Kingston, Jamaica: Rastafise your holiday

Heard that song about Jamaica by Damien Marley? Political connotations aside, he must have been referring to Kingston, the venue for the 5th ODI between West Indies and India.

The capital of Jamaica, Kingston was founded in 1692 mainly as a refugee place. Time has changed this place by leaps and bounds since and the predominant population of African descent enjoy a tropical climate that soars spirits here, all year round.

Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, Red Hills and Long mountain apart from the harbour itself, the city has developed both socially as well as economically since the 1960's.

Kingston, one of the largest English speaking cities south of the United States has numerous places of interests apart from the Sabina Park, the 15,000-seater cricket stadium that is believed to have one of the hardest and fastest pitches in the world. Calypso and beer, needless to say, is part of its fame as well.

What cricketers may do and you must too:

Enjoy the numerous spa's and message parlors here for a full-body relaxation. Some centers by the beaches add to the Caribbean charm of letting go of worldly hassles.

Take a trip to the Bob Marley Museum. Recommended even for those who may never have heard of the Rastafari movement.

Visit the Blue Mountains for an exhilarating scenic view that will leave the senses refreshed.

Check out the James Bond beach.

Stroll down to the National Gallery to learn of Jamaican art from the 1920's till the present times.

Get as close to the Pirates of the Caribbeans experience as possible at the Port Royal.

Spend a calm evening at the numerous parks here including the National Heroes Park, Nelson Mandela Park and the Sir William Grant Park.

Drive 20 miles out of Kingston to visit the Hollywell National Park.