Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to international tourism — and the world is discovering what has been hidden for decades. The Kingdom holds some of the Middle East's most extraordinary historical and natural wonders, many still receiving just a fraction of the visitors they deserve.
AlUla is the crown jewel: a vast rose-gold desert valley in northwest Saudi Arabia containing Hegra, the Kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage Site — 111 elaborately carved Nabataean tombs cut directly into sandstone mountains. These are the contemporaries of Jordan's Petra, built by the same civilisation, yet receiving only a tiny fraction of Petra's visitors. Riyadh combines futuristic ambition with deep historical roots at Diriyah, the original Saudi capital. And the Edge of the World — a sheer 300-metre escarpment above an infinite desert plain — is one of the world's most dramatic natural viewpoints.
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR) — 1 SAR ≈ ₹23
LanguageArabic · English increasingly spoken in tourist areas
Visa for IndiansTourist e-Visa — USD 80 multi-entry, 90 days (online application)
Best Duration6N/7D – 8N/9D
Hotel Category4★ / 5★ Hotels & Desert Eco-lodges
History LoversPhotographersOff-the-Beaten-Path TravellersCulture SeekersAdventure Travellers
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) — 52m natural rock sculpture at golden hour
Diriyah At-Turaif UNESCO — original mud-brick capital of Saudi Arabia
Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) — sheer 300m escarpment above the infinite desert
Masmak Fort Riyadh — where the Saudi kingdom was recaptured in 1902
AlUla old town canyon walk through rose-gold rock at sunset
Rijal Almaa Heritage Village in the stunning Asir Highlands
Return flights from Delhi to Riyadh (King Khalid International)
Riyadh (2N) + AlUla (3N) + domestic flight between
Daily breakfast
AlUla Hegra Nabataean tombs guided archaeologist tour
Elephant Rock sunset photography experience
Riyadh city tour: Diriyah, Masmak Fort, Kingdom Tower
Edge of the World day trip
All domestic flights and private A/C transfers
Dedicated EternalMiles travel manager
Saudi Tourist e-Visa (USD 80 ≈ ₹6,700)
Meals beyond daily breakfast
AlUla hot-air balloon (optional experience ≈ SAR 2,500)
Jeddah extension (optional 2 nights)
Travel insurance (required for visa)
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Riyadh
Land at King Khalid International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Evening Riyadh Boulevard and Kingdom Tower base.
Day 2Riyadh Heritage & Edge of the World
Morning Masmak Fort and National Museum. Afternoon Edge of the World — sheer desert escarpment drive (1.5 hrs from Riyadh). Sunset views. Evening Diriyah At-Turaif lit up at night.
Day 3Diriyah UNESCO & Fly to AlUla
Morning Diriyah At-Turaif guided UNESCO tour — mud-brick palace complex. Afternoon flight to AlUla. Evening old town narrow alley walk.
Day 4AlUla Hegra Full Day
Morning Hegra Nabataean tombs with archaeologist guide. Afternoon Jabal Ikmah open-air rock inscription library. Sunset Elephant Rock photography.
Day 5AlUla Canyon & Dadan Kingdom
Morning Dadan ancient Lihyanite kingdom ruins. Afternoon AlUla old town mud-walled alleyways, date farms, spring canyon walk.
Day 6Desert & Departure to Riyadh
Morning AlUla desert 4x4 drive to remote canyons and formations. Afternoon flight to Riyadh. Return flight to Delhi.
