Emiratis lead busy lives and what better way to unwind and rejuvenate the mind than to plan a short staycation from the UAE. With its geographical location, UAE is conveniently located to a host of surreal places that will boggle the mind with their captivating and bewitching beauty. Here are some places worth visiting when you wish to escape the humdrum and monotony of daily life.
Georgia is a quaint yet beautiful country that lies at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Russia and the Middle East. The place is renowned for its mosques, sulphur baths and the glass bridge of peace. While it may look queer and old fashioned, it boasts of a very modern vibe with its food being very affordable on the wallet. Don’t forget to dig into the chicken dumplings with pimento cheese which is a famous staple. The country is anachronistic of another era with its beautiful villages and old stone towers. Make sure to get a jacket along as the 18 degree chill will hit you after the scorching heat of Dubai. Don your favourite hiking boots and savour Georgia's beautiful history on its cobbled pathways. A flight from Sharjah will get you there in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Just an hour by flight and five hours of driving time makes Oman a country worth visiting for its wondrous desert terrain, rocky mountains and wadis. It’s a fabulous escape for Emiratis looking to get away from their sedentary desk jobs and explore the marvellous adventures that Oman has to offer, be it rock climbing, hiking and camping. It is also a perfect spot for sandy beaches, some fine scuba diving and turtle watching.
The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku is a truly spectacular place to explore. The city being called ‘the land of fire’ may sound very deceptive especially for Emiratis who are looking for a getaway to escape the high temperatures of Dubai. But the city boasts of pleasant temperatures ranging in the 20s which makes it very comfortable for tourists and travellers. It gives a breath-taking view of the Caspian Sea and also has the majestic Caucasus Mountains, which make it a trekker’s paradise. Baku also boasts of lush greenery, active volcanoes and rural villages that are teeming with beauty. Plan your visit around traditional festivals because that is the time Baku lives it up with its roast lamb. Explore some of its villages which give you a 360 degree view of the Caucasus. Flight time is just 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Three hours away from Dubai lies the beautiful Jordan. For those who have not explored its magical history, the ancient city of Petra has tonnes to offer with its classical ruins. If you are in Jordan, don’t forget to swim in the Dead Sea, and take a luxurious mud bath. Tuck into its rich Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy the panoramic beauty of this country. Jordan is the perfect place to visit for those who are planning on a weekend getaway.
Who visits Ethiopia when travelling to Africa especially when you have splendid countries like Kenya and South Africa to choose from? The naked beauty of Ethiopia is something few have explored but they must, given a chance. The jaggedly carved Simien Mountains make this country a fascinating place to visit. These mountains have also been bestowed by the UNESCO as one of the most beautiful heritage sites of the World. A must see spectacle is the Danakil Depression with its’ sulphur fumaroles and lunar like depression.
Wildlife enthusiasts can avail of a golden opportunity of hanging out with the majestic elephant once they land at Kandy in Sri Lanka. Head to the Pinnewala elephant orphanage where you get to feast your eyes on large varieties of this lumbering beast. Colombo the capital of Sri Lanka has some beautiful malls with clothes and shoes at a very affordable price. Revel in the traditional dance routine and fire walking by its natives. The spicy cuisine of Sri Lanka will send your taste buds into a tizzy. Stroll around the royal botanical gardens and explore the vast expanse of clean and pristine beaches with azure blue waters.
For those wanting to escape the concrete jungle of Dubai, Bali is a beautiful island brimming with nature’s bounty of lush green vegetation and beaches. The scrumptious sea food is palate teasing but that is not all. Head to the posher areas of Bali and you will find yourself surrounded by high end resorts and spas that are guaranteed to help you unwind. Head to the Bali zoo which is home to more than 350 different species of wildlife and birds. The Ubud monkey forest perched atop the cliff is an adventurer’s delight though a tad more expensive. Flight time to Bali is approximately 9 hours from Dubai.
Cyprus is another spectacular island destination just three hours from Dubai. It is also renowned for its rich historical culture. A fabulous place where east meets west, you can spend an idyllic weekend soaking up the sun on their sunny beaches, savour the delicious cuisine or just loll around amid ancient monuments.
For picturesque views that heighten the senses, Zanzibar is a photographer’s delight. Holiday goers should book themselves at the Sea Cliff Resort and Spa, which is cosily nestled at the northern west coast of Zanzibar. It lies amid luscious green palms and offers a breath taking view of the Indian Ocean. Golfers can chip a few balls as the resort has a magnificent golf course. Others can saunter across to the villages located along the coastline. Biking and horse riding are also offered by the resort. Try the local food bazaar at the Darajani market which is gargantuan and will take you days to explore. The prison island and giant tortoises are testimony to its chilling history.
Want to do some soul searching? Then Nepal is the right choice for you. Tucked away in the Himalayas, Nepal is home to the majestic Mount Everest as well as scores of Buddhist monasteries that will leave you spell bound. Avid mountaineers could try scaling the Everest up till the first base camp with help of the local Sherpas. Spiritual enlightenment can be sought by mingling with the monks and donating generously to their orphanages. It is also super close to the UAE with the flight time being just 3 hours and 35 minutes.
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