Karachi is Pakistan’s largest and most multicultural city, with a diverse ethnic, religious and political make-up that most residents are proud of. But the city is often in the spotlight for being a trouble spot — and many people from Karachi are well aware of this.
Some choose to live in fear and rarely venture beyond their comfort zone. Then there are those who accept the realities of living in a city with an estimated population of between 15 and 25 million people, and embrace it no matter what happens. And some in the latter camp, fiercely loyal to their city, believe Karachi has a lot to offer and that they can help change perceptions for the better.
In December 2014, two such individuals, Atif bin Arif and Bilal Hassan, both born and raised in Karachi, came up with the idea of the city’s first guided bus tour — the “Super Savari Express.”
This was their way of encouraging local tourism, and educating the public about the city’s rich heritage. They sell tour tickets at 2,500 Pakistani rupees ($24) through their Facebook page, and aim to help both Pakistanis and foreigners access religious and historical sites that have been forgotten and are now hidden in the busy city streets.
‘Yellow devils’
One of the unique aspects of the Super Savari Express tour is that you have the opportunity to explore the city in a typical Pakistani bus. Once known as the “yellow devils,” Pakistani buses are fast, with passengers sometimes expected to jump onto the bus as it drives past a stop; others may have to sit on the roof if there is no room inside.
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to be able to go on one of the Super Savari Express bus tours. When deciding where to sit on the bus, I chose the most exciting spot — on the roof.
That was an incredibly exhilarating experience, affording panoramic views of the city. However, I had to climb up using a ladder attached to the side; I had no cushion to sit on, no safety belt, and had to use a couple of rods attached to the roof to help maintain my balance. I even had a well-to-do looking man from Karachi ask me, rather patronizingly, if it was not a bit dangerous for me to be up there. Since it was such a memorable experience, I am glad that I did not let his comment change my seating arrangements.
First stop on the tour
At around 8 a.m., bright and early on a Sunday, we started our tour and briefly stopped at our first site, Kabootar Chowk, a roundabout known for its hordes of pigeons, opposite the Sindh High Court. I was surprised to learn that a statue of Mahatma Gandhi once stood there, but of course after the Partition of India, it was removed and given to the Indian Embassy in Islamabad. The roundabout is now a popular destination for families on days off.
Our next stop was at Zaibunnisa Street, located in the famous neighborhood of Saddar. I was most interested in exploring this part of Karachi mainly because it is one of the oldest parts of the city, and there are still remnants of British colonial architecture there. I had often heard stories from my grandfather about shopping on Elphinstone Street, an earlier name for Zaibunnisa Street, as it was once the most fashionable shopping destination in the city. One could find a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, watches, and shoes as well as many other items.
As it was a Sunday, no one was around, and we were able to comfortably wander through the streets of Saddar. While we were unable to go inside the New Memon Mosque, we did get a chance to peek into a Parsi temple. Later, we stopped by a small restaurant in the area for a hearty Pakistani breakfast — paratha, omelet and chai. My favorite!
Empress Market impresses
We then went to one of the most popular and busy markets in Karachi, Empress Market. Today, Empress Market is where many people from the city shop for spices, vegetables, pets and household goods. Historically, however, it is the site where many Indian soldiers were publically executed after a failed uprising against the British in 1857.
After wandering around in the market, we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a large and beautifully designed church just a short ride away, and then on to Flagstaff House, the former residence of Pakistan’s founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. The museum in Flagstaff House is fascinating as it holds various personal items which once belonged to the Jinnah family, and some of the rooms have even been arranged to show visitors how they were used.
Our last stop was Eduljee Dinshaw Road where the Karachi Port Trust Building and Imperial Customs House are located. Eduljee Dinshaw Road felt like another world with its fountains, wooden benches, clean paved roads, and large heritage-style street lamps. At the end of the road was also a small Hindu temple that we were unable to go into. Yet it was nice to know that it was there!
The Super Savari Express tour of Karachi can be an important experience for Pakistanis living in the country or abroad. While many hesitate to explore this large metropolis due to security concerns, the trip can show you a side of Karachi that you have never seen. It can help you appreciate and accept the many layers that make up the city’s rich heritage.
I now realize that by making an effort to understand Karachi, it can only help you improve your relationship with the city and its widely diverse population.
• Naveen Shakir is an interior decorator and author of The Design Souk, www.thedesignsouk.com, a blog about travel, interiors, shopping and home décor in the Eastern Province.
A tour of Karachi on the Super Savari Express
A tour of Karachi on the Super Savari Express
Al-Baha farms offer an escape from busy lives
- There are activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation
AL-BAHA: People seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives are flocking to tourist farms in Al-Baha region.
