Algeria you are truly awesome and your sights are amazing. Both architecturally and historically rich, the region is a 11th Century settlement of Mozabites, Ibadi Muslims who are different from the Sunni and Shia sects of non-Arab Muslims.On a drive around town, I saw some exotic gilded statues and cupolas, the statue of Emperor Constantine and the old French theatre with its Roman architecture.My first impression, as soon as I landed at the very humble Houari Boumediene Airport, was of simplicity, for it was completely spartan with no fancy stores, souvenir kiosks or big restaurants. This is Algeria’s most beautiful city. The Sahara’s temperatures are very harsh and the heat scorching, the walls act like a protective guard. In fact, I would say chuck the touristy countries, like France, Italy and Spain, and take in the impressive sights of the expansive Sahara desert and the Roman ruins which can give the Colosseum a run for its money. It was ruled by the Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and Romans until the seventh century, when Arab Muslims finally captured Algeria and converted the people to Islam.Facts and triviaReaching Algeria from India | Emirates, Etihad and Qatar have direct flights from Dubai to Algiers, the capital city.The suspense of the Ghardaia womenThroughout my stay here, I would observe these women in full white cloaks with just a single eye left uncovered, roaming the streets without making eye contact with anyone. What a site to behold! I gasped to think of civilisations China kitchen mats factory dating back centuries, as it existed even 2,000 years ago as a part of the kingdom of Numidia before the Romans, the Ottomans and the French. Pictures were not really permitted but I was fascinated every time I encountered one of the silent, white clad women scurrying or gliding past me and actually disappearing within seconds. While the big cities have a liberal atmosphere with women driving around the place, the Saharan culture is traditional and takes you back to the days of yore.Algeria may not have always been counted among countries that spark one’s interest but, given its rich history, culture and people, it is today on every traveller’s bucket list. Completely safe, as my guide Omar pointed out, “What can go wrong in Paris, can also go wrong in Algeria.
There are five separate villages, all fortified by rocky hills that protect them from nomadic groups.Local customs | The most popular gift and a social norm in Algeria is etzai, a mint tea consumed all over north Africa. The finest Roman sites I visited were Djemila, Tiddis and Timgad, all perfectly preserved with huge amphi-theatres, the royal seat, bath houses and more..Women of Ghardaia wearing the kambhooz. In my long walk through the city, passing by the Martyrs’ Monument on the hill and the 1,000-year-old great mosque, I observed how Algeria is now picking up on tourists.Currency used | The Algerian dinar. Within the village there are no vehicles, just longwinding hilly stony paths. I was told that those with one eye covered were women who were married, while women who exposed both eyes were still single. This site is maze-like with alleys, a dense sea of houses, domed minarets and mosques dating back millennia. All photos are by Vibha Jain.”— The writer is a travel enthusiast.Constantine, the city of seven bridgesDon’t confuse this city with Constantinople. The best way to enjoy the ruins is to linger around and absorb it all.Getting a visa | It’s very easy and takes three working days, provided you have a local agent’s invitation letter. Called the city of seven bridges, it is surrounded by ravines and peaks, and as you look down you can see the forests and the Rhumel River gorge with a dozen historic suspension bridges.Exploring AlgiersMy first visit was to the old town or the casbah perched on a hill, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The Mzab Valley is very isolated and has managed to maintain its culture. The people I met were very positive that their government has started taking its tourism seriously. A 100 Algerian dinars is 85 US cents.Official religion | Algerians are Arab Berbers, so it’s no surprise that the dominant and official religion is Islam. Spectacular is the word!The grand mosque of AlgiersFlying into the SaharaThe Saharan desert town of Ghardaia is just an hour by plane from the capital Algiers into the pentapolis region of Mzab Valley. It was evident that the traditions here are strict and without a local guide, it was not possible to roam freely through all five villages. All five settlements are anchored by a mosque at the top of the hill with the minaret serving as a watchtower since it was at the highest point, while all the other houses were of a similar size. Pentapolis because Ghardaia comprises of five towns.Constantine, the city of bridgesAlgeria has a varied history, with many empires and dynasties leaving their mark on the land. An easy clue for unmarried men!Timgad, Tiddis and DjemilaAlgeria is famous for its many Roman ruins due to its various occupations in the past
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