A Colourful Journey through BAHRAIN’S Culture and Charm
Bahrain's twinkling lights lay out a warm welcome as I landed on my first foray into the Middle East. Deeply interested in experiencing authentic Arabic culture, I hoped to discover its native charm beyond its gleaming exterior. As I ventured into the his
Asmall Arab state on the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. Its name comes from the Arabic term ‘al-baḥrayn,’ meaning ‘two seas’. The former capital, Muharraq, was renowned as a hub for the pearl diving trade. The discovery of oil and the subsequent economic boom propelled the city of Manama into prominence as the capital and chief port of Bahrain. The multicultural fabric of Bahrain is a harmonious blend of diverse Middle Eastern nationalities thriving within its borders. Engaging with locals from Yemen, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and even India, it is evident that they find contentment in Bahrain's simple, seamless, and well-organised lifestyle.
An Ode To The Past
Bahrain's charm originates from its deep commitment to honouring its historical legacy. While it shares the contemporary steel and concrete elements common to its Middle Eastern counterparts, Bahrain distinguishes itself by maintaining and showcasing its heritage. It seamlessly blends the towering skyscrapers of the business district with the ancient burial mounds of the Dilmun civilisation dotted along the city streets. It evokes the excitement of an ongoing excavation, not knowing which century-old masterpiece is waiting to be discovered.
The largest and oldest public museum in the Gulf region, The National Museum of Bahrain, showcases the island nation's era of The Dilmun Dynasty. Unfolding a mesmerising narrative from over 4000 years ago, the museum chronicles history through ancient grave mounds, rituals, and urn burials, preserving the tales of a bygone era. Intriguing mythological stories are brought to life via sculptures and lifesize installations, vividly recreating age-old Bahraini traditions of daily life. narrating lyrical tales of the past.
Qal’at Al Bahrain, or Bahrain Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the remnants of a fortress that dates back to 2,300 BC. The excavated site reveals the fort’s importance in defence, residential, religious, and military purposes. Remains of the stable walls, reservoir for storing water, watchtower, and an ingenious system of extracting date syrup, tell the story of a clever and thriving civilisation.
The Al Fateh Mosque is a serene oasis that stands as a testament to the Bahraini faith. Dressed in our Abayas, as we wander its haloed walls, the magnanimity, sacrifice, discipline, and power of Islam can be felt. It is indeed a learning experience to be walking in the shoes of a community so easily judged by the rest of the world.
The Colourful, Historical Souks
Standing the test of time, the 43-year-old Bab el Bahrain is the gateway to Manama Souk. This spot is the perfect place to admire the past and the present, with the ultra-modern financial district on one side and historic Manama on the other. Once upon a time, the sea stopped just outside this gateway, through which traders entered Bahrain to conduct business and today, the financial district stands on this reclaimed land.
The aromatic Arabian scents wafting from the Souk entice visitors into a realm of rich perfume oils, bakhoor incense, fragrant spices, exquisite gold jewellery, colourful Bahraini souvenirs, textiles, and delightful local delicacies. Shopkeepers exuding enthusiasm, kindness, and a unique sense of humour create a comforting and enjoyable ambience. Tucked into a tiny lane lies the resplendent Shrinivas Temple, meticulously maintained by its devoted followers. A stroll down another quaint lane reveals the Haji Cafe and the Arabic café, both popular hotspots, seemingly frozen in time, filled with historical photographs and vintage artefacts.
Centre of High Octane Sporting Activity
For thrill-seekers, Bahrain offers an exhilarating array of activities. These include the exciting, simulated indoor skydiving at Gravity, the absolute thrill of go-karting on a world-class track at the Bahrain International Go Karting Circuit, and the high-speed
excitement of Formula 1 racing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The acclaimed International racetrack features a highly acclaimed hairpin bend, personally designed by the racing legend Michael Schumacher, revered for its difficulty level in the racing world.
With exclusive permission, I was fortunate enough to visit the control centre, a hub pulsating with a subdued thrill, where multiple TV screens capture every angle and moment of the thrilling races.
Kayaking in the crystal blue waters of the ‘Disappearing Island’, also called Jarada Island, was an unforgettable experience. Reachable only by a 40-minute private boat ride, with a restricted number of people allowed per day, it was indeed a once-in-alifetime experience. The island is a magical little strip of sand, playing hide and seek, appearing only in low tide and disappearing in high tide. The day tour includes a freshly cooked barbeque organised by the boat crew, looking for pearls in fresh oysters, kayaking, or just walking around the sand strip marvelling at the vagaries of nature.
The Food of Bahrain Mashallah!
The culinary experience in Bahrain is simply exquisite; it captivates taste buds and nourishes the soul. Visitors are treated to a splendid array of delicacies such as Machboos, Falafel, Shishtouk, Biryani, Kebabs, and Balaleet, amongst others. The warm hospitality, generous service, and the hosts' graciousness add to the whole experience.
