Joanna James
The charming nation of Fiji is always a rewarding place to visit. In these entrancing islands, you will find many interesting things to do that will capture the imagination of the discerning visitor.
Visitors should make it a point to visit the appealing al fresco souvenir marketplace in Nadi where they will have the opportunity to obtain traditional local craftwork such as handcrafted saris, wooden bowls and interesting forks which the islands are renowned for. You will also be able to experience at first hand the Indian heritage of the islands – a sizable proportion of the population of Fiji is of Indian descent – at the captivating Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple which boasts elaborate paintings. Complete your local experience by savouring the distinctive cuisine of the islands; the fish curry with roti will appeal to the food lover.
Visitors can take the opportunity to obtain a unique bird's eye view of the islands of Fiji by undertaking a helicopter excursion from the Nadi International Airport which will take you to the Mamanuca Islands, a group of islets which extend over a considerable distance to the north-west of the large island of Viti Levu. A highlight of this tour will be the chance to observe at first hand the island known as Monuriki, which is the island featured in the movie 'Castaway' starring Tom Hanks. Another interesting option would be taking a day's trip to these islands or perhaps joining a cruise extending a number of days.
The attractive Viti Levu is the largest island in Fiji, and contains the capital of the islands, Suva in addition to the tourism hub Nadi. On Viti Levu you will have the opportunity to make an excursion into the foothills of the picturesque Sabeto mountain range which is always a pleasing locality in which to spend leisure time. Visitors will be able to explore the splendid botanical sanctuary known as the Garden of the Sleeping Giant; this agreeable garden was created by Raymond Burr, the late actor, and features a fine selection of fragrant orchids and attractive ponds containing lilies. A choice of accommodation that you could consider from which you can plan an excursion to these attractions would be the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa which can be regarded as one of the attractively located Fiji luxury resorts.
The appealing Beqa Island is an engrossing part of Fiji which offers a number of attractions for the visitor. This island offers an array of outstanding dive sites in the environs of the Beqa Lagoon which will enthral the diving enthusiast. In these diving locations, you will encounter a host of interesting sea creatures such as soft corals, ghost pipefish, blue ribbon eels, pelagic fish and other ocean denizens. Another fascinating feature of this island is the fire-walking displays which are part of the traditions of the tribe known as the Sawau.
Vanua Levu is the second biggest island in Fiji and can be conveniently reached by a brief flight from the town of Nadi. In this part of Fiji, you will encounter a more rural laidback ambience that will appeal to the discerning leisure seeker. Visitors may take the opportunity to experience the authentic village lifestyle in Fiji by visiting some of the hamlets to be found here. At the village known as Nukubaluvu visitors will be able to involve themselves in the traditional 'sevusevu' ceremony after which they can try out the local drink known as kava.
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