Bringing together Muslims from across the world is the holy city of Mecca. Considered to be the most sacred and important cities in the world for Muslims, Mecca has gradually become a boiling pot of cultures. Accessible only to Muslims, it is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. For all financially stable and physically healthy Muslims, a pilgrimage to Mecca is considered to be a religious obligation.
The erstwhile desert town in Saudia Arabia is today a flourishing city which has strongly held on to its heritage and religious importance. This is where Muslims come to perform their religious obligation or Umrah or Hajj. While one can perform Umrah any time of the year, one can perform Hajj only during specific dates. Since there are certain rules and regulations that one needs to abide with, it’s recommended booking Umrah packages to ensure you have a peaceful and hassle-free trip. Among the city’s most important places to visit is the Kaaba, which is the holiest shrine in the world.
Umrah packages will ensure that you don’t have to worry about visa, transport, hotel accommodation or planning an itinerary. In fact, there are a lot of places to see in Mecca which are a part of Umrah packages to make sure pilgrims don’t miss out anything important.
Among the first places to visit for pilgrims in Umrah packages is the Al-Masjid Al-Haram. Dating back to the 16th century, it is considered to be one of the most important mosques in Islam. The largest mosque in the world, it is visited by thousands of pilgrims every day. During Hajj, pilgrims visit the mosque to perform the ‘act of worship’ or Salah as well as the Tawaf or seven circular walks around the sacred Kaaba.
The Kaaba is said to have been built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael. Containing the Black Stone, it’s at the centre of attraction for all pilgrims. Muslims believe that the stone has been placed there by the Prophet. There are two more sacred sites which are located in the courtyard and are also included in Umrah packages. The Zamzam is a sacred spring and al-Ṣafā and al-Marwah are two small hills which are part of the pilgrimage. Visitors must walk or run between the two hills in a ritual known as sa'y.
Another place which is included in Umrah packages is the Jabal Al-Noor which is immensely important for Muslims. Translating to ‘the mountain of light’, it is said that this is the place where Prophet Mohammad received his first revelation. The mountain is also home to the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet spent time meditating and also the place where he received the first verses of the Quran. Located 5km away from the Grand Mosque of Al-Masjid Al-Haram, travellers visiting Mecca must include a visit to this beautiful place to learn more about its history.
However, it’s important to remember that the only way to reach the mountain is by tackling a tedious and challenging climb. If you are travelling with the elderly who wish to make the trip, we recommend including short breaks and carrying enough water and snacks.
The Cave of Thawr is another attraction which is included in Umrah packages. Located close to 3 km from the sacred mosque, the cave is said to be the place where the Prophet and his companion Hazrat Abu Bakar took refuge for three days. During the journey from Mecca to Madina, the Prophet sought protection in the cave when he sensed danger. It’s said that a miracle saved the Prophet and his friend. An acacia tree suddenly sprung up in front of the cave shielding them from enemies and thus saving their lives. It’s also said that a dove built its nest outside the cave and a spider created a web in an effort to save them. The cave was thus out of sight and went unnoticed by the enemies.
One can head to the base of the mountain on a local bus or can also include a private taxi in their Umrah packages to ensure smooth transport. The cave is on a mountain and it’s quite a walk. We recommend wearing a sturdy pair of shoes and carrying basic necessities including water.
Jabal Arafat or the Mountain of Mercy is another popular place of religious importance which is included in Umrah packages, especially during the Hajj. It’s typically visited by pilgrims who are leaving Mina for Arafat on the ninth day. It’s said that the mountain is where the Prophet gave his last sermon. Accessible by a flight of stairs, it’s a relatively easy climb but we do recommend taking short breaks to replenish your energy. Remember that a visit to the hill is a must for those on Hajj or your spiritual journey is said to be incomplete.
Another integral part of the Hajj pilgrimage and also a part of Umrah packages is Jamarat. Known as the place for ‘stoning of the devil’, it has three walls which are pelted with stones in order to complete the Hajj. Considering the delicacy of the ritual, the government has made efforts to ensure that it is safe for pilgrims and nobody gets hurt in the process.
