Grenada – A Nation of Music and Sea Lovers

Grenada, or the Isle of Spice, an island nation comprising of six islands located in south-western Caribbean Sea, is a well-known tourist destination for its spices, stunning beaches and picturesque towns.

History
The history of Grenada goes back to 1498 when the Carib Indians replaced the Arawaks from here. It was conquered by the French in 1650 and named it as La Grenade. It was ceded to United Kingdom in 1763 following the treaties of Paris and Versailles in 1762 and 1783. Sugar estates were established all through the islands using slave labour. After the abolition of slavery in 1834, Grenada became a member of the British Windward Islands. It was a part of West-Indies Federation between 1958 and 1962. It finally gained independence in 1974. Since then, it has faced many civil conflicts and natural disasters.

Popular Places and Attractions
Grenada is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One can find white as well as black sand beaches in Grenada. The Grand Anse beach stretches for more than two miles around the Gentle Bay and features in the list of world’s top 10 beaches. This beach along the south coast is beautified by turquoise blue waters and white sand along with the hills in the backdrop. Coral reefs can also be explored along the coast of Grenada as well as Carriacou, Grenada’s sister island.

Some other popular attractions are the underwater sculptures, seafaris and forts of St. George’s, beaches and water sports facilities of Carriacou and some beautiful national parks. The Levera and the Grand Etang are the two major national parks on the island. The Levera is popular for its coral sands whereas the rain-forest surrounded Grand Etang Lake sets apart the Grand Etang national park. The Grenada Chocolate Company is another unique place to explore. It is one of the world’s leader as well as pioneer in organic cocoa cultivation techniques.

Getting Around
The Mini bus is the cheapest and most convenient option for transport in Grenada. Taxi, Water Taxi and Ferry are some other options for moving around, which ever you choose a good guide is to keep some small notes handy to pay for your journey.

Places for Entertainment
Grenada is home to reggae music and calypso. It has a number of local as well as international bars and restaurants. The night-time cabarets and discos make Grenada’s nightlife even more colourful. Carnivals, jazz concerts and cinemas are few other entertainment options that tourists can look forward to. Beachside markets of spices and crafts are also quite popular. Some other popular events that draw visitors to Grenada are the Spice Island Billfish Tournament and the Grenada Sailing Festival.

Accommodation
Luxurious beach resorts, cottage resorts, bed & breakfast, youth hostels, budget hotels and guesthouses are the available options to stay while in Grenada.

Currency
The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, for the latest exchange rates check the news and internet. The U.S Dollar is also accepted at certain places and local currency change will be given in exchange of it. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are also accepted widely.

Group accommodation in Grenada | Cheap hostels & budget hotels