11 Biggest and Best Trinidad & Tobago Attractions not found in the Caribbean

This is one of many serene destinations in the tropical paradise that is Tobago. Located just south of Buccoo Reef, you can relax in the soft white sand bordering the thigh-high turquoise waters. If you can't resist the urge to go in, you can float in the still lagoon, with the deep blue ocean on one side and a palm-fringed beach on the other. Locals claim the water here has the ability to rejuvenate anyone lucky enough to swim in it. Accessible by glass-bottomed boat from Store Bay and Pigeon Point, the area was named by Britain’s Princess Margaret in 1962, who likened it to the transparency of nylon, when she spent her honeymoon there. And it remains today a popular idyllic destination for couples and families alike.

At 175 feet (54 metres), Argyle, Tobago’s highest waterfall attracts locals and foreigners to its cascade of cool, crisp water that flows down from three dramatic levels. Located on the northeast side of Tobago, the falls are just outside Roxborough, on the Scarborough road (only a few hundred metres from the road to Bloody Bay along the Caribbean coast). The Roxborough Visitor Service Co-op office serves as the entrance. Encircled by lush green foliage, the waterfall is accessed after a 15-20 minute trek along a clearly marked trail. Along the way you are greeted by butterflies and a variety of birds. But before heading off you must pay an entrance fee of TT$60 at the office. If you wish you can hire a guide for an additional fee. With 3 levels, the thunderous sound of the waterfall is heard long before you see it. The height of the first cascade hides the real splendor of Argyle’s upper levels. If you are adventurous you can hike up a bushy path on the right hand side to the second level, where you are greeted by a thick mist. At this level, you can lie in several natural rock tubs and let the water rush over your body. Finally, going further the third pool, though the smallest is the deepest and the best for swimming, inviting you to dive, jump or swing into the water from available vines.

Hanuman is known as the best warrior among the Hindu gods since he protected the others from evil. He is considered the most revered disciple of Lord Rama for his efforts and bravery in defeating Ravan and assisting Lord Ram, Seeta and Ram's brother Lakshman. Devotees pray to him for strength, courage and protection. No wonder he stands tall at 85 feet on the grounds of the Dattatreya Yoga Center and Mandir in Carapachaima. His magnificence is a reminder to all devotees that they should grow in height spiritually. The statue, consecrated in 2003, is the tallest in the Western hemisphere and second tallest in the world. To get to the temple from Port of Spain:Proceed south on the highway. Continue in a southerly direction passing the Chaguanas Flyover then past the Chase Village Flyover until you're at the Freeport flyover. (Note a 'flyover', is Trini for overpass)Turn off the highway on the left and take a right turn which will take you below the highway. Continue driving until you reach an intersection with traffic lights. You proceed straight across the intersection. Drive for about 5 minutes until you reach a field on the left after a school. From here you can make a right to see the Yoga Center/Hanuman Murti or turn left and drive until the road ends at the Temple in the Sea.

This spectacular Hindu festival during which clay oil lamps are lit to symbolize the lifting of spiritual darkness and is a celebration of good over evil and light over darkness, is a favourite among all locals that transcends religion, heritage and ethnicity. The celebration of Divali in Trinidad is one of the largest in the English speaking Caribbean. Celebrations are not only held at temples and by religious groups, it has been extended to homes and communities but now organizations have also embraced this festival with special events held to commemorate this occasion.

This single colony, though very large is very fragile, it is about 10ft high and 16ft wide comprising of millions of individual coral animals. The adjacent reef is full of colourful sponges, branching corals, sea rods, sea whips and sea fans and is occupied by many large barracuda and large green morays. This is also where Tobago's famous Manta Rays show up in season and you can even find nurse shark on this dive. The dive ends after reaching the giant brain coral, found in the Coral Gardens dive site.

On the south-western end of the island of Chacachacare lies a magnificent triangular salt pond that is approximately 13,578 square meters (145,152 sq ft) in area. Created by a sand and shingle bar that trapped sea water from a bay, the salt pond is one of the best attractions of the island. Due to the high salinity levels (three to four times the salinity of the sea), the salt pond is warm, relaxing and one can float easily float without fear of sinking. Some claim that the hyper-salinity, much like the Dead Sea near Jordan has therapeutic properties.  It is said that the pond was a source of salt for Amerindians, the islands’ first inhabitants, who travel to Chacachacare to collect blocks of salt formed from the evaporation of the salt water. The pond is bordered by vegetation such as mangrove, manchineel and sea-island cotton, and is best accessed from its eastern side, where the shingle bank of about 30 ft wide separates the pond from the Gulf of Paria.

During the last week in July through to August 1st, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, led by the Emancipation Support Committee, pay homage to ancestors who struggled for our freedom, and to the African builders of civilization on whose backs they stood, in a manner befitting the level of sacrifice and achievement. Sounds of traditional drums, steel pan and calypso, echo through the land at various celebratory functions. Artistes from other parts of the African diaspora, including Africa itself, add to the enthralling mix as we celebrate the Pan African Festival. The festival is held at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, Queens Park Savannah, which is the main centre of activities for the emancipation period. In song, dance, visual images and speech, Africa is always present in this multi-dimensional festival. The wisdom of words and the rhythms of art blend to create a festival that is educational, entertaining, exciting and inspirational.

A guided tour by only certified guides is a must to go into this breath-taking rain forest. Most of the forest remains totally natural, in spite of major hurricanes over the years. It is the oldest forest reserve in the western hemisphere and was proclaimed a Forest Reserve in perpetuity by an Act of Parliament in 1776, shortly after the island fell under British rule.

The Queen's Park Savannah is Port of Spain's largest open recreational space. Covered with low grass, the 3. 5 km (2 miles) perimeter of the Savannah, as it is called by locals, is lined with large beautiful samaan and poui trees. Originally part of the St. Ann's Sugar Estate, the Savannah, now owned by the state, is Port of Spain's main outdoor recreational park. On weekends and week day afternoons, the Savannah comes to life and is the destination for sports enthusiasts, health fanatics, joggers, family picnics, strolling couples and persons seeking to indulge in the sumptuous local street food served by vendors. The Savannah is surrounded by many interesting attractions. If you are interested in nature, the Savannah's north side features the Hollows, the Botanic Gardens and the Emperor Valley Zoo. Looking for a cultural experience? Then head to the Southern side to visit the National Museum, the National Academy for Performing Arts (NAPA), and the Grand Stand which is used to host various concerts and cultural events, including our world renowned Carnival. Much of Port of Spain's architectural heritage is preserved along the western edge of the Savannah, where the Magnificent Seven, a group of early 20th century buildings are located. These include the Queen's Royal College; the residences of the Anglican bishop (Hayes Court) and the Roman Catholic archbishop, Mille Fleurs, Roomor Whitehall (once the office of the prime minister) and the majestic Stollmeyer's Castle ostensibly modelled on the Scottish Balmoral Castle.