When we think of Jordan, rock-hewn structures and landscapes fill our minds. Jordan has always been an important placeholder in the history of Arab Countries. Nestled between nations with raging wars, Jordan offers a peaceful and mystique ambience ideal for a long trip. Jordan has a very rich history, which dates back to World War I after which the country was officially formed. It was renamed from the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan to Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan by Abdualla I who ruled the country during the period. Today, Jordan is a member of the European Mediterranean of a free trade area and also enjoys advance status with the European Union. The tourists can avail various Jordan holiday packages to enjoy the beautiful country.
Tourism has a large stake in the GDP of the country as the country offers beautiful monuments as well as modern getaways in the city. It is commendable that despite being surrounded by neighbours who are always waging wars, Jordan has managed to be peaceful with its progressive policies and encouraging tourism. The country has been bestowed with nature’s bounty and its cultural and heritage sites are worth the visit. Jordan tour packages are readily available and can be availed to experience the true beauty of Jordan. There are a number of places in Jordan like Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba, which hosts and conducts several events and parties.
Many movies have also captured the raw beauty of Jordan and portrayed on the silver screen. Biosphere reserves are also a aplenty in Jordan as the country has a Mediterranean style climate. Areas like Amman also experience snowfall in the winter season from November to January. The country has developed steadily owing to its free trade policies and hospitality of the tourists. You have to visit the country to get immersed in the beauty of Petra, Jarash and Dead sea, etc. and taking a Jordan travel package is the best way to explore the hidden beauty of the country.
How to reach Jordan
By Air
The capital city of Jordan, Amman is connected with all the major cities in the Far East, Europe, America and Middle east. The Queen Alia International Airport is situated in the south of Amman at a distance of 35 kilometres. You may get connected flights from other destination as well. Though the flights to Jordan are not very frequent but careful planning will make everything very easy. Taxis and Cabs are readily available at the Airport which can take you to Amman from where you can visit other cities and places.
By sea
Though a slower means of transport, arriving Jordan at sea has its own virtues. You can take a ship or ferry from the Red Sea port at Nuweibe in Egypt and come to Port Aqaba. The service is available twice a day. Once you reach Aqaba, you can rent a car or take a bus to any other part of the country.
By Road
For those who like independent travelling, Jordan can be reached by car. The road connects Jordan to places like Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Israel. If you are on your own vehicle, you must make sure that you have the required documents to pass through.
Jordan Tourism
Jordan has tremendous historical importance and is one of the most inhabited places on earth. The rock-hewn structures and mystique monuments are testimony to its cultural heritage and tradition. Despite being surrounded by countries like Iraq, Syria and Israel who are always engulfed in war, the country has managed to maintain peace and kept it safe for the tourists. The visitors also feel blessed to come to Jordan as what they experience is unique and out of this world. While some tourists prefer to visit the place during the autumns and spring season, many come here in the holy month of Ramadan when they get to experience the festivity in the air. Avail Jordan Tour packages to explore the hidden treasures that Jordan has to offer. Stay startled at the view of the Petra Caves and enjoy the delicacies crafted to perfection at the local restaurant. You can go through the Jordan Tourism guide and plan Jordan tours accordingly. Your trip to the mystique country of Jordan will not fade away soon and will linger until it draws you back here.
Jordan has an epic history and rock-hewn structures in Petra will make you reminisce it. At Petra, the stacks of stones laid over the valley seem like clay baked in the sun. Such an open landscape also has few areas with walls as high as 300 feet which blocks the sun permanently. The entire area is silent and you can hear your own footsteps while walking down the arid valley of Wadi Musa. The siq and the treasury trail in Jordan may be quite adventurous too when you go in groups. Occasionally, there are events held at these siq and treasury and it is decorated with candles and lights.
The capital city of Jordan, Amman must also not be overlooked as it hides exotic Arabic experiences. It is the most underrated cities of Jordan despite having some beautiful monuments and exotic restaurants sans the traffic and commotion on the road. There is Amman Citadel, Temple of Hercules and Ummayad Palace for those whole love to see monuments. The tourists can appreciate the beauty of castles like Karak castle, Shobak castle and Qasr al Mushatta. Some of the these castles are tough to reach, but a little effort can get you atop.
While on a family trip, you can enjoy the beautiful and calm beaches along the Dead Sea and the green belts of vegetation. If you are religiously inclined, there are places like Khirbet Tannour, King Abdullah Mosque, Church of Stephen and many more.
Jordan is replete with many museums which must be visited as they showcase the history and the rich cultural heritage of the country. Museums like Military museum, Jordan National gallery of fine arts, Museum of Archaeology, Madaba Museum and Salt Archaeological Museum are some of the best museums in the country.
