Asia > Asia – Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean region is one of the most temperate and beautiful in the world. The names Sri Lanka, Madagascar and the Seychelles evoke warm, tropical weather and pristine, clear waters, perfect for a holiday away from it all. Luxury seafront resorts are dotted along the glorious coastlines, particularly in perennial honeymoon favourites like the Maldives and Seychelles. Expect the very best of service.

This region has been blessed with some of the warmest, clearest waters on the planet; home to some of the most beautiful and unusual species you will every see, from the Indian Ocean Turtle to Madagascan Lemur. Nature lovers will be treated to some of the most amazing natural sights on the planet; because Madagascar and the continental Seychelles broke off from the Gondwanaland supercontinent more than 160 million years ago, the area has many species which have been wiped out elsewhere. Come and find unique animals which died out long ago in less isolated parts of the world.

Sri Lanka offers the perfect opportunity to escape traditional tourist conventions and explore one of the last unspoiled destinations on Earth. The lush plantlife is home to many unique and beautiful species.

The stunning, clear waters of the Indian Ocean provide some of the best diving conditions on the planet; you will find top-draw diving locations around the Seychelles and the Maldives. Many of the region’s luxury resorts have diving facilities on-site. Here are a few of the great holidays available in the region:

• Search for unique birdlife and giant tortoises, or learn the natural history of the mountains and forests in the Seychelles on a guided wildlife tour, visiting four beautiful islands
• Look for sharks and Manta Rays on a live-aboard diving holiday to the fantastic and sometimes remote islands of the Maldives
• Discover the two volcanic islands of Mauritius and Reunion, hiking lush trails, wandering through exotic markets and, of course, finding those perfect beaches and coral reefs
• Explore the rolling hills and tea plantations in Sri Lanka and the Thuparama Dagoba temple and Sacred Bo-Tree in Anuradhaphura

Mauritius is best visited from July to September when humidity is lowest and waters are clearest for diving from December to March. Madagascar is dry and warm between April and October. The Maldives are best visited during the dry season between December and April; the waters are at their best for diving in November and April.

The Seychelles are at their busiest in December/January, July/August. Sri Lanka is best between December and March on the South and West coasts and between May and September in the hill country and on the East coast.