Lucknow to Saudi Arabia

Currently serving as the capital of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow was once ruled by ‘Nawabs’ for a long period of time, which has earned it the sobriquet of the ‘City of Nawabs.’ The language, culture, poetry and music of this city bear an indelible imprint of the Islamic influence. On a tour of Lucknow, travellers can visit the magnificent Dilkusha Palace; go to famous Dargah of Hazrat Abbas and lose the sense of direction in Bhool Bhulaiya- an amazing labyrinth in the city. Lucknow hosts a number of festivals, every year; participating in one of which can help tourists get well acquainted with the rich culture and tradition of the city. The Islamic festivals such as Chup Tazia, Nowruz and Muharram are the major events of the city. Bara Imambara, Karbala of Inayat-ud-Daula, Maqbara of Mir Anis and Rumi Darwaza are some of the historical edifices that tourists must not afford to miss, when on a Lucknow trip. Shopping in the local markets, conversing with the locals and listening to the Urdu poetry are essential parts of the experiences that this city has on offer. Blessed with a unique cultural appeal, Lucknow invites visitors to discover its subdued charms. From MakeMyTrip, tourists can pick one of the many exciting tour packages to enjoy a comfortable stay in this city.

The mystical land of Saudi Arabia boasts beautiful oases, psychedelic desert sunsets, dramatic mountaintops, endless sand dunes, apart from rich culture and heritage. Saudi Arabia’s two holiest cities, Medina and Mecca are the main destinations of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages that draw millions of Muslims every year. Riyadh, the capital is a curious combination of crumbling old and glittering new. Visit the Masmak Fort, Deera Square (where public executions take place), Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Red Sand Dunes, the Edge of the World, the Camel Trail and Ad Diriyah. At sunset, climb the Skybridge tower! Jeddah has the most beautiful Old Town in the Gulf. The Red Sea with great coastline and beaches is unmissable! Today, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s buzzing cosmopolitan hub, home to gleaming hotels and big-ticket events like the Red Sea International Film Festival. The city’s heart is still intact in Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Abha offers spectacular mountains and colorful heritage villages, lush green hills, wild monkeys and some striking local architecture. Jizan has Yemeni-like culture and Fayfa and Absiyah, two gorgeous mountain villages. Al-Ula is a replica of Petra and Wadi Rum but without tourists. Meals in Saudi Arabia are rich, spiced, usually accompanied by rice or bread. Meat is an essential part of main meals, followed by sweet tea. Fuul (beans), Falafel, and Shawarma are diet staples, though not traditionally Saudi. This is but a taste of what awaits you in this elusive and mysterious country. You can book your flights with MakeMyTrip India.