For foodies, the variety of options presented is like entering Alibaba’s cave of riches, with Naseef at the Marina, Wahed Falafel at Manama, and the Attic at Block 388, just to name a few. Experiencing the traditional style of relishing meals while seated on the floor at a tiny local Muharraq eatery offered a dreamily flavourful experience. Not to be missed is the Karak, an aromatic rendition of Indian masala chai, capable of rejuvenating the weariest soul. Meandering through narrow lanes of souks, visitors can purchase local food souvenirs, including Halwa, Samboosa, Baklava, Spices, and various versions of Arabic coffee.
The Bahraini Charm
The tale of Bahrain remains incomplete without honouring its remarkable people— kind, polite, helpful, and filled with humour. Their warm greetings and quick wit, always aimed at ensuring comfort, made our visit immensely enjoyable and unforgettable. The enchanting Bahraini charm indeed worked its magic, embedding the melodious poetry of this small kingdom in our hearts.
Our exceptional tour guide, Eman Hasan Ali, guided us through a captivating journey, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the ancient world through experiences and flavours. Her profound knowledge and affection for her city were evident as she joyfully engaged with the locals and introduced us to the traditional treasures of her country.
Unquestionably one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth, Alaska offers unparalleled experiences for nature enthusiasts. From majestic glaciers and towering mountains to countless lakes, breathtaking fjords, the mystical northern lights, and hot springs amidst icy landscapes – Alaska embeds itself deeply in the tapestry of travel memories.
For those seeking to explore Alaska, there are two predominant avenues: cruising or land travel. Opting for the latter, I embarked on a journey that promised a more intimate connection with the heart of Alaska, a choice I recommend for those wishing to be travellers rather than mere tourists.
Anchorage
My expedition began with a flight from Mumbai to Anchorage, a southern gateway to this vast state. Despite the 30-hour journey with two stops, Alaska welcomed me with a refreshing embrace. The natural breeze, unspoiled and unsullied beauty, and the warm hospitality of the region set the tone for a remarkable adventure. Over the ensuing 10 days, we traversed the diverse landscapes, uncovering some of the most awe-inspiring sights.
Anchorage itself unfolded a treasure trove of attractions, from museums detailing Alaskan history to wildlife conservatories and scenic trails. Walking through its streets offered an unforgettable experience, revealing surprising facts such as Alaska having the highest density of people with flying licenses, a necessity in navigating its extreme terrains.
Seward
Venturing from Anchorage to Seward, a town in the southern reaches of Alaska and once a vital port, we encountered the mesmerising Kenai Fjord. The cruise through this fjord exposed me to sea otters, seals, whales, and rare marine life, providing an up-close view of glaciers and icebergs. A visit to Exit Glacier underscored the impact of global warming on Alaskan glaciers, serving as a poignant reminder of environmental changes.
Talkeetna
Continuing our journey to Talkeetna, nestled near the Denali National Park, we explored the spectacular Knik Glacier. A helicopter ride landed us in the heart of the glacier, an awe-inspiring experience that emphasised the isolation of certain corners of the world.
Denali National Park
Moving north towards the Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, Mount Denali, the landscape transformed from vibrant fall foliage to snow-covered trees and frozen lakes. The journey unveiled the harsh beauty of the region, with sparser human settlements and moments of solitude, a stark contrast to the crowded urban world.
Cantwell, Healy, and North Denali
Cantwell, a town with just two hotels and one grocery store, offered a glimpse into the remote Alaskan lifestyle, with encounters with brown bears, moose, and even polar bears in the backyard. The proximity to the Arctic Circle heightened the anticipation of witnessing the aurora borealis, a phenomenon that graced us with its ethereal display on our first night at Denali National Park. Seeing the dancing northern lights in the night sky was on my bucket list, and the display not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them.
Fairbanks
A trek to a frozen lake in the park revealed a picture-perfect landscape, followed by a drive to Fairbanks, the commercial hub of Northern Alaska. Here, we soaked in the Chena Hot Springs, bathing in the warm water while snow fell over our heads amid negative temperatures, a surreal experience that epitomised the harmonious coexistence of extremes.
Train journey on the Alaska railroad
The final leg of our journey involved a train ride by Alaska railroad through the untamed beauty of Alaska, traversing towering mountains and snow-covered valleys, ultimately leading back to the relatively warmer Anchorage.
Having explored destinations ranging from the Everest Base Camp to New Zealand, the Bornean rainforest to the Swiss Alps, Alaska indisputably claims the top spot on my list of admired places. For a nature lover, it transcends being a mustvisit; it becomes a destination beckoning you back time and again.
If you are a travel enthusiast, do yourself a favour. Take a trip to the Rann Utsav, from November 20, 2023, to February 25, 2024, at the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, because this is a destination that should be on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. A unique desert festival, held every year from November to February, qualifies in every way as a top travel destination to a completely different winter wonderland - a white desert born of the salt given up by the sea as its backwaters evaporate through the summer months. Spread over a vast 7,505 sq km, the Great Rann of Kutch is part of the Thar Desert, touching Pakistan's Sind province on one side, making it the largest salt marsh in the world. To facilitate an intrepid traveller’s quest for a taste of this unusual, Rann Utsav The Tent City provides the perfect platform.
