Kuwait, officially known as the State of Kuwait, is a country on the western front of Asia. The name itself is derived from the Arabic word “Kut,” which literally translates to fortification. Until the eighteenth century, it was not a permanent settlement but a mere home to nomads. The reason Kuwait came to be was the conditions of drought that pushed nomadic clans to settle along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. These tribes built forts to protect themselves from other nomads, and hence, the country’s name came into existence.
The affluent nature of the state is only a recent discovery, when in 1934, Kuwait oil reserves were discovered. These reserves are the sixth largest in the world. Apart from oil, the country’s currency itself, the Kuwaiti Dinar, is the most expensive currency in the world. The golden period of the country was from 1946 to 1982. 1961 was the year when the country gained its independence. It is the first gulf country to have an established constitution. When one visits Kuwait, they see a very different side of life from that in the other gulf countries; Kuwait is a progressive city, which has a lot to offer to the curious traveller. One of the most enticing things about Kuwait is the delicacy named “Machboos” – a rice-based dish garnished with spices and meat, made from the best quality basmati rice – and certainly a must-have on your list of things to try in Kuwait.
How to reach Kuwait
By Air – The main airport in Kuwait is the Kuwait International Airport. All major airlines operate flights to Kuwait from major international cities across the world. The following airlines operate direct flights to Kuwait: Air India, Kuwait Airlines, FlyDubai, Jet Airways, and Biman Bangladesh. Check out MakeMyTrip flights to Kuwait to find the best deals in international flights.
By Train – Kuwait does not have a railway network or connectivity to other Arab countries. However, there are plans for one to be established in the near future.
By Road – One can drive to Kuwait through the international borders from any of the nearby cities in the African continent. Highways connect Kuwait to Oman, Muscat, etc.
What to do in Kuwait
As compared to its gulf neighbours, Kuwait is a very progressive and liberal country. It promotes and supports civil liberties and freedom of press, and has a functioning constitution. The rich cultural and historical, as well as the commercial heritage of Kuwait make it a must-visit Gulf country.
The country also has a big population of falcons, which is its national bird. One can witness them throughout the country.
Summers in Kuwait last from May to October, and are hot; however, sometime in August, the humidity levels set in and rise to 90 per cent. From November until April, the weather here is pleasant and enjoyable. The days are warm and sunny, while the nights become cool, which also makes this period the best time to visit the country. However, December and January witness freezing temperatures. Here are some of the top places to visit in Kuwait:
Kuwait Towers
The Liberation Towers
Dhow Harbour
Doha Village in Kuwait
Failaka Island
Grand Mosque
Green Island
Kubbar Island
National Museum
Failaka Heritage Village
Kuwait House of National Works Museum
Tareq Rajab Museum
Sadu House
The Seif Palace
The Scientific Center
Souk Al-Mubarakiya
The Avenues
The 360 Mall
Marina Mall
Kuwait Zoo
Al Kout Beach
Magic Planet Kuwait
KidZania
Aqua Park
Sadu House
Salmiyah
The Mirror House
The Scientific Centre
Tareq Rajab Museum
Amricani Cultural Centre
Major Airports in and near Kuwait
Kuwait has three airports: the Kuwait International Airport, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base. Among these, the Kuwait International Airport is where all major airlines operate flights to Kuwait and from the city. It is located in Farwaniya, Kuwait, 15.5 kilometres away from the main city of Kuwait. It is a hub to airlines like Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, and Wataniya Airways, which operate daily flights to Kuwait.
MakeMyTrip offers a wide range of flights to Kuwait, over 140 flights to Kuwait on a daily basis from all over the world. From India, flights operate from cities including Udaipur, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
One can easily use the MakeMyTrip website to book a flight to Kuwait or from Kuwait. MakeMyTrip flights to Kuwait can be availed at highly discounted rates during festivals and off seasons.
