places to visit in taif , Al Shafa mountain

* Even if you see it repeatedly , you will want to see it again !

 The city was visited by the Islamic  prophet Muhammad(s) sometime  in the  early 7th century and was inhabited by the Banu Shakif tribe and is still inhabited by their descendants

Al Shafa mountain

  . As part of the Hejaz,  the city has seen many transfers of power throughout its history , the last being the Saudi conquest of the Hejaz in 1925

Taif city located in Saudi Arabia. The distance of which is about 120km from the Holy Makkah. Its height sea about 6 thousand feet above sea level . The entire city is built on a hill . It  takes about an hour and a half to reach Taif from  Makkah . While the temperature is Makkah is 40-42 , it is only 25-26 degree celsius in Taif and now it is 11 degree . This is our arrangement with the sightseeing places of the historical city of Taif . Taif is discussed in the pages of history for many reasons. Prophet Karim (PBUH) was  brought up in the house of Hazrat  Halima Sadia , the foster mother of Bani Sakif  tride of Taif . After attaining Prophethood, Hazrat Rasulullah (SAW)went to Taif from Makkah for the purpose of spreading Islam

historical and natural beauty

 Besides , Taif is said to be a land of historical and natural beauty .  Beautifully decorated city . There are various sculptures throughout the city . Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas Mosque is located in taif  city. This is the central  Mosque of Taif , where his shrine is also located. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas Radiyallahu Ta ala Anhu is Raisul Mofachreen  that is ,he will be the chief of all the Mufassil Tafsil  Karkar in this world . If Hazrat Umar Farooq Radiyallahu  Ta ala Anhu even had any problem regarding the interpretation of the Quran Hadith   , which was not directly in the Quran  Hadith . he would take the explanation from Abdullah Ibn Abbas . There is a library adjacent to the mosque 

Historical the old woman s house

However, it is not open to the public, . But there are many collections of ancient books . At present it is not allowed to enter inside and inside the shrine. It also has some internal reasons . Still , Hajj and Umrah  pilgrims come to Taif to see this mosque . Just in front of  Hazrat Ali s mosque is the house of the famous old lady . It  is also located in the city of Taif . And next to the old woman s house was a big tree, with a mosque where Muhammad (pbuh) used to pray , and the wicked old woman used to put thorns on the road . The old women s house is still white

Hajj and Umrah pilgrims come to see this house . But now  there is a ban on entering inside . Because  many people go there and make various intentions , amulets , charms, prayers and  purification , which the people  of that country consider to be innovation . Although historical , there is no signboard no special security system . Behind this old lady s house is a hill. On the hill a big stone is still hanging. Muhammad (pbuh) who came to preach Islam was made  bloody by  Taif Basi, then the angels  wanted to destroy Taif by throwing this stone

Taif city is also rich with Masjid Al Kuh , Masjid Adam and  several other mosque., the house of Huzur( SA) s mother Halima , Drishti Nandan Park , hotels restaurants , schools and hospitals .

Al Shafa mountain

From Makkah city :

A  huge road has been built on the mountain . Some of that road is surrounded by crooked hills . On one side is a high mountain and one side is a deep chasm that freezes the body .The car is moving forward on such a road 

The Arabic driver, Abdul jalil Al Kushari , was describing various places and places along the road in native Arabic . It would be wrong to say that the air-conditioned car is moving along the winding road alone the high hill

Actually the car is going up . In addition to making it a bit difficult to breathe inside the car , the ears are getting blocked. The reaction to rise suddenly is understandable ! Looking out from the car is more surprising . See we are far up with the car , the roads below are seen as crooked narrow canals . And the cars are like  children s toy cars . It was an adventurous journey from the holy Mecca to the historic Taif on a body-freezing mountain road. 

Mountain experience

The road to Taif begins after crossing the Mina-Muzdalifah and Arafat deserts in the city of Makkah . The roads are built along the mountains sides . That is why there are mountain on the left side of the road and deep ravines on the right side . God forbid, the car is  few thousand feed down . When  you look at the foot  of the mountain , you feel fear, and if you don t look , you feel like you are missing out ! 

On the way to Taif , there are not only roads along the mountain , but there are also flying bridges to go from one mountain to another. And there are two roads . One to go , the other to come . The name of this road because it is surrounded by mountains .

Al Shafa mountain

On the way to Taif , you can see all the beautiful resorts, parks  and vacation centers  built on the slopes of the mountains .  There are not many people during Hajj season . Someone has cable . The driver said that locals use this cable car to go from one mountain to another. Tourists car also enjoy a fun ride on the cable car . At the entrance of Taif , there is a place called Okaz, a huge fruit shop, and a children s playground.  Here you can ride camels  on desert ships for rent

10 places to visit in Taif city *

1. Taif's Rose Field

2. Al Hada mountain

3. Al Shafa mountain

4. Al Wahba Crater

5. Saisad National Park

6. Al Faisaliah Garden

7. Shubra Palace

8. Green Mountain Park

9. Taif Souk Market

10. Taif Central Market

1. Taif's Rose Field

Taif produces a large amount of roses. About 900 growers produce more than 300 million roses every year. The sweet fragrance of the famous 30-petal Damascus rose is all around. Rose gardens built on hillsides and valleys are an ideal place for photography. Here you can see a garden of hundreds of varieties of several colors of fragrant flowers. These flowers are used to make the famous rose oil or perfume, rose water, rose soap etc. You can buy these rose products if you want.

2.Al Hada mountain

If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains by car ,  you can go to Al Hada mountain located in the city of Taif , Saudi arabia  . Seeing the sunrise at the top of the mountain will make anyone happy , with other mountains lined up behind . A long  road leads up to the top of Seja Hill . No one wants to miss the chance to drive around on this road . There is a water park nearby . You can hire a cable car or travel with a camel caravan to visit Al Hada Mountain 

3. Al Shafa mountain

Al Shafa Mountain is the highest and most attractive mountain in Taif . This mountain is located 35 km southwest of Taif city . Al Shafa mountain can be reached directly from the holy city of Makkah by hiring a car . Trekking  can be done by car as there is a paved road up to the top of the mountain. There is a wonderful  resort on top of the hill .

The experience of a resort trip to the top of  the highest mountain in the city will  be quite  thrilling . Beside , there is also a good facility  for barbecuing here . If you go to Makkah with  your family for Hajj , you can visit Al Shafa mountain in Taif from there . Residential hotels or cottages are available for overnight stays at the top of 

Al Shafa mountain

4. Al Wahba crater

Al-Wahba crater is located approximately  250 km from the city of Taif . It is basically a volcanic  creator .Although there are many smaller volcanic craters is this area , this one is the most popular in terms of depth and diameter. The crater is 250 meters deep and 2 kms in diameter .

At the bottom of the hole is a coating of  white  sodium phosphate crystals  that make its beauty multiply home .From local people to foreign tourists flock to see this huge  volcanic crater . Its natural beauty in capable of mesmerizing anyone .Al-Wahba crater can be easily reached by hiring a private can or cab from Makkah city .

5. Saisad National Park

Saisad National Park , located just 13 km from Taif city , is an excellent place for recreation. There are several rides and programs especially for children to enjoy . Besides, everyone will have a good time during the trip due to the decoration and external beauty of the park .

If you want to visit the city of Taif at the beginning or end of Hajj, pilgrims can visit Saisad National Park with their whole family . It can be  an ideal place for an afternoon stroll while staying in Taif .  The park is located in the Taif airport area and is located along the main road. So you don t have face any kind of problem while traveling 

6. Al Faisaliah Garden

Al Faisaliah Garden is an ideal place for a light afternoon stroll during a stay in Taif . The park is arranged in a pleasant environment away from the hustle and bustle . The decoration and conservation of the park is well developed. The park has several water fountains , various children s rides, swings and nice seating areas.

Surrounded by greenery , beautiful paths and fields for walking , one can spend a wonderful afternoon at Al Faisaliah Garden . The park has great facilities for barbecuing . Al Faisaliah Garden has weekly closure on Tuesday every week . The park is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm to 11:30pm and Mondays from 12pm to 12am 

7. Shubra Palace

Shubra Palace is one of the historical and ancient monuments of Taif city. This palace was built in 1905. The palace was the residence of the famous King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. Currently Shubhra Palace is a very attractive tourist spot for local and foreign tourists.

Every day numerous visitors visit the palace to admire its stunning architectural beauty. But this tourist center has no entry fee, anyone can enter here for free and enjoy its beauty. Shubhra Palace is located just 3.5 km from Taif city. So it can be reached here with the help of any local vehicle.

8. Green Mountain Park

Green Mountain Park is a wonderful theme park located on Alhada street in Taif . The entire park is surrounded by greenery . The main attraction of this park is the roller coaster. This ride is a favorite pastime for everyone .

There are also numerous rides for children . Every ride is exciting and fun . But each ride is quite expensive . The decoration and natural beauty of Tachara Park all together create a wonderful atmosphere

9.Taif Souk Market

Among the traditional markets of Taif is Taif Souk Market. Not only for purpose of shopping but also tourists from the country and abroad flock here to explore the market . Various Arabic handicrafts are available in the souk market . Besides , many people gather in this market to buy mint tea, perfume , rose water , local honey .

10. Taif Central Market

Taif Central Market is famous for gold and silver jowellery. Foreign tourists come to this market mainly to collect Arabic gold . Especially Bangladeshi tourists usually go to Central Market of Taif to buy gold joyelery from Saudi Arabic . Muslim clothes . perfumes, rose water ,rose oil ,Saudi Arabia s famous khati  honey are also available in this market . Not only local people but also tourists from different countries can be seen in the market . All activities of the market are conducted from 8am to 11pm . As the weather in Taif is quite normal compared to other parts of Saudi Arabia , pilgrims, spend some time in this city at the beginning  and end of Hajj or as a stopover on their way to Asa. During this time , they can be seen in the special tourists centers of Taif city . On the other hand , they go to all the popular markets of Taif to buy for their families, If you want to know about Saudi Arabia , you can visit here