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Bahamas is one of the very few archipelago countries and probably the best of them all. Though nature has bestowed its blessings on the country yet, it is the culture and the historical attractions of Bahamas that has made the country sit pretty on top of the list of the best. Bahamas is a group of around 700 islands that covers an area of nearly 5,358 sq. miles, southeast of United States and northeast of Cuba. Andros Island, Abaco Islands, New Providence, Grand Bahamas, Acklins Islands and Cat Island are some of the most important islands of Bahamas.
Your trip to Bahamas could not only be of fun and frolic, but of adventure and mystery as well. Most parts of this archipelago nation still remains unexplored and this offers you a chance to discover the yet unknown attractions of Bahamas. Apart from the breathtaking nature, some of the best tourism highlights of Bahamas are Inagua National Park, Dixon Hill Lighthouse, House of Parliament and scores of adventure sports.
Bahamas might be a very small place area wise but what you can do in Bahamas is countless. The magnificent beaches and lagoons all around surely give you ample opportunities for water sports. Here you can indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, angling, windsurfing and para sailing. The facilities that are provided to you for these activities are simply outstanding.
Nassau, the capital of Bahamas is the largest and the most cosmopolitan city of Bahamas. Situated on the New Providence Island, Nassau is a blend of historical buildings intermingled with some splendid new world structures. The main attraction of the city are situated mainly in the center area. Other major tourist cities in Bahamas are Freeport, Arthur's Town, Dunmore Town and George Town.
Fast Facts
Location - An archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean
Capital - Nassau
Population - 2,81,000 approx. (1996 census)
Religion - Baptist, Roman Catholic, Anglican
Language - English
Time Zone - -5 GMT
Currency - The Bahamian Dollar (Equal to US dollar)
Climate - Bahamas experiences sub tropical climate. In winters, the maximum temperature climbs to 25 C and minimum drops to 18 C. During summers the maximum is around 33 C and minimum around 24 C.
Highlights
Inagua National Park
Situated by the sides of the Windsor Lake, Inagua National Park is among the most famous parks in the country. It covers an area of nearly 74,389 hectares and is one of the best places to go for birdwatching. It is the largest nesting ground for the magnificent West Indian Flamingos; the number of which easily crosses the 55000 mark during springs. Other birds that can be seen here in Inagua National Park are spoonbills, herons, hummingbirds and the exclusive Bahamian Parrots.
Houses of Parliament - NassauInagua National Park
Situated by the sides of the Windsor Lake, Inagua National Park is among the most famous parks in the country. It covers an area of nearly 74,389 hectares and is one of the best places to go for birdwatching. It is the largest nesting ground for the magnificent West Indian Flamingos; the number of which easily crosses the 55000 mark during springs. Other birds that can be seen here in Inagua National Park are spoonbills, herons, hummingbirds and the exclusive Bahamian Parr House of Parliament in Nassau is one of the most important buildings of the capital. The historical building was built between the years 1805 to 1816 and is considered to be an exemplary work in British Colonial architecture. The west building houses the House of Assembly where the central buildings holds the Senate. The statue of Queen Victoria in front of the Parliament building is really well crafted.
Ardastra Gardens
Situated just few kilometers away from the Nassau main center, Adastra Gardens have become an important part in tourist's itinerary for Nassau. The place is absolutely quiet and tranquil, and lets you feel the beauty of the park to its hilt. Adastra Gardens is a zoo as well as a conservation center apart from a garden. The zoo is home to numerous mammals, birds and reptiles; some of which are specified endangered and are found in Bahamas and Caribbean countries. Tourists are left struck when they see the famous marching flamingos.
Albert Lowe Museum - New Plymouth
Albert Lowe Museum, situated in New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, is a museum that displays the 217 years old rich history of this small and beautiful town. It is one the oldest historical museum in Bahamas. You can take a guided tour that will take you through the stone kitchen where many people of the town took shelter in from the devastating hurricane of 1932. There are three bedrooms that are furnished exactly the way they used to be in the 18th century. There are handcrafted ship models which were made by Albert Lowe himself and paintings of Alton Lowe, who, probably is the most known painter from Bahamas.
