12 Instagrammable places in Suriname

Anar Mammadov 26 February 2021 2192 views 8 min. read

Returning to our favorite Instagram topic, we will once again make sure that there are many locations in various countries that most users do not know about. Today, useful hashtags will lead us to the Instagrammable places of the country of Suriname. We will find out where is Suriname and what photos will be provided to us by the sights of Suriname. Let's start with the introduction. Suriname on the map is located on the northern coast of South America. It is one of the smallest countries in South America, but its population is one of the most ethnically diverse in the region. The republic is very little revealed by the television pioneers, and even the release of "Heads and Tails Suriname," the popular TV program of the same name, has not yet been made. This means that a lot of interesting things here can surprise you. The country's economy depends on vast reserves of natural resources, primarily bauxite, for which it is one of the world's leading producers. The southern four-fifths of the country is almost entirely covered by pristine rainforest. Previously, the Republic of Suriname was known as "Dutch Guiana," as it was a plantation colony of the Netherlands, which gained independence in 1975. In the Republic of Suriname, the capital of which is the city of Paramaribo, the official Suriname language is Dutch. But the extent to which members of different ethnic groups can use this Suriname language varies. Most of the population learns Dutch as a second language. Additional languages include Sranan and other languages: English, Sarnami, Javanese, and a number of Maroon and Native American languages. And so we met, now it's time for Instagrammable places. Let's go!

1. Independence Square (Onafhankelijkheidsplein)

onafhankelijkheidspleinCopyright: @roseternalmedia

The sights of Suriname are located mainly within the limits of its capital, and most of them are of historical significance. Independence Square is another notable gem in this area. The square, located in the heart of the city and in many ways the center of business activity, attracts visitors who are primarily interested in the history of the Republic of Suriname or those who are looking for a place to sit and admire the majestic colonial buildings. Take a stroll around the square and explore the surrounding Suriname attractions, such as the Presidential Palace. This square, just as often used by locals for events ranging from frisbee to dance, has a dynamic energy that balances its relatively uncomplicated aesthetic. Several restaurants, hotels, and shops are also located near the square. All this creates a great "scenery" for most liked Instagram photos.

2. Fort Zeelandia

fort zeelandia surinameCopyright: @trouvaille_mfva

This fort stands proudly on the banks of the Suriname River in the shade of centuries-old red trees. The capital of Suriname - Paramaribo, was founded here, and the small trading colony founded here turned into a lively area with 290,000 inhabitants. Visiting the fort is not only an opportunity to learn more about the history of Suriname but also to enjoy the views from the terrace of the museum cafe as well, without forgetting to take many unique, most liked Instagram photos. The fort itself is one of the few stone monuments in the historic center of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. And it is these distinctive red bricks among the exotic vegetation and palm trees on the riverbank that give Fort Zeelandia its unique charm. The star fort consists of 3 bastions and various buildings that frame a small courtyard. The exterior walls are surrounded by white wooden houses with large verandas, built in the 19th century to house officers of the Dutch colonial Army.

3. The Commewijne River

commewijne river

While the Heads and Tails of Suriname series have not yet been created, you have a chance to arrange your own cruise. The Commewijne River Cruise is an exciting boat ride on the Commewijne River, the main attraction of which is a visit to the old Frederiksdorp plantation, where you can admire the most Instagrammable restored plantation houses. You will also visit Fort New Amsterdam, the open-air museum, and other plantations strewn with the remains of coffee, cocoa, and sugar cane processing plants. On the way back, there is an opportunity to watch dolphins. This fascinating day trip is an impressive contrast to the urban "chaos" of the country of Suriname, the capital of which lives actively. And it also allows you to capture good views. The canals and Instagrammable castles, the remains of old plantation houses, some of which are still inhabited, are silent witnesses to the once-dynamic Commevaine district. Today, local fishing, animal husbandry, and small-scale farming by the river are the main activities of the Javanese and Hindustani, descendants of the contract workers of those times.

4. Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul made of wood

st peter and paul cathedral suriname

It is the largest wooden structure that the Republic of Suriname can boast of in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Western Hemisphere. The confirmed facts are that the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Paramaribo is 50 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 15 meters high, and is the largest wooden building in the country. After 25 years of closure due to renovations, Paramaribo Cathedral reopened its doors in October 2010. Visitors and worshippers are welcome throughout the day, Mass is held on Sunday, and volunteers are available twice a week for an hour-long guided tour. Since the interior of the cathedral is made entirely of unpainted cedar wood, you can't escape the typical aroma of cigar boxes, which are also commonly made from this wood. This is one of those moments when the sights of Suriname will make you wonder at the painstaking work of the creators who literally carved the attributes of the cathedral out of wood. All this will not leave you indifferent.

5. District Warappa Kreek

suriname wildlife vertrekkersCopyright: @sailingchoctaw

Warappa Creek is located in the Commewijne district of Suriname, overlooking the ocean. Here you will also find various historical Suriname attractions, including a sugar factory with steam engines, a steam car, and old tombs. All this is located in a picturesque location in the middle of a mangrove forest, surrounded by tunnels, trees, and lush vegetation. Almost the same thing looks like the rest of the area where is Suriname located. Warappa Kreek also offers an exciting introduction to North American bird species such as the scarlet ibis. A private museum in Warappa with a magnificent collection of ancient objects will take you back to the time of the colonization of Suriname. All you need to do here is to keep your smartphones ready, as there is a lot to shoot in Warappa.

