Chaguanas Things to Do

The National Council for Indian Culture NCIC first launched its Divali Nagar-village of lites- celebration in 1986. Its permanent home in the North Chaguanas hosts various events from weddings to conferences ; religious festivals ;Indian expositions and national events. The site is partially constructed and when complete would house the largest dome on the island.
The main event is the annual Divali nagar which is a grand ethnic event with enterprise, food, fun intermingled in religion- trini-style. If you are around during the week before Divali this is the place to head...

Previously a predominantly agricultural town, the market remains at the centre of commerce. Market days are daily with larger ones on Tuesdays and the busiest on Saturdays. Fresh fruits nad vegetables and culinary delights await the visitor. Local Indian Cuisine a must 'doubles' 'roti- fajita like roll filled with your choice of meat or potatoes' and a host of other fare..just stop and investigate. Just strolling through the entire market exudes the eastern bazaars in a modern setting...must see

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The Dattatreya Temple presided by Sri Swamiji is the site of an ornate 'Indian' motif detailed shrine produced by artisans from India and financed by local Trinidadians
The highly decorated 'Hanuman' Temple located near Carapichaima is south of Chaguanas on the way to the humble 'temple in the sea' @ Waterloo.

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Bargain galore with everything from flea market madness to mall chic the Chaguans Main Street and environs provide it all. Centre City, Mid Center, Price Plaza and Centre Point are the four malls. The best retail is found along the Main Street, just walking along the shoppers on this main arcade is a mind boggling frenzy. Fridays and Saturdays a must.

Originally the setting for nobel literature laureate VS Naipaul's 'A house for Mr Biswas' the north indian motifs of this haveli style mansion can be found a short walk from the cantre of town. Refurbished and reproduced mirror and palster work- the two lions on the upper balcony (re:name of house)- here was the ancestral home of the Capildeo family in 1920's central Trinidad.
Grand views from the top tiers. Free admission.

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The wetland home of trinidad's national bird-the exquisite scarlet ibis and 200 other avian species. this protected park formerly known as the Caroni Bird Sanctuary-to most locals- is a 20square mile national treasure protected by the Ramsar declaration.
The Scarlet Ibis feeds in Venezuela, 11 miles away during the daytime and return to Caroni at dusk providing a red hue across the green mangrove horizons. Their numbers are highest during the nesting season from September to february...but you wont be dissapointed at other times of year.They live p to 15years and attain their red hue at 2 years from snacking on crustaceans.
Reptiles and foilage complement the wetland experience.
A 50seat info-auditorium and 100ft tower are located at the parks entrance.