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Bahrain |
Capital: Manama
Official Language: English
Currency: Bahraini Dinar
Bahrain an archipelago of thirty-three islands is a country in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi Arabia. The state takes its name from two Arabic words "Thnain Bahr" meaning "two seas". The beautiful country of Bahrain was blessed with a number of sweet water springs under the sea that was responsible for the world famous glittering pearls of Bahrain. Numerous tiny islands dotting Bahrain are unique with their diverse flora and fauna and variety of migrating birds, which pass through in spring and autumn. Modern skyscrapers also share the natural landscape along with majestic mosques and monuments bringing out the Islamic art, culture and architecture. The country offers a fascinating blend of eastern and western culture as traditional dwellings and historical sites mix with modern developments and urban living. The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. The highest point of Bahrain is the Jabel Dukhan possessing the country's majority oil wells. Bahrain is rich in history. According to the historical records Bahrain is said to be the site of the lost civilization of Dilmun dating from the third millennium BC. It is often referred to as the fabled Garden of Eden and described as "paradise" in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The land is repeatedly mentioned in Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian inscriptions as an important seaport between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
Major Cities
Manama Tis the capital city of Bahrain. Other major cities and towns of Bahrain are Rifaa, Muharraq, Isa, Citrah and Jidd Hafs. Manama, Bahrain's capital offers a complete urban milieu with sky scarpers and shopping malls. The Souk lies in the center of the old town, near the archway of Bab al-Bahrain. The ancient city capital of Bilad al-Qadim, which dates from AD 900, is just outside the new city.
Tourist Attractions
Arad Fort near the airport is one of the first landmarks that can be viewed after landing to Baharain. The Market in the Soukh is a great tourist attraction with its colors, sounds and fragrance. Traditional Arabian cloth, gold and jewelry with the primitive Bartering system are a grand experience. Siyadi House built by the pearl-merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi is a marvelous architecture including ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, carved screens and a decorated reception room. Al-Khamis Mosque with its twin minarets on the Sh. Salman Road is one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region. Bahrain Fort locally known as the Portuguese Fort is great sight seeing with numerous fortified settlements and ancient relics. Barbar Temple overwhelms the tourists with its awestricken beauty and reminds of the bygone era when God of Spring Waters, Enki was worshipped in this temple. The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. It was the first official center for the Bahrain Courts. Previously the building held four Supreme Courts along with three directorates. Presently, the building has been transformed into a Traditional Heritage Center under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage. Its departments and rooms are dedicated to the display of various traditional aspects of Bahrain's heritage. Shaikh Isa's House, in the old town of Muharraq, said to be the home of Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al khalifa is a worth seeing palce with glorious architecture and beautiful wall carvings representing the traditional 19th century life. The mystic Tree of Life in the desert about two kilometers from the Jebel Dukhan cannot be missed with its cool shade and magical water flow. Situated below Jebel Dukhan, in the Mountain of Smoke, is the Oil Well No.1. It is popular tourist destination for being the first oil well in the gulf. The wonderful bridge of King Fahad Causeway and Umm Nasan Island with unique species of wild animals are great oalces to see in Bahrain. A historical tour to Salman bin Ahmed Al fateh Fort is breathtaking with illuminated Quran exhibits and other traditional craft items. Few stables in the alleys of Bahrain remind if the Arabians passion for horse riding and horse races in the past.
Accommodation
European countries are said to have the best air connections with Bahrain mainly from London, Italy or Greece. Generally the fairs are moderate but they are comparatively cheap during the off seasons of early January to mid-June and mid-October to mid-December. Flights are also operated between Bahrain and other Arab countries in the Gulf. Flights from India and South-East Asia tend to be inexpensive, with especially good deals from Bangkok or Delhi. Bahrain has a decent bus service linking most of the major towns with Manama and Muharraq. There are cheap car renting facilities to the distant sites. There are a fair number of great hotels in Bahrain that provides comfortable accommodation. Bahraini Dollar is the county's currency. Traveler's cheques and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and malls. Though Bahrain has a very low crime rate, it is advisable to take adequate precaution while handling cheques and credit cards.
For further details and information on Bahrain and its tourist destinations browse more pages of Allwonderscountries
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