Sunday 8 March 2015

Fly with Gulf Air to see theNatural Wonders of the Middle East

Magnificent Natural Wonders of the Middle East

The Middle East is usually marked with endless miles of desert, punctuated by lush oases. However, it also houses some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. These places are well connected by various airlines, including Gulf Air, so reaching these places isn’t tricky at all. Here is a list of natural wonders that you must plan to visit while travelling to the Middle East.

Socotra Island, Yemen

This is the most unusual, albeit a little isolated island, which was used as a trading base in the yesteryear. You can find its mention in ancient texts, such as ancient Greek tablets and the Travels of Marco Polo. It is a small archipelago of four islands, located in the Indian Ocean. Its distinct fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world, such as its striking Bottle Tree and the Dragon Tree. It also has some mesmerizing beaches to explore.

Jeita Grotto, Lebanon

Situated in the north of the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, the Jeita Grotto is actually two interconnected karstic caves of limestone. It is positioned in the Nahr al-Kalb valley. According to archaeological findings, the caves were inhabited in primeval times and remained undiscovered until 1836. Today, its lower cave is accessible only via boat and tourists can also explore the walkways and the tunnel around it. It has the world’s largest stalactite, measuring 27 feet long. All you need to do is to board a Gulf Air flight to Beirut and then make your way to Jeita Grotto for an unforgettable experience.

Al-Hasa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

This is the largest natural oasis in Saudi Arabia, and in fact all of Asia. It is situated at a distance of just over 40 miles from the coast of the Arabian Gulf. The oasis stretches across 30,000 acres and it is kept lush with 60 artesian springs that irrigate over 3 million date palms and also offer water to the millions of local residents and travelers.

The Kaluts, Iran

The Kaluts comprise of a series of eroded towers and walls sticking out of the desert, popularly referred as the Dasht-e-Lut. It is located in the province of Kerman, and stretches over a distance of 120 miles from north to south. It is the hottest place and the lowest area in Iran and is situated at 56 m above sea level. The temperature here touches to 149oF (65oC) in the shade. Such formations have been created over millennia by soil, water and wind erosion.

Make sure to learn more about the climate and the culture before you plan your trip to the Middle Eastern countries. And don’t forget to book your Gulf Air well in advance to avoid any last minute disappointments.

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