Saar Burial Mounds
Explore 4000-year-old Bronze Age Dilmun settlements, including houses, a temple, and unique honeycomb graves. A journey back in time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Saar Burial Mounds
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 4000-year-old Bronze Age Dilmun settlements, including houses, a temple, and unique honeycomb graves. A journey back in time.
"One of the most amazing places in Bahrain. Bronze age Dilmun settlement excavated in the 1990s."
Download Site Map
Get the map to easily locate all points of interest, including burial sites and wells. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven historical terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bronze Age Dilmun Settlement
Main excavation area
Explore over 60 well-preserved houses and a temple from the Bronze Age Dilmun civilization. Imagine life 4000 years ago.
Honeycomb Style Graves
Burial sites
Discover around 1500 ancient graves, showcasing unique honeycomb-style architecture. A testament to ancient burial practices.
Sumerian Design Temple
Temple complex
Visit the ancient temple with Sumerian design influences, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Dilmun people.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Sun Protection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I think I may have found a Native American rock mound, what should I do and who should I tell?
Download Site Map
Get the map to easily locate all points of interest, including burial sites and wells. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven historical terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Ojo Caliente - burial mounds, portal to underworld?
Would it be disrespectful or hurtful to the Native American community to be married on or near a burial mound as a non Native American couple
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay refreshed and energized while exploring this vast historical site.
Respectful Conduct
Remember this is a sacred site. Avoid touching artifacts and maintain a respectful demeanor.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Site Map
Get the map to easily locate all points of interest, including burial sites and wells. :iphone:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven historical terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay refreshed and energized while exploring this vast historical site.
Respectful Conduct
Remember this is a sacred site. Avoid touching artifacts and maintain a respectful demeanor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Saar Burial Mounds as an amazing historical site, offering a well-preserved glimpse into the Bronze Age Dilmun civilization with its ancient houses, temple, and unique honeycomb graves. The site is easily accessible with parking and basic facilities, making it a must-visit for history buffs. However, the intense sun and lack of shade require visitors to come prepared with sun protection and hydration.
"One of the most amazing places in Bahrain. Bronze age Dilmun settlement excavated in the 1990s. Some 60 houses and the temple are more or less well preserved. Remember these are more than just old stones. For the people back then, it was their world. They lived, loved, worked and slept here. Just go there, sit down in one of the houses and imagine how it might have been 4000 years ago.
Site easily reachable by car and overseen by a guard. Ample parking space. Lavatories and nice sitting area at the entrance.
Bring sun protection. Possibly to cool down in nearby mall."
Terra Incognita
"4000 years Historical sight. From Dilmon civilization. A Sumerian design temple. 1500 Honeycomb style graves. Tens of houses. Must visit site for people interested in history and archaeology."
Tourist Guide
"So cool to visit, everything is still untouched. Download the map to find all the spots like the burial site and the well"
Thim de Jong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Saar Burial Mounds are easily reachable by car in Bahrain. There is ample parking available at the site.
While specific public transport routes aren't widely detailed, driving is the most recommended and convenient method. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car.
Downloading a site map beforehand is highly recommended to find all the key areas like the burial sites and the temple.
Yes, there are lavatories and a nice sitting area available at the entrance of the Saar Burial Mounds.
Absolutely! The Saar Burial Mounds are a fantastic historical site to include in a day trip exploring Bahrain's ancient heritage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on ticket prices is not readily available, but the site is overseen by a guard, suggesting it's an accessible historical monument.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours, especially in the cooler parts of the day.
While not explicitly stated, the presence of a guard suggests it's a managed site. It's best to assume there might be a small fee or to check locally upon arrival.
Guided tours are not explicitly mentioned, but local tour operators in Bahrain may offer packages that include visits to historical sites like the Saar Burial Mounds.
It's best to visit during daylight hours. The site is overseen by a guard, implying it's accessible, but official hours should be confirmed if possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
These mounds are remnants of a Bronze Age Dilmun civilization, featuring around 1500 honeycomb-style graves and a settlement of about 60 houses and a temple, dating back 4000 years.
You'll see well-preserved ancient houses, a temple with Sumerian design influences, and numerous honeycomb-style burial mounds. It's an untouched historical landscape.
The site is overseen by a guard, and while the terrain is historical, it's generally safe to explore. Wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of uneven ground.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography, especially of any potential local staff.
To fully appreciate the site and imagine life 4000 years ago, allocate at least 1-2 hours for exploration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food vendors directly at the burial mounds. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and water, or plan to eat at a nearby mall.
The reviews suggest a nearby mall offers options for cooling down and dining, which would be your best bet for food after visiting the site.
While there are sitting areas, it's advisable to check local regulations regarding picnicking at historical and potentially sacred sites. Bringing snacks to consume off-site might be safer.
Bahrain offers a mix of traditional Gulf cuisine, Middle Eastern flavors, and international options, especially in malls and larger dining establishments.
Given the heat and the nature of the site, it's often best to eat before or after your visit. Staying hydrated is key, so carry plenty of water.
📸 📸 Photography
The honeycomb graves and the ancient house structures offer unique photographic opportunities. The late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is often restricted at historical and archaeological sites. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A camera with good low-light capabilities and a versatile lens would be ideal, especially if you plan to shoot during the golden hours.
The main challenge is the intense sunlight and heat. Visiting during cooler hours and using a lens hood can help manage glare.
The intricate patterns of the honeycomb graves and the textures of the ancient stone houses are particularly striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon will make the experience more comfortable for younger visitors, avoiding the peak heat of the day. The nearby mall offers a good option for a cool-down and meal afterward.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Take your time to absorb the details of the excavated houses and imagine the daily lives of the people who inhabited this area millennia ago. Downloading a site map is crucial for a thorough exploration. Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day to maximize your comfort and exploration time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Dilmun Civilization
Archaeological findings at Saar include pottery, tools, and evidence of sophisticated water management systems. The honeycomb-style graves are a particularly distinctive feature, suggesting unique funerary customs and beliefs about the afterlife. These burial mounds, numbering around 1500, are a testament to the population density and the importance of ritual in Dilmun society. Visiting Saar allows you to walk through the remnants of this once-thriving culture, imagining their world 4000 years ago.
Exploring the Archaeological Site
Navigating the site is made easier by downloading a map, which helps in identifying specific areas like the burial grounds and ancient wells. The presence of a guard ensures the site's preservation and offers a sense of security. While the ruins themselves are the main attraction, the surrounding landscape also contributes to the atmosphere of stepping back in time. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven historical terrain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit