Travel Guide To Salmiya

Indian Embassy in Salmiya

Embassy of India
Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Arabian Gulf Street, P.O. Box 1450, Safat-13015, Kuwait.
Working Hours: 8.00 A.M to 4.30 P. M (Sunday to Thursday)
Tel. Nos.: (00-965) 22530600, 22530612 - 14

Visa Process for Indians

The following documents are required to get a visa to Kuwait

• The applicant should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of stamping the visa
• One visa form along with a photocopy of the same size
• One passport-size photograph
• Air tickets
• Indian passport holders are required to obtain "Emigration Clearance" from the office of Protector of Emigrants (POE), Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for travelling to Kuwait

About Salmiya

The city of Salmiya is located in the Hawalli Governorate in Kuwait. Administratively divided into 12 blocks, Salmiya is mostly a residential location towards the blocks which are located closer to the interior of the district. On the other hand, those situates beside the Persian Gulf coastline comprise of some significant commercial as well as upscale residential real estate. The interior residential areas of the city are home to a great population of foreigners. These are mainly the ones belonging to the Indian sub-continent along with some other Arabs who don’t belong to the Persian Gulf area.

Top Places to Visit in Salmiya

• Al Shaheed Park - Located on the periphery of Kuwait City, this park reflects upon the story of a land, its culture and history. The park comprises a significant amount of greenery, consisting of stunning botanical gardens, a visitor centre, two museums - Thekra & the Habitat, a lake, jogging track, and walkways. All of these features make Al Shaheed one of the largest urban parks in Kuwait.

• Abraj Park - Water Towers Park in Adailiya – This public park contains nine glasses of water “mushroom-like” towers, making it one of Kuwait’s most iconic landmarks. This park has a spectacular spot where visitors watch the sunset. During the night, the water towers are stunningly lit in different colours. You can also get a great view of the water towers and click pictures.

• The Grand Mosque – The official mosque of Kuwait is also the largest mall in the county. Its area spreads around 45,000 square metres, out of which the building of the mosque itself covers 20,000 square metres. The primary prayer hall is approximately 72 metres wide on all sides, consists of teakwood doors, and has lighting offered by 144 windows.

• The Scientific Centre - The Scientific Centre is located in Salmiya along the waterfront. There three primary places of attraction inside the Science Centre are the Aquarium, Imax Cinema, and the Discovery Palace. The Dhow Harbour is also situated right along the waterfront. One of the most enormous aquariums in the Middle East, there consists a massive variety of species in various kinds of environmental conditions. This centre is an absolute delight if you are planning a trip with children, as the place showcases plants, animals as well as marine life.

How to Reach Salmiya

Kuwait International Airport is situated in Farwaniyah is about 21 kms from Salmiya. The private carrier of Kuwait called Jazeera Airways operates in international flights to more than 30 destinations within the topmost Middle Eastern and Indian countries. Apart from that, the national carrier Kuwait Airways also has operations to and from Europe. You can easily travel from the airport to Salmiya, thanks to the convenient taxi services available outside the airport. Moreover, bus service is also available right outside the arrivals, which further connects to the main bus station in Kuwait and many other popular stops on the way. Some of the best hotels in Salmiya also arrange for shuttle services for their respective guests.

Best Time to Visit Salmiya

The typical temperatures in the city of Salmiya are extremely varying. The place is immensely hot and humid for about half of the year. Otherwise, it’s enjoyable with a considerably low chance of rainfall throughout the year. The area is somewhat temperate as compared to the various other tourist destinations across the globe. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Salmiya, the hottest months are June, July, and August. Salmiya has the most perfect weather around the months of September to November.

Things to Pack

Packing the essentials products like clothes and footwears usually depends on what the weather conditions are like in Salmiya. Here is a list of some of the travel essentials one must never forget to pack:

• Sunscreen
• Covered Clothes
• Umbrella
• First Aid Kit
• Important documents such as travel insurance policy

Top Delicacies of Salmiya

• Harees – This thick soup-like dish comprises wheat cooked along with meat which is then mashed. This scrumptious mixture usually consists of a topping of cinnamon sugar. Even though this dish has an unappealing texture and appearance, it is still an extremely filling dish which makes the most amazing comfort food and keeps the residents of Salmiya warm during its winter nights.

• Gers Ogaily – Considered like an average Kuwaiti dessert, this tasty sponge cake is the best way to finish off a heavy meal. The cake comprises of strong elements of sesame, saffron, rose water, and cardamom accompanied with a fluffy and light texture.

• Muttabak Samak –This is a fish dish which is served over rice cooked in fish stock which is delicious and well-spiced. All types of variations of this dish are found around the country, making it an authentic Kuwaiti dish when it’s accompanied with Zubaidi fish. Apparently, the Zubaidi fish is also the national fish of Kuwait.

• Machboos – Popular for being Kuwait’s national dish Machboos is an iconic dish made of mutton, chicken, or fish and is accompanied with fragrant rice that has been cooked in a well-spiced broth. This dish is mostly served with a red gravy which is also known as dakoos, which may or may not come with soft potatoes. The key is to simmer the meat so it’s a lot tender when served.

Shopping List Essentials (Where to Shop)

• Al Salam Mall - Al Salam Mall is a small mall located right in the heart of Salmiya. The mall is popular for housing one of the biggest shopping store Lulu Centre. Apart from that, the mall is also home to various cafes and boutiques. It’s also got a play area for children on the second floor while also offering a good selection of cheap and mid-range eating outlets.

• Boulevard Mall – An ideal place to roam around, this mall has a big walking path around the park. The highlight of the park is its good sports facility consisting of various courts like tennis, football, and cricket. This mall is first-of-its-kind mall, which offers integrated entertainment, dining, retail and leisure activities all in a single dynamic attraction. This mall not only magnetises the residents but also the tourists from all across the world.

Top Indian Restaurants in Salmiya

• Taal
  Location: Al Tawa'an Street, Bida'a, Salmiya، Safat 13131, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 2225 3142

• Mughal Mahal Salmiya Marina Plaza
  Location: Salem Al Mubarak St, Above Zara Home، Marina Plaza, Adjacent to Marina Plaza, Block No.7, 5th Floor, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 9555 4591

• Asha's Restaurant
  Location: Marina Mall, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 2208 1121

Healthcare Centres in Salmiya

• Al-Rashid Hospital
  Location: Amman St, Al-Salmiya، Kuwait
  Contact: +965 1886 886

• New Mowasat Hospital
  Location: Salem Al Mubarak St, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 1826 666

• Al Seef Hospital
  Location: 3 Al Blajat St, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 1881 122

Currency

Kuwaiti Dinar is the official currency of Salmiya

Basics of Local Communication

The official language in Kuwait is Arabic. However, the locals easily understand English; however, it is always better to keep a few local phrases handy for a great trip.