Taif

Overview :

The city of Taif lies within the well-known Makkah province of Saudi Arabia and is popularly referred to as the ‘city of colors’. Situated atop the Al-SarawatMountains at a height of almost 1700 meters, the city has a total population of 521,273. Taif is the center of Saudi Arabia's agriculture and grape and honey grow plentifully in this region.

During the summers, the city becomes the retreat of most wealthy Arabians as well as foreigners. Taif also has a strong religious significance and during the 6th century, it housed the idol of Al-lat, the Lady of Taif. The climate of Taif greatly suits the cultivation of wheat, vines and fruits, and its agricultural prosperity had earned Taif the name of “the garden of Hijaz”

Major Attractions :

Al Rudaf Park: Located south of Taif is a large natural park where clumps of tree lay scattered amidst magnificent weathered granite rocks. The site also has a small zoo.

Rock Carving Sites: Located 40 km north of Taif, this was the site of the Okaz Souk, the largest and most well known of the pre-Islamic souqs or gathering places.

Okaz Souk: The souq was a scene for annual social, political and commercial gatherings. It was also the location of competitive recitation of poetry and prose. The buildings remain, including prominent outlines of walls of basaltic stone.

Turkish Fort: The remains of the fort are located near the Rock Carvings legend has it that Lawrence of Arabia fought here in 1917. Many battles have been fought there and many graves can be found

Al Hada Mountain: is a large nature preserve. Al Hada means tranquility and this preserve of trees and plants offers a true respite. It is also good location to catch the sunset over the mountain.

Al Shafa: A small village situated high upon the SarawatMountains, rich in agricultural products. The fruit gardens of Taif are located here. Great view for the camera buff and for those with an adventurous heart, try a camel ride.

King Fahad zoo: is the most remunerative for tourists and it is one of the oldest parks Taif.

museums in Taif 

1.  ShubraPalaceMuseum one of the oldest museums in the city and more than 4000 pieces of relics and antiques.

2.   The National Museum is the largest museum in Taif and includes among its flanks more than 30 thousand artifacts, including a variety of antique collectibles and pieces of local heritage of the past decades, ancient manuscripts, photographs and evidence of stone and stone carvings, weapons, ammunition and accessories ancient craft.

3. OkazMuseum

4.  The green village Museum

5.   FairwildlifeMuseum

 

Things To Do:

 

Cable cars: Located beside the Ramada Hotel newly opened which is the largest in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, will show you extremely fantastic scenery of Taif's Mountains and if you are lucky you will be able to see monkey's money. It will cost you 30 Riyals for an adult and 15 Riyals for kids. If you wish for a two ways trip, you will pay the double. You can have your own cable car for 150 Riyals one way and 300 Riyals for round trip.

 Al kar tourist village: This is mainly a water games centre and pools.

Okaz historic market: Located north-east of Taif, and is held in the summer of each year

Hiking and climbing in Al-Shafa: Al-Shafa area is located in the south-western province of Taif. And away from the city of Taif by 30 km to the south-west, and its location on the edge of Tihama beautiful landscapes , pleasant atmosphere and high-Shafa approximately 2200 to 2500 meters above sea level and it has the second-tallest mountain peak in the Kingdom.

Shafa frequently characterized by towering mountains descend gradually towards the east and north, while strongly and descend vertically.

 

Events :

Many events held in Taif around the year include Summer Festival Taif (Taif Ahla), Souk Okaz, Roses sectarian harvest festival

Taif Winter Festival and Equestrian events in the field of King Khalid al Equestrian Club of Saudi Arabia, where movement of equestrian events from Riyadh to Taif throughout the summer The annual camel races in the organization National Festival for Heritage and Culture Janadriya.

 

Famous Meals :

Taif is famous with mallah bread, asidah, herirah (soup) and Arabic saliq rice.

 

What To Buy:

The city is the centre of an agricultural area known for its grapes and honey. The most important thing you have to buy is Fruits. They specialize is Peach, pomegranate, grapes and Dates these are the best Fruits in Saudi Arabia.

 

Best Time to Visit:

There is no best time (of the year to visit Taif the beauty of nature and the mild weather in summer entitle Taif to be an important resort of the Kingdom and foreigners

 

 

 

Travel Tips :

Of course, Alcohol and all type of Drugs are strictly PROHIBITED. DON"T BRING ALCOHOL TO SAUDI ARABIA.