In the midst of Delhi’s winter, I was recently extended an invitation to explore the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of an Indian media familiarization tour.
My journey commenced with a comfortable 4-hour and 45-minute flight aboard Gulf Air. Arriving at the swanky Bahrain International Airport late in the evening, I swiftly cleared immigration and made my way to the serene Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa. After a drive of about one hour, we reached the property which is little far from the capital Manama but perfect if you want to stay at a quiet place. The tranquil retreat on the south-west coast of Bahrain offers a number of recreational facilities like Infinity Pool, Squash & Tennis Courts, Kids Club and Spa. My room, adorned with an open balcony overlooking the vast Arabian Gulf, provided a picturesque start to my stay.
The following day kicked off with a brief visit to the Delmon Pottery factory in A’ali village, where skilled artisans crafted pottery using a mixture of mud and water on a spinning wheel. After immersing ourselves in the ancient art of pottery, our next stop was the Bahrain Fort, also referred to as Qal’at al Bahrain. Situated just a 10-minute drive west of Manama, atop an ancient ‘tell’ formed by centuries of urban construction, this majestic fort overlooks the Gulf. Constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it holds significance as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, believed to have once served as the capital of the ancient Dilmun Empire.
Stepping into this historical site, visitors are welcomed by excavations revealing a rich tapestry of residential, commercial, public, military, and religious buildings. What’s remarkable is the continuous habitation of humans in this area dating back to 2300 BC. As we wandered among the ruins, we were afforded glimpses into the lives of the ancient inhabitants through the remnants of residential, public, commercial, and military structures that have endured over millennia.
Our appetite whetted by exploration, we had lunch at Raazji House of Coffee in Muharraq, known for its vegan-friendly options. The delightful and wholesome meal refreshed us for our next adventure along ‘The Pearling Path,’ yet another UNESCO-designated site. Nestled on Muharraq Island, this path is a serial cultural heritage site acknowledged on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Traversing this historical route involves following a 3.5-kilometer pathway from the Bu Mahir seashore to the Siyadi complex at the heart of Muharraq. Along this captivating trail are various buildings deeply interwoven with the pearling economy, notably thriving in the 19th century. Notably, the path features a modern-built visitor center, 16 public squares, several cultural edifices, and four car parking structures. The UNESCO-recognized structures encompass residences and majlises of pearl merchants, traders, divers, trade establishments, storage houses, and the esteemed Siyadi family mosque.
Given the demanding nature of the journey along The Pearling Path, it is recommended to wear comfortable footwear and bring along a water bottle to fully appreciate this historical trek.
As dusk settled, we made our way to Block 338, often referred to as Adliya – Bahrain’s vibrant restaurant district. This area boasts a plethora of bars and restaurants, offering a charming blend of pedestrian-friendly streets, inviting open-air dining areas, and a lively ambiance—a stark contrast to the towering hotels prevalent in other parts of the country. As evening descends, Block 338 transforms into a hub of nocturnal activity, featuring rooftop bars, local venues hosting DJ events, and a bustling nightlife. Renowned as a paradise for food enthusiasts, the district showcases an array of restaurants presenting diverse cuisines from around the globe. After a delightful exploration of Block 338 and relishing a delectable dinner, it was time to retreat to the serene Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa for a restful night’s sleep.
The following day dawned with a visit to the grand Al-Fateh Grand Mosque. The grandeur of Al-Fateh Grand Mosque unfolds beside the Al Fateh Highway in Juffair, a suburban enclave of Manama. It stands as one of the largest mosques globally, encompassing a sprawling area of 6,500 square meters and capable of accommodating more than 7,000 worshippers concurrently. As part of an Islamic center, it houses a department dedicated to Quranic studies and an extensive Islamic library.
Constructed in 1987 by the late Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, this mosque pays homage to Ahmed Al Fateh, the esteemed founder of Bahrain. The awe-inspiring dome crowning Al-Fateh Mosque is a remarkable feat, entirely fashioned from fiberglass and weighing over 60 tons, currently holding the title of the world’s largest fiberglass dome. Italian marble adorns the floors, an Austrian chandelier illuminates the space, and the doors stand testament to Indian craftsmanship, crafted from teak wood. The mosque’s interior boasts Kufic calligraphy, adding to its splendour and spiritual ambiance.
Guided tours of the mosque are offered throughout the day, without charge and on a first-come, first-served basis. Knowledgeable guides fluent in both English and Arabic lead these tours. Visitors are required to dress modestly, with shorts being prohibited. Women are given headscarves and black cloaks to wear.
In close proximity to the Al-Fateh Mosque lies the Bahrain National Museum, a pinnacle of cultural significance on the island today. Designed by Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, this remarkable edifice is distinguished by its white travertine marble facade and sits prominently on an artificial peninsula overlooking Muharraq Island. Comprising two interconnected buildings spanning roughly 20,000 square meters, the museum complex caters to various facets of cultural preservation.
The primary building hosts a permanent exhibition area, temporary exhibition halls, an art gallery, a lecture hall, a gift shop, and a café. Administrative offices, curatorial research sections, conservation labs, exhibition construction spaces, and collection storage are centralized within the administrative building.
