Fiji Museum is in the city of Suva within the Thurston Gardens. Each of its galleries is dedicated to a different aspect of Fijian society, ranging from the early history of the island's inhabitants to the art of the Fijian people. The museum displays artifacts that span 3,700 years of Fijian history, and individual exhibits showcase traditional weapons used by ancient Fijian warriors and a narrative detailing the mutiny that took place on the HMS Bounty.
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant was formerly television star Raymond Burr's private tropical orchid garden. The park spans nearly 50 acres and hosts over 2,000 orchid varieties. Admission includes the services of a guide, who provides information on the park's diverse orchid species, and a fruit beverage. A house furnished with Raymond Burr memorabilia is also on the grounds, but there is an additional admission fee for entry.
Kula Eco-Park is dedicated to the preservation of Fijian plants and wildlife. You'll see a variety of endangered bird and reptile species throughout the park, as well as approximately 140 plant species. You can view displays of the park's insects at the reception building and have your picture taken with one of the park's resident parrots or iguanas. Kula Eco-Park provides a network of walking trails connected by suspension bridges, allowing you to stroll through the entire preserve.
The Sri Raj Maha Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Fiji and the site of a major firewalking festival held every summer. During the first nine days of the 10-day celebration, firewalkers undergo ritual preparations for the rite, which include prayers and fasting; the 10th day is devoted to the firewalk itself. Once the last firewalker has traversed the pit of red hot coals, the festival concludes with prayers and a feast.
Thurston Gardens stands upon the original site of the town of Suva, which the Rewa tribe burned to ashes after besieging it in 1843. Staff from the Fiji Museum maintain the garden's trails and plant life, and many of the plants are labelled with placards that provide information on each species. Thurston Gardens has an extensive path network to stroll and you're permitted to picnic within the park.
