Page 23 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

Labasa

Savusavu
YASAWA VANUA Namale
LEVU
GROUP Waiyevo
NORTHERN TAVEUNI
ISLANDS
Rakiraki NORTHERN LAU
MAMANUCA Lautoka Ba NIAGANI GROUP
GROUP OVALAU
Nadi VITI LEVU
Sigatoka Suva
Korolevu Pacific Harbour KORO SEA
Coral Coast BEQA
SOUTHERN LAU
VATULELE GROUP

KADAVU

The Fiji archipelago is comprised of 333 islands, located Nature
at the crossroads of the South Pacific. Fiji’s mainand Fiji’s larger islands are volcanic while smaller islands are coral,
largest island is Viti Levu, the next largest is Vanua Levu, limestone or sand cays. Coral reefs and lagoons abound.
and together they make up 85 percent of the country’s High mountain ridges in the centre of the two main islands
total land area, of which a little over a third of Fiji’s manipulate rainfall leaving regions with marked vegetation. The
islands are inhabited. rain-drenched eastern regions are carpeted in thick, vine-covered
All the islands have picturesque coastlines, tall coconut palms forest while the drier, western regions showcase rolling grasslands
nodding over still waters of brilliant turquoise, lagoons fringed by and pine-covered hinterland. Typical coastal trees like coconuts and
coral reefs and soft white sandy beaches. pandanus hug the coastal regions of every island.
Capital and major centres Fiji’s unique land fauna includes native bats, birds, lizards and frogs
Fiji’s capital city, Suva, is located on the south-east corner of Viti and is free of all serious plant and animal pests and diseases that
Levu, although most visitors have their first taste of Fiji via the plague other countries and endeavours to remain that way.
international airport at Nadi, one of the other major towns on Viti Preserving the beautiful environment is an exercise that the Ministry
Levu. From there it is only a quick hop to one of the offshore island of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests takes very seriously, strictly
resorts, or less than an hour of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, regulating the importation of any matter that may affect the country’s
the second and third largest islands. Nearby are the Mamanuca plant and animal life.
and Yasawa Islands that offer picture-postcard beautiful lagoons
and beaches. The old capital of Levuka on Ovalau Island has been The sights
carefully preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A striking feature in Nadi is the Hindu temple at the southern end of
town. This is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere
The people and the traditional Dravidian architecture is rarely seen outside of
Fiji is the ‘hub’ of the South Pacific, a melting pot of both the India. Natadola Beach is one of the most outstanding beaches in Fiji
Polynesianand Melanesian races. The nation comprises of many and only a half-hour drive south of Nadi. A trip to the Sawa-i-Lau
different races and people. From 1879 to 1916, under British Colonial Caves in the Yasawas is one of the ‘must-do’ activities for travellers.
rule, Indians came as indentured labourers to work on the sugarcane
plantations. After the indentured system was abolished, many Indians A trip to Fiji’s most picturesque village, Navala Village in the Nausori
stayed on as independent farmers and businessmen. The principal Highlands is a trip back in time. On the banks of the Ba River against
language is English, however, Fijian, Hindustani, Chinese and other the stunning backdrop of the Ba Highlands, the villagers of Navala
Pacific island languages are spoken. Most of the population is still live in traditional thatched roof bures.
bilingual. On the road from Nadi to Suva are the Kula Bird Park, rafting Navua

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