There is no way you can go for a Middle Eastern
adventure and not visit Jordan. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a country
with many hidden treasures that are awaiting you to discover and enjoy them.
So, to give you a head start and help you plan your next adventure; here is the
10 must visit places in Jordan.
1. Petra the Rose City
Prepare yourself to be amazed. Petra is not
like any other place you have seen before, and that is why it is listed as one
of the seven wonders of the world. The city was built about 2000 years ago by
the Nabataeans. The buildings were carved into the desert stones and shaped
into about 3000 dwellings, banquet halls, altars and tombs.
The most famous feature in Petra is The
Treasury, and to see it you must walk through Al-Siq. It is a narrow and dim
gorge that stretches for about 1.2Km which you can either walk through it or
hire a horse.
Nonetheless, it is totally worth it because
at the end of it you will be welcomed by the rose city with its many shades of
beautiful colours and wonderful designs.
2. The Dead Sea
You can’t swim; not
a problem because you can float in the dead sea. Yes, you read that right. This
is because of the high concentration of salt which affects the water density and
as a result allows you to float.
To add to your
amazement; the dead sea is the lowest elevation of land on the face of the
earth which makes this place extra special. However, if you are after health
tourism then definitely the dead sea is the right place for you. Where you can
swim in its mineral-rich water and follow up with a rub of its black, rich mud
on your body to cleanse and renew your skin.
3. The Ancient
Roman City-Jerash
Have you ever
dreamt of travelling back in time? If you answered yes, then visiting Jerash is
your chance to do so. Jerash is only 50km from the capital city Amman and it
was considered the jewel of the Roman Empire that was built around 6500 years
ago.
The minute you
start exploring the many features of this city you will be fascinated by the
beauty and design of its amphi-theatre, arches and plazas. While there, be sure
to visit the Forum, Temple of Artemis, and the North Theatre. And don’t forget
to take photos of the magnificent mosaics that you will see there.
4. Aqaba
It is the only
costal city in Jordan, situated in southernmost Jordan and it considered
Jordan’s window to the Red Sea. You might ask about the best way to get to
Aqaba, well, you can either go by car from Amman, which will take you about 4
hours drive through the Desert Highway or fly using the Royal Jordanian and be
there in an hour.
Besides swimming, sunbathing and diving in Aqaba you can visit Aqaba Fort, Aqaba museum, and fourth century roman church. Also, you can dive back to history through the many historical images on display at Aqaba Heritage museum.
5. Wadi Rum
This enchanted
place is considered one of the world’s most beautiful deserts. It is located
near Jordan’s southern border and its beauty comes from the dramatic sandstone
and Basalt mountains projecting out of its sandy grounds.
While in Wadi Rum
you will be captivated by the fascinating rock art and the endless spectacular
formations. While exploring you will come across many inscriptions and
scattered ruins which will enrich your cultural experience.
However, to be able
to have the best experience it is advised that you go on a 4x4 Jeep tour to
sightsee the histrionic canyons and arches. After a long day exploring Wadi
Rum’s many hidden treasures, it is best to spend the night at one of the camps
where you will be introduced to delicious Bedouin dishes for dinner and then
enjoying the brilliant night sky.
6. Dana Nature
Reserve
If hiking your
thing then you ought to visit Dana Nature Reserve. It is Jordan’s largest
nature reserve covering 320 square kilometers. It consists of rugged limestone,
granite, and sandstone cliffs that reach nearly 1524 meters before plummeting
to the valley floor which some of it is below sea level.
Dana is home to
many species that came from three continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. This
large variety of species in one place has added to the uniqueness of Dana. In
addition, Many of Dana’s animals and plants are very rare and Dana has provided
a safe home for them such as the endangered Nubian ibex and the lynx-like
caracal.
7. Ajloun
Ajloun city located
north of Jordan and it is overlooked by the ruined Ajloun Castle. The Castle
was built in 1184 to defend against the Crusaders. Inside the Castle you will
be reminded of life before modern civilisation through the display of ancient
Neolithic artifacts.
Once you finished
exploring the castle, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Jordan Valley from the
castle outlook. Then, take a trip to town to explore the Great Ajloun Mosque,
the oldest of its kind in Jordan and whose prayer tower can be seen from
anywhere in town.
In addition, don’t
forget to visit the biblical site of Mar Elias which contains mosaics from a
byzantine church and shrine where pilgrims come to pay tribute to St. Elijah.
When finished, take a drive through Ajloun Forest Reserve or you can hike one
of the many trails there and enjoy the smell of pine trees and fresh air.
8. Ma’in Hot
Springs
As the name
suggests, Ma’in holds many hot springs and waterfalls. It is located 74km south
of Amman and 264 meters below sea level. It is said that Herod the Great have
bathed in its medicinal water and to this day many people visit Ma’in hot
springs for treatment or just to enjoy a hot soak.
While there, you
will enjoy the curative properties of the hot springs which stream from a
volcanic source hidden deep in the mountains. The temperature of the
mineral-rich water averages around 40 degree Celsius with some springs reaching
as high as 63 degrees Celsius.
Therefore, if you
or any of your loved ones are into health tourism, then Ma’in hot springs is
the place for you. This is because of the water in these springs contains
elements with healing properties such as sodium, calcium, chloride, radon,
hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.
9. Wadi
Al-Mujib
If you are after an
adventure, then you are in the right place. Wadi Al-Mujib was once known as
Arnon Valley which -according to many stories- is believed to be where Moses
led the Israelites across.
Going back to the
adventure side of things; you can hike the water of Wadi Al-Mujib Gorge into
the Dead Sea. While hiking you will meet with musical sound of the many
waterfalls and the beautiful colours of the Sandston cliffs.
No, the adventure is
not over yet. There is the Mujib Biosphere Reserve which covers around 212
square kilometres. It spans between the King’s Highway and the shore of the
Dead Sea.
This reserve is
considered a safe haven for the wildlife that resides in it. While there you
can look out for the Syrian Wolf and Caracal mountain cat.
Last but not least,
is the Capital city of Jordan, Amman. Amman is the heart of the country and it
holds the old and the new within its streets and suburbs. While there you will
always feel welcomed by its friendly and generous people.
If you are a history lover then you can start by visiting Jabal Al-Qala’a hill. You will be fascinated by the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the 8th century Umayyad Palace which is known for its grand dome.
Then there is the
Roman Theatre that has a capacity of 6000 and offering occasional events
especially during the warmer months.
However, you can’t
go past the city center or downtown where you will have a sensational
experience. You can walk through the narrow streets of the market and enjoy the
smell of the many exotic spices on offer. Or maybe you are after hand-made
rugs; whatever you are seeking you will find it there.
Written by – Sawsan
Alnadi
Edited by – Adrija Saha
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