Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2016 — 25th Anniversary Edition

The Hanuman Murti &
Dattatreya Yoga Centre
Churches, temples, kingdom halls, mandirs,
faith centres and mosques stand side
by side in the Trinidad landscape. One
of the most impressive structures is the
26m/85ft statue of the Hindu god Hanuman,
the Hindu monkey god of strength,
donated by an Indian swami, and the tallest
of its kind outside India. Consecrated
in 2003, it towers over the adjoining Dattatreya
Yoga Centre mandir and ashram at
Orange Field Road.
The Tamana Bat Caves
A series of lengthy limestone cave
systems in Mount Tamana (the highest
of the Montserrat Hills) is home
to huge colonies of bats (12 different
species), thousands strong, which
leave the caverns en masse to feed
before dusk. Some claim there can be
over a million. Go with a reputable, experienced
guide who can ensure both
your safety and minimal impact on the
natural environment.
Did you know?
Trinidadian Dr
Joseph Lennox
Pawan discovered
the transmission of
rabies by vampire
bats to humans in
1933, leading to the
development of a
vaccine for the virus.
Other Trinis have
made significant
contributions to
modern science, including
Dr Bertrand
Achong, co-discoverer
of the Epstein-
Barr Virus.
The Nariva Swamp & Bush-Bush Sanctuary
One of Trinidad’s most significant wildlife areas
and (like the Caroni Swamp) a Ramsar Site, Nariva is the
only place in Trinidad to see the endangered manatee or
sea cow, which can grow up to 3m/10ft in length, weighing
about 900kg/1,985lbs. There are also resident red howler
monkeys, anteaters, porcupines, capuchin monkeys, caiman
and birds like the orange-winged parrot, yellow-capped
Amazon parrot, savannah hawk, agoutis, tegus, cascadura
(armoured catfish), anacondas (the heaviest reptile in the
world, and the longest in the Americas, which can grow up
to 9m/30ft long), and other endangered species like redbellied
macaws and owls. At the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary
you will find channel-billed toucans and tree-climbing
porcupine. Scarlet ibis also roost here. You will need a tour
guide and permit to explore the swamp, by kayak, boat or (in
the dry months) on foot.
The Waterloo Temple in the Sea
Off the Southern Main Road — 150m/500ft out into the Gulf of Paria at the end of
a causeway — lies the “floating mandir”. It’s the reconstruction of a Hindu temple built
single-handedly over 25 post-war years by Siewdass Sadhu, a sugar labourer (whose statue
is in the temple’s parking lot). Forbidden to build a temple on land, he built it in the sea
instead, beyond the control of colonial officials and land owners. The effect of sea erosion
prevented Sadhu from completing it, but in 1994, the government finished it in time to commemorate
the 150th anniversary of the first arrival of Indian indentured workers. At low tide,
the mudflats around the temple are excellent for bird-watching. The causeway is generally
open 6am–6pm: the temple itself is open at the caretaker’s discretion.
68 discovertnt.com