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Facts About Hamilton |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Bermuda (British Overseas Territory of Bermuda) |
| State | Hamilton |
| Founded | 1790 |
| Area | 6.0 km² |
| Population | 3500 |
| Lat Long Coordinates | 32.293°N 64.782°W |
| Time Zone | GMT/UTC – 03:30 |
| Area Code | 2469 |
| Language | English |
| Major Religion | Christians ( Protestant) |
| Point of interest | Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo, Harrington Sound – large inlet surrounded for all but a small distance by the Bermudian mainland, Crystal Cave – natural limestone caves open to the public, Leamington Cave – natural limestone caves open to the public, Mangrove Lake, Trott’s Pond, Flatt’s Village – one of Bermuda’s five main settlements, Fantasy Cave |
About city :
The British overseas territory of Bermuda is a beautiful land of sunny beaches and colorful local culture. Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda. It is a bustling hub, a commercial center as well as a popular tourist destination. The town was founded in 1788 and was named after Sir Henry Hamilton, who was the governor of Bermuda till 1794. At that time, St. George’s was the capital of Bermuda but Hamilton grew rapidly and soon far outstripped it. Its central location helped bring together the scattered areas and in 1815, Hamilton became the capital of Bermuda.
Today, Hamilton is a bustling port and a popular tourist spot. It is located in the parish of Pembroke and has an approximate population of around 3,500. However, many more people commute to the city and it has a bustling life.
Geography :
Hamilton is located in the central part of the territory and is the leading port of the country. Surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic, Hamilton has much-diversified geography ranging from the low-lying areas around the port rising to the forts. There are no rivers but marshes and lenses (freshwater bodies) are scattered around Hamilton.
Hamilton has a humid subtropical climate. The warm Gulf Stream washes the nearby shore. Because of the influence of this current, the city has very mild winters and hot summers. Moderate rainfall is recorded throughout the year.
How to reach (transport) :
The Bermuda International Airport is located nearer to the older town of St. George’s than Hamilton. From here you can travel by road to the capital.
Local buses are available to travel within the city but they do not carry luggage. You will have to travel by taxi in that case. Another popular way to travel to Hamilton is by cruise ships. Many such ships berth along Front Street, adding to the local color of the city.
When to visit :
The best time to visit is from January to April and from October to December. During these months, the tourist destination enjoys a warm and temperate climate. The remaining months are too wet for comfort.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions :
The culture of Hamilton is colorful and vibrant. On one hand, it is an international business hub. On the other, the local color, friendliness of the people, and the beauty of the city ingrain a unique culture that welcomes the tourists.
Several festivals are celebrated in the city. Some are annual affairs while others are organized especially.
- A Summer Festival is celebrated in the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel. Musical shows are arranged for the entertainment of the guests. Besides, they can also please their taste buds with mouthwatering local cuisine. The festival is celebrated throughout the second half of August.
- Bermuda Nights are celebrated with lots of fanfare in Hamilton. This is an outdoor music festival where you can enjoy musical performances by top entertainers of Bermuda along with the local cuisine as you bask in the beautiful view of the harbor. The year 2013 has some of the best local talents scheduled for June 8, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26, and November 23 too.
- Yacht match racing or the Argo Group Gold Cup took place from October 7-13 in 2013. The show could be viewed from Hamilton harbor and guests could partake of the excellent food and drinks of the Royal Bermuda Yacht club, which is opened to the public on the occasion of this regatta.
In addition, several events are organized from time to time like the sand sculpture competition, annual swimathon, etc.
Points of interest (places to visit) :
In addition to walking around the city of Hamilton and enjoying its rustic charm, there are quite a few places to see in Hamilton. These are:
- Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, where you can enjoy the colorful marine life and dive in virtual submarines.
- The Botanical Gardens, spread over 36 acres, is an absolutely stunning exhibition of local flora.
- The Parliament House where you can even attend one of the live sessions.
- The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo are other must-see spots where you can enjoy a vast variety of animals, reptiles, and birds.
- The Cathedral of Most Holy Trinity for a splendid bird’s eye view of the city.
- Victoria Park is a beautiful example of a typical English garden with a historic bandstand, sunken gardens, and flowerbeds.
- The City Hall in Bermuda is home to two renowned art galleries, namely, the Bermuda National Gallery and the Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery.
Above all, you should stroll and explore Front Street to get an authentic feel of the city.
Accommodation :
A comfortable place to stay is indispensable for a successful holiday and Hamilton does not disappoint in this regard also. The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is one of the leading hotels in Hamilton. It has been operating since 1885 and is the center of business and cultural activities. The Hamilton Hotel and Island club is another luxury hotel, which offers suites set amidst tropical gardens overlooking the northern shores. Royal Palms, Rosedon, etc. are other hotels. If you are visiting by cruise ship, you can also live on the ship while exploring Hamilton.