6. Galibi Nature Reserve

leatherback turtle

Suriname is marked on the world map as a country rich in wildlife, and the Galibi Nature Reserve is a fantastic chance to see this. Located in the northeast of the country at the mouth of the Coppename River, the reserve stretches through dense jungle and rocky beaches and is home to thousands of different species. The most notable of these are the endangered manatee, many different tropical birds, and many turtles. The reserve is home to four main species, including leatherback, green, hawk, and Olive Ridley turtles. During the mating season, these magnificent creatures gather on the golden sands of the island. And during the egg-laying season from April to August, hundreds, if not thousands, of these turtles are reborn on the beaches. The reserve is accessible only by boat and covers an area of about 4,000 hectares. Add the Galibi Nature Reserve to your travel itinerary and add new most liked Instagram photos.

7. Temple Of Arya Dewaker

arya dewaker mandir templeCopyright: @varsha.sital

This Hindu shrine is the largest in Suriname and is also located in the capital of Suriname. It can be considered one of the most important aspects of Hinduism in the country, with over 30,000 Hindus residing here. The building, designed by a Dutch architect, is a two-story octagonal structure with ceremonial rooms, a conference hall, and a library. The temple is designed to reflect the rays of the sun on sunny days, and although there are no images of deities, you will find many symbols in Sanskrit and Hindi. The architect tried to combine the Dutch style with the ancient Indian style of the Mughals, as well as a bit of Moorish design. The result is truly Instagrammable and worth the effort and time spent to visit this attraction.

8. Jewish Savanna "Jodensavanne"

jewish savanna surinameCopyright: @wyattgallery

Another item on our list today belongs to the multinational characteristics of the republic. Regardless of where is Suriname located, there were Jewish communities on it. One of them was located south of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, on the Suriname River and was called "Jodensavanne," or Jewish Savanna. Founded in the 17th century, it was originally an agricultural community created by Spanish Jews fleeing persecution. Sugar cane plantations were the main crop, and for a long time, slaves were used here. From the very beginning, the community faced difficulties due to the nearby sugar beet plantations. They also struggled with the disease, indigenous uprisings, and high taxes. Over time, the community moved to the area a Para. But these days, you can visit the ruins of the Jewish savanna, including the remains of one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, as well as old graves.

9. Brokopondo Reservoir

lake brokopondo

A trip to this country can not do without visiting one of the largest reservoirs in the world, and the following pictures you will bring from the Brokopondo Reservoir. This is the first large reservoir (1560 km2) created in the rainforest. Before the dam was closed in 1964, on the world map, the ichthyofauna of the Suriname River has numbered 172 species and was characterized by high diversity and uniformity. The river fauna was dominated by small species, but the number of individual species did not prevail. Four years after the dam was closed, only 62 fish species were caught in the Brokopondo Reservoir, but the composition of the ichthyofauna was still changing. The fauna of the reservoir in 1978 was very similar to that of the reservoir in 2005, indicating that a stable equilibrium was reached only 14 years after the dam was closed.

10. Garden of Palms (Palmentuin)

palm trees

Another print by the Dutch colonization in the territory where is Suriname a garden and a swimming pool. The word "palmentuin" in Dutch translates as Palmtree Garden. The garden is located just behind the Presidential Palace of Suriname in Paramaribo and offers a relaxing break from the city bustle and excellent views of the palm grove. There are about 1,000 royal palm trees planted in the 1600s by decree of the first Dutch governor of Suriname. There is a children's playground, several statues of great importance to the history of Suriname, and many benches for relaxing. Palmentuin Garden is the Instagrammable place to cool off, especially on hot days, but in the evening for sightseeing, few people come here, as the garden is poorly lit.

11. Tafelberg Mountain

The mountain has a stunning view, both from afar and up close to the mountain itself, thanks to its charming nature. The mountain has distinctive features in shape. If you are an experienced and trained mountaineer, this may be a good place to update your Instagram profile pictures. The mountain is located in the geographical center of Suriname, deep in the jungle. This area is almost uninhabited and is one of the most popular Instagrammable places for expeditions of ecological tourists. You can reach the area via the Saramacca River or by domestic flight. Tafelberg is located at an altitude of 1026 meters above sea level and is one of the highest mountains in the Republic of Suriname on the map.

12. Paramaribo Zoo

red-faced spider monkey

Since this is the only Paramaribo Zoo that the Republic of Suriname has, you can't afford to miss it. The zoo has been in Suriname for over 40 years and is home to most of the animals you can find in the country. In their composition include Surinamese monkeys, caimans, jaguars, boa constrictors, and anacondas. Birds such as the kingfisher and the red ibis are common. There is also a children's playground with swings and slides. I am sure that if they had made an issue of "Heads and Tails Suriname," then this cute zoo would also not have been left without attention. If you need a quiet place to walk, this is still a great choice, as the zoo is quite extensive and not so crowded. So, apply for your Suriname visa today and start to plan your Suriname trip!

Countries
Do you want to get a Suriname visa easily?
Get your visa now
Suriname