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BY  Ankita Jun 13, 2024

Saudi Arabia is known for its diversity. When it comes to amusing visitors with unusual natural beauty, historical facts, and cultural traditions, Saudi Arabia attracts a large number of tourists. However, do you know what attracts visitors the most about Saudi Arabia?  Well, it's historical landmarks that make people feel curious about the kingdom. In this regard, Madain Saleh or Hegra and Al Ula Valley come first. These places make up a significant part of the Arabian history.  What's interesting is that these places also seem peaceful and quiet for pilgrims. That's why many Cheap Umrah packages allow pilgrims to visit Al Ula Valley and Hegra during their pilgrimage.  However, how do you prepare for the journey? And if you are a traveler, how can you get there on your own? Well, you need a complete guide about each step on the way. Therefore, we come up with this visiting guide for visitors and pilgrims. So, it becomes easier to get in the past following the guide below. Visiting Guide to Hegra and Al Ula Valley History attracts everyone. The way how our ancestors lived and survived sparks our suspense. So, it's not necessary why you are going to visit Saudi Arabia. Visiting historical landmarks is permanent anyway. The same goes with pilgrims, visitors, and curious ones.  For pilgrims, umrah packages in the USA make it easier to explore Saudi Arabia with ease. These packages facilitate the transfer of pilgrims and ensure their comfort on the way. The same goes with the 10 Nights 4 star Umrah package that helps pilgrims manage time and budget in one place. However, travelers or history lovers should plan their journey on their own.  It includes transportation, accommodations, and meals on the way. So, how will you manage to make the most of your trip? Similarly, if you are with family, it becomes essential to plan the right. And that's why you need to read ahead to start planning now. Planning Your Trip to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia hosts historical sites that capture the interest of visitors worldwide. The most famous ones refer to Madain Saleh and Al Ula. These tourist destinations have a great contribution to promoting tourism in Saudi Arabia and it has also a good reason.  Both these landmarks are unique for their geographic distribution, historical significance, and role in the development of the kingdom. That's what makes visitors curious about the land.  So, plan a trip to Saudi Arabia to explore history. The right time to visit Saudi Arabia is from October to April. As we all know, weather makes or breaks our adventure. So, avoid planning a visit to Saudi Arabia during the summer season to experience a pleasant trip. The next step is to perform legal formalities like obtaining a visa document to enter the kingdom. As a visitor, you'll apply for a tourist visa with multiple entries to Saudi Arabia until it's valid.  However, if you are planning to explore history during the pilgrimage, get an Umrah visa through Umrah packages. Budget-friendly options are also available out there like the 10 Nights 4 star Umrah package.  Apply online on the eVisa portal to get a Saudi visa document. Fill out the application form carefully and attach the required documents to ensure visa approval. In addition, it's better to have travel insurance for first-time travelers. It's because travel insurance saves visitors during emergency situations and helps them under unforeseen circumstances. Transportation and Accommodation Since Saudi Arabia promotes tourism, it makes it easier for visitors to travel along the way. Therefore, you have a couple of travel options when it comes to visiting Madain Saleh and Al Ula.  The first one is ground transportation, which covers public transport and private cars while the second one is air travel from airports of Riyadh or Jeddah. So, what to choose to get there? It really depends on the availability of time and planning.  For example, pilgrims are short on time and require time management. So, it's better to opt for air travel through direct flight. Similarly, if you are a tourist and want to explore Saudi Arabia while traveling by bus, choose ground transportation.  Once you are in the target place, it's time to look for accommodations. As pilgrims often plan a short trip to Al Ula and Madain Saleh, Umrah packages do not provide accommodations. However, tourists need to book comfortable hotels for living as per their scheduled trips.  The popular options are Shaden Resort and Habitas Al Ula which provide luxury experiences to visitors. However, there are also guest houses and budget hotels that serve visitors at low cost.  Those who want to have fun with family or friends can try camping near their target destination, which will add an adventurous touch to your stay. Exploring Madain Saleh Nabataean civilizations were significant in the past for their traditional ways of living and survival. The present landmarks that represent this civilization refer to Madain Saleh or Hegra and Petra in Jordan. These sites present the remains of ancient people and their art views on the rocks that make everyone curious about their lives.  UNESCO World Heritage recognizes Madain Saleh for its unique beauty and preservation. It's like an open-air museum with a mystery of living secrets. Visitors capture the arts on rocks and try to get back into their lives.  However, are you going to visit the whole landmark? Obviously, you want to visit the famous places to make the most of your time. For that reason, include Qasr Al Farid, Jabal Ithlib, and Diwan, which attract visitors for their natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Under the clear sky and during the sunset, these landmarks turn into magical elements everyone wants to remember forever.  Now, what do you think about how you will visit the Madain Saleh? Through a guided tour or a self-adventure? Well, it's pretty easy to decide that first-time travelers should go for guided tours. Professional guides let you know the things you will never learn yourself. However, if you have visited Hegra before, you can visit it yourself and have an adventure anyway. Exploring Al Ula  Similar to Madain Saleh, Al Ula is also home to ancient civilizations. The place represents the living and trading skills of earlier Arabs that ultimately contributed to the development of the kingdom.  During the history of hundreds of years, Al Ula preserves the beauty of ancient people and keeps their traditions alive. In short, Al Ula offers a mix of nature and history in one place. This is a reason visitors include Al Ula in their target list to visit. Pilgrims also plan group tours to Al Ula to experience once-in-a-lifetime beauty. And the best thing is that Umrah packages also facilitate such tours so that pilgrims can have a good time.  Al Ula is famous for the places like Al Ula's old town, Al Khuraiba, and ancient rocks. The giant tombs and their traditional building take visitors back in the past. Another must-see view in Al Ula is an elephant rock that looks huge. The rock undergoes natural rock formation processes that add to its beauty uniquely.  What else you can do there? Well, Al Ula Valley allows you to try activities like hiking, climbing, and stargazing. Families can camp under the sky and experience stargazing together. Tips for Pilgrims  Since pilgrims are short on time, they want to make the most of their time. They also look for places that have a religious background or at least offer serenity to their visit. This is because the main purpose of their visit is to perform a pilgrimage. All they want to experience is something unique and relaxing while connecting with their spirituality as well. So, should they visit historical landmarks?  Is visiting Madain Saleh and Al Ula worth their time? First things first, historical places offer a lot more to learn in a short time. They present the history of people and their ways of living and faith that help pilgrims relate with them. Similarly, Madain Saleh and Al Ula represent the history of people before Islam came to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, pilgrims learn more about how people used to live before the onset of Islam.  Not only this, the Saudi government also takes care of the pilgrim experience in every aspect. Therefore, it also maintains spiritual places at such a historical place that serve pilgrims even during their trip. For instance, Madain Saleh and Al Ula are home to traditional mosques that give a unique experience of offering prayers there. So, don't worry about your daily prayers or a Friday prayer, as you can offer them while visiting the history of Arabs. Final Words In conclusion, visiting Madain Saleh and Al Ula is easier than you think. All you have to do is take a start from planning your journey, like booking accommodations and transportation. After arriving at your target locations, ensure experience guided tours to explore hidden aspects of Hegra and Al Ula and that's it. Read Also: Future Of Travel, Skift Global Forum East 2023, Takes Off In Dubai! From Beaches To Mountains: Ideal Routes For Car Travel In Dubai Best Time To Experience Dubai: The City Of Gold

