5 Lesser-Known Places from Riyadh That You Don’t Want To Miss

Seated on the desert plateau in the centre of the country, the capital city of Riyadh is home to towering skyscrapers and serves as the financial hub of Saudi Arabia. While Riyadh sparkles with a lot of charm and has much to offer, we also bring you a list of some lesser-known places that are at a striking distance from Riyadh and must be a part of your bucket list if you love the outdoors and don’t mind a little adventure! 

1. Al Wahba Crater – A Hole on Earth’s Surface

Time from Riyadh: 6 hours and 40 minutes, Distance – 700 km (approx.)

Located amidst the never-ending dunes of Saudi Arabia, the Al Waba Crater is a pearly white and gorgeous crater that makes for a photogenic attraction. The Al Waba Crater is a maar crater, which is formed by shallow explosive eruptions when groundwater comes in contact with volcanic magma. It is 250 m deep, 2 km in diameter and its bottom is filled with sodium phosphate crystals, which lends it its salt field. When here, admire the solid white deposits along with the green palm trees and shrubs that grow on the side of the crater, leaving the rest of the desert land barren. 

Be careful as you trudge, since the terrain is slippery and it can take about 60 minutes to reach the bottom of the crater. Be extra careful while climbing back because of the slippery surface and the rocky hurdles. You can lose the mobile phone signal inside the crater, but it can make for a rewarding experience for total adventure enthusiasts! 

2. Heet Cave – A Hike That Lets You Beat the Heat

Time from Riyadh – 1 hour and 5 minutes, Distance - 52 km 

A wild cave whose entrance resembles the shape of an ‘eye’, the Heet Cave is an extraordinary treasure trove for all adventure lovers. The eye-like entrance of the cave appears to be huge as you come closer! The Heet Cave holds an underground lake where the water is fresh! Make your way through the rock formations and craggy passages inside a narrow hole, to the dingy chambers of the cave that leads to an underground lake. Swim in crystal clear waters that are known to be 30 m deep. You must carry a torch and wear comfortable footwear and clothes. The attraction presents an opportunity for cave diving, a must for divers! Be careful on your journey and enjoy a hearty dive in the freshwater.

3. The Edge of the World – The Corner Where the World Ends

Time from Riyadh: 1 hour and 30 minutes, Distance - 90 km 

The Edge of the World forms a part of the Tuwaiq Cliffs that stretch over 600 km and overlooks an ancient trade route. It can take about 15 to 30 minutes to reach the end of the cliff edge as you tread along the winding desert trails, admiring the beautiful vistas along the way. Nearing the edge of the cliff, treat your eyes to the uninterrupted views of the barren valley! To climb through the rugged terrain and steep slopes – good walking shoes are recommended. The valley is said to be a part of an ocean bed many million years back, so keep an eye for riverbed remains and fossils while crossing the valley below. 

The gates of the site close at 6 p.m. You can choose to camp in the Acacia Valley where you can revel in the spectacle of a beautiful sunset and a starry night sky! It’s best to travel in a large group in SUVs with a good navigation system. Winters are the best months to check out this marvel!

4. The Empty Quarter – The Abode of Silence

Time from Riyadh: 4-5 hours (approx.), Distance - 453 km

Owing rightly to its very name, you will hear nothingness echoing through the sands of time! The Empty Quarter spans over a whopping 655,000 sq. km and is home to undulating dunes of red and orange hues. Undertake a thrilling desert safari and ride on dunes that go as high as 30 to 300 m. You can also see the long lost city of Ubar that has its mentions in A Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Click various pictures and maybe camp under the stars, but be sure to bring in all your provisions. It’s best to visit the Empty Quarter with an experienced guide!

If you take Route 10 while driving south from Riyadh, it will lead you to a tiny agricultural town – Layla – which sits in the way of the desert. You can camp here or explore the desert from here in a four-wheeler. 

5. Rawdat Tinhat – Campfire Under the Open Skies. 

Time from Riyadh: (2-3 hours approx.), Distance – 180 km

Rawdat Tinhat is ideal for nature lovers and is a perfect haunt to recharge. You can take an overnight/weekend journey to encounter the countryside in winters when it’s in full bloom and the desert has turned into a green oasis! There are rental stalls on the highway that offer camping materials. Admire the technicolour sunset and enjoy friendship with fellow campers as you set up your camp, light a campfire and cook on firewood. Sleep under the star-speckled sky and soak all your senses in the mesmeric occasion! 

Late November is great for camping and you can also see the King’s Forest when here. 

While Riyadh exudes a cosmopolitan vibe, there are many attractions in its vicinity that will tickle your outdoorsy spirit! So book your holiday to Saudi Arabia to bathe in the experience of its gorgeous natural wonders!