If you believe that heaven is all about the deep blue oceans, white sandy beaches, sunbathing and sipping on coconut water, think again. Transport yourself to a desert with blue skies, shimmering stars, fresh air, pink sandstone rocks and red sand beaches. While a desert is not the ideal place for a vacation, you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit Jordan.
Here are the wonders of the world that you need to see.
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12 Stunning Reasons Why You Need To Visit Jordan
Mujib Nature Reserve
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mujib nature reserve
Located near the Dead Sea, this is the lowest nature reserve at 400 meters below sea level. While you go on a (long) hike, you can see more than 300 types of plants alongside rare species of mountain animals and cats roaming around the area.
TIP: Wear waterproof shoes as you will walk on slippery surfaces.
Photo: AFAR
Petra
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petra
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this pink sandstone city needs to be added to your bucket list ASAP.
One of the most famous landmarks is the Treasury, a stone carved tomb featuring Hellenistic-style bas relief sculptures.
However, there's more to it than the Treasury. Inside the complex, there are caves, a Roman theatre, more Royal Tombs and a monastery on top of the mountain.
While the city is 264 square kilometers, the best way to explore it is with a donkey as the terrain is uneven.
TIP: Don't forget to bring some water and food as there aren't many restaurants inside the site.
Photo: Getty
Wadi Rum
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Wadi Rum
Despite its status as a protected area, Wadi Rum is one of the most tourist-friendly spots in the country.
During the day, you can cruise around the desert by going on a safari tour to capture the wondrous views. At night, treat yourself to the ultimate luxury by sleeping under the stars inside a bubble tent.
Photo: Getty
Jerash
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jerash
North of Amman, Jerash is the home of an eclectic mix of cultures. From Arab to Roman, ancient Jerash was well-populated with diversity. Despite its cosmopolitan setting, the city's most famous attraction is the Roman ruins.
Photo: Getty
The Dead Sea
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dead sea
While most tourists would prefer to visit the Israel side, don't pass up the opportunity to see the Dead Sea from the coast of Jordan. Filled with salt crystals, warm water and rich brownish black mud, it's a spa where you don't have to pay a lot of money to see a dermatologist.
Photo: Getty
Aqaba
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aqaba
Cool down from the hot desert breeze with the calming waters of the Red Sea. Lined with red sand shores and colorful seashells, Aqaba's beach will make you feel like went to a private island. Also, there's a chance that you can see the Jordanian Royal Family as they visit this beachside town on weekends.
TIP: Since Aqaba is one of the prime diving spots in the Red Sea, book an appointment before your trip.
Um er-Rasas
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Um er-Rasas
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Um er-Rasas is rich with history dating from the Roman era. Initially, it was a military camp for the Romans and later, the town was populated with churches during the Byzantine era. Despite its shabby appearance, don't let the rubble fool you. Beyond the ruins, there are well-preserved Byzantine era mosaics and two square towers.
Do hire a local guide as they will be able to show you the way around the ruins.
TIP: Ask your tour guide to take you to Madaba. Over there, you can see a Byzantine era mosaic map of the city.
Photo: Instagram
Karak Castle
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karak castle
As one of the largest Crusader-era castles, this beauty is not something to overlook. At the castle, there's a citadel, fortress and many dimly-lit stone corridors. Squeeze in a mini-hike by taking the stairs to visit the Mamluk-era palace, where you can find beautiful stone carvings.
Photo: Instagram
Mt. Nebo
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mt. nebo
As one of the most important religious sites in the country, Mt. Nebo is where Moses, a prominent figure from The Bible, saw Israel. On the mountain, you can see panoramic views of the Jordan River Valley to the Dead Sea.
Before you go, don't forget to bring a hat as the dry desert heat irritates your scalp.
Photo: Instagram
Darat al-Funun
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darat al funun
When in Amman, visit the Darat al-Funun. As Jordan's version of the Museum of Modern Art, catch an exhibition of contemporary Arab artists. Compared to most places in Amman, you can easily get there by foot.
TIP: If you want to see more museums in Amman, go to the Royal Automobile Museum, where you can see the finest vintage cars from the Jordanian Royal Family.
Photo: Instagram
Qasr Amra
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Qasr Amra
Apart from Petra and Um er-Rasas, this desert palace is one of the other UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country. Built during the reign of Umayyad caliphate Walid II, it is renown for its vibrant frescoes inside the bath house and reception hall.
Photo: Instagram
Ma'in Hot Springs
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Ma’in Hot Springs
Not too far from the Dead Sea, every Jordanian swears by the Ma'in hot springs as the panacea for every ailment under the sun. Take a nice dip inside the thermal water for some nice R&R before the next trip.
Photo: Instagram
Mujib Nature Reserve
image
mujib nature reserve
Located near the Dead Sea, this is the lowest nature reserve at 400 meters below sea level. While you go on a (long) hike, you can see more than 300 types of plants alongside rare species of mountain animals and cats roaming around the area.
TIP: Wear waterproof shoes as you will walk on slippery surfaces.
Photo: Instagram