Racing to Explore the Mysteries of Bahrain

One of the newest events on the Formula One Circuit, the Bahrain Grand Prix highlights this gorgeous city in the Middle East. To be held from 19^th to 21^st April, the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix transforms this otherwise laid back city into a truly happening one! While the race is all about the need for speed, why not look past the track and get out and explore Bahrain, a beautiful blend of history and modernity.

Steeped in History

The first stop for most tourists in Bahrain is the magnificent Bahrain Fort. Whilst generally believed to be built by the Portuguese, this region is actually believed to have been occupied for over 5,000 years, with the original Fort structure over 3,000 years old. The present day Fort was built in the 1500s and sits grandly overlooking the Arabian Sea. While you can wander through the sandy walls and marvel at its mystery, excavations continue under the structure as archaeologists seek to discover more about the history of the Middle East hidden beneath the dusty layers. Who knows what intriguing artefacts will emerge.

Bridging Cultures

In a striking display of modernism, the King Fahd Causeway is believed to be one of the most expensive bridges ever built. Constructed in the 1980s, this world famous bridge is both an achievement in engineering and inter-country diplomacy, connecting the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Crossing over the wildlife rich Umm Nasan Island, this awesome structure is over 15 miles in length and enables travellers to cross between the two countries, or just marvel at its brilliance from either sides of the bridge.

To explore the mystery of Islam, the Beit Al-Qur’an is a beautiful Arabic building that houses some fascinating insights into Islamic culture including an internationally renowned collection of Quranic scriptures and beautifully intricate calligraphy. You can also explore the mosque and library to learn more about the fascinating culture of Bahrain.

Unravel the Mystery

Close to the racing circuit in the Sakhir Desert, horticulturists have visited the Tree of Life for centuries.  This botanical marvel has astonishingly stood for 400 years despite there being no known source of water to nourish it. This miracle continues to fascinate people, and is a popular tourist destination for anyone interested in the beauty of nature.

Though you may go to Bahrain for the glitz and glamour of the Formula One Grand Prix, it is worth taking a few days to explore the city. Heading away from the desert, discover some of the wonderful places that make this ancient island so intriguing.

MakeMyTrip.com offers a variety of flights and hotels in Bahrain.