Tales from Beautiful Bahrain
India Outbound
March-April 2018
Whether it is historical ruins, speeding cars, scintillating souks or extravagant shopping sprees, the ‘spicy’ nation does not disappoint. From being the centre of trade routes to a destination for adventure, Bahrain takes tourists on an unforgettable ride.
1. Gravity Indoor Skydiving
The modern capital of Bahrain, Manama is known for the Bahrain National Museum and Bab el-Bahrain Souk, among other things. A recent addition to its crown is the Gravity Indoor Skydiving. Considered to be one of the world’s tallest indoor skydiving experiences, it is suitable for beginners as well as skydiving pros. Discover the incredible feeling of freefall in a wind tunnel with a height of 12m and constructed with tempered glass. If you are thinking that you have to leave your kids behind, worry not as Bahrain’s first indoor skydiving also has tailor-made packages for kids. Sapna Jain, a tourist from Mumbai, who recently visited Bahrain and experienced the Gravity says, “The experience in Gravity Indoor Skydiving is ideal for those who have dreamt of flying (literally) which was made easy by friendly and experienced instructors. Even my 10-year old daughter could share the experience with us.”
2. Pearl Diving
Imagine the joy of diving within the illumination of bright pearls from Bahrain! The underwater treasure hunt just got better with Bahrain’s Pearl Diving activity. Now, tourists in Bahrain can dive for their own pearls with the help of underwater adventure agencies like Into The Blue Dive Centre or Scuba Master, where you will be guided by professional and trained divers. To indulge in pearl diving, one needs to purchase a ticket online or from the selling point at Ras Rayyah. Next, the tourists are asked to attend a briefing workshop that will explain the dos and don’ts. The diving expedition departs from Ras Rayyah and divers can collect upto 60 oysters. At the end, visitors are encouraged to open the oysters and have the pearls appraised for value and quality.
Quick tip: Tourists need to carry their passports!
3. Dolphin Watching
Marvel at the sight of Bahrain’s enigmatic dolphins as they frolic in their scenic natural habitat in the waters of Sitra. This fun activity is the perfect way to unwind with your family, onboard a cozy boat. The boats take you through the playground of dolphins which are accustomed to the people visiting their territory. Keep in mind, the dolphin watching in the temperate waters of the Persian Gulf is different from the dolphin parks that have captive dolphins performing tricks. If you are a lover of admiring the wild in its wilderness, these dolphins playing and jumping at the site of the boats, splashing water, is a sight to behold.
4. Bahrain International Circuit Tour
The click-happy motorsport venue is famous across the globe for drag racing, GP2 Series, and the annual Bahrain Grand Prix. A plethora of choices await the visitors who can do anything between opting for exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Bahrain International Circuit, to taking a lap around Bahrain’s world-famous Formula One circuit. Travellers visiting during the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are in for a ride of top-class racing action to get the adrenaline pumping. When the Bahrain Grand Prix is not taking center stage, visitors can take the wheels themselves on its state-of-the-art karting track, or enjoy a thrilling ride in the passenger seat of a Hummer on its Extreme 4×4 course. Alternatively, one can indulge in a luxurious golfing spree at the 1-8 hole Colin Montgomery-designed Royal Golf Course, where you can play golf even at night on the floodlit greens. In addition, one can swing by the BIC Pit Shop to grab souvenirs for family and friends.
5. Test the Waters of Bahrain
When we ask you to test the waters of Bahrain, we mean it literally. A haven for water babies, Bahrain offers visitors numerous options for adventure in the water. So enjoy your day to swim about the Bahrain Lagoon or snorkel at the artificial reef. But, that is not all. Tourists can also undertake other popular water activities like jet skiing, kayaking, kite surfing and the banana boat ride. Honeymooning couples can try their hands at Bahrain’s special Double Kayak rides, to enjoy the thrills together.
