Al Ain to Antarctica

The second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is an upcoming travel destination in the United Arab Emirates that offers a plethora of recreation activities and opportunities for tourists to delve in. There are a number of museums and recreation parks in addition to towering mountains, natural mineral springs and seven desert oases, making it simply a perfect tourist destination for many. On a trip to Al Ain, travellers can discover Al Ain oasis- the largest natural oasis in the region; explore the treasures of the Al Ain National Museum and Al Ain Palace Museum and enjoy surfing, kayaking and other sporting activities at Wadi Adventure- an exciting recreation park. One of the star attractions of the city is the Hili Archaeological Park- a Bronze Age site that is known for its rich archaeological heritage. Al Ain Zoo is an excellent place to visit with family and friends on an Al Ain tour. There are plenty of shopping and dining options as well in this city that suitably meet the individual preferences of the visitors. Al Ain Mall, Al-Jimi Mall and Bawadi Mall are three major shopping malls, where travellers can find a number of unique offerings along with well-known brands. Aptly called the ‘Garden City,’ this place represents a perfect haven of fun and relaxation in the middle of a desert region. MakeMyTrip presents several excellent travel packages, availing one of which can make any tour to this city an unforgettable experience.

An uncharted territory with unique biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere, Antarctica is the world’s fifth largest continent without native settlements. Comprising islands and mountains, it features a cold, dry climate. In the coastal regions, the average temperatures range from -30°C to 9°C. On the other hand, the mountainous areas in the interiors of the continent have colder temperatures between -60°C and -20°C. Separated by the 1000 km –wide Drake Passage from South America, the Antarctic Peninsula is a popular gateway to the continent. It comprises glaciers and iceberg-laden channels, of which the most popular one is Errera Channel featuring colonies of Gentoo Penguins. On the northern part of the peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are best known for glaciers and seals. A part of the archipelago is Deception Island comprising a whaling station, several scientific research stations and two active volcanoes. Among the tourist favourites is ‘Kodak Alley’, also known as Lemaire Channel. Flanked by towering cliffs rising up to a staggering 1000 m above sea level, it is well-known for humpback, orca and minke whales. As there are only research stations from different countries in Antarctica, there is no other provision for restaurants and bars. Cuisines from different countries are available on cruise ships or at research stations. The most common food is shellfish, trout, tuna, Pemmican, Hoosh and chocolate. To explore this beautiful continent on the other side of the world, book a flight and stay from MakeMyTrip – the best online travel portal of India.