For  completeness, we have included the city here, albeit non Muslims are not permitted, as city remains bustling  throughout the year with devotees.

The holiest city in Islam, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, Mecca is where the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet by god. Considered  as one of the five pillars of Islam it is regarded  as a blessing and privilege if one  travels to Mecca  for a pilgrimage.

Millions of devotees pour into the city year-round to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, the focal point of which is to encircle the Kaaba stone, the cube swathed in black silk with gold calligraphy, inside the vast courtyard of Grand mosque and walk to/from the Safa and Marwa hills, seven times in prayer.