Friday, March 29
05:37 AM

Check out the quieter side of Muttrah corniche

29 Sep 2022 muttrah corniche By HUBERT VAZ

Muttrah corniche provides many avenues for relaxing and unwinding amid a peaceful atmosphere – that is, if you step away from the chaos and crowds which churn around the Old Muttrah Souq

Flip a coin and hear the tinkling sound of it falling on the stone pavement… chase a batch of cute kittens frisking around the bushes of blue star junipers…stretch out on a bed of green grass and gaze at the skies above the Arabian Sea…

You are at Muttrah corniche, and surprisingly no aromas of freshly toasted shawarma overpower you, neither are you greeted with heady fragrances of frankincense and Arabian perfumes sold by enthusiastic vendors who are out to make you their first catch of the day. Where are the crowds? Where are the cabbies? Where has your appetite for a walk through history vanished?

You don’t have to be always caught up in the invisible whirlpool at Old Muttrah Souq, which invariably gets you into its sway, whenever you visit this tourist haven. The fact is, most people visit Muttrah corniche only to enter the souq for traditional purchases or a stroll through time which comes forth from the wares on sale in the ancient market. In the bargain, most people simply drive past the entire stretch without taking time to view or enjoy the interesting aspects en route.

While Kalbou Park and Riyam Park are marked out destinations frequented mostly by families with small children who love to enjoy the rides playing in the lawns by the seaside, Muttrah corniche also offers more quiet spaces to settle on the lawns and enjoy chitchats or story telling. Some youth also come in for exercising or relaxing with some impromptu yoga or massage on the lush lawns.

If you drive past the souq and turn in right at the small roundabout before Riyam Park, you can get into a narrow lane that leads you to green lawn with ample space for relaxing and for children to play. There are also a set of exercise machines for those interested in shaping up in the evenings or mornings. However, currently, children use the machines like fancy rides.

While this area is much in demand during public holidays, when crowds descend to enjoy the quieter side of the capital, weekdays and weekends only find the creatively-inclined (artists, painters, writers, students) visiting this area for inspiration and uninterrupted mental jogging. It’s not uncommon to see people sketching the seascape or romancing their laptops, cut away from the chaos and crowds that is soul of Muttrah corniche.

So, the next time you visit Muttrah, strike off Old Muttrah Souq from your agenda and discover the hidden aspects of this locale at ease.

Things to do at Muttrah corniche

Climb up to Muttrah Fort and enjoy the stunning view

Get to the top pf the iconic incense burner at Riyam Park

Use the exercise machines on the lawns in the wee hours

Enjoy a morning/evening constitutional to stay fit

Settle on the lawns/under the canopies for sit-down parties

Get an infilling of fresh air blowing in from the sea

Visit the Gate Museum on the way to Sidab

Take up creative photography – there’s much around to shoot

Drawbacks at Muttrah corniche

Inadequate parking spaces, especially on holidays

No public transport/shuttle bus services for visitors

Absence of public utilities – toilets, drinking water

No petrol pump along the entire stretch

Lack of ATMs and money exchanges for tourists

Absence of an information kiosk, or authorised guides

Modern goods/garments sold by some vendors at the souq

Repairs pending at damaged sections along the seafront

© 2021 Apex Press and Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Mesdac