Skip Cliched Sites and Explore the Exotic Country of Jordan

“This City now doth like a garment wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.”

--William Wordsworth, Upon Westminster Bridge.

William Wordsworth penned the lines above to describe the city of London however, these words seem to adequately represent the picturesque historic country of Jordan. Perched amidst the war-torn region- the “Middle-East”, Jordan is not your regular tourist spot. Despite of the tumultuous politics of Syria, Israel and Palestine which surround Jordan, it has remained an elusive safe haven, relatively untouched by the surrounding dystopia.

One can trace Jordan’s history back to the early Neanderthals, to the Roman gladiators, Otto/man Turks even Persianate dynasties; consequently, what has emerged as modern Jordan is a melting pot of diverse cultural strands interwoven by threads of the “ancient” and the “new”. So whether you are looking to shop at flea-markets, visit historical world-heritage sites or experience its dazzling nightlife, Jordan has something for everyone.

Interested in traveling to Jordan? Read on to find out the sites and regions which allure travelers to this coastal paradise.

1. Petra

The ancient city of Petra is carved on red sandstone in the southern heartlands of Jordan. Petra’s origins date back to the 4th century BC when it was the thriving ancestral capital of the Arabian Nabataean civilization. Petra’s rock-cut temples and treasuries were among the most important trading outposts in the subsequent centuries.

In modern times, Petra was popularized by mainstream Hollywood flicks such as Indiana Jones and in 1985, it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, subsequently going on to assume its place as one of the 7 wonders of the world in 2007.

Visit the crown jewel of Jordan’s cultural heritage as you travel across the city of Siq’s archaic locale. Al-Khazneh or the Grand Treasury is currently the most popular tourist destination in Petra, so be prepared to stand in a long queue.

2. The City of Amman

Amman—the capital and the largest city of Jordan—is the perfect blend of new and old flavors that will enchant you for the length of your visit. The city has been able to preserve the old-world charm while catering to more modern needs as well.

Some popular attractions include Amman’s Roman Amphitheater, Jordan Museum, Jabal Amman, Abdoun, or the Souk which is an open-air market place.

Amman’s rich history enmeshed perfectly with its modern development, is ideal for tourists looking to capture the essence of both worlds.

3. Al-Maghtas or Bethany Beyond The Jordan

Al-Maghtas also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan is arguably one of the most important biblical relics to be found in the present day because it is considered to be the actual place where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Lying on the eastern bank of the river Jordan, Al-Maghtas consists of Tel Al-Kharrar or Elijah’s Hill and the region of St. John the Baptist’s churches.

Subsequent media coverage and successive papal visits have added to the popularity and sacrality of this site.

4. The Roman Ruins at Jerash

Jerash also known as Gerasa is a collection of Greco-Roman ruins situated near Amman city. History buffs are sure to love this quaint city flanked by rolling hills and filled with a conglomeration of palisades, pillars, colonnades and Byzantine churches.

5. The Desert Valley of Wadi Rum

The grandiose Arabian desert of Wadi Rum lies to the east of Rift Valley, in Southern Jordan. It is an expansive landscape consisting of rocky escarpments, narrow canyons and high cliffs. Astute and curious travelers will be delighted to find prehistoric rock art by the Nabatean communities in nooks and crannies spread about the grand desert.

6. Mount Nebo and Mukawir

Mount Nebo is the site where Moses was laid to rest, making it one of the most sacral sites in the world. The memorial of Moses has been a popular pilgrimage site for Christians throughout the centuries. Mukawir is a citadel located on a high hilltop near Mt. Nebo which provides a panoramic view of the entire arid landscape.

7. The Dead Sea

While called a ‘sea’, the Dead Sea is actually a hyper-saline lake located between Israel and Jordan. It is the lowest and saltiest point in the entire world. The sea’s salinity makes people float freely on its surface, while aquatic life rarely survives in its depth. The rich aquamarine color mixed with speckles of emerald green makes for a marvelous sight, especially with the reflection of an Arabian sunset.

Tourists looking to spend a day or two at the beach can avail the many beach resorts dotted around the coastal road.

8. The Gulf of Aqaba

The Gulf of Aqaba serves as the Jordanian entrepot into the Red Sea. It is bordered by charming beaches with arrays of palm trees and waters that run a deep hued azure. The sparkling blues harbor multi-colored coral reefs accessible to adventurous souls. It is also the reason Aqaba gulf is ideal for a multitude of fun activities such as, deep sea diving, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Those interested in exploring historical sites will not be disappointed, they can tour the ancient ruins of Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan and the Shatt Al-Ghandour.

9. Mujib Nature Reserve

If you’re looking to trudge along breathtaking landscapes in hilly country-sides, replete with gorges and river valleys carved over centuries, then this is the place for you. Hikers should definitely try out this trail.

10. Dana Biosphere Reserve

Another one for the hiking enthusiast, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve. It covers a vast expanse of breathtaking forest tracts interspersed with rocky terrain, brimming with a rich collection of flora and fauna. What distinguishes this biosphere reserve is, its changing ecology and geology. So if you visit the nature reserve on two separate seasons, you might experience completely different ecosystems!

11. Umm Qais or Gadara

Umm Qais also known as Gadara is a town located north of Amman with enchanting views of Lake Tiberias, Yarmouk River, and Golan Heights. Tourists preferring a quiet and serene atmosphere can enjoy the solitude offered by the secluded town.

12. The Ancient City of Madaba

Madaba contains an admixture of Islamic and Byzantine monuments, be it the magnificent mosques of the Umayyad Caliphal Era or the chapels with Byzantine artwork.

13. The Jabal Ajloun

The historic town of Ajloun with its scattered hamlets is ideal for travelers looking to get away from the bustle of popular tourist attractions. A day’s trip to the citadel of Jabal Ajloun will remind you of the grandeur of erstwhile Islamicate dynasties.

14. Shobak Castle

Much like Ajloun, Shobak Castle is a remote ancient ruin at the edge of the Dana Natural Reserve. History enthusiasts can visit this site which communicates the cultural history of European Crusaders.

The land of ancient cities, lost ruins and, mesmerizing beaches await you. Find the package that best suits your itinerary here.