How I Experienced Luxury Umrah on a Budget: My Journey from Mumbai to Mecca

In this blog, I'll guide you through my budget-friendly yet luxurious Umrah trip, highlighting how you can do the same.

Planning the Trip

Umrah packages often range from INR 90,000 to INR 2,50,000 per person. However, with a bit of research and planning, I completed my Umrah for just INR 70,000 per person. Here’s how I did it.

Affordable Flight Options

Typically, flights from India to Jeddah can cost upwards of INR 50,000 per person. Instead, I chose a connecting flight:

• Mumbai to Bahrain: INR 8,000 per person
• Bahrain to Jeddah: INR 16,000 per person (round trip)
• Visa Cost: INR 11,000 per person

This brought my total travel cost to INR 35,000 per person.

Comfortable Accommodation

We stayed at Al Kiswah Towers, a four-star hotel that feels like a five-star with its superb hospitality and comfortable amenities. The cost was incredibly reasonable at INR 1,000 per person per night. For four people, this totaled INR 4,000 per night. The hotel also provides a 24/7 shuttle bus service to Haram Shareef, making our stay even more convenient.

Dining and Local Cuisine

One of the best parts of staying at Al Kiswah Towers was the abundance of affordable dining options nearby. We enjoyed delicious meals at Pakistani and Turkish restaurants, with an average daily cost of INR 315 per person. This allowed us to experience diverse culinary delights without spending a fortune.

Flexible Travel Schedule

A significant advantage of self-planned Umrah is the flexibility it offers. Unlike packaged tours that last 15-18 days, we completed our Umrah in just 10 days, perfect for those who cannot afford long leaves from work.

Performing Umrah

We performed all the necessary rituals and arkans with ease. The experience was spiritual and fulfilling, allowing us to connect deeply with our faith.

Journey to Medina

After completing Umrah, we traveled to Medina using a local cab. The cost was minimal at about INR 500 per person, thanks to sharing the cab with others. The four-hour journey was comfortable, and upon arrival, we stayed at the luxurious Andalus Golden hotel. The stay cost us INR 1,200 per person per night.

In Madina, I fulfilled my dream of praying at Riyazul Jannah, the primary purpose of my visit. The spiritual atmosphere and the beauty of the mosque were beyond words.

Benefits of Self-Planned Travel

Self-planned travel has numerous advantages:

• Flexibility: Plan your itinerary according to your convenience.
• Cost-Effective: Save money by avoiding overpriced tour packages.
• Personalized Experience: Eat and pray on your schedule without the constraints of a group tour.

My Total Cost Breakdown for One Person

• Flights: INR 24,000
• Visa: INR 11,000
• Accommodation in Mecca (10 days): INR 10,000
• Accommodation in Madina (2 days): INR 2,400
• Local Transport (Mecca to Madina): INR 500
• Food and Miscellaneous: INR 22,100

Total: INR 70,000

Conclusion

Completing Umrah on a budget without compromising on luxury is entirely possible. With thoughtful planning and smart choices, you can enjoy a fulfilling spiritual journey without financial strain. So pack your bags, grab your personalized tote bag, keep your travel documents secure with a passport cover, and embark on a memorable Umrah journey.

Final Thoughts

Self-planned travel offers unmatched flexibility and personalization. Pray at your convenience, eat when you want, and enjoy a more intimate and meaningful Umrah experience without the high costs of a tour package.