“WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DID SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME?” ~ ANONYMOUS
I'm so excited about my visit to Konoko Falls in the Parish of St Ann. I was so eager to visit this destination. You will be astonished when traveling to St Ann because of how lush and unspoilt, with cows scattered on the green hills. I definitely see why it is the garden parish of Jamaica
Konoko Falls, located at the Shaw Park Estate five minutes up the hill from the Ocho Rios town centre. Located the mountains of the former Coyaba Gardens, its greenness, soothing waters, and abundance of native blossoming plants make you never want to return home once you experience its enchantments. The new name - Konoko - is the Arawak word for rainforest or wooded area. The Guardsman Group own and operated this 10-acre attraction.
On April 21, 2018, I decided to venture to Ocho Rios in St Ann to relax and admire nature. Rosheena and I took a bus from Kingston to St Ann. The final stop was in the Ocho Rios bus park. We ask the conductor of the bus we were on where the Konoko Falls taxis were parked. On our way, we go to visit another beautiful waterfall in the garden parish. Our final stop was at the back of the property. He told us I was much more comfortable and he was right because we were extremely close to the ticket office. We then to change into our swimwear and I realise I had lost mines.
I realise It might have dropped out on the bus when I was searching for my bus fare. I instantly when back to the bus park and told the conductor I lost my swimwear on his bus. I told him where I was sitting, and he found it. I return to put my swimsuit on. We rented a locker of our belongings then went exploring.
Our first stop was at the gift shop, but we didn't purchase anything. We had everything we needed.
Then we went to the small museum. It displayed Taino artefacts that have been found on the property. Konoko is an earlier settlement location for the Tainos, who first occupied Jamaica.
The garden was our next stop. We uncovered that the richness of Jamaica's abundant plant life. Most of these plants are native to Jamaica and also other Caribbean islands. The garden was filled with different types of plant life. It was incredibly beautiful. There were turtles, American crocodile, Iguana, various kinds of Parrots, Peacocks and other birds of different species.
We found a beautiful spot to take a few photos but was attacked by ants. We saw a filled with fishes of different colours. We were surrounded by greenery, the air was clean, and there was only the sound of the animals in the mini zoo that gave the property a boost.
Then we head to the falls. We took a few pictures. Our exploring took us to natural pool. It was relaxing and beautiful. I would say we spent most of our time there. Instantly, the song by One Republic came to mind, Good Life.
It was pure joy. We then headed to Yasi lookout point for a scenic and all-embracing view of the town of Ocho Rios. Don Cristobal Arnoldo de Yasi, he was the last Spanish Governor of Jamaica who fought the British in the seventeenth century.
Konoko Falls was called Mahoe Falls then Coyaba Falls before rebranding.
We tried taking a few photos, but the weather got the best of us. I would recommend Konoko Falls for weddings, church and community groups, photoshoots, company fun days, family reunions, anniversaries, parties and school trips
Ensure you bring a camera. You don't want to miss the beautiful moments you will be creating. Water shoe and swimwear is a must. Columbus Café offers delicious Jamaican popular dishes such as jerked pork and chicken.
The property is opened daily, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Entry fee for Jamaicans is $1,500 for adults and $1,000 for children.
Have you been to Konoko Fall. How was your experience? Who you return? Do Tell
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About the author
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.