Mentioned in the world’s most iconic places, Jordan is synonymous to beauty and history. Located in the rocky desert of the northern Arabian Peninsula, Jordan is a young country of Southwest Asia. Tracing its history back to the ancient biblical kingdoms, it is one of the most politically liberal countries of the Arab world.
Jordan is made up of warm red colour and historic architectural styles. The beauty of this place resides significantly in the historical places and untouched desert landscapes. Several archaeological sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from Petra to Quseir Amra, from Umm Ar-Rasas to Wadi Rum Protected Area. Or, you can admire Jordan’s beauty after dusk and watch the colours become warmer and the city lights start to shine.
An integral part of the Arab world, Jordan is home to deserts, nature reserves, and fascinating archaeological monuments. This place is an incredible destination for every kind of travellers. You can head on to the capital city of Amman, Jerash, Ajloun, Wadi Rum desert, the Dead Sea in Aqaba, and much more. UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lost City of Petra, is one of the biggest highlights of Jordan.
There are plenty of activities to do in Rome. If your interests are inclined towards historical places, then you should explore the ancient Roman ruins in the town of Jerash. Or, head onto an adventurous trip to the nature reserve, Wadi Mujib. Also, you can start your day by witnessing the mighty Wadi Rum with a jeep tour. End your day by savouring the authentic Jordanian barbeque and staying at a lavish Bedouin tent. Moreover, you can also indulge in travelling the coastal town of Aqaba. This aqua adventure will take you to the colourful marine life.
Jordan’s climate is the Mediterranean, but the land is generally arid. Temperatures can stay between 8 and 26 degrees Celsius. The closeness to the Mediterranean Sea affects the weather of this place. The spring season, March to May, is the best time to travel to Jordan. Temperature from September to November is also pleasant as it starts to cool down.
March to May is the best time to travel to Jordan. The weather is pleasant and tourist areas are open for business. However, if you don’t mind the heat, traveling in summer (off-season May to September) will allow you to enjoy certain tourist spots like Petra without the usual crowds.
The country has two major international airports, the King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba and the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. They’re served by many global carriers.
A visa is required for entry into Jordan for some nationalities including Indians. You can obtain a visa on arrival although you may want to apply in advance to avoid long waits. It’s advised that travelers consult the Jordanian diplomatic mission in their countries before traveling as visa requirements may change without prior notice.
If you’re applying for a visa in advance, you will need to fulfil the following. Note that the visa will be valid for 2 weeks.
The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar. Money can be exchanged at centers around the country. An option that many travelers prefer is to use an ATM. While a transaction fee is charged, the exchange rates are good.
The historical country is teeming with must-see attractions like ancient ruins, museums and nature reserves. These are the top places to visit –
Jordan offers visitors fun things to do. Here are some of the best activities to undertake in this stunning country –
Jordan has several terrific local dishes with influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. Top among them is mansaf, often considered the national dish. Other favorites include hummus, fattet hummus, falafel, kebab, moussaka, galayet and zarb among many more. Khobez is a staple.
Popular places to sample Jordanian cuisine are –
Public buses are available but are not geared towards tourists. As such, you might find it difficult to move between tourist attractions. The best way to travel is to rent a car or to book a tour package where private buses will be arranged.
Travelers coming in from the Americas and Africa are required to get vaccinated against yellow fever. Other vaccinations are recommended although not mandatory –
Modern Standard Arabic is the official language and most people speak Arabic dialects. However, English is also widely spoken.
Learning a few sentences in the local tongue can help you greatly especially if you’re in an area where English is not popular. Learn to say –
-Hello: as-salam 'alaykum (reply: wa 'alaykum as-salam)Depending on which part of Jordan you travel to, you’ll come across great finds such as pottery, beadwork jewelry, mosaic work, ceramics and fashion items. These are the best places to shop at –
Before you jet off into Jordan, you might want to keep a few things in mind. They’ll make your trip a lot more pleasant and help you avoid unnecessary situations. Here goes –
Jordan boasts several great hiking trails although camping sites are few. It’s best to book a camping and hiking tour so that you don’t encounter problems with permits.
A bustling nightlife in the Middle East may seem a little hard to believe but Jordan boasts bars and clubs where you can while away the hours at night. Check out these trendy spots –
Jordan is a hotbed of archeological sites. In fact, most of the must-visit places date back many centuries. Here are the most notable –
Travelers can see Jordan from a new perspective by going on a cruise. Aqaba Port is the sole port so cruises to the country will connect here.
Jordan’s rich history can be seen in detail at museums across the country. These should not be missed –
Taking a road trip through Jordan will allow you to experience details that you may otherwise miss. If you’re an adventurous soul who likes to do things differently, this is the way to travel. You can start your tour from Amman and head to Jerash and on to Madaba. From there, you can take in Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
Jordan currently has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are –
There are several nature reserves in Jordan that are the best places to see wildlife. Here they are –