The centers offer a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural experiences and recreational activities, where visitors can spend their time picking fruit, helping with crop harvesting or learning about organic farming techniques.
There are also activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation, enabling guests to experience the beauty of the starry night skies.
The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
Fahd Al-Zahrani, director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha, said agritourism was becoming increasingly important in the region as it created jobs, boosted the local economy and helped diversify the tourism sector.
Virtual, AI-powered Saudi travel companion impresses visitors at travel exhibition in London
- The new app, called SARA, offers users insights and advice about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions in a natural and seamless conversational style
RIYADH: The Saudi Tourism Authority unveiled the beta version of SARA, its new travel companion app for visitors to the Kingdom, at the World Travel Market exhibition in London this week.
It allows users to interact with a digital female guide, powered by AI, who is deeply knowledgeable about Saudi Arabia and offers insights and advice about the country’s tourist destinations, historical landmarks, archaeological sites, cultural diversity, international events, and anything else a visitor might be interested in.
SARA was on show in the Visit Saudi pavilion at the World Travel Market, which began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday. Officials said she interacted directly with attendees, who were captivated by her engaging stories about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions and experiences, and the extensive information she was able to provide.
The app reflects the nation’s progressive approach to smart tourism, they added, and leverages the latest developments in AI so that it can respond to questions, understand visitor needs, and offer personalized information and suggestions in a natural and seamless conversational style.
Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka
- New visa rules have made it easier than ever for Gulf tourists to visit the island nation
TORONTO: Sri Lanka has long been a favored destination for visitors from the Gulf. Easy access, budget-friendly offerings, and diverse experiences – from cultural and historic landmarks to idyllic beach resorts and scenic treks – make it an ideal getaway destination. And now, there’s one more reason for Saudis to take a trip to the island nation. Last month, the Sri Lankan government announced that residents of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and 31 other countries can now visit without a visa.
The capital, Colombo, is probably the most popular destination in Sri Lanka, along with Kandy and Ella, but the less-frequented areas in the central and southern regions of the country are well worth considering.
My Sri Lanka trip started in Hatton, in the Nuwara Eliya region. Often called “Little England,” the region is a reminder of the country’s former colonial rule, with Tudor-style architecture and sprawling tea estates named after their former British proprietors.
The central province is home to Sri Lanka’s renowned tea highlands. Tea is an integral part of the island’s history and culture — as its former name, Ceylon, suggests.
My encounter with Ceylon tea starts at the Dunkeld Tea Factory, owned by The Dilmah Group, a family-run business that has become a global name. The tea is single-origin — meaning it is picked, cultivated, and packed from the lush, rolling terraces of the region. The tour takes guests through the history of Ceylon tea, which actually began with coffee plantations in the 18th century. But leaf disease devastated those plantations, leading to the demise of the short-lived coffee industry in Sri Lanka. In 1867, James Taylor, a Scottish man, planted the first tea clearing in Kandy. By the late 19th century, the country had become one of the largest tea producers in the world. Guests are also invited to a tea-tasting experience, including the Orange Pekoe, the robust tea blend that is a specialty of the region.
I stayed at Summerville, one of the five palatial bungalows once home to English plantation owners which have now been refurbished into boutique properties by the Ceylon Tea Trails Hotel under the Resplendent Ceylon Group. Perched at nearly 4,000 feet and set across 2,000 hectares, the bungalows are perfect for those seeking a slow, luxurious vacation. Guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the emerald hilltops from various vantage points or unwind in the several tranquil lounge spaces scattered throughout the bungalows. Or — with a private chef and butler on hand — choose to indulge in a five-course dinner that features the likes of a Yatawatte tea-infused roasted chicken or the Earl Gray fondant.
The tea trails, ranging from four to 15 kilometers long, connect the various bungalows, offering scenic hikes through the valleys. For those seeking adventure, the newly-inaugurated Pekoe Trail (a 300-km route with 22 phases) allows tourists to explore the rich biodiversity of the area. This trail can be experienced on foot or by rail.
The next leg of my trip was drastically different. As we were making our way down from the central region to Sri Lanka’s southern tip, the hilltops, winding roads, and cool weather gave way to palm trees, speedy tuk-tuks, and tropical weather.
In the Hambantota district, the biggest draw is undoubtedly Yala National Park, the second largest national park of the country, and the one with the highest density of leopards. An early morning or afternoon game drive provides ample opportunities to spot wildlife, including the elusive leopard, sloth bears, and elephants.