BY  Sibashree Mar 9, 2026

Almost a year ago, on 26th March 2025, Xinhua shared a photo of the fishing trawlers in Negombo. Those further gave us an idea about the lives of the fishermen in Negombo.   On a personal level, that photo took me back to my days in Negombo.  Now, many often miss the cultural insights Negombo offers. I mean, if you consider the Tamil culture in Jaffna, or the cultural things to do in Kandy, you also need to experience what Negombo has to offer.   Otherwise, you will not understand how it has kept the soul of a fishermen’s port city alive beyond the glitz and glamor of the prominent international hotels and shops.   Also, Negombo is very close to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The distance is less than 9 km, and the travel time is around 20 minutes.   So, as expected, it has all the amenities for tourists. However, as always, luxurious facilities have never been the draw for me while visiting a place.   I am the happiest exploring the Ritigala Forest Monastery or climbing the Sigiriya Rock and finding the history at every corner.   So, my reason for a visit to Negombo was not what people usually think of. And in today’s blog, I will introduce Negombo to you through my lens.   How Did I Reach Negombo From Colombo?   I took a tuk-tuk to reach the Colombo Fort railway station from my hostel. Then, I got a train ticket for 80 LKR.   The train was not overly crowded, and traveling solo, and as a believer in the LowDownUnder travel philosophy, I quite enjoyed the train ride.   However, if you want to avoid the hassle, you can also take a bus from Colombo to Negombo.   Where Are The Things To Do In Negombo?   First, I want to highlight that traveling to Negombo has now become easier if you are traveling from India.   The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has started a package called “SHRI RAMAYANA YATRA EX MUMBAI.”   From 21st March 2026 to 27th March 2026, it will be a 6-Night and 7-day package.   The package tour conducted in association with the Sri Lankan Airlines will cover destinations such as Colombo, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.   This tourism package starts from Rs. 71,800/ for adults and Rs. 30,100/ for children.   Now, with traveling becoming easier, you can plan the things to do in Negombo better.  1. Exploring The Negombo Fish Market  I was up at 5 AM as I had to visit the local fish market.   I got into a minivan with my guide, and as we entered the market, the sight of bright silver fish and their smell occupied my senses.   My guide took me through the stalls of tuna, machete, and shark. Then, he drew my attention to the ships filled with fish reaching the market and the heavy bargaining game.   A fish market may not be the most attractive place to visit when you are in Negombo.   However, if you want a true cultural experience and understand the livelihood of the local people, it is the go-to place.   From the fish market, my guide took me to a beach used primarily for drying fish. The intense smell is not for everyone, but many times, I had a similar experience back home.   2. Visiting The Dutch Fort At Negombo  The Dutch Fort was close to the “fish drying beach.” Now, the Dutch Fort is used as a prison.   The fort is constructed with coral stone and granite.   And around the fort, I found many wildflowers blooming.   This simple scene was a moment of learning for me. I once again understood how the universe functions.   It does not matter whether it’s a prison or a temple. A flower can bloom anywhere, and it will always be beautiful.   However, I wanted to have a better view of the Dutch Fort. I climbed up the old clock tower and got a better perspective and better shots of the fort.   3. Visiting The Angurukaramulla Temple  After a trek to the Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Rock, I visited the Angurukaramulla Temple. Like the Sigiriya Rock, for this Buddhist Temple, you also need to make an entry through the mouth of a lion.   The lion rests below the 6-meter-tall Buddha statue.   The temple has magnificent statues and beautiful murals. Also, it has a rich library with scriptures and murals.   So, it is a great place to visit in Negombo if someone is studying the Buddhist religion and literature.   However, walk carefully as you may come across snakes (rat snakes).   4. Birdwatching On The Dutch Canals  I ended my morning at the Dutch Canal. It was relaxing and enriching at the same time to look over the lagoons.   I decided to make more of the moment and got into a boat.   It was surprising to say the least. Also, I did not expect to meet so much wildlife immediately after leaving the dry land.   I saw a huge monitor lizard resting on the shoreline, and then kingfishers, cormorants, and herons in flocks kept accompanying me throughout the journey.   However, it was not just the wildlife. I saw a reflection of my home and country during the boat ride.   People were attending to livestock, children were bicycling, and some were even playing cricket.   Again, there were some abandoned hotels and buildings, standing as a witness to the civil unrest and the stories of human resilience in Sri Lanka.    5. Exploring The City On Foot  Negombo is very walkable, and it reminded me of my days in Jaffna. I used to randomly pick a direction along the main coastal road and just walk.   You may call wandering aimlessly in a lesser-known place unsafe. However, I think that you have not seen a city until you have walked through it.   Also, after visiting Jaffna and other places of historical and cultural significance, Sri Lanka felt like home to me.   They spoke a different language. However, they were warm and welcoming, just like anyone I would randomly come across in India.   Also, after years of experience, I can say that walking is the only way to find those hidden gems, the best bakery around the corner, or the eatery that has been around for around 100 years.   This was more evident during my Jaffna food tour.   Moreover, while walking across the streets of Negombo, I got to interact with the local fish sellers and food vendors. In addition, I found a big mosque near the backstreet. 

