Manama to Shanghai Flights

  About Bahrain

The jewel of the Persian Gulf, the Kingdom of Bahrain is an island nation and an archipelago. With 33 small natural islands in addition to the 51 artificial islands, the country is a haven for tourists who lust the sea. Bahrain is recognised not just for its beautiful beaches and relics of the Dilmun civilisation but also for being a wealthy nation. The World Bank has also acknowledged the same as it has called Bahrain a high-income economy.

Booking flights to Bahrain is quite cheap and convenient from India. The country witnesses a tremendous number of tourists and individuals from India settled in Bahrain.

Best time to visit in Bahrain

The fall season in Bahrain is favoured as the best time for travellers to take a trip to the small archipelago. The temperatures during the fall season are quite pleasant despite the humidity. Basically, you wouldn't have to worry about the fact that the precipitation in the air would make it a hot weather. Thanks to the cold breeze during the fall month, followed by the winter season, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the vibe is favourable. June to August is definitely the worst month to visit. Due to the extreme climates of Bahrain, the summers are quite hot. This might even make stepping out of the hotel room a tab bot difficult. Hence, it should be avoided at all cost. October is the perfect month to visit Bahrain as it has a melange of climates. The residual autumn leaving the city while the cold winter breeze arrives to set camp is quite the time to be in the city. Besides, in October, the flight ticket prices to Bahrain are also quite cheap and affordable. The mediocre range of flight tickets to Bahrain gives tourists the push they need to book tickets to the city.

For those who love the winter breeze and want more of the cold weather action, you should opt for the winters between December to February for travelling. Tourist places will be open although they will be frigid because the temperature gets quite cold. Meanwhile, the accommodation prices also see a drop as many people do not wish to see Bahrain during winters due to its extreme reduction in temperature level. This means the tourist crowd is automatically reduced, giving you ample cheap flight deals and hotel booking options in Bahrain. As the prices drop, budget travellers can take this opportunity to visit the city.

Places to visit in Bahrain

The island nation of Bahrain is famously known for its flourishing history and Arabic lifestyle. As a small archipelago made up of 33 islands, Bahrain doesn't just have exquisite azure blue waters to attract tourists but also a rich culture and historical significance. The city streets look pristine with intriguing architecture, not to mention some archaeological treasures too, that is worth exploring. Visit the Bahrain National Museum and get a glimpse of some of the national history and more insights on the Dilmun civilisation. It easily becomes one of the most prominent and famous places to visit in Bahrain, owing to the preserved past of the island nation. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qal'at al-Bahrain, a preserved relic of the Dilmun heritage. The mosques in Bahrain are just as stunning as the waters that touch the island. You should visit the Al Fateh Mosque and relish the exquisite marble work on the walls of the structure.

Bahrain's fame also comes from the motorsport culture and terrains that favour the same. When in Bahrain, do catch a race at the Bahrain International Circuit. You will be surprised to see the karting circuit and races that take place in this space. In fact, Grand Prix is also often hosted in Bahrain. However, if these aren't too touristy for you, then you should visit Manama's Financial Harbour Towers and World Trade Centre. The tall stunning skyscrapers would certainly marvel you. Take a day out to visit the Riff, one of the historical pearls of Bahrain, which boasts Bahraini-styled architecture and lifestyle.

Things to do in Bahrain

Bahrain's azure blue waters beckon you so do not hold up. Book yourself a swanky hotel room in Bahrain and head straight to the waters. The islands in Bahrain are worth exploring and something you should indulge in as soon as you reach the country. From Manama's fancy lifestyle to Muharraq's modern beaches, there are too many beaches in Bahrain that should be visited. You can also take up go-karting at the Bahrain International Circuit. You don't need to be a seasoned driver for the same. Amid the beautiful islands is the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. It is engaging and certainly ideal for a family rendezvous. Of course, when in the city, you simply cannot miss the shopping culture of Bahrain. The city's oldest traditional marketplace, Suq Al-Qaisariya, is literally century-old. There are malls as well with City Centre Bahrain takin the cake.

Food and Restaurants in Bahrain

Bahrain, much like all the Middle-Eastern countries, favours Arabic cuisine, which is quite evident in some of the traditional restaurants with a quaint vibe. Before you venture into their cuisine, it is important for you to know what is what. Bahraini cuisine has some standoffish dishes such as balaleet which is basically a breakfast item made from vermicelli and egg omelette. Then you've got the famous shakshooka, a melange of flavours in a pan of tomatoes, spices, peppers and scrambled eggs. You should also try out some of their other famous dishes such as mahiawa, madrooba, ouzi and tikka items. While a majority of their meals have eggs as the primary ingredient, it is the fact the flexibility of these dishes and the flavours it brings forth, that make them delicious. You should also check out lamb chops in Bahrain as they do know how to skewer their meat and present the best on a platter. Eggs and tomato are like staple dishes that are present in almost every traditional Bahraini dishes.

