Temple Hunting Real Culture Tour

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Bastakia Quarter, Bur dubai Building 20, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Learn all about Dubai in the early 19th century at Al Bastakiya; as well as its evolution to a more contemporary scene through exploring the stops on this tour, all while appreciating the traditional wind tower architecture in the area and keeping an eye out for the many street art murals.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi St Al Fahidi Fort, Bur Dubai, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Al Fahidi district. In front of you is the Al Fahidi Fort or museum, built back in 1787 as a defencive fort and the premises of the monarch. Since then, it has turned into a museum highlighting the history of Dubai and its original heritage.

Although this is not the Hindi Template, we highly suggest checking this out. For 3AED only, this museum will answer all your questions regarding Pearl Diving, Dhow making, the traditional architecture of Dubai, early gold trade and the economy’s transition to oil aviation and a global trading hub.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Shiva Temple, 2nd Za'abeel Road, Al Sooq Al Kabeer, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Our next stop is the Shiva temple. Just past the Islamic mosque, we come to the 1st temple and the beginning of the Hindi lane.

The Hindu complex was constructed in 1958, devoting worship to Shiva, the destroyer of evil, and Krishna, the god of compassion, tenderness, and love.

As part of the worshipping ritual, one gives flowers. Just to the right of this temple, you will notice a small store to purchase lovely hand-made flower necklaces. Our favourite one, Jasmine necklaces give off a lovely scent. It also acts as the perfect tribute once you’re in the temple.

To enter any Hindu temple, you must take off your shoes. And from that point onwards, no photos or videography is allowed – we were not allowed to shoot inside. All the Hindus are very welcoming – strike up a conversation and ask them questions as you surely will have loads.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hindi Lane, off Ali bin Abi Talib St, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Welcome to the Hindi Lane.

This tight little passage, between the 1st and the upcoming 2nd Hindu temple, is filled with small worshipping shops selling a variety of assortments of flowers, Hindi God statues, amulets, etc. These can be used as offerings to the gods during Puja or as a souvenir.

On Fridays, this tight little corridor that connects the Hindu temples is ram packed. Thousands of people pass.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Dubai Creek, Mashraf Building, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Before we enter the 2nd temple, let’s make a stop by the creek and grab some fresh air. Follow the sign ‘Gate Number 4’ and squish yourself through the tight passageway until you pass the arch. Watch Dhows and areas sail by.

After enjoying the pigeons and the sunshine, let’s go to the next temple.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Krishna Temple, Opposite Dubai Musuem, Dubai United Arab Emirates

To enter the next temple, you can either enter directly from the creek (see the metal street barriers?), or you can go back through the tiny passageway where we came from. Before entering, take off your shoes!

This temple is filled with small rooms, spread over two floors. The temple welcomes every age, gender, religion, and nationality. However, on the 1st floor, woman and men have separate praying sections.

Afterwards, follow one of the locals up the stairs and into the many rooms. Please confirm with covering your head. In the 1st room, take in the tranquil prayers of the Pundit. In the second room, avoid touching anything.

Side note: it’s this is a place for worship. Please respect this.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Bur Dubai Abra Dock, Southern side of Dubai Creek, Dubai 75157 United Arab Emirates

And there it is — the final stop. We hope you enjoyed the ride. If you are still up for it, jump onto an Abra for 1AED to either head to The Gold Souq or Heritage Village. See you there?

Duration: 15 minutes