Monday, April 23, 2012

Through the Land of Woods and Water

A small island nation, situated in the Caribbean Sea was originally named as Xaymaca by the natives. The meaning of the word was the land of woods and water. Later it has been conquered by Spanish and the English. After the independence, the nation continues to be a part of British Common Wealth and came to known as Jamaica. Our last holiday was there. Being a well planned holiday, we did not have to rush for the last minute flights. We have booked our tickets in one of the cheap flights to Jamaica.

When we reached Kingston, the Jamaican capital, it was evening. The city looked beautiful in the darkness with neon lamps of different colors. The street was busy with shopping activities and we went to our hotel room. That night we spent inside the room and went outside for dinner only. The traditional Jamaican dinner was delicious. The next day we started our tour.

The nation is mountain dominated island with a narrow coastal plain and there are various beautiful spots to visit. Our first destination was Dunn’s River Falls. It is surrounded by dense forest and the scenery was really attracting. We spent almost half the day in that waterfall. Bath in the pure water which comes out of the forest was really a rejuvenating experience. We felt more energetic after the bath. There were a lot of people there enjoying bath and various water games there at the place. When the eco tourism became a trend with rich, Jamaica became one of the hottest destinations. This made the major airlines to operate flights to Jamaica.

After the thrilling experience of the wild life and a natural bath, we went back to our room. The entire evening we spent for shopping. There are many retail outlets in the streets of Kingston. Tourism related businesses are thriving nowadays in Jamaica. We have seen a good crowd in most of the shops. People are coming here by the cheapest airline and spending the money they saved in various enjoyments including shopping.

The next two days also we spent in the wild mountains. The flora and fauna of Jamaica is has its own specialty. With thick rain forests and with a variety of plants growing there, the land is a typical destination for eco tourism, there is no doubt that the nature lovers will certainly enjoy a good feast of nature by touring those forest areas in various mountains including blue mountains.

Beaches are also very famous in Jamaica. The hottest beach spot is Doctor’s Cave Beach Club. The narrow strip of beach on the Caribbean Sea is always crowded and a lot of activities are going on there including some carnivals. After the introduction of cheap tickets to Jamaica, the number of visitors has increased in the recent past. The diversified animal life of Jamaica can be seen in the zoological park. Various species of animals and birds which are seen only in the Caribbean area are there. After a fortnight’s trip, when we returned we have brought a lot of golden moments also with us which will be with us throughout the life time.