Some of the restaurants in Bahrain have a quaint environment with traditional Arabic vibe in terms of the architectural setting. They are culturally rich and flavourful too. Some of the restaurants that give the best culinary experience in Bahrain include Saffron by Jena Bakery, Leyan Cafe and restaurant, Haji Gahwa, Emma-Wash, Basta 23, to name a few. Bahrain also entertains varied global cuisines such as Mediterranean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Indonesian and more. You can find these cuisines at Maki Bahrain, Mirai, Jim's Restaurant, Curry Country, Bushido Restaurant, Masso, Zoe Cafe and Restaurant, Veranda restaurant and cafe, to name a few. Overall, you will be happy and satiated with their dishes and the melange of spices they bring forth.

How to reach Bahrain (Transportation)

By Air

The demand for Middle Eastern countries is always high in the country, paving the way to airlines and airports accommodating as many flights to Middle Eastern countries as possible. Flight connectivity to Bahrain from India is also quite excellent. Airlines such as Air India, Air India Express are the only ones who have direct dedicated flights to Bahrain. Cities such as Kochi, Delhi, Kozhikode, Kannur and Mangalore service these flights to Bahrain from their respective airports. Gulf Air, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and many such flights that have connectivity to Bahrain also halt in Indian cities. In fact, due to the excess demand for Bahrain, there are many flights scheduled for the same day to and from India. Bahrain International Airport is one of the oldest airports in the globe. The airport came into existence back in 1927 and had its first commercial flight land the same year. It was a London flight reaching Delhi. The flight tickets to Bahrain from India are quite cheap.

Since a tremendous number of travellers going from India, Bahrain sees great international route connectivity. This very reason has enabled the ticket prices to Bahrain to drop to an affordable rate. The distance from India to Bahrain is not too much, which further adds to the reduction in the ticket prices to Bahrain. You can book flight tickets to Bahrain irrespective of the peak season or off-season, and you will be able to get some cheap and affordable tickets. In fact, during peak season, the ticket prices to Bahrain only increase marginally and not exorbitantly. The accommodations are something you will have to look into before reaching the city. Bahrain enjoys luxury living as well as modest hotels as well. Before heading to the city, make sure you peruse through the internet and book a decent hotel room in Bahrain.

By Water

Interestingly, there are cruise facilities that connect India with Bahrain. Although the cruise passes through Mumbai port, Kochi port and even the Bay of Bengal, it is perhaps a trip you can take if you have the big bucks and the time to invest. The cruise starts Dubai and passes through Bahrain's Al Manamah before heading towards Mumbai port. If leisure is the kind of trip, you're looking at, then you would certainly have a good time on this cruise. In terms of connectivity, the trip would be super time consuming and not ideal for people who don't have enough time to spend.

  About Shanghai

Shanghai is one city that believes in 'Change is the only constant' and actually implements it. If the old restaurants in the city aren't changing their decor or remodelling, they get replaced by a new store. Shanghai is a city that has been developing rapidly. It is one of the most dynamic cities in China and has a vibrant nightlife. You will also find a lot of tall buildings and skyscrapers in the city. Shanghai is also known for its rich history, trendy architecture and several Michelin star restaurants. There is very little chance of you finding vegetarian food in the city, but otherwise, the culinary experience here is stunning. Even if you are not an art lover, you will find yourself appreciating the art museums and galleries in the city. Shanghai also has a lot of water towns in the city, which offer a tranquil getaway. Shanghai has a lot of towns that represent places like Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Spain and Sweden. The city is also well-connected to other cities in China if you are planning to explore them.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Autumn is the peak tourist season for Shanghai. April and May is the spring season in the city with the temperature ranging from 10 to 23 degree Celsius. There are several national festivals celebrated in the city during this time, which means there will be a surge in hotel prices. Make sure you book your hotel in Shanghai well in advance if you are planning to visit during these months. You must also book your flight tickets to Shanghai well in advance. However, it is advisable to not plan your trip to Shanghai in April or May. You can attend events like the Qingming Festival and Youth Day. It's also May Day or Labor Day on 1st May. This is not the busiest time for the city, but you will get to witness beautiful blossoms in the parks in the city.

June to September is the peak travel season in Shanghai and the busiest time for the city. The temperature ranges from 20 to 31 degree Celsius, and the weather is not very pleasant. The room rates are quite high, and you will find a lot of tourists in the city, too. There are also possibilities of typhoons in the city during late summer. It also rains quite a lot in the city during this time. You can attend events like the Dragon Boat Festival and Army's Day. The city also celebrates International Children's Day on 1st June. Since this is peak tourist time, hotels will be completely booked. Make sure you book your hotel in Shanghai several weeks in advance, so you get a decent deal and for a low price. There are slim chances that you will get cheap flight tickets to Shanghai during this season.

