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Saudi Arabia’s archaeological treasure, Al-Ula is an emerging travel destination. Located 1,100km from Riyadh, Al-Ula sprawls over 22,561 sq. km that includes ancient heritage sites, endless deserts, preserved tombs, earliest dwellings, and gigantic sandstone mountains dating back to thousands of years. Home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra, which is a jewel in the crown of AlUla.

This walled city will take you back a few centuries, with its magnificent traditional Arab architecture and a host of fascinating pre-Islamic sites surrounding it. A host of fascinating pre-Islamic sites surround Al-Ula. It is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula which came into existence around the 6^th century BC. In other words, Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest living museum, and one of the most fascinating destinations in the Middle East.

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The unseen and unexplored wonder of the World, Al-Ula gives you enough reasons to be a part of its defining history. Also, the great news is that the hidden gem is now open for tourists. The yet to be explored and exposed to the outside world, Al-Ula is an upcoming & compelling tourist hotspot in Saudi Arabia. The paradise for the historians, archaeologists, and discerning travelers, AlUla, the World’s Masterpiece, is a promised land. Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia flaunts the most compelling visuals for photographers as well.

The best part is that the unseen wonder of the world is now open for world travelers. One can avail of the best Al Ula vacation packages 2021 to experience the wonderland in Saudi Arabia.

WHAT TO DO AND EXPERINCE IN AL-ULA IN SAUDI ARABIA

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If you haven’t heard about it till now, check out what all you can experience and explore in Al-Ula. One can do a wide variety of things in the ancient city of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. From taking a cultural tour, experiencing heritage trails, signing up for adventure trails, spending night start gazing or cycling around impressive historical monuments, heart-pounding thrills like zip lining, mountain hikes, to dune buggy ride, Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia offers immersive experiences to travelers. If you haven’t been to Saudi Arabia, you must check out domestic tour packages Saudi Arabia.

Visit Hegra

Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO world heritage site. This archaeological site is also known as Mada’in Saleh. It has been left untouched and unexplored for almost 2000 years.The Nabataeans were one of the several nomadic tribes who roamed the Arabian Desert. They considered Hegra as the as the second city of the Nabataean kingdom.

Most of the structures here are tombs. Hegra contains 111 carved tombs which are still in good condition. The construction of these tombs are influenced by Greek and Roman architecture. Many of the tombs having capital-topped columns that hold a triangular pediment above the doorway or a tomb-wide entablature. So, the ambiance around this place is quite mystical. Saudi Arabia has recently opened the site to tourists.

Experience Rock Art Trail in Hegra

The Rock Art Trail in Hegra is a spellbinding odyssey through time as represented on hundreds of petroglyphs. The rock art route cutting across several civilizations, contains different figures, scenes, and languages, and depicts various topics which range from travel, trade, religion, etc. Basically, the place depicts the Nabataean’s culture magnificently. So, one must experience Rock Art Trail in Hegra as it will simply blow your mind.

Enjoy spectacular Sunset at Elephant Rock

Jabal AlFil or the Elephant Rock is a spectacular rock formation resembling an elephant with its trunk touching the ground. It is about 52 meters in height and is surrounded by hundreds of rock monoliths. However, the Elephant rock is a naturally formed rock and the view of the same is simply spectacular.

Don’t miss the captivating sunset at Elephant Rock. The best way to experience the enchanting site is to book sunken seating and enjoy the most magnificent sunset view. Therefore, having this singular experience should be ticked at Elephant Rock.

Get mesmerized by the Old Town of AlUla

The Old Town of AlUla is an archaeological site. It is believed that the old town of AlUla was established in the 12^th century and it remained uninhabited until 1980s. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) restricted entry to the town in 2017 in order to protect and restore it for local visit and tourism.

Inside this town, one will come across many ancient heritage buildings, mosques, and markets that are centuries old. The ancient town is a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes, 400 shops, 5 town squares, Hijaz Railway, and Hegra Fort. In other words, this remarkable site allows you to get lost in the winding alleyways to explore the town to get a glimpse of the bygone era and the kind of lifestyle they used to endorse in those days. 

Visit Dadan & Jabal Ikmah

Dadan is an ancient city and was once the capital of Dadanite and the Lihyanite Kingdoms. It was one of the important centers of the caravan trade. On the eastern side, one will find dozens of tombs cut into the red-rock cliff faces and includes the famous Lion Tombs. Near to the city of Dadan, one will find Jabal Ikah, the largest “open library” in Saudi Arabia. It is basically a mountain wherein one can find hundreds of inscriptions and writings on the cliff and rock, dating back to the Dadanite and Lihyanite periods.

Interestingly, one can find five different languages in the inscriptions in Jabal Ikmah. These inscriptions help interpret the way of life and the things that mattered to the people living in AlUla during that era. Therefore, these are two of the must-visit places to feel the vibes of ancient times.

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