Rann Utsav The Tent City is an endeavour by Evoke Experiences to support the Rann Utsav Festival organised by the Gujarat government. The state tourism department takes the lead in coordinating and managing the festival, ensuring its successful execution and promotion. Evoke Experiences is the hospitality brand of the parent company Lallooji and Sons, and Evoke Experiences owns and manages Tent City, which is a core component of the Rann Utsav. The Tent City has over 400 luxurious tents, and Evoke’s involvement includes managing the entire experience, from accommodations to experiences like getting local artists, activities like camel safaris, and showcasing local crafts. The government has been organising the festival since 2009. Since 2013, Lallooji and Sons have been operating the tent city for the festival.
Besides the region’s natural beauty, the luxury tents are a unique experience in themselves. These ultra-comfortable and beautiful tents are made of exquisite material, and local craftsmen and artisans from Kutch, as well as Bengal, have contributed to the setting up and beautification of the Tent City. The erection of the Tent City begins in September, and it takes six to eight weeks. The tents are fully equipped with all the modern amenities that are available in five-star hotels, and the charming ambience of the tent city is sure to fascinate any guest who opts to stay here.
Bhavik Sheth, COO, Evoke Experiences, explains the enterprising endeavour. “Our tent city is a one-of-akind idea that combines an emerging new concept of glamping with curated unique experiences in a unique natural habitat. It is a totally different type of tourist experience, where anyone visiting us becomes our brand ambassador, and word-of-mouth publicity is our best marketing tool. The Rann Utsav is something that can't be replicated elsewhere. The tented accommodation is a temporary four-month set with all hospitality essentials, experiential tours, and the involvement of the local people to give an authentic flavour of Kutch. It is a 360-degree view of what Kutch is, with all cultural and local aspects merging
to create the experience. Ever since we began operation of the Tent City at Dhordo, the migratory families in the village are now staying back because they can earn a good living and also stay close to their roots.”
The tent city takes 45 days to set up and dismantle leaving no scar on the fragile environment of Kutch. 350 artisans work at the venue during this period to set up the city and then again to take it down. The tents house approximately 1100 people a day; for weddings, when occupancy of three beds in a tent is allowed, it can go up to 1200. The entire operation is handled environmentally friendly, considering the sustainability aspect. The parent company, Lallooji and Sons, has been the largest provider of tents at the Kumbh Mela, says Bhavik, and they have immense experience in setting up a tent city. Not surprisingly, therefore, Evoke is well versed in the technical requirements to create hospitality facilities as well as holistic experiences at temporary venues. The Rann Utsav Tent City, he informs, has been a success from the very first year. In the ten years that they have been in operation, over two and a half lakh guests have enjoyed the facilities. The beauty of the Rann is the biggest USP here. The white desert lasts only for the 4 winter months, and so the excitement about this wonderful natural phenomenon is infectious. This ensures that the Tent City runs at full occupancy, making it a viable venture for the company.
Bhavik says, “We are looking at exciting natural sites like Kuno for future expansion. We would like to show that remote sites can be commercially viable for tourism by creating, curating, and operating such facilities in a short time. When choosing a site, we look at its connectivity, its special natural features, and what experiences can be created. We are mainly looking at sites in MP, UP, and Gujarat. My personal, as well as my company's, belief is to invest in guest experiences, and our main task is to create a complete combined itinerary involving the local population as closely as possible.”
In promoting the cultural and crafts experience, local artists and performers of Kutchi art, music, and dance are carefully selected by the Evoke team; this in itself is an added attraction of the tent city, where guests are enthralled in a complete Kutchi experience. Special attractions of the region include the unique White Desert or salt marsh, wildlife like the flamingos, migratory birds, and the wild ass. The ruins at Dholavira, Harappan site, the Road to Heaven en route to Dholavira, camel safaris, and sampling the Kutchi cuisine, as well as stargazing in the desert are also special activities you can indulge in.
Rann Utsav The Tent City, presents you with an exquisite opportunity to combine the thrill of camping coupled with celebrating and enjoying a local culture in a sustainable and luxurious manner. The tented accommodation is at par with the best hotel rooms without the need for extensive civil construction. It strongly adheres to the core principles of minimising environmental impact, preserving resources, and fostering economic and social sustainability, reflecting a holistic approach to tourism.
Rarely is there a destination that has so much to offer whilst catering to visitors of all ages and tastes. The enjoyable glamping combined with natural wonders that cannot be found elsewhere ensures that a visit to the Rann Utsav Tent City remains etched in memory. Not for nothing do the locals boast “Kutch nahi dekha to kuch nahi dekha!”