Travel Abroad

Let the breeze of Haiti caress you

Let the breeze of Haiti caress you

By Moin Uddin

Haiti is a Caribbean country which occupies small satellite islands known for tourists, including; Île-à-Vache (Cow Island), which includes Port Morgan and Abaka Bay resorts. By area and population, Haiti is the third largest Caribbean nation after Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Once in Haiti, there is something about the people, the history, and even the air, that can get in your blood and draw you back time and again. Wonderful Beaches Labadee Beaches Situated on the northwest corner of the island of Hispanola and separated from the rest of Haiti by a mountain range, it is owned by Royal Caribbean International. Dazzling rock formations and varying types of sand help to characterise the Labadee beaches. Visitors can swim from the beach, rent snorkelling gear or a personal watercraft to zoom around Labadee Bay or you can take a guided kayak tour of the Bay. The kayak tour provides views of the mountains, Haitian fishing villages and coral reefs. Abaka Bay Beach The beach, with very white sand and very clear water, is home to a resort, the Abaka Bay Resort, which offers rooms and very original beachside cabins. If you are more adventurous spirit, you can either horseback ride along the shore. Enjoy beach volleyball and nature walks. Play ping pong or darts. Hike with a guide and see sights you never thought existed. Visit a local fishing village or Madame Bernard's colourful market place. Go deep sea fishing, sail, beach hop, visit waterfalls on the mainland, explore caves and imagine where pirates of old hid their treasure. Historical cities Cap-Haïtien Haiti’s second city feels a world away from the throng and hustle of Port-au-Prince. The city still maintains a relaxed and parochial atmosphere. Its streets are laid out in a grid system that make it difficult to get lost, and the old port architecture of high shop fronts and balconies makes it a pleasant place to wander. Jacmel Jacmel’s charm is down to its old town centre, full of mansions and merchants’ warehouses with a late-Victorian grace poking out from behind the wrought-iron balconies and peeling façades. Also if you love to sit and have a coffee with your loved ones then Coffee Warehouse located at Rue du Commerce is where you should head to. The town is the undisputed handicrafts capital of Haiti, with dozens of workshops producing hand-painted souvenirs, from wall decorations to the elaborate papier-mâché masks produced for the Carnival festivities. Other Attractions Petionville Located in Port-au-Prince, Petionville is one of the major suburbs of Haiti. The nightlife in Petionville is definitely hip and happening because of the affluence that is accorded to the people who live in the district, there are nightclubs, fancy restaurants and bars, beauty salons and fitness gyms that are abound in the hillside. Parties happen all night and they last until the wee hours of the morning. Citadelle Laferrière Citadelle Laferrière is the largest fortress in the Americas and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982. This battleship-like fortress gives commanding views in every direction. The Citadelle contains over 160 cannons, mostly captured in battle from the English, the Spanish and the French. You can possibly spend a couple of hours exploring the site, which constantly reveals hidden passages, halls and new views from its ramparts. Stay From modest small inns, guest houses to palatial-style hotels; Haiti takes care of your glorious stay. Getting there The closest major airport to Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti is Toussaint Louverture International Airport. It is 10 km from the centre of Port-au-Prince. Best time to visit Haiti has seasonal weather and the best time to visit the country is between months of April to November, when the sun shines almost every day. Visa Details Visa Process On Arrival: Haiti tourist visa is not required for citizens of Nepal for a stay up to 90 days. Perfect package Arihant Holidays Haiti Travel Package for seven nights and eight days at Rs 40,000 per person on BB basis excluding airfare. For details contact: 01— 4427030