The fall season begins in October and lasts till November. The temperature ranges from 8 to 22 degree Celsius and hotel prices drop considerably. While the days are warmer, the nights are quite chilly, so make sure that you pack a couple of warm clothes, too. The weather provides quite a relief from the scorching summer heat. The rainfalls also reduce quite a lot in the fall season. The first week of October attracts a lot of Chinese tourists, owing to the public holiday. December to March is the winter season in Shanghai. It doesn't get as cold as it does in Beijing, but it is still not the best time to visit the city. With Chinese New Year in January/February, the hotel prices and flight tickets to Shanghai witness a surge. The temperature ranges from 0 to 13 degree Celsius. It is best to avoid travelling to Shanghai during this time since there will be a lot of traffic and it will be difficult to enjoy a vacation in Shanghai during this time. It goes without saying that you will also find it difficult to get good flight deals to Shanghai in winter.

Places to Visit in Shanghai

While Shanghai seems like it is just a concrete jungle, but it has quite a lot of sightseeing options in store for you. The Bund is a very attractive building in Shanghai. While it is a very common site for the locals, if you are visiting the city for the first time, you will be completely blown over. Try to visit the building at sunrise for the best experience. You will find a lot of pensioners flying kites and practice tai chi. The Propaganda Poster Art Centre is an art museum that you can visit even if you are not interested in art and history a lot. Eight ancient water towns surround Shanghai. You can either visit them all, or you can just stop at Qibao to experience it all. It is known for its delicious street food, and you can also go on a shopping spree here without burning a hole in your pocket. Fuxing Park is another popular spot in the city. It was one of the largest parks in the city and is a common hangout spot for the senior citizens in the locality. M50 is an architectural landmark which is short for Moganshan 50. It is a very hip and happening contemporary art district. You will find some of the best art galleries in the neighbourhood.

Caojiadu Flower and Bird Market is another popular place where you can go on a shopping spree. While the first floor has a lot of outdoor plants, herbs, birds, turtles and other animals, you can shop for wedding supplies and home decor items on the second floor. You can also head to Shanghai Disneyland. The speciality of the amusement park is that the rides have been modified to cater to the Chinese audience. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is dedicated to nature, earth, robotics, space travel and is a popular place to visit. You can also head over to the Longhua Temple. You will find a lot of peace here. Chongming Island is another popular tourist attraction in the city that is worth visiting. If you want to go on a shopping spree, you can also head to Xintiandi, a very popular mall in the city. You cannot leave Shanghai without checking out the Shanghai Circus World.

Things to do in Shanghai

You can opt for a sightseeing tour of the city or explore it on your own. However, it is advisable that you hire a tour guide to get to know the city better. The city has a lot of museums that you can head to whether or not you love art and history. If you love science, you must definitely head to the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Zhujiajiao is like the Venice of Shanghai and is worth a visit. Shanghai is also known for its unique cuisines. You can either sign up for a food tour or join a cooking class to learn how to make a few Chinese cuisines. If you want a spiritual experience, you can head over to Longhua Temple. You can also offer your prayers as you learn more about Buddhism. Catch an acrobatics show at the Shanghai Circus World.

Food and Restaurants in Shanghai

Local street food is highly recommended if you are visiting Shanghai for the first time. However, you will also find a lot of fine dining, Michelin star restaurants in the city. It might be a tad expensive, but completely worth it. It will be quite difficult to find vegetarian food on the menu here or at local food joints. However, if you love meat or seafood, you can try the Xiaolongbao here or Liang pi. While the street food here is quite famous, a lot of locals prefer it for breakfast only. Aura Lounge and Jazz Bar at The Ritz-Carlton is a popular place to head to for dinner. The ambience and service here are impeccable. You can also head to The Roof for a couple of drinks and delicious food. Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant is another restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton where you will find a variety of Chinese and Asian food. Yi Cafe at Pudong Shangri-La is another popular place to try seafood and Asian cuisine. Sakemate is another restaurant that you must try. The menu includes Japanese, Peruvian, Latin and Asian cuisines.

How to reach Shanghai (Transportation)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves the city. The flight connectivity to Shanghai from India is excellent. Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, ANA All Nippon Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways have frequent flights to Shanghai from India with layovers at Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Hong Kong. If you travel during the offseason, you might get cheap flight tickets to Shanghai. You will get taxis or car rental services from the airport quite easily to your hotel. However, it is best that you book your tickets and hotel in advance so you don't end up paying a high price and make the most of the deals you might find online.