The Bahrain National Museum stands as a repository chronicling 6000 years of Bahrain’s rich history. It weaves the tale of Bahrain’s heritage through diverse exhibitions, such as the Halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts. Accessible via the grand foyer, the exhibition halls on the ground and first floors are illuminated by captivating natural light shafts, hosting the enlightening showcase, “Investing in Culture.”
Personally, the most captivating segment of the museum was the Hall of Dilmun Graves, a space meticulously preserving the original essence of the Dilmun Burial Mounds. It intricately elucidates the burial customs dating back to the Dilmun era, offering visitors a profound insight into the historical significance and distinctive essence of Bahrain’s iconic Burial Mounds.
After immersing ourselves in Bahrain’s rich traditions and history, the most thrilling segment of our journey awaited – a visit to Jarada Island. This enchanting island lies approximately 40 minutes away from Bahrain’s mainland by boat, nestled midway between Bahrain and Qatar. What makes Jarada Island fascinating is its unique quality: it emerges during low tide and vanishes with the high tide, earning it the moniker of the “disappearing” or “hidden” island. Timing your visit to Jarada Island is crucial, ensuring an unforgettable experience on this mystical land with its array of captivating activities.
As the speedboat departed from the jetty, the Gulf’s waves offered an exhilarating and bumpy ride. Amidst our journey, the boat paused, allowing a few of us in the group to relish snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. With the ebbing high tide, the land gradually unveiled itself, revealing a breathtaking spectacle. Anchoring near the shore, we disembarked into knee-level water, stepping onto this seemingly magical mini-island that had emerged from nowhere. After exploring the expanse of this petite land, I settled into a beach chair, enchanted by the surroundings.
After a brief moment, our guide presented us with a bucket filled with shells and demonstrated how to open them in search of pearls. He cheerfully informed us that any found pearls were ours to keep. Though eager, my search for a pearl in the shells was unfortunately unsuccessful. Nevertheless, we savoured a delightful barbecue and relaxed, knowing that our time on the island was fleeting. As the high tides reclaimed the island, it vanished into the sea’s embrace, leaving me awestruck by the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of Mother Nature.
The next morning marked the last day of our captivating journey in Bahrain. At the top of my agenda was a visit to Gravity, an indoor skydiving venue offering a remarkable flying experience in a secure environment, eliminating the need to leap out of an airplane! Upon our arrival at Gravity, we were warmly welcomed at reception and guided through the registration procedure, which involved filling out a waiver form with our personal details. Once this was completed, we were introduced to our youthful instructor.
In the equipment area, the instructor provided us with all the necessary gear, including flying suits, shoes, helmets, safety goggles, and earplugs. We were then ushered into a briefing room, where the instructor informed us about the hand signals used for communication in the tunnel and demonstrated various body flying positions. Post the briefing, our group was led into the flight chamber.
Each of us took our turn to enter the tunnel separately. As the first one in my group to take the plunge, my nervousness knew no bounds. However, the instructor’s reassuring presence in the chamber had a calming effect, and as I propelled myself downwards, I found myself soaring against the pull of gravity. The sessions were divided into two parts – the first involved low flying, while the second session provided an exhilarating rush as the instructor flew me to the pinnacle of the tunnel and back down.
To top off our flying escapades, our seasoned instructor astounded us with a breathtaking display of flying skills at the conclusion of our sessions. His acrobatics were nothing short of mesmerizing – swiftly gliding out of the tunnel, leaving us spellbound by his mastery of aerial maneuvers.
After the captivating Gravity experience, we drove towards another must visit attraction – the famed Bahrain International Circuit. In the past, I’ve tried Go-Karting on smaller tracks, but the prospect of Karting at Bahrain Karting Circuit was undeniably thrilling. After a session of capturing photos, it was finally time to hit the track! The Bahrain International Circuit houses a remarkable karting facility that adds an exciting dimension to the overall experience.
Renowned as a premier karting destination, it holds the distinction of being the world’s first track to host a world championship-level race at night. However, this venue isn’t just for avid racers; it caters to beginners looking to kick-start their racing journeys or anyone seeking their initial taste of the high-speed world of motorsport. While zipping around the Circuit, I couldn’t help but feel like a Formula 1 racer!
The sun had set and we embarked on a walking tour at Manama Souq. This labyrinthine place unfolds through narrow streets and alleyways branching south from Bab Al Bahrain – its primary entrance. Here, one can find an array of items, from electronic goods and discounted t-shirts to spices and shisha pipes. Yet, the true allure lies in traversing the vibrant streets of a market that still resonates with the essence of an ancient souq.
What made my visit particularly delightful was the stop at The Shri Krishna Temple also known as Shrinathji Temple, nestled close to the souq. This temple, believed to be over two centuries old, stands as a testament to Bahrain’s ancient Indian community. Tucked away in a narrow alley within Little India, a gateway leads to a courtyard adorned by a painted two-story building, embellished with vivid images of Indian elephants parading alongside vibrant red, yellow, and pink floral patterns. Inside the courtyard, unassuming shrines house monumental depictions of Hindu deities, open for worshippers to offer their reverence.
Fortunately, we arrived during prayer time, enriching our spiritual encounter. After paying our respects, we strolled through the souq, indulging in some souvenir shopping. Eventually, we made our way to Bahrain International Airport, boarding our late evening flights back to various destinations in India. While homeward bound, I reflected on the diverse and enriching experiences in Bahrain, eagerly anticipating the chance to visit this destination once again.