When you think of traveling, your mind often wanders to an exotic place. You imagine that you’ll be sipping on colorful cocktails by the beach, which might be served to you in a coconut or a pineapple. Your skin becomes sun-kissed, your beach hair is glorious, and you don’t have a single care in the world. Achieving that dream may not come to many, but for a lucky few, they’re able to turn this dream into a reality. The trick is in choosing the right exotic destination, and we recommend heading out to the Indian Ocean.
The world still has so many places that are yet to be discovered. The Indian Ocean is known to be home to some of the most exotic islands in the world. There, you’ll find pristine waters, stunning beaches, and sunshine all year long. Although all these islands share a lot in common, they’re still pretty different as each one offers a ton of sun-soaking activities, relaxation time, and some glorious scenery.
Here are 5 of the best tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean that are definitely worth a visit!
1. Seychelles
Seychelles is a tropical destination home to around 115 islands; it’s where you’ll find luxurious experiences, stunning nature, and picturesque scenery. Moving around the islands is pretty convenient; you can take internal flights or boats to travel between islands. Mahe is the main island of Seychelles, and it’s home to mountains, jungles, stunning beaches, delicious food, and great people. Visiting Mahe Island is great for any kind of avid traveler to truly experience the history and culture of Seychelles, wildlife preservations, and beautiful rainforests. Not to mention, you will do so while relaxing in the comfort of one of their many luxurious hotels. Mahe, along with the other Seychelles islands, is an excellent destination for some fun in the sun as well as outdoor and water activities.
2. The Maldives
Known to be the quintessential honeymoon destination, visiting The Maldives has always been a dream for many people. But, it’s safe to say that this island offers so much more than what you see through online brochures; it’s a gorgeous destination for any kind of traveler looking to kick back and relax, not just for honeymooners. You and your family, loved ones, or your friends can enjoy the view from an array of bungalows and villas overlooking pristine waters. It’s home to almost 1000 islands that boast white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, tons of water activities, and luxurious experiences for all travelers.
3. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is also a popular destination among many tourists, especially budget travelers. Its history dates back to 3,500 years, and it has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can explore temples and shrines, visit their many tea farms and sip on locally grown Ceylon tea, witness wildlife in their lush forests, or relax under the sun at one of their endless and gorgeous beaches. Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for travelers looking for off the beaten path destinations, and it’s also great for families as it boasts many family-friendly activities. Sri Lanka’s charm is undeniable, and it’s definitely worth a visit!
4. Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers an eclectic island experience for all travelers. It’s home to secluded beaches, colorful towns, delicious food, fantastic spice markets, and spice plantations, and it’s rich in history and culture. Its Stone Town was named a World Heritage Site for its gorgeous architecture and stunning beaches. You can swim with the dolphins and whales, live the luxury life at many of its resorts, or visit forest reservations with wildlife. It’s also a hub for a ton of water sports activities and great weather all year long, seeing as it has a short rainy season.
5. Madagascar
Just like the movies you’ve seen, Madagascar is home to a variety of unique wildlife. It’s also home to around 70% of plants and species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. This makes it the destination to go to if you’re looking for an adventure. It’s the fourth largest island in the world, and it’s famous for its ecology, baobab trees, rice fields, and national parks. You can also experience local culture, shopping, and a great cuisine. Not to mention that it’s home to a variety of beautiful beaches.
There are many ways to experience paradise on earth, and visiting any of these above-mentioned tropical destinations is one of them. These gorgeous destinations in the Indian Ocean are pretty much the popular ones and can cater to any kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly fun, you’ll definitely feel you’ve stumbled upon a heavenly place.