The Kingdom of Jordan is a country of beauty, contrasts and astonishing diversity. This is even more attractive because of the friendly people. Jordan is a great place to visit because it is a small country and travel times are short.
There are shops in north Jordan. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
Jordan is one of the safest countries to visit because of it's proximity to some of the most dangerous places in the world. The Middle Eastern appeal of Jordan is what one remembers for a long time, and it includes markets straight out of the Arabian Nights filled with multi- hued handicrafts and sand art.
Air fares from Mumbai to Amman start at around Rs 38,000.
Time for capital.
Start in Amman and stay there for two nights.
Amman used to be Philadelphia, one of the cities of the Decapolis, or 10 cities from which Romeadministered its Arabian provinces. The ancient citadel is located in the center of the city. From the ruined terraces, you can see the city. The Dead Sea Scrolls are on display in the citadel museum.
The Roman theatre is a deep bowl carved into a hill.
The capital of Jordan. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
The King Hussein Park is home to the late king's collection of cars and is open to the public. It is a must to shop in Amman. Nightclubs and international restaurants can be found in Amman.
Double accommodations start at around Rs 10,000 per night.
On the second day.
The Roman ruins are old.
The ruins of a Roman empire. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
You can take a day trip to Jerash, a Roman city that was buried for years under the sand. The Hippodrome is the scene of ancient sporting activities and the venue of a re-enactment of a daily chariot race. The Forum, the center of life in ancient times, is well-preserved. Men in togas and slaves are supposed to walk past you. The ancient sewer system is still working today. There are two Roman theatres where you can watch a performance of bagpipes. The Jerash Festival is held in Jerash every year.
On the third day of the year.
It's your Indiana Jones moment.
The city of Petra was hidden from the public until a Swiss explorer discovered it was actually a Bedouin. One of the "New Wonders of the world" is the legacy of the Nabateans, who amassed a fortune levying tax on caravans. You can take a horse drawn carriage through the narrow atmospheric Siq, which leads to the magnificent Treasury. There are tombs, temple faades, a monastery, a Roman theatre and funerary halls in Petra. You can take a donkey ride to get to the steep points. A romantic way to see Petra is at night when the entire Siq and treasury is lit up with candles and there is haunting Bedouin music in the background.
The ancient city of Petra. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
The location of Petra is close to Amman. You can rent a car at the airport for between $35 and 45 dollars a day. The cheapest option is the JETT bus.
You can stay at Hotel Petra Marriot for around Rs 12,000 per night.
On the fourth day of the year.
The desert is beautiful.
Wade Rum is the place to go if you want to experience the wild and untamed. A maze of rocks in twisted shapes and sandstone jebels rising up from the red desert sands looks like a moonscape. There are ancient graffiti, drawings by caravans that passed through, a network of canyons, and rock bridges that will appeal to both the history buff and the rock climbing enthusiast. The film Lawrence of Arabia was shot in Wadi Rum. You can go camping with the Bedouins under a star-spangled sky, have a camel expedition, or ride a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is a great place to watch birds. Large birds can be found here.
There's a mountain in Jordan. The Wikimedia Commons has a photo.
Petra is only 65 miles away. You can either drive or ride the bus.
The Bubble rum camp has rooms starting at around Rs 10,000 for a single night.
On the fifth day.
The lowest point.
Driving four hours to the Dead Sea is an amazing sight.
There is a body of water in Jordan. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
They say it's the largest natural spa in the world with its oxygen-rich air and sun rays. It is supposed to be the site of five biblical cities and the perfect location for a relaxing massage.
Want to get a new look quickly?
There's mud at the Dead Sea. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
Take some of the Dead Sea mud and put it in a tub and wash it off. It was even believed by Cleopatra. The Dead Sea salt scrub, Dead Sea mud wrap, and coffee wrap are all available at the Mvenpick resort. You can stay at the resort and spa hotel for around Rs 11,000 a night.
On the sixth day of the year.
It's soul curry.
You can drive to Madaba from the Dead Sea. Jordan is home to many biblical sites.
There is a place in Jordan called Madaba. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
The Greek Orthodox Church built over the remains of a Byzantine mosaic map is one of the main attractions in Madaba. The location of Jerusalem and other holy sites can be found on this map.
Near Madaba is Mount Nebo. The photo was taken by Kalpana Sunder.
Mount Nebo is close to Madaba and is believed to be where the prophet saw theHoly Land. The panorama of the Jordan valley, rolling hills, far off Jerusalem and the Dead Sea can be seen today. The visit to the mosaic factory in Madaba is one of the most important things to do. Doubles start at around Rs 6,000 per month at the Grand Hotel Madaba.
You can fly out of Amman.
It's a foodies paradise.
Jordan has a lot of influences from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt. The first course of mezze is the most popular course in the Jordanian way of eating. There are salads like tabbouleh (cracked wheat, parsley and tomato), Arabian salad, and dips like hummus and goat's cheese. Meat and kebabs are typically the second course. Arabian rice with lamb or chicken is known as Bedouin mansaf.
Knafeh is a dessert. The Wikimedia Commons has a photo.
Traditional sweets are available in Jordan. The baklava is made with layers of thin pastry, pistachios and syrup. Kunafeh is a sweet that is made with goat's cheese and warm syrup. Meal costs will be around Rs 3000 per day.
Visa is on arrival for India travellers.
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