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

If you are looking for the best places to visit this holiday, look at Nepal. It is one of the most popular countries in the world today. There are a lot of exciting things that you can see in this country. It offers outstanding scenery that will give you an incredible experience in Nepal. Nepal is an excellent place for all tourists who love nature and wildlife experiences. Consider spending about 7 - 21 days exploring all the great things Nepal offers.  Checkout 5 Best Things To Do In Nepal Here are some exciting things you can do when visiting this beautiful country.  1. Trekking in Nepal Nepal offers some of the best trekking routes in the world. This place is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers who are coming from many different countries in the world. If you only have a short visit time in Nepal, try the 4-day Poonhill trek, which offers beautiful scenery of Nepal. You can also try the Everest Base Camp Trek and also Manaslu trek. Both spots are the best adventure treks in Nepal. They offer pristine nature and an incredible trekking experience for all tourists. 2. Peak Climbing Some people are interested in climbing some famous mountains in Nepal. You can try Mera Peak or Island Peak to get the best climbing experience with minimum experience. Both peaks can reach up to 6,000 meters. They are suitable for people with minimum or even no mountaineering experience. You will enjoy one of the most challenging adventures in your lifetime. Yala peak is another interesting peak that you can visit when you are in Nepal. It offers an excellent view of Shishapangma mountain, which is about 8,000 meters. It is the highest mountain in Tibet.  3. Cultural Tours There are a lot of interesting cultural tours that are available in Nepal. You can try some of these tours to explore the beauty of the ancient traditions in Nepal. Most of these tours will bring you to some famous cities in this country, such as Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Pokhara, Lumbini, and Chitwan. They offer exciting stories that will be very interesting for most tourists coming to Nepal. You can find a lot of beautiful temples, shrines, archaeological interests, and a lot of fascinating cultural heritages of Nepal.  4. White Water Rafting You can come to Nepal now for the best whitewater rafting experience. You can take the Four Day Kayaking Clinique along the Seti River. It is an excellent way to explore spectacular views of the natural beauty and riverside scenery here. This tour will start at Phewa Lake, which is located in Pokhara. It is suitable for all beginners who want to learn how to do kayaking correctly before trying more difficult and dominant Himalayan rivers around this country.  5. Wildlife Tours This is another exciting thing that you can do when you are in Nepal. You can visit Chitwan National Park to explore some exciting wildlife tours here. There are more than 500 beautiful migratory birds and other fascinating animals, such s one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, etc. This park covers about 332 square miles. It is the best place to see some exciting animals, such as crocodiles, rhinos, elephants, tigers, bears, etc., while in Nepal. You can take about a 3 - 4 day trip to explore all the exciting things here.