Trinidad And Tobago

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands , Trinidad and Tobago , just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela . The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.

The country has a cosmopolitan society inhabited by many different peoples and cultures who live together in relative peace and harmony. Ethnic Indians form a plurality of the population, while black people of African descent form the second largest group. There are smaller numbers of Chinese, Syrian and Lebanese, European and American caucasian people as well.

Indian immigration to Trinidad was part of a large indentureship scheme from 1845 to 1917. Most Indians who came to Trinidad came from the Gangetic plain, which is located in what is now the modern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Most of Trinidad’s Indian indentured settlers departed India via the port of Calcutta (Kolkata). Other Indians during the indentureship scheme came from Tamil Nadu via the port of Madras (Chennai).

The two islands have distinct personalities. Trinidad is the larger of the two, and is the location of most of the country's cities and activity. It is also the country's industrial centre, noted for petroleum and natural gas production, which make T&T one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean. Tobago is known for tourism, which is its main industry and is a popular tourist destination. Both islands have a share of natural beauty.

Sights and landscapes

Bucco Reef is a natural coral reef on the North Coast of Tobago. The Nylon Pool is an area of shallow water on top of the reef. The water is crystal clear and looks like fishing line nylon, hence the name.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary in the Caroni Swamp on Trinidad is a must for bird watchers. Several indigenous species of bird nest in the bird sanctuary, including one of the national birds, the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) .

The Hindu festival of lights, Divali , is celebrated in most areas in Trinidad and a few areas in Tobago. Every year during one night in October-November small oil lamps called deyas are lit on the inside and outside of homes and in public places. Additionally, there is a celebration and festival called the Divali Nagar , where Indian song, dance, plays and other cultural items are on display. The Divali Nagar takes place at the Divali Nagar Site in Chaguanas, Trinidad. Divali is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain is Trinidad and Tobago's only zoo. It features a wide variety of tropical species including lions, tigers, monkeys, birds and fish.

Goat racing in Tobago on Easter Tuesday is a tradition dating back to 1925. Amazingly, it shares many similarities to horse racing, where there are owners, stables and trainers.

In second or last weekend of August, there is an annual power boat race from Trinidad to Tobago called the Great Race. . It starts at Pier 1 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and ends at Store Bay in Tobago. There are places to see the boats racing live (such as Maracas Bay). The boats typically travel around the North West peninsula, then along the north coast then make a bee line to Tobago. The first finishers typically finish in an hour.

Experiences

Popular beaches in Trinidad are Maracas, Tyrico, Blanchisseuse, Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros and Quinam. Most of the beaches on the North coast are beautiful, with powdery sand and clear blue water. Los Iros and Quinam are okay, however Quinam's water may be brown, largely due to sediment from the Orinoco River in South America. Although Maracas and Tyrico are not too far apart, you cannot walk from one to the other along the beach.

There are quite a few nightclubs in Trinidad and Tobago, especially in the Chaguaramas area, such as Pier 1, Anchorage, Base, and MoBS2. Some very popular night clubs are Club Zen and 51 Degrees Lounge in Port of Spain, La Penca in Freeport and La Tropical in La Romaine. However, due to the crime situation, caution is advised and it is a good idea to be with a group rather than by yourself.

One can play golf at several golf courses throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Some courses are 9 holes and others are 18 holes. Two popular golf courses are the St. Andrews' Golf course in Maraval (just outside of Port of Spain) and the Mt. Irvine Golf Course in Tobago.

Culture and food

Due to its varied background, Trinidad and Tobago has excellent and varied food options. In particular, the Indian roots have added to some of the best foods of any country in the world. If you can't tolerate extremely hot and spicy food, be sure to let the cook or waiter know in advance.

Popular throughout T&T are tasty rotis , which are Indian-style flatbreads stuffed with channa (chickpea curry), usually some meat, and condiments or vegetables such as green beans, pumpkin, or mangoes. There are several types of roti available in Trinidad:

The most popular fast snack is a doubles . Doubles is curried chickpeas ( chnana ) enclosed in two pieces of fried flat bread ( bara roti ), and served with your choice of condiments. It is a roadside snack, available everywhere at about TT$6. Eat hot. One famous spot is "George Doubles" located in Woodbrook outside the ever-famous "Brooklyn Bar". "Ali's Doubles" is a chain that sells doubles. There are a few locations around Trinidad, mostly in San Fernando.

Phoulourie is another popular roadside snack. Phoulourie are small balls, made of fried ground chickpeas and flour. It and other popular snack foods like roast corn, cow heel soup, aloo pies (fried potato pies) and saheena (spinach dipped in batter and fried), are often available from street vendors, especially around the Savannah.

Planning your route

TTRS Trinidad and Tobago Ride share is a safe and convenient way to get around. Download the app and get verified before you go. You can pay the driver in TT dollars or with your credit card, but you have to enter before the trip begins. Uber does not operate in Trinidad.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.