Dixon Hill Lighthouse - San Salvador
Situated in San Salvador, Dixon Hill Lighthouse was built in the year 1856 and ever since then, it has been operational. It is one of the very few lighthouses in the world that are still operated manually. It is the light from a small kerosene lamp reflected by set of placed prisms that travels many miles to show way to the ships. It is said the the light is visible from a distance of 19 km.
Things To Do
Cave Trotting
Bahamas is a treasure trove for some magnificent caves, both underwater and otherwise. There are many tours that will specifically take you to all the splendid caves situated all over Bahamas. They are generally limestone caverns that are shaped by constant smashing of waves. There are tour operators who conduct a tour into the caves with all the necessary equipments. It is advised that you go cave trotting only with a professional guide as the caves are dark and tough to navigate through.
Fun At The Beach
Where there are as beautiful beaches as in Bahamas, it is hardly a problem finding something for yourself to do. Apart from sun bathing and relaxing, you can indulge in playing games like football and volleyball. Some beaches also allow a drive in; so don't forget to enjoy a nice drive along the waterfront.
Fun With Dolphin
Diving surely is the best activity to do in Bahamas. But what makes it special is the encounters that you can have with dolphins. Just three mile away from Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island is famed for Dolphin Encounters. There you can swim with the dolphins and play with them. In Grand Bahamas, UNEXSO also provides similar opportunities for the tourists.
Sailing in Calm Waters
The crystal clear water in Bahama lagoons will be invitation enough for you to take to sailing. Travel between different islands, islands that otherwise cannot be reached by any other mode and islands that are least explored. The calm waters only add to the comfort and relaxation of sailing. People who do not have their boat can hire them for as many days as they want. Exuma Island is the best place to go for swimming in Bahamas.
Scuba Diving - Discover The Underwater World
Scuba Diving is probably the best thing one could do in this archipelago nation. Almost all the islands have shimmering blue lagoons by their sides which prove to be the perfect setting for this water adventure. The marine life found in these lagoons is full of colorful fishes that are exclusive to this place. The water temperature throughout the year is absolutely pleasant; which means you can actually go in with minimum accessories. Andros Island which has by its side, the world's third largest coral reef, is the most preferred place in Bahamas for scuba diving.
Go Shopping
Bahamas is a virtual utopia for shoppers who are in search of some fascinating, beautiful and unique items. The famous Shaw market in Nassau is the best place to shop for locally made handicrafts, especially items made of straw. The Bay street is where you have to go if you are looking for the top most brands. Every island has its own specialty and it is recommended that you take a look at the markets of island you visit.
Deep Sea Fishing
Bahamas is the most renowned destination in the entire world for deep sea fishing. The variety of fishes that can be found in the lagoons of Bahamas will leave you baffled. Make sure you take along a guide who knows these waters well as his experience can get you to school of different fishes like dolphin fish, wahoo and tuna. Although fishing is possible throughout the year but the best time for it is April and May when the fishes are found in plenty. People from around the world come to Bahamas during this peak season.
Have Fun With Water Sports
If you are interested in water sports, then heading anywhere else but Bahamas, would be a big loss. The beautiful beaches and the enticing blue lagoons are truly a treat for the water sport enthusiasts. Apart from scuba diving, there are many more water sports that you can indulge in. Snorkeling, water-skiing, windsurfing and para sailing are few of them. The best part is that the facilities that are provided here for these sports is absolutely immaculate.
Enjoy Nightlife
Without experiencing the nightlife, the vacation to Bahamas seems incomplete. There is a huge difference between the various islands when it comes to nightlife. When out islands become more sedate with the fall of the night, commercial islands like Nassau and Freeport come alive after dark. In fact, these islands are the best in Caribbean for nightlife. There are numerous casinos where you can try your luck and there are ample pubs which give you option to either sip your beer in peace or in a party mood.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 December 2009 04:17