Island of Bermuda – More Mesmerizing than Heaven

The islands of Bermuda together offer a gratifying vacation experience such that if given the options of going to heaven or being on the islands, the people who visited have chosen to hang on the islands. Well, even I planned a trip to check out whether this choice is really worth and that whether it is seriously an earthly paradise to be. And guess what? I also felt that these people are absolutely right from their point of view. Located along the coast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, the islands are interlinked via bridges.

Guarantee of sun, surf, and sand for relaxation and recreation, peaceful resorts beachside, a windy road drive, calm trekking trails, excellent golf courses, and crooked strolling streets are enough in pulling visitors from all around the globe. To augment your excitement, now a days you can even find big celebrities such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Enclosed by an extraordinary coral reef, gaudy fishes, absorbing shipwrecks, and translucent waters; the island is perfect for many water sports such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and yachting.

Bermuda Tourist Attractions

• Fort Hamilton:
  This is the Victorian fort that offers a panoramic scene of the Hamilton Harbor without any entrance fee between 8 am and sunset. The fortifications consist of 18-ton of unused arms that can emit 400-pound (181 kg) balls through the iron vessels. Close to this citadel, the Clarence Cove is famous for its Admiralty House Park.
• Botanical Gardens:
  Located in the Hamilton city, the Paget Park is a perfect place to examine the flora of Bermuda including subtropical plants, flowers, and trees. Herein, you can also visit the palm garden with native palmetto trees, subtropical fruit garden, and a green land for the visually impaired where scented plants, a ficus collection, and a hibiscus garden stand. Further, the greenhouses with orchids, bromeliads, a small forest, an aviary, and blossoming houseplants make it truly a paradise. In April, an agricultural exhibition is held here that requires a fee.
• Harrington Sound:
  Situated at 8 km northeast of Hamilton, this is a big inland sea famous for calm surf and sailing. The slim Flatts Inlet connects this inland sea with the ocean where the overblown tides lead the waters to run below a bridge. On the inlet’s north, visit the Bermuda Aquarium offering you more than 100 species of native Bermuda fish in ocean and reefs including seahorses and sharks. Open from 9 am to 5 pm where the entry is only until 4, the aquarium charges are $10 for adults and $5 for children between 5-12 years. Do not forget to have a look at the Natural History Museum and zoo in the same area full of the Caribbean, Australian, Asian, Madagascar, and the Galapagos animals.
• Crystal Caves:
  This is along the expanse between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbor. Ad deep as 24 m under the ground, these caverns are full of stunning stalactites and stalagmites. You can experience the pleasure of walking above the pontoon bridge until the Cahow Lake whose depth is 55 feet and also through the Palm Garden. If you go ahead, explore the Leamington Caves offering amazing sparkling creations and underground pools accessible through marked trails. The mystery is not over here, but further carries its story in form of other caves near the 300-year-old Walsingham House, a restaurant currently.
• King’s Square:
  Located at St. George’s Town, this is full of attractions. There is a wonderful Town Hall built in the 18th century with no current use, but a great backdrop for photo session. Next, in close proximity, is the ducking stool followed by the Old State House at a few minutes stroll. The House is the first complete stone mansion and an ancient one (1620 A.D.) in Bermuda.
• Somers Garden:
  Situated north of the King’s Square, this is a nice place that has its name from the colony’s initiator whose ship, Sea Venture, was broken in 1609.
• St Peter’s Church:
  Located in St. George’s Town, this is among the most respected attractions on the island. Considered as the most ancient Anglican Church out of Britain, this was originally a wooden edifice constructed in 1612 A.D. along with the thatched roof in palmetto. Watch out for the mahogany altar, the most ancient furniture of Bermuda, the St George’s trophy given in 1625, a Bible since 1594, Charles I silver, cedar timber beams, attractive chandeliers, and marble cenotaphs dedicated to some of the former governors. This church was the only public meeting place before the State House. Timings are daily from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm; while on Sunday, it starts at 11 am.
• Fort St Catherine:
  Located on the northern tip of St George’s, this fort dominates the beach. It is a wooden structure built by Bermuda’s first governor Richard Moore. What you see today is the restored one with a moat, drawbridge, ramparts, and tunnels. It is now a museum exhibiting weapons, dioramas, a wax form of Queen Elizabeth II, and copies of Britain’s crown jewels along with an audiovisual program on many other forts around Bermuda.

• Somers’ Wharf:
  This is a remade region on the shore hosting many colorful shops and restaurants. The Carriage Museum here exhibits well-preserved carts such as a dog cart and a four-horse brake until 1946. For a good adventure of swimming and snorkeling, explore the close by Tobacco Bay.
• Tucker House Museum:
  This is an 18th century edifice that was once the residence of Henry Tucker belonging to the family of Bermuda’s second governor, Daniel Tucker. Now, it exhibits the furniture and silver items of to the Tucker family. Bus numbers 1, 3, 10, or 11 can take you here. Its timings are Monday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm (April to October) and Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm (November to March). Admission fees are BD$5 for adults and BD$2 for children of 6-18 years.
• Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse:
  Located in the West region on the southern point, this tower is worth climbing of 185 steps until the top to enjoy a panoramic view. This cast-iron building cautions ships for the risky coast off the island. Reach here by catching a Bus 7 or 8 from the Hamilton Bus Terminal. Please note that this tower remains closed in February and its timings are from morning 9 to evening 5. Do also visit Gibb’s Hill Signal Station to have tea and nice packing of souvenirs.
• South Shore Park:
  Situated in the West region, this is a 1.5-mile coastal reserve that holds some 12 beaches including small inlets and large half-moon bays. Famous ones are Peel Rock Cove, Horseshoe Bay (the superb one), and the Warwick Long Bay on the eastern edge full of pink and white coral sands. Here, try scuba diving and snorkeling to explore a variety of the marine lives. A coastal track connects the coves and bays split by rugged projection.

• Spittal Pond Nature Reserve:
  This is the largest and most easily reachable reserve with best trails and bird watching. It is worth checking out for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, the Lesser Yellowlegs, Egrets, and Herons.

Best Time to Visit Bermuda

April through October

Accommodations Bermuda

• Coco Reef Resort Bermuda – 4 star in Hamilton

• Fairmont Hamilton Princess – 4 star in Hamilton
• Royal Palms Hotel – 3 star