Dubai to Sri Lanka

Dubai will lead you into a historical sojourn like no other place in the world. The primary history of this city’s establishment is not that well documented; however, research suggests that this land is close to 4,000 years old. Modern Dubai has evolved from fishing populations, which existed along the coast of the Arabian Gulf during the 1830s. The Dubai Creek was an ancient port of trade, very busy during times of trade between Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilizations. The historic finds that give us insight into this ancient city lie preserved as artefacts in the archaeological section of the Dubai Museum.

Dubai is the second largest emirate among the seven that exist as the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the southern shore of the Gulf. The city is known to house one of the world’s most curated experiences. A bustling metropolitan steeped in culture and tradition, Dubai is the epitome of the amalgamation of western luxury and mid-western morals. The region is characterized under “desert vegetation” for a reason, for the temperature here remains high all year long. Dubai enjoys a sub-tropical, arid climate. Large populations of expats live here, including Arab, Asians, and European.

How to reach Dubai

By Air – The main airport in Dubai is the Dubai International Airport. All major airlines fly to this airport on a daily basis. Emirates Airlines is the preferable and national carrier that operates flights to Dubai. The Sharjah International Airport is another important node here, although only a few airlines land and take off from there. A taxi ride from the airport to the main city costs about 50 Dirham.

By Bus – Daily buses connect Dubai to the other emirates. The Emirates Express plies on a frequented route from everywhere in the Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Masafi, and Abu Dhabi.

By Road – One can drive from Oman to Dubai across the international borders without needing a permit or fee upon entering Dubai; however, an exit fee of 3,000 Omani Rial will be charged upon leaving Oman. Make sure you retain the slip as the receipt must be produced during the return trip.

What to do in Dubai

A few decades ago, Dubai was a land of strong winds carrying the desert soil over and about the vast cityscape. It used to be a land of sparsely scattered skyscrapers. Presently, however, it is a widely populated metropolitan, which houses post-modern tall buildings, and within the alleys, retains the charm of the Old Dubai Town. It is the perfect amalgamation of tradition and modernism. Explore the city, which is referred to as one of the most affluent in the world, soaking in the olden culture of the Arabs alongside the buzzing nightlife that’s on offer.

Whether scouring the city’s popular spots, like visiting the traditional establishments, modern architectural marvels, a man-made beach and the best flea markets in all of the Emirates, tourists to Dubai have a many options to choose from:

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Deira Fish Souk

The Dubai Mall

Old Souk

The Dubai Fountain

Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Creek

Naif Souk

Alserkal Art District in Al Quoz

The Grand Mosque

Kite Beach

Dubai Marina

The Desert

Meena Bazaar

Al Fahidi

IMG Worlds of Adventure, indoor theme park

The Dubai Canal

Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai Opera

The Walk at JBR

Dubai Safari

Jumeirah Beach

Marina Beach

Jumeirah Mosque

Many operators offer private safaris across the wildlife and desert attractions in the vicinity. For night safaris, tourists are taken to an area 20 minutes away from downtown Dubai.

Apart from safaris, ATV tours, camel rides in the dunes, and hot air balloon rides are also popular activities most enthusiasts.

Major Airports in and near Dubai

The main airport in Dubai is the Dubai International Airport. This airport connects Dubai to other emirates as well as major international destinations. All international flights to and from Dubai land here.

MakeMyTrip offers a wide range of flights to Dubai. One can easily use the website to book a flight to Dubai or from Dubai, with the major airport being a hub to domestic and international airlines. MakeMyTrip flights to Dubai can be availed at highly discounted rates during festivals and off seasons.

‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ or Sri Lanka, a magnificent sun-kissed island nation offers timeless ruins, religious relics, palm fringed white sand beaches, colorful reefs, balmy rainforests, misty mountain towns and local legends. The friendliest locals plus delicious food allures you into an exhilarating adventure. Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are awesome diving-surfing and snorkeling hubs, with amazing nightlife. Mirissa and Hiriketiya are among the top beaches and also a backpacker’s hub, famous for yoga and chill life. For laidback surfers, Weligama is the hub. For wildlife enthusiasts, you can spot leopards and elephants in Yala National Park and elephants in the picturesque Udawalawe National Park. Ella is Sri Lanka’s hill country starting point and home to awesome hiking trails and waterfalls. You can wander through a tea plantation or hike for the 360 degree view at Ella Rock or capture that perfect sunset at Adam’s Peak. For outdoor fanatics, the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the historical and beautiful Galle Fort, Sigiriya Rock, the famous ancient rock fortress surrounded by jungle, ancient city of Polonnaruwa and Kandy, home to the temple of the Tooth and many other cultural sights. Explore Dambulla Cave temples and northern capital and surrounds of Jaffna. Sri Lankan food is flavorsome and influenced by both its proximity to India, its colonial past, and its access to lush, fertile farming lands and oceans. Relax your body and mind in one of the many yoga retreats. Sri Lanka is spectacular, affordable and often uncrowded. You can book your flights with MakeMyTrip India.