“Journey into the past as we learn the history of Hegra and discover the beauty of this ancient city known as Mada in Salih, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saudi Arabia.”
Hey, do you know that there is an ancient City in Saudi Arabia that is comparable to Petra in Jordan? It is an archeological site that has stood the test of time, famously known as “Hegra”. Similar to Petra in Jordan, the tribes that carved this ancient structure are also the Nabateans. It is one of the best places on earth, and few people have yet to see and explore. It is a hidden cultural treasure in Saudi Arabia, giving you a glimpse of the past.
In this article, I will discuss more about this prehistoric city and will give you a complete guide on how to get there. Be mesmerized by its natural beauty and the antiquity of this ancient city. So, what are you waiting for? It’s about time to discover this archaeological Site in Saudi Arabia.
About Hegra
Also known as Mada in Salih, is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, located in the remote area of AlUla. This archaeological site features well-preserved monumental tombs dating from the 1st century BC. The people who carve this ancient structure & archeological site are the Nabatean Tribes, the same as Petra in Jordan. It covers about 52 hectares of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan and is considered to be the largest conserved site of the civilization. The site also features around 50 inscriptions and cave drawings from the pre-Nabataean period, as well as 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated. Today, Hegra is starting to become known around the world and is considered one of the most popular destinations to visit in Saudi Arabia.
How to get to Hegra?
Hegra is situated in AlUla, an ancient Arabic oasis city located in Medina Province, Saudi Arabia. Hence, your destination would go directly to AlUla. From this city, Hegra can be easily located.
By Air: Currently, there are 6 airports around the world that have direct flights to AlUla. These are Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Doha in Qatar, Dubai in the UAE and Amman in Jordan.
So, if you are coming from another part of the world, you might have one stop at this mentioned airport.
Once in AlUla, you can ride a taxi going to Winter Park, where the Hegra Private Bus is waiting. Please be there at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Download the Kaiian or Careem App to book a taxi.
For more details, you can check out options here in my AlUla Journey blog on how to get there by land from Riyadh or from Jeddah.
Important Note: Hegra is a protected area, with a fence around the area, considered a private property of the government. Consequently, the only way to visit this historical place is to join an organized tour run by the tourism government of AlUla. To secure your slot, you must book a ticket to the Experience AlUla website days before visiting here, which costs 95 SAR. The waiting area and the start of the journey once you are in AlUla is in the Winter Park.
Where to stay in AlUla for your ancient trip to Hegra?
Hotels in AlUla are everywhere, from standard to medium and luxury exeprience. You can check on Booking.com, where I usually reserve, otherwise you can book directly on the hotel’s website or AirBNB.
Is Hegra worth visiting?
Without doubt “Yes”, it is by far one of the most stunning tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia that you should not miss visiting. I am confident that it will satisfy and perhaps exceed your expectation. It is a unique combination of history, architecture, art, and an incredible natural wonder featuring more than a thousand-year-old rock tombs carved directly into the bedrock hills. Subsequently, it will give you a feeling of traveling into the past. It is by far one of the best places in Saudi Arabia and recommended to visit once you are in the ancient city of AlUla.
When is the best time to visit this ancient land?
Although, Hegra can be visited all year-round, It is highly recommended to visit here during the winter, from Mid-November to Early March, when temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C. In this month’s edition, you can enjoy and marvel at this archeological site in chilly temperatures.
Avoid the summer months from April to October, as the temperature is mild to extremely hot. Otherwise, if you have no other choice, you can still try to go.
My journey going to Madah in Salih
When I was planning for my trip to AlUla, Hegra was always been one of my top priorities. And since I read many blog articles before coming here, I informed the tour agency where I book all my tours in AlUla to select an afternoon schedule in Hegra. Fortunately, they were able to reserve a slot on the Experience AlUla site at this time.
A little bit of background, since I am alone and coming from Jubail. I opted to join a tour from Riyadh to reduce my costs. As you know, Jubail is too far away from AlUla. You can also check out my AlUla Trip for more details.
On our second day, after a morning tour and taking a rest in our hotel, our group drove to the Winter Park Bus stop. As mentioned, Winter Park is starting the journey, and the Bus Tour for Hegra is waiting. From there, we traveled for about 20 minutes to reach Hegra main site. From there, they welcomed us and gave us biscuits and juice. After that, we transferred to a bus operating inside the archaeological site premises. On the Bus, you will hear a classical music background with a narration of the History of Hegra. Initially you will feel the excitement as you travel in this ancient land that only a few have seen. We visited three major sites inside . At every site stop, our tour guide explained the roots and background. Overall, the journey took almost 3 hours from Winter park.
I was really amazed to visit this site, it felt like I was traveling back in time. The way the rocks are carved, making them into historical tombs, is fantastically engineered. How magnificent, isn’t it? Even back in time, we already had engineers and architects. Definitely, a site to behold and should never be missed when traveling to AlUla.
Travel Tips when planning to visit this Historic Place
Here are some tips you should consider when heading to this ancient land.
- Book the afternoon schedule when selecting the time of visit in Hegra particularly 4 p.m. This will allow you to take amazing videos and photos since the sun is shining in front of the tomb structure. On top of that, the weather is a little bit chilly, which is comfortable.
- If you are interested in an exclusive tour under the night sky, I suggest booking in advance to secure your slot. During this time, the Hegra site is illuminated with thousands of electric candles, similar to what you often see in Petra, Jordan. This experience is magical, as you will also immerse yourself in classical sound around the sites, as well as experience stargazing.
- Be at the winter park 15 minutes before your scheduled time to secure your seat.
- Take only memories, leave only footprints.
- Although water is provided on the bus tour, you can also bring your extra bottled water for yourself to stay hydrated.
- Note that the tour guide will explain the history in Arabic & English
- To get a better picture of the tomb site, wait until the tour guide finishes explaining the history, once they transfer to another tomb, you can take your own video and photos.
- If you are traveling solo, bring your own selfie stick stand to capture solo video and photos.
- Be a responsible traveler and help keep Hegra clean.
Budget when going to this historic place
Hegra tour cost is 95 SAR, or 25 USD and will take 3 hours in total, starting from Winter Park. By the way, water and a biscuit snack are included. You can take it from the tour bus. To secure your slot, book at the Experience AlUla Site days before your arrival.
In case of joining a group tour either from Riyadh or Jeddah, follow your time schedule in order to visit all tourist attractions.
Essential things to bring
- Money in Cash (Saudi Riyal)
- Comfortable shoes depends on the season you will visit
- Sunscreen for summer season
- Bottle of water
- Sun glass
- Light Snacks
- Cap for head & face sun protection
- Jacket applicable for summer or winter depends on season
- Power bank
Tip: “Be at the moment”. Use this time to enjoy and connect with nature as you journey into the past.
So, have you been to Hegra? Please share your thoughts, I would like to know your experience.
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