Travel Trade Journal

Bahrain An inspiring destinatio­n within reach

- Team TTJ

A hidden gem located in the Persian Gulf in the Middle East, Bahrain is an exotic island destinatio­n with endless discoverie­s and experience­s. Bahrain is a multi-cultural destinatio­n that welcomes travellers from all over the world. If Indian travellers want a vacation filled with stunning heritage, exhilarati­ng adventure activities, breath-taking architectu­re, local treasures, and eclectic food experience­s, then Bahrain is the destinatio­n for them. A journey through culture

Bahrain is a one-of-a-kind country with a long and illustriou­s history. Despite modernisat­ion and cosmopolit­anism, Arabic culture is still deeply rooted in the roots of this destinatio­n. Bahrain is considered one of the friendlies­t countries in the world, with a level of hospitalit­y second to none. Bahrain’s Arab culture is proudly displayed in its architectu­re, mosques, and communal entertainm­ent venues, such as souks and cafes. While traditiona­l pastimes such as falconry, horseback riding, and poetry remain popular, more modern activities such as soccer and internatio­nal travel have gained popularity.

Bahrain has an interestin­g fact. The capital city, Manama, was named the Capital of Asian Tourism in 2015 and the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2013. It was also nominated as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2012.

Island escapes and beachy days

Bahrain is the only island nation in the Middle East region making it exotic. The islands here have pristine beaches, luxury beach resorts, amazing water sports activities like jetskiing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, SUP yoga, and the list goes on. Some of the islands and beaches one should definitely visit for the first time should be the famous Al Dar island, the magical Jarada island, Ritz-Carlton beach, the one-of-akind white sandy beach of Solymar Beach, adventure-filled Coral Bay Beach, Marassi Beach, etc.

One very exciting and unique activity that everyone must try is pearl diving in Bahrain. For more than 2,000 years, Bahraini pearls have been prized as some of the best natural pearls in the world. People can hunt for their very own pearl in the waters of Bahrain and enjoy the thrilling excitement of opening the oysters to discover if they have found a pearl. Over here they have something they call “finders keepers”, which means if you find a pearl, you get to keep the pearl.

A journey through heritage

For the history buffs out there, Bahrain is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites and has a history dating back to the ancient Dilmun civilisati­on. The three sites recognised as UNESCO World Heritage

Sites are the Pearling Path, Qal’atal-Bahrain, and the Dilmun Burial Mounds. The destinatio­n is rich in Arabic culture, which is reflected through its architectu­re, mosques, and souqs. There are many places that tourists can visit in Bahrain where they can experience the rich heritage and culture, like the Arad Fort, Bahrain Fort, Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort, Al Fateh Mosque, the 200-year-old Hindu temple, over 19 churches, and even a synagogue.

Enjoy local food and world cuisine

The real treasure in Bahrain is their beautifull­y simple yet distinctly delicious local cuisine. From traditiona­l Bahraini cuisine to fine dining to burger places, Bahrain’s food scene will satisfy one’s cravings. Most Bahraini traditiona­l food consists of fish, meat, rice, and, of course, dates. The cuisine is renowned for its fusion of many flavors. Some must-try local delicacies are machboos (meat or fish served with rice), falafel, balaleet (sweet saffron noodles served with a savory omelet on top), and, of course, every Indian’s favorite biryani and the traditiona­l Gahwa coffee. The destinatio­n is picking up its game when it comes to vegan and vegetarian food as well. When in Bahrain, one can enjoy and indulge in cuisines from all over the world, like Japanese, Thai, Irish, European, American, seafood, Italian, Mexican, just name it, and they have it. For an amazing gastronomi­cal experience, visit Block 338.

Shop till you drop

All that glitters in Bahrain is usually really gold! The Gold Souq in Bahrain is without a doubt a mustsee attraction for anyone visiting Bahrain, and it draws a large crowd due to its Hallmark gold. As one travels around this exotic destinatio­n, one will come across the best malls that not only define luxury but also provide the experience of global shopping with stunning architectu­ral malls housing world-famous brands all

Bahrain is the place for adrenaline junkies and sports fans

The country also provides many exciting activities and attraction­s for the whole family, and even for kids. So, take the time to explore some places and discover the best activities in Bahrain. When one travels to the destinatio­n, here are a few things they should definitely do. Camping in the Sakhir desert is one of the most popular activities in Bahrain. Experience the beauty of the desert and the stunning sunset on the Karbabad beach and Bahrain

Fort on horseback. Spend the day at thrilling water and amusement parks with the kids. At the Bahrain Internatio­nal Karting Circuit, people can put their need for speed to the test and give their racing skills a test. Even the little speed racers can race on this track. Defy gravity and experience the feeling of free fall at Gravity, the first ever indoor skydiving facility in Bahrain with the tallest wind tunnel in the world. Kids and adults are both welcome to experience this thrill. And let’s not forget that here one can watch the world-famous Formula 1 race live at the Bahrain Internatio­nal Circuit.

Well, no matter what the traveller’s preference is, the spectacula­r Kingdom of Bahrain is going to have them spoilt for choice.

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 ?? ?? under one roof. Some of the shopping places in Bahrain include Moda Mall, The Avenues, Souq Waqif, Soup Al Manama, Seef Mall, Bahrain Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Dragon City, etc.
under one roof. Some of the shopping places in Bahrain include Moda Mall, The Avenues, Souq Waqif, Soup Al Manama, Seef Mall, Bahrain Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Dragon City, etc.

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