Jamaica is a Caribbean Island nation. It’s the third largest island of Greater Antilles.Originally it was inhabited by indigenous Arawak and Taino people. This Island came under Spanish rule after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. The Spanish imported Africans as slaves. It was named as ‘Santiago’ then and was in the possession of Spanish until 1655. Later it got conquered by Britishers and they named it as Jamaica. They took Africans as slaves to Europe. The island has a history of slavery from Africans. Jamaica got its freedom from the Britishers in 6th August 1962.
Jamaica has lush topography of mountains, rainforests and reef- lined beaches. It’s known as the birth place of reggae and home to popular international reggae singer Bob Marley. Jamaica boasts of a treasure trove of natural jewels and a colourful African vibe.This land is covered with golden beaches, emerald mountains, turquoise seas, Cascades, coral reefs, rainforests, rivers and mineral springs. When in Jamaica just rejuvenate your senses by diving in the colourful reefs, hiking and birding in rainforests and relax by the soothing beaches. Jamaica is renowned for many historic plantations. Visitors can sample tropical fruits and tour Great grand houses.
The Entire island of Jamaica is one lush vision of crumpled Verdant Mountain dropping to slick blue seas. Jamaican culture has a strong global presence. Music genre reggae, ska, mento, dancehall originated in the island. The famous punk rock genre is developed originally developed through reggae and ska.Best time to visit Jamaica is in November to mid- December. This time of the year has best climate and weather. Otherwise entire year Jamaica has a tropical climate with lots of rain and humidity.
Here is a list of your favourite Jamaican destinations that are a must see.
- Doctor’s Cave beach, Montego Bay: During your montego bay vacation, you must visit Doctor’s Cave beach because it is full of breathtaking beauty that will steal your heart in minutes. It’s an alluring fringe of white sand fringed by clean waters. This gets its name from a cave which was destroyed in 1932.This beach waters was also claimed to have curative powers by a British osteopath in 1920.
- Falmouth: It is surrounded by sugar estates and cattle land. Once Falmouth used to be a leading port, this town offers excellent examples of 19th-century Georgian architecture. The Green Great House is one of the major tourist attractions in this area. It was built in 1970 by Richard Barett. Today it’s a museum with period furniture and rare collection of musical instruments and Wedgwood China. Next attraction here is Good Hope estate built in 1755.its an old establishment of coconut and sugar Foundation.it has old slave quarters and sugar mills with its water wheels. Then there is also the Half-moon beach with crescent sand and coral reefs. It’s a really peaceful beach to just relax and refreshen your senses.
- Boat ride for glistening waters:Take a boat ride from old school marina near Falmouth and watch the water glow bright green and blueish with agitated dinoflagellates in the boats wake. It’s the most spectacular scene of bioluminescence. Though it’s a least publicized attraction.
- Negril Beach:Also known as seven mile beach is Jamaica’s most beautiful stretch of white sand and aqua sea. The beach extends from bloody bay to Long Bay and the Negril cliffs to the south of the town. It is peacefully tucked within grooves of coconut palms. The sea shore is fringed by many restaurants and resorts.
- Rafting the Martha Bay River: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Jamaica. Tourists can glide down a picturesque stretch of river on bamboo rafts poled by local guides.
- Kingston: Situated at the foot of Blue Mountains, this city is very much in contrast to the rest of the island. Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica and the centre for business, located on the Southern Coast.Kington has a cosmopolitan pace to it. The most famous tourist attraction here is the Bob Marley Museum. This is the Reggae superstar’s former home and the site of the Tuff Gong Recording studio. Major Highlights here are Bob Marley’s bedroom, his famous star-shaped guitar by the bed. Kingston harbour is the 7th largest natural harbour in the world. Since it lies in the hurricane belt of Atlantic Ocean it has received major destruction over the years.
- The Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountain National Park: It’s an unspoiled breath-taking mountain, waterfalls, lush rainforests and exotic plants and animals. Spread over a huge land of 200,000 acres of tropical rainforest divided into three sections: Portland Gap, which includes Stony hill and Hill of St. Andrew. It is a habitat of more than 800 species of endemic plants & more than 200 species of birds and World’s second largest Butterfly. 2256m high Blue Mountain Peak is the highest peak of Jamaica. It is accessible on foot or by mules. Hikers can see all the way to Cuba from here.
- Port Antonio: It is situated between Mountains and double harbour. Blue Lagoon 960m deep) and the site of a namesake movie was shot here. It exudes a relaxed charm of a sleepy fishing village. Once it was a centre for banana export.When in Port Antonio you can spend the day hiking or snorkelling or scuba diving the coral reefs.
- Black River Safari Boat Tour and YS Falls: Home to Crocodiles and more than 100 species of birds, including herons and snowy egrets.it s mangroves fringed black river the longest in Jamaica. At the YS falls, Jamaica’s largest and least commercial Cascades, visitors can play Tarzan on rope swings and plunge into the wading pool fed below by natural springs. Canopy rides and river tubing are also available here.
- Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at the mystic mountain, Ocho Rios: Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain is a popular rainforest adventure in Ocho Rios. Here visitors enjoy panoramic views of the town and sea on rainforest sky explorer or zoom down the mountain on Bobsled Jamaica
Whether you just want to relax on your vacation sipping a drink seaside or you want a vacation full of joy rides and adventure, Jamaica has it all. It’s a beautiful country which truly is a Caribbean paradise. Trips here are sure to soon you and refresh you completely to go back to the concrete jungles and face the hustle. So let the beautiful beach waters kiss your feets and tantalise your senses.