Another important ritual is visiting the Mount of Rahman or Jabal e Rahmah. Situated in the valley of Arafat, it’s obligatory for pilgrims to stay here and pray for forgiveness for their sins. The mountain holds relevance since it is believed that the Prophet stayed on the mountain. One must also include a visit to Masjid e Nimra in their Umrah packages to ensure the trip is complete.
For travellers visiting the city for the first time, we suggest including a trip to Makkah Museum in your Umrah packages. Exhibiting a plethora of interesting relics, calligraphy scrolls and items of Islamic art, the museum is a delight to explore. Offering travellers a chance to learn more about Saudi Arabia’s archaeological discoveries, the museum promises an insightful and unforgettable experience.
The best time to plan your Umrah will depend on your budget and schedule. Since the Umrah is performed by thousands every day, it’s important to remember that prices will always be on the higher side and it will always be crowded. Also, considering the planning that goes into preparing for Umrah, it’s certainly not something that one should leave for the last minute.
For those who would like to book Umrah packages, it’s highly recommended that you begin planning at least months in advance. Umrah packages take care of transfers between places of worship, accommodation and other sightseeing tours that one might be interested in and are the best way to travel hassle-free. On a pilgrimage of this nature, one doesn’t need to worry about accommodation, transfers and other necessities which come with travelling to another country.
Since Umrah can be performed any time during the year, one can choose dates according to the weather in Mecca and book Umrah packages accordingly. Hajj dates are announced every year and if that’s when you want to travel, we strongly recommend to start your planning months in advance.
Further, the best time to visit Mecca considering only the weather is in November, December and January. Which also implies that Umrah packages are the most expensive during this time and thorough planning is highly recommended.
Umrah can be performed as many times as one wishes throughout their lifetime. While there are no rules to be followed with respect to age, one must remember that it is a long and tedious journey which can take a toll on one’s health. If you are travelling with children or the elderly, we urge you to be cautious and take extra precautions, especially in crowded areas. It is also recommended that families travel together to ensure there is support available at all times.
For those who are travelling with family, Umrah packages can be customised and one can also get huge discounts. However, since more members are involved, we suggest planning thoroughly and booking everything at least months in advance to avoid price surges.
Where you stay during Umrah is of utmost importance and the budget of Umrah packages is the determining factor. Owing to the popularity of the city, Mecca is coming up with new hotels every year in an effort to make the journey for pilgrims more convenient.
There are a plethora of 5-star properties which are located near the Clock Tower area and there are a few which are situated further away. For spell-binding views of the Great Mosque and convenience with respect to travel time, the area around the Clock Tower is a great option. Some of the popular choices are Intercontinental Dar Al Tawhid, Conrad Makkah, Hilton Convention Makkah and Hyatt.
If you are travelling on a budget, you can choose budget Umrah packages and book your hotels much in advance. This will ensure you get maximum value for your money in a hotel of your choice.
Depending on the location of your hotel, you can either walk to the Mosque or take a taxi. If you have booked Umrah packages, then travelling will be covered and you can enjoy your trip without worrying about transport. For those who are staying in Jeddah, there are a number of buses and taxis that operate between the two cities making it convenient for pilgrims to cover all sites of religious importance.
For those who are travelling on a budget, we recommend booking buses to ensure you don’t spend too much on transport.
Umrah is a long journey and if you are travelling with little ones or the elderly, you have to be more cautious. Along with booking Umrah packages and mapping out an itinerary, we recommend preparing packing lists which will ensure that you don’t miss out on anything.
For all pilgrims who are planning to perform Umrah, there are different visa rules. A special visa is issued only for Umrah and this is not valid in case one wants to work or reside in Mecca. For those who are travelling from India and are in the process of booking Umrah packages, it’s recommended to apply for Umrah visa through an authorised travel agency. This will save you time and money. The following are guidelines that need to be kept in mind:
It’s important to remember that the Umrah visa is valid only for a time period of 14 days and are free of cost. One only needs to pay for travel, accommodation and local tours.
How much do Umrah packages from Mumbai cost?
