The Madinah Region is known the world over for being an important pilgrimage destination for faithful Muslims. It is the location of Madinah — the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah and the Prophet Muhammad’s burial place. This region can be found on the west side of Saudi Arabia, right along the Red Sea.
Over the years, Madinah has managed to attract travellers who want to know if the area has much more to offer than a collection of elegant mosques for Muslim devotees. They discovered that it does.
Madinah offers a bounty of beauty — both natural and man-made — and wondrous tales to match. Therefore, fascinating experiences are just a matter of knowing where they are accessible.
For curious travellers, here are the highly recommended enchanting destinations in Madinah:
- The Red Sea
This body of water is supposed to have witnessed miraculous events. This is enough reason for some people to come to the Madinah region and see it. But apart from those, the Red Sea is a marine wonderland.
Its unusual hue, to begin with, sets it apart from other bodies of water. It is likewise one of the cleanest seas in the world. Thus, it is home to a large variety of marine life. The corals come in majestic forms and colours. Meanwhile, the diversity of fish, turtles, and stingrays are a marvel for marine lovers and avid divers.
And for curious travellers, the Red Sea’s contribution to the history of global trade as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s developmental initiatives for it, are worth learning more about.
- Yanbu Lake
This man-made lake is a lovely proof of man’s ingenuity. It is an accessible oasis for anybody who just wants to be one with nature and enjoy the peace it can bring.
The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and there are play areas for families. Apart from the big lake, there are also smaller ponds. These are quiet, almost personal spaces ideal for those in need of a spot for self-reflection.
Yanbu Lake provides a pleasant and wholesome environment to soothe away the physical, mental, and even spiritual fatigue of a weary traveller.
- Mount Uhud
Scholars consider Mount Uhud a vital point of interest for anybody who is interested in the history of Islam. It is the location of an important battle involving Prophet Muhammad, his uncle Hamza, and companions against the Meccan forces. The Prophet lost a tooth and almost died here.
Travelers can tour the mountain with a local guide. Local guides are vital to the experience of Mount Uhud as most of them are deeply knowledgeable of the historical and spiritual importance of the place. Likewise, they relay the story of the battle with impeccable imagery that faithful Muslims are oft driven to tears.
- Wadi al Baida
This is located about 30 kilometres from the northwest of Madinah, and it has earned scientific interest. The area produces an optical illusion that confuses many about the slope of the road. It appears to many that the surface of the road goes uphill, when in fact it is sloped downwards.
The illusion is created by the fact that there is an unobstructed horizon to serve as a reference point for the actual slope of the ground. It’s worth a visit for travellers who take pleasure in unexpected or unusual things.
Awaken to gorgeous surroundings
If you desire to stay in a hotel tucked away in a tranquil spot in the city, not to be missed is the Shaza Al Madina which continues to captivate weary travellers with its traditional old-world aesthetics intelligently combined with luxury hotel service.
The architecture and interior design reflect the majestic kingdom culture of Saudi Arabia. But at the same time, guests can enjoy all the modern conveniences they are accustomed to.
This hotel provides an eye-opening insight into the Arabic outlook on life.
Travellers are treated with hospitality befitting royals.
Shaza Al Madina is a lovely option for travellers who wish to explore the region. It is near Haram, which makes it a convenient origin point for city adventures.
To stay at the grand Shaza Al Madina, travellers can bring the cost of accommodations down by taking advantage of online discounts as well.
The best of Madinah awaits
Madinah — a place where culture, history, and natural wonders meld.
This is a little corner of the world where travellers can pause to think and marvel more about life, and discover its great mysteries and possibilities.
AUTHOR BIO
Amjad Irshaidat is the Country General Manager – Saudi Arabia for Shaza Hotels. The 5-star Shaza Hotel in Al Madina combines sophistication and location in effortless style, with each suite being, by intention, an emphatic expression of generous warmth and Eastern hospitality.