Top three HISTORICAL sites : |
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Singapore Botanic Gardens Created in 1859 , this tropical garden ’ s well-preserved landscapes include historic features , plantings and buildings . It ’ s the only tropical botanic garden to be credited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important center for science , research and plant conservation . |
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images : alamy |
Elephanta Caves On the island of Gharapuri , which sits just beyond the Gateway of India in Mumbai , the Elephanta Caves are a series of cave temples and rock art , predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god , Shiva . The island has a number of ancient archaeological remains , with temples and art serving as evidence that it was occupied as early as the second century BCE . |
Khor Dubai Also known as Dubai Creek , this natural seawater inlet has been a historic place of significance for multiple cultures throughout the Bronze Age , Stone Age and pre- Islamic times . Natural , architectural and cultural elements around it have created an urban landscape with heritage value .
Above : Royal Opera House in
Muscat , Oman
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Zooming in on Muscat , in the museums , mosques and souks there ’ s an abundance of color , from delicate stained glass windows to intricate tile mosaics
MUSCAT
Sandwiched between ocean , mountains and desert , Oman ’ s port capital of Muscat is one of the Middle East ’ s oldest cities . It ’ s steeped in history , with winding narrow souks , clifftop landmarks and grand mosques . From a distance , Muscat appears to be mostly the same colors as the desert that surrounds it , with beige and white buildings constructed from clay filling the landscape . But zoom in on the museums , mosques and souks and you ’ ll see there ’ s an abundance of color , from delicate stained glass windows to intricate tile mosaics .
In the early hours or as the sun sets , the beaches and harbor are well worth a visit , with an ice cream or milky masala tea in hand , before finding shadier spots to avoid
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the peak temperatures during the day . Further in the city , highlights include Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — with handcrafted mosaics , a chandelier and a massive handwoven rug ; Mutrah Souq — a labyrinth of stalls filled with Omani silver and frankincense ; Bait Al Zubair — a museum showcasing Oman ’ s heritage and history through the Al Zubair family , and Al Alam Palace — a blue and gold cube-like structure .
Head to the surrounding Al Hajar mountains for some city respite with karst springs and wadi pools , or take a boat trip out to the coral-filled waters that surround Muscat , populated by pods of dolphins . Be sure to stop by a sweet shop in the city to pick up some halva made with honey and sesame paste .
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FALL 2023 • 55 |