Page 31 - Travel + Leisure India & South Asia (January 2020)
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Carnival Of Wonders Start your day by flying in a vintage aircraft D IS C O V E RI E S
with an open cockpit and explore the marvels
The second edition of the Winter at Tantora festival is shimmering in the magical of Hegra, Dadan, or Jabal ‘Ikmah on a heritage
desert of AlUla and promises the best of heritage, culture, and adventure.
tour. Visit the Wadi Al Qura market and
browse through the beautiful handcrafted
products. After you have had your fill of
IN THE DESERT OF Saudi Arabia’s northwestern region, shopping and history, ride along the Hijaz
AlUla is an archaeological wonder. Sandstone canyons and Railway—made famous by Lawrence of Arabia
gigantic rock formations stand as surreal testaments to during the Great Arab Revolt. There are also
7,000 years of history. Set against this backdrop of other trails like The Arabian Leopard Trail for
breathtaking landscape and awe-inspiring history is nature lovers, The Contemporary Caravan
Winter at Tantora, an international arts, culture, music, AlUla Desert Polo Trail on a horse or a carriage, and The Lost
and heritage festival. will make its debut Knight Trail, which is a combination of hiking,
at the festival on
The second edition of the otherworldly festival is being January 16-18. camelback riding, and a 4X4 drive.
held from December 19, 2019 to March 7, 2020, and it Every Friday evening, Maraya Concert Hall
promises to be even bigger and better than the first one. The second edition of at AlUla rings with melodies of acclaimed
the festival will host
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie, an art and many international musicians—from the classical oeuvre of Omar
culture lover, a music fan, or a history buff, Winter at performers including Khairat, Andrea Bocelli as well as the chart-
Tantora makes sure you go back with memories to cherish disco stars Nile topping hits of Lionel Richie, to Gipsy Kings,
Rodgers and CHIC.
for a lifetime. Enrique Iglesias, and the genre-defying music
of Il Divo and Yanni. Golden-voiced tenor José
Carreras will headline the festival’s Spanish
Prestige weekend (Januay 9-11) and Aziza Jalal,
the iconic singer whose voice defined the
golden era of Arabic classical and pop music,
returns to the stage after a 30-year hiatus at
the second edition of Winter at Tantora.
Moreover, AlUla Desert Polo, the first
COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE ALULA cooperation with the Saudi Polo Federation,
tournament in Saudi Arabia to be held in
will make its debut on January 16-18, 2020 as
part of the festival. Go for a one-day pass or
weekend packages to make the most of the
action-packed festival. Bookings for weekend
and one-day packages are now open on
experiencealula.com. —ADILA MATRA
TR AV E L A NDLE I S U R E IND I A .IN 27
