boats. Get your hands on the limited supply of the legendary Mini Moke car — but it might not pack in enough horsepower to take you up steep terrains. You can even fish for your lunch. Clear blue skies, clean beaches, pristine waters, healthy air, temperate climate and a care for the environment — all this brings out a general goodness in people, where flora and fauna thrive. at all times. You can take a bus (at least in Mahe and Praslin), ferries between islands or just walk it. Visa on Arrival — and it’s FREE: Finally a country has the sense to offer visa on arrival, and not charge any fee.Aaron wants to be happy in life.Don’t Worry About Safety: Crime and thefts are almost unknown in Seychelles — you will rarely see any cops around. Take my advise — yield to such temptation. You will never lose your way — even if you do, you will not mind being away from civilisation for a while. Give it a push, sweat it and cool off with a drink after that. It may take an extra hop or two, but you get there. A joyful paradise if there was one.I

While there are lots more to explore, you can plan an itinerary with two days each in Mahe, La Digue and Praslin islands. The clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles only want to seduce you into jumping right in. Houses are left unlocked, with doors ajar at times. I hiked in the woods, for a dose of forest bathing (called shinrin-yoku in Japanese) and for spotting birds. As Aaron says, "Everything here is organic, so they don’t have to panic about nothing.Snorkelling is a must to explore the Indian Ocean, or go deep-sea diving if you have it in you to do so. I still can’t figure why countries charge high amounts for visas — the money saved is likely to be spent in the country anyway and would encourage more travellers. Aaron ‘the wise’, all of 20, lives on the La Digue island, and I met him working in a juice bar at the Anse Source d’Argent (Anse means beach in Creole, the local language), rated as one of the best beaches in the world. How often do you hear such statements? Often, if you are in the Seychelles. From tiny to not-so-tiny, these islands have a hilly terrain, rich with forests, surrounded by the seas on all sides and a few freshwater bodies within.Imagine if you owned this boat and the island behind? Spotted around La Digue island. One of them bit me in the ear to express his displeasure — unless it was a she flirting with me. I hired a boat to go snorkelling far into the Indian Ocean. When I decided to stir a bit lest cobwebs grow around me, I walked the beaches.  That’s what I discovered for myself — a state of bliss in these islands in the Indian Ocean, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world most of us come from. Best and cheapest way to get around is to hire a car — taxis can be expensive but you can rent cars starting about 40 Euros a day.Buy local SIM for data and calls: Pick one when you land to stay connected through your stay.Currency: The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee, and pegged at about 13 Rupees to a US dollar. The exchange rate is more or less the same no matter where you change money.