After the adrenaline rush of a wildlife safari, I head to our ‘glamping’ lodge — the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, another one of Resplendent Ceylon’s properties. The luxury camp is unfenced and wildlife will often wander into the premises from the park, giving guests a sometimes-gleeful, sometimes-terrifying experience.
The lodge itself is an architectural delight, focusing on sustainable design and the use of organic materials, including bamboo. It includes 28 “cocoons” or pods scattered throughout the jungle wilderness. The interiors feature rustic touches like cooper hardware, a leopard-claw bathtub, and vintage leather furniture.
It’s also here that the jungle meets the Indian Ocean. As I wandered along the rugged coastline or enjoyed a sundowner, I was once again reminded of the serenity that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Saudi Arabia’s recreational spaces ready for holiday season
AL-BAHA: Saudi authorities have announced extensive preparations of public recreational facilities ahead of the school holiday season.
The Al-Baha municipality has readied 142 parks and recreational areas, along with municipal squares, public spaces and streets, to welcome visitors and tourists.
According to regional secretary, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Sawat, these facilities span more than 4,188,559.98 million square meters and feature amenities including children’s playgrounds, green spaces, shade structures, lighting, sidewalks, seating areas and parking, and facilities for activities such as walking and cycling.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Region Municipality has completed the preparation of 979 parks and public squares, 18 public recreational parks, 14 waterfront areas and 213 walking tracks.
The facilities are timely as moderate weather conditions and school breaks attract more outdoor activity.
The municipality emphasized its commitment to regular maintenance of these facilities, considering them vital breathing spaces for citizens and residents.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla: A dreamy home away from home
- The gated resort is an ideal place from which to explore the ancient desert oasis
ALULA: Roughly half an hour’s drive from AlUla’s Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Cloud7 Residence is the largest hotel in the area, boasting 301 modern bungalows. Each unit is thoughtfully designed, featuring individual private terraces from which guests can enjoy awe-inspiring views of AlUla’s stunning landscapes — mountains and lush greenery.
Cloud7’s decor blends the ancient with the trendy. Coupled with the traditional Saudi hospitality on offer, this is a truly nice place to stay. It’s the chillest hotel/resort I’ve been to in ages.
The beds are comfortable and the rooms are well-equipped, including plenty of places to plug in your devices. There are eco-friendly products provided, including chewable toothpaste that comes in tiny pills in a glass jar, and which activates once you have some water in your mouth.
The fridge comes stocked with complimentary sodas and plenty of water bottles at the ready — also useful for feeding into the coffee machine.
The main mode of transportation in the grounds, whether taking your luggage to your room, going to breakfast or to relax by the pool, or heading to your next activity, is a buggy. There was usually one right outside my door each time I emerged from my bungalow, but if there isn’t, you can simply call for one.
The residence is an ideal base for both short- and long-term stays, designed to accommodate the needs of leisure seekers, adventure enthusiasts and business travelers alike in its secure, gated space.
As part of the residence’s commitment to honoring local heritage, a series of murals created by local artists adorn the walls. Artists including Hanan Sami and Maram AlSelayem brought their individual styles to the project, creating pieces that highlight AlUla’s natural beauty and heritage. The venue’s community and culture manager, Fahad Alfaqir, said the artists who painted the murals are all from AlUla, as he is, and that they depicted local plants and flowers to decorate the spaces and used inscriptions from indigenous languages.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla’s dining experiences range from gourmet meals to relaxed, family-friendly options. Charcood, the resort’s signature restaurant, offers a selection of smoky, charcoal-grilled dishes crafted by Chef Jaume Puigdengolas. Open for breakfast, dinner, and light bites, it was my go-to place to start the day.
For those who prefer a more casual atmosphere, Off-Road Café serves lunch, dinner and light snacks in a laidback setting, perfect for watching live sports or movies on large screens. Guests can enjoy playing pool, darts and foosball, or indulge in some shisha outside.
For those seeking a relaxing time away from being away, the Pool Lounge offers casual dining with comfortable beanbags and a curated menu of international flavors, all presented poolside. It was perhaps my favorite spot to sit and literally reflect while the serene water reminds you to stay centered.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla is also in a prime location for exploring AlUla’s many historical sites. Visitors can easily reach attractions like the ancient city of Dadan, Jabal Ikmah’s rock inscriptions and — my favorite — Old Town. You can book guided tours, but the hotel also provides car and bike rentals.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla is more than just somewhere to stay; it’s an invitation to connect with the timeless beauty of AlUla — a place which makes you feel so big and so small all at once.
