Hailed as the 'Little England' of the Caribbean, Barbados is a popular destination among tourists for the crystal clear waters and the pristine beauty of the beaches. The laid back lifestyle of the island and the gorgeous beaches with palm trees in the background make Barbados, a quintessential Caribbean Island. The idyllic setting of Barbados offers plenty of fun for the travellers and plenty to explore. The island of Barbados is rich in culture and history. The islanders are known as 'Bajans' and they pride over their 'England of the tropics'.

Colonial flavour

The island was colonised by the British and the influence of the English traditions is apparent in the lifestyle of the 'Bajans'. Afternoon tea, dressing for dinner and cricket at Kensington Oval make evident the undeniable British influence. Barbados has a distinct culture that is reflected in the architecture, colonial parishes, traditional churches, dance, music, art and cuisine.

Alluring sights

A prominent attraction of Barbados, the Barbados museum provides an insight into the island's history. The military history of the land is reflected in the displays showcased in the museum. Barbados wildlife reserve is another attraction that is made interesting with short paths, mahogany forest, red-footed turtles, caiman pond, brocket deer, iguanas, and orchids.

Sunbury plantation house offers a different experience for the tourists. The plantation house has been built with coral blocks and ballast stones. The plantation era-ambience is intact in the interiors of the house filled with antique furniture. Tyrol Cot Heritage Village is yet another tourist attraction that is listed in the National Trust site list. The Village is a quaint portable dwelling built in Barbadian style.

A thickly wooded ravine, the Welchman Hall Gully has around 200 species of rare tropical plants and a walking track to enjoy nature's splendour. Gullies are remnants of forests. The island also has many tranquil beaches in the west coast. The spectacular landscape of Bathsheba is a surfer's haven. Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados is home to the country's natural harbour.

The architectural marvels like the gothic style parliament buildings and nineteenth century synagogue make the visit to the island more interesting. For a lively nightlife, the small town of St. Lawrence is the best place to be. Coral reefs offer excellent snorkelling experience. The Catamaran cruises, horse racing, boogie boarding and a range of water sports make the island a great vacation spot.

Shopper's haven

Tax free shopping in Barbados offers enough temptation for the travellers to spend. Broad Street in the capital, Bridgetown is the major shopping area. The street has many department stores and duty-free shops. Pelican Village is the best haunt for the travellers' interested in hand crafted items. Tyrol Cot heritage Village is also a perfect place to buy unique handicraft items.

Treat to taste buds

The Bajan cuisine is unique for the distinct mix of flavorful treats, bland items and spicy treats. There are innumerable fine restaurants in Barbados. Almost all the restaurants in the island offer seafood specialties, continental cuisine and local dishes. At St. Lawrence almost all the bars, clubs and restaurants are open throughout the nights. Friday nights in Barbados are filled with food, drink and music and are a huge draw among tourists and locals alike. The rum produced in the island is of excellent quality and is renowned worldwide.

Facts

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