Hostels in MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA

The Holy City of Mecca- The Spiritual Haven of Muslim Pilgrims

Mecca is a Holy city situated in the western side of Saudi Arabia, near the Red Sea and placed 909 feet above the sea level. Mecca, also known as Makkah is the spiritual centre of Muslim community. According to ancient legend, this was the place that was preferred by the Muslim Prophet Muhammad to propagate Islamic laws and prayer services.

History
The Mecca city is said to have gained religious significance after the birth of Prophet Mohammad during 550 AD to 650 AD. After Mohammad abolished the pagan idols, He propagated the Islamic fundamentals, the Holy Koran and the presence of Allah.

Popular Places and Attractions
Every year thousands of Muslims pilgrimage to Hajj in Mecca. However, non-Muslims are not allowed to visit Medina and Mecca. As a result very few Non-Muslims have actually experienced the rituals and religious fervour of Hajj.

The primary point of Mecca is ‘Kaaba’ or the House where God resides. It is believed to be created by Holy man Abraham and sheltered in a golden and black fabric. Muslim pilgrims pray at the Kaaba and touch the Black stone with reverence. They also make it a point to drink the Holy water of Zamzam well, which is said to have magical and medicinal properties.

Getting Around
Mecca is not a costly city, travellers or pilgrims to this spiritual city can easily avail of local buses, micro buses or taxis to get around from one place to another in the city. However, there are no train facilities or metro railways within the city, and there is no need to get a guide.

Places of Entertainment
Most of the Muslim visitors to Mecca travel to pilgrimage to Hajj. Other interesting places include Mina, Hill of Arafat, Taanaem, Jabal Al Noor, Hudaibiyah and the Muzdalifah desert among others. Many visitors buy souvenirs like trinkets as presents for friends and relatives back home. They also hunt around for prayer beads, mats, embroidered hijaab and burkha, strong perfumes in popular markets and shopping malls. 

Travellers to Mecca also revel in eatery joints and restaurants where lovely non-vegetarian food cuisines are available that include Arab food, American food, Asian food, etc. But, pig meat or pork may not be served as per the strict Islamic law that prohibits such meats.

Accommodation Options
Mecca city has numerous hotels and places of accommodation. The average pilgrim can choose a hotel according to his taste or budget. It is best to book early reservation for deluxe hotels. Numerous budget hotels available are also amongst the preferred accommodation of numerous tourists.

Currency
The official currency of Mecca is Saudi Riyal. It is divided into one hundred Halalah. The currency type resembles the official currency of India. 1 Riyal is equal to 100 Halalahs, check the news for the latest exchange rates.

Group accommodation in Mecca | Cheap Hotels