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Turks & Caicos Islands are an archipelago of eight
major islands and numerous uninhabited Cays. The origin
of its name is rather interesting; Turks derived
from the Turks Head Cactus and Caicos
is a Lucayan term 'caya hico' which means string
of islands. This British |
dependency within the West Indies is located 39 miles southeast of the
Bahamas and 575 miles south of Miami Florida and has an area of
193 square miles.
Blessed with miles of quiet sugary beaches and close to several uninhabited
cays,
Grand Turk is the administrative and political capital
of the Turks & Caicos Islands, founded by Bermudan Salt Rakers some
three centuries ago. Its Bermudan British Colonial architecture amidst
the colourful, Carribean-style local dwellings made Grand Turk worth
the visit. Donkeys, horses and cattle which were the means of transportation
during the salt industry are still seen wondering the streets. Grand
Turk excels in providing spectacular diving, snorkeling, fishing and
sailing.
The largest in the chain,
Middle Caicos is also the least populated.
This luch island is suitable for agriculture, grows almost anything
from medicinal herbs to majestic fruit trees. This island houses the
largest above ground caves in all of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos.
North Caicos, known in the past as the
"Garden Island'
has been the bread basket of the islands. This island is composed of
swamp and lush tidal flats which are the homes of the largest sanctuary
of West Indian flamingos within the country. Also found in Whitby, North
Caicos is the rare Whistling duck.
With luxurious exclusive facilities,
Parrot Cay is a private
island where a resort was recently built. It is believed that Pirate
Cay was the original name of this island.
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