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| Purple
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Rain
Forest
Aerial
Tram
Commonwealth
of Dominica
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has been open to the public
from 1st
October
2003
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For
the first
time, visitors to Dominica can enjoy a unique rainforest experience.
Transported
in a hanging gondola, which seats up to 8 people, the journey is
through
approx. 1 mile of protected tropical montane rainforest bordering the
Morne
Trois Pitons National Park. A narrow corridor through the trees allows
close observation of the diverse plant and bird life to be found in
this
enchanting habitat.
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This
facility is just
a 30 minute drive from the capital, Roseau.
The
base station, not
far from Titou Gorge, is at an altitude of approx. 2,000 feet above sea
level. 22 gondolas depart in turn on the upward journey through this
pristine
forest at an intermediate height of around 70 feet. At this level the
trunks
of Gomier and Chataignier trees are host to a miriad of vines, ferns,
anthuriums,
bromeliads and other non-vascular epiphytes. The forest floor below is
decorated with heliconias, sedges, orchids and a wide variety of ferns,
including several species of tree fern.
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The
gondolas ascend
to and over the deep Breakfast River gorge. A pedestrian suspension
bridge
has been erected accross the gorge, adjacent to the aerial tram.
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From the
last station
passengers may, if they wish, disembark and walk the short trail over
this
bridge (not for the feint of heart!) to the next station, where
they may rejoin the ride for the return journey.
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Some
tramway pilons
are 150 feet in height, and much of the return journey is at a higher
level
than the outward ride, where views accross the canopy can be enjoyed -
Morne Micotrin (4,006ft.), Morne Anglais (3,683ft.) and the Caribbean
Sea.
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At this
level, the
canopy itself may be inspected at close range. Many flowering blossoms
and seed pods provide food for colourful butterflies and many of
Dominica's
175 bird species. Commonly seen at close range is the purple throated
hummingbird,
and always heard though seldom seen is that most elusive of Dominican
birds,
the Rufous Throated Solitaire, known locally as the Mountain Whistler.
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The entire
ride lasts
for approx. 70 minutes, during which your guide will describe the
trees,
plants and birds to be observed. After returning, guests may relax and
take refreshments in the coutyard or purchase momentos from the
souvenir
shop.
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This is
only the second
such aerial tramway of it's kind in the Caribbean region. The other,
built
by the same parent company, is in the rainforest of Costa Rica in
Central
America and has been operating safely for several years.
Price: per
person........................ US$55.00
per child
up to age
12 years..... US$30.00
children
under age
2 years.................. Free
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For those
with time
to spare after enjoying the aerial tram ride, the nearby Titou
Gorge is worth a visit. Confident swimmers
may enter the gorge, to reach a small waterfall at the far end. Be
warned
though, the water is deep with sheer wall faces, nowhere to stand, and
few places to grip. Below the gorge is a small river, at the side of
which
is a hot mineral spring in a shallow, sandy pool, where you may enjoy a
good soak.
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This is
also the starting
point for the all day hike to the Boiling
Lake, in the Morne Trois Pitons National
Park.
Follow this 
to find out more about this UNEP World
Heritage
Site. Some other hikes to places of
natural
beauty within the park commence from the nearby village of Laudat.
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Note:- images
displayed on this website are the property of Colin A Lees, Nature
Island
Destinations Ltd., PO Box 1639, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, W.I.
and may not be reproduced without consent.
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