Praslin Island Regions Guide - attractions

Vallée de Mai
First stop for most visitors to Praslin island in the Seychelles is the fantastic Vallée de Mai, hidden in virgin forest, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Apart from the rich variety of plant and animal life in this beautiful spot, the main attraction here is that this is the only place in the world where the 'coco de mer' palm grows, producing a nut that weighs up to 40 lbs (18kg): the largest nut in the world. What makes this nut even more renowned is that it is shaped like a female pelvis. Its rarity, shape and alleged aphrodisiac properties have led to it becoming a collector's item. The Vallée is also home to three of the world's rarest birds: the black parrot, fruit pigeon and Seychelles bulbul. Guided tours to the Vallée are conducted every day from all the resort hotels on the island. There is also a self-guided walking trail through the area.
Telephone: 32 17 35
Website: www.sif.sc
Transport:
Opening times: Daily 8am to 5.30pm

Black Pearl (Seychelles) LTD
Exquisite black pearls are cultured at the only oyster farm in the Indian Ocean, but that is not all you can investigate at this attraction which, apart from displaying the art of cultivating pearls in the Black Lip Pearl Oyster, also explains the breeding and feeding of the Giant Clam species, Tridacna maxima. The farm features a touch pool and aquarium, and of course the black pearls are on sale in the onsite jewellery store.
Telephone: 233 987
Website: www.seychelles.net/prof
Transport:
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 4pm weekdays, and Saturday 10am to 12pm