Umrah packages from Mumbai can cost anywhere between Rs.45,000 to Rs.1,50,000. This amount will vary depending on the kind of Umrah packages you choose. Most Umrah packages include everything from accommodation, transport to sightseeing make it convenient for travellers.
How many days is Umrah visa from India valid for?
A visa for Umrah is valid for 14 days. It’s recommended to complete all your bookings for Umrah packages as well as tickets and accommodation before applying for visa. We also recommend to go for an authorised travel agency for all visa requirements.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
The biggest difference between Hajj and Umrah is the timing. Hajj occurs within the first 10 days of the Islamic month Dhul Hijjah and needs to be performed within this time whereas, Umrah can be performed any time of the year. We recommend book Umrah and Hajj packages to ensure that you have a hassle-free pilgrimage.
Which are the places that need to be included in Umrah packages?
While the pilgrimage is pre-defined to a large extent, there are a number of places of religious importance that should be included in all Umrah packages. These are the illustrious Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, Jannatul Mualla, the Cave of Hira, Masjid al Jinn, Masjid e Quba and Masjid e Ghamama.
Should one book Umrah packages or make bookings on their own?
Since Mecca is one of the most visited countries in the world and thousands visit to perform Umrah, the prices tend to be high and flights unavailable. If you are on a tight schedule and don’t have time to invest, we do recommend booking Umrah packages to make your trip far more convenient.
For those who are travelling on a low budget and can invest sometime in planning, you can easily make all the arrangements on your own. Since the majority of things will be planned by you, you can keep an eye for flight and hotel deals.
Which are the best hotels in Mecca?
The best hotels in Mecca which can be included in Umrah packages are Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah, Makkah Towers, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel.
Which are the best mid-range hotels in Mecca?
The best mid-range hotels which budget travellers can include in Umrah packages are Ibis Styles Makkah, Manarate Al Sharif Hotel and Al Sherif Hotel.
Which is the best time to visit Mecca?
The best time to book Umrah packages and to visit Mecca is in the months between October and January.
Which are the best restaurants in Mecca?
There are a plethora of restaurants in Mecca which are a food lover’s delight and add charm to the one’s stay. Some of the most popular ones are Albaik, Saad Aldeen Confectionary, Al Shorfa and Al Deyafa.
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Umrah packages from Mumbai can cost anywhere between Rs.45,000 to Rs.1,50,000. This amount will vary depending on the kind of Umrah packages you choose. Most Umrah packages include everything from accommodation, transport to sightseeing make it convenient for travellers.
A visa for Umrah is valid for 14 days. It’s recommended to complete all your bookings for Umrah packages as well as tickets and accommodation before applying for visa. We also recommend to go for an authorised travel agency for all visa requirements.
The biggest difference between Hajj and Umrah is the timing. Hajj occurs within the first 10 days of the Islamic month Dhul Hijjah and needs to be performed within this time whereas, Umrah can be performed any time of the year. We recommend book Umrah and Hajj packages to ensure that you have a hassle-free pilgrimage.
While the pilgrimage is pre-defined to a large extent, there are a number of places of religious importance that should be included in all Umrah packages. These are the illustrious Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, Jannatul Mualla, the Cave of Hira, Masjid al Jinn, Masjid e Quba and Masjid e Ghamama.
Since Mecca is one of the most visited countries in the world and thousands visit to perform Umrah, the prices tend to be high and flights unavailable. If you are on a tight schedule and don’t have time to invest, we do recommend booking Umrah packages to make your trip far more convenient.
For those who are travelling on a low budget and can invest sometime in planning, you can easily make all the arrangements on your own. Since the majority of things will be planned by you, you can keep an eye for flight and hotel deals.
The best hotels in Mecca which can be included in Umrah packages are Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah, Makkah Towers, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel.
The best mid-range hotels which budget travellers can include in Umrah packages are Ibis Styles Makkah, Manarate Al Sharif Hotel and Al Sherif Hotel.
The best time to book Umrah packages and to visit Mecca is in the months between October and January.
There are a plethora of restaurants in Mecca which are a food lover’s delight and add charm to the one’s stay. Some of the most popular ones are Albaik, Saad Aldeen Confectionary, Al Shorfa and Al Deyafa.