7 Close By Getaway Destinations You Have To Visit While You Live In Dubai

There are many awesome things about living in Dubai and one of them is the ease of travel going east or west. Flights under five hours could get you to a new country on a different continent. And now that we’re bang in the middle of summer, why not take advantage of all those beautiful destinations that aren’t too far from us?

1. Kerala, India

Flight time: 4 hours 15 minutes to Thiruvananthapuram

Ticket price: starts from AED 2,058 (return trip) on IndiGo Airlines

The Kanakakunnu Palace – architecture meets culture at this centrally-located palace.

 

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Vellayani Lake – it’s a scenic spot with water lilies and fishing boats.

 

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Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple – one of the oldest temples in the city that boasts unique mural paintings and sculptures.

 

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2. Mahe Island, Seychelles

Flight time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Ticket price: starts from AED 4,745 (return trip) on Emirates

Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden – rich in spices, fruit trees and flowers. Also a great place to enjoy a local meal.

 

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Copolia Trail – a climb that leads to a breathtaking view of the island.

Anse Intendance – white sand, blue seas and occasional rough waves.

 

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3. Colombo, Sri Lanka

Flight time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Ticket price: starts from AED 3,125 (return trip) on SriLankan Airlines

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple – it’s best summed up as opulent, stunning and serene.

 

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Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct – originally a hospital, this place is now popular for its souvenir shops, restaurants and bars.

 

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Galle Face Green – watch the sunset and sea while mingling with the locals.

 

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4. Tbilisi, Georgia

Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Ticket price: starts from AED 1,925 (return trip) on FlyDubai

Tsminda Sameba Cathedral – this is largest and most beautiful Orthodox church in the city.

Aerial Tramway – a ride here gives you the best view of the city.

The Bridge of Peace – visit it for it will give you your best Instagram pictures.

5. Larnaca, Cyprus

Flight time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Ticket price: starts from AED 2,655 (return trip) on Emirates

Larnaka Salt Lake – take a walk or bike tour of this scenic spot that’s known to attract flamingos at certain times of the year

 

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Saint Lazarus Church – a piece of history in the heart of Larnaca.

 

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Zenobia Wreck – some tourists claim it is one of the best wrecks in the world to explore for experienced divers.

 

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6. Muscat, Oman

Flight time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ticket price: starts from AED 665 (return trip) on Oman Air

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – spotless and architecturally stunning.

 

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Wadi Al Arbeieen – a drive through the mountains reveals this point great for swimming and hiking.

 

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Royal Opera House – it’s beautiful inside and outside, and an apt Arabian setting for fine arts.

 

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7. Malé, Maldives

Flight time: 4 hours 17 minutes

Ticket price: starts from AED 3,635 (return trip) on Emirates

Scuba diving and snorkeling – lots of it!

 

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Hukuru Miskiiy mosque – the oldest and most ornate mosque in the city.

 

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Tsunami Monument – a monument erected in remembrance of those who lost theirs lives in the tsunami.