There is also no dearth of natural scenic beauty in Jordan and tourists who seek scenic beauty can drive past the dead sea and enjoy the beaches and the vegetation alongside. Wadi Mujib Nature reserve and Azraq Wetland reserve are two well known reserves where you can visit for having a close encounter with nature. Mt. Nebo and the cave of seven sleepers are other such attractions that will leave you spellbound.
Shopping in Jordan is all about traditional and handicraft items that are too exotic to give a miss. There are several handicraft art galleries which caters to the discerning audience. There are a plethora of varieties in the shops and something or the other will definitely capture your attention. The weaving centre and gallery is one such gallery which deals in weaved clothings and other handicraft items which are exotic to the extent of being divine. Those who love beautifully designed jewelleries, Rum Arts in Wadi Rum is the ideal place to be. The shop deals on silver items, embroidered bags and much more. If you are an avid shopper and love to collect art from different part of the world, you will feel blessed to be in Jordan. The Handicraft workshop at south Azraq which has recently been renovated also boasts of some of the most exquisite collection of handicrafts. Silkscreens, ostrich egg carvings, and traditional textiles are some of the items that the workshop deals in. The entire product range is created by local artisans. Noor-Al-Hussain is also a famous name on Handicraft products. The shop is located in Aqaba Fort complex and sells some of the most delicate handicraft work. Another shop called Haret Jdouna complex offers a wide and rare range of exquisite mosaics, textiles and ceramics.
Jordan is very cosmopolitan when it comes to catering to the taste buds of the tourists. The hospitality of Jordanians is world-famous and the exotic range of cuisines offered in Jordan is a testimony to the fact. You will find Middle-East as well as international delicacies prepared by the master chefs in the restaurants. If you wish to savour the Middle Eastern delicacies like Kibbeh and Shwarma, Kir Heres Resataurant, an award winning restaurant is the best place to visit. The chef here prepares the genuine Middle Eastern cuisines with its true flavour. Another restaurant Ummaquais is also a decent choice.
You can even relish Lebanese dishes like Makdous, Labneh and many more, you can visit the Lebanese House. It is located near Jerash’s centre and also has a kid’s playing area. If Italian dishes are what turn you on, Romero Restaurant welcomes you. It is the best Italian restaurant in Jordan and is a must-visit for Italian food mavericks. Apart from the restaurants that serve a specific cuisines, there is an array of restaurants which serve international cuisines. The Pella Rest house is one such restaurant which caters to the taste buds of visitors who love to have international dishes.
Trajan Restaurant in Wadi Mujib, Mount Moses near Mt. Nebo and Royal Yacht Club with marine view are some of the most popular restaurant that serves international preparation crafted to perfection. The restaurants in Jordan are sure to impress with its unexpected innovation that they bring about in the food. The preparations are bound to tickle even the most discerning of taste buds.
An array of activities ranging from adventurous to relaxing awaits you at Jordan. A country replete with ravines, rock cut structures and seas are bound to offer a plethora of activities for the tourists.
One of the most popular adventure activities that the country offers is the Desert Safari along the Wadi Rum Deserts. When the weather is congenial, it is the best way to immerse yourself in the seclusion and lonesomeness of the area. If you are water sport enthusiasts, the place is going to fascinate you to the fullest. A boating and cruising expedition called Sindbad is conducted where the tourists can go on ships across the dead sea. Various other water sports like sea diving at Red Sea Diving centre in Aqaba is also a great choice for fun loving and adventurous tourists. Animal rides events like Rum horses which lets the tourists go on animal rides along the Wadi Rum is a great adventurous activity that most tourists visiting the place take up.
Relaxation activities include Ammam bath, Hot spring bath at Al-Himma Mukheiba Bath, Dead Sea Spa and Madaba Turkish. These are good places to rejuvenate and relax yourself after a tiresome excursion along Petra and other places.
Nightlife is not much prevalent in Jordan, however, there are places like Cave Bar, the oldest bar in the world, Living Room which is a lounge cum sushi bar cum study. This is a place which exudes an undying charm and when you study near the fireplace with a drink, you feel special. Rover’s Return is another English Pub which is quite popular for obvious reasons. The quality and variety of drinks are just unparalleled.
Jordan has a typical middle eastern climate where the summers are terribly hot and winters very cold. If you are resistant to heat and temperature in the tune of 40 degreesCelsius, you can visit Jordan and see the ruins of Petra in solitude. However, the Spring season and the Autumn season are the perfect time for visiting Jordan. The period between February to April and September to November is ideal for touring in Jordan and the country experiences the most footfall during the period. During the spring and Autumn seasons, the days are comfortably warm and nights are cold. The climate in winter is quite harsh and Petra even experiences snowfall during winters. Most of the rain also occurs during the winter season and therefore this season is not recommended for visiting Jordan.
