Jordan: an endless list of amazing sight seeings!
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which once captivated ancient travelers, continues to enthrall a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation.
From the haunting, primeval starkness of Wadi Rum, to the teeming centre of urban Amman; from the majestic ruins of bygone civilizations to the timeless splendor of the Dead Sea, Jordan is unveiled as a unique destination offering breathtaking and mysterious sights, high standard accommodations, exquisite cuisine and countless activities that can provide visitors with inspiration, motivation, and rejuvenation.
Marveling at herds of gazelles and Oryx and migrating birds, camping amidst the grandeur of Wadi Rum or Dana Reserve, trekking the ancient caravan trails from the highlands of Moab and Edom, hiking the wooded hills of biblical Gilead, or experiencing the unique, cleansing mud baths of the Dead Sea are just a few examples of the treasures awaiting visitors to this unique kingdom.
The new stream of luxury hotels emerging in Amman, Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea is just adding quality to a refined product that is distinct, accessible and friendly. A product that is home to a new display of modern meeting facilities and unique venues for incentive travel.
Whether it is a conference for 5000 people, a lavish dinner in the peerless desert of Wadi Rum, a barbecue at the shores of the Dead Sea ( the lowest point on earth ), or a reception atop a medieval castle overlooking the Jordan Valley, the amicable and competent people of Jordan will ensure a once in a life time memorable experience.
Here’s a quick guide on some of the wonders of Jordan:
Ajloun, is the city where the Ajloun Castle (Qal’at Ar-Rabad) is located. It was built by one of Salaheddin’s generals in 1184 AD to control the iron mines of Ajloun and to deter the Franks from invading the city.
Jerash, one of the most well preserved Greco-Roman Cities in the world, is a close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan. The ancient city of Jerash boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years.
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts – a unique blend of old and new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley.
Umayyad Desert Castles are scattered throughout the black basalt desert, east of Amman. They stand as a testament to the flourishing beginnings of Islamic-Arab civilizations. These seemingly isolated pavilions, caravan stations, secluded baths, and hunting lodges, were at one time integrated agricultural or trading complexes, built mostly under the Umayyads (AD 661-750), when Muslim Arabs had succeeded in transforming the fringes of the desert into well-watered settlements. Aside from being widely considered as the most spectacular and original monuments of early Islamic art, these complexes also served practical purposes: namely, as residences, caravanserais, and baths.
Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist, in fulfillment of the Scriptures. In this simple wilderness, the heavens opened and the first recorded revelation of the Trinity occurred. Here, Jesus began his public ministry – and Christianity was born. Today, visitors from all over the world follow in the footsteps of the early Christians and come to be baptized in the same waters. The 25-acre Baptism Archaeological Park features a visitor center and 17 designated locations, including Elijah’s Hill, where tradition says the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven long before John came to this wilderness to preach and baptize in the Spirit of Elijah.
Dead Sea, without doubt, is one of the world’s most exquisite places. Home of the largest open-air spa at the lowest point on the face of the earth at over 1,312 ft. below sea level. Fed by the Jordan River, this land-locked sea boasts a dense, rich cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture, medicine and spa treatments with some of its finest products.
Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land and is said to be buried, is the location of a basilica church that has one of the most magnificent mosaic floors in the world. From the platform in front of the church, visitors have an inspiring, breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Madaba, “The City of Mosaics” – is where visitors can see some of the finest art of the early Christian centuries. The most famous are the remains of a Sixth Century mosaic map of the Holy Land, considered the oldest and most accurate surviving map of the region. Housed in the Orthodox Church of St. George, the “Madaba Map” has been a valuable source of historical information and place-names, which in many cases have combined with the results of archaeological excavations to determine the ancient names and locations of Biblical sites.
Kerak, is the location of the most impressive remains of Crusader forts and outposts. Kerak Castle, high atop a promontory, is a maze of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways.
Dana Nature Reserve is a world of natural treasures. It is composed of a chain of valleys and mountains which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. It contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes that range from wooded highlands to rocky slopes and from gravel plains to dunes of sand.
Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve is the lowest-altitude nature reserve in the world, with its spectacular array of scenery near the East coast of the Dead Sea. Over 420 species of plants, 102 species of permanent and migratory birds and 10 species of carnivore including the Red Fox, Blandford Fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Cat, Caracal, Badger, Mongoose, Wolf and Arabian Leopard have been recorded to date.
Petra, Jordan’s prized possession, the magnificent Nabataean city of Petra, one of the world’s new seven wonders, and popularized by the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” This rose-red city half as old as time, is known for its dramatic tombs and temple facades, including one that served as a church during Byzantine times. The city’s inhabitants, Nabataean Arabs, carved structures into the soft sandstone more than two millennia ago.
Wadi Rum is a stupendous, timeless place, virtually untouched by humanity. Here, weather and winds have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and god-like”.
Aqaba, Jordan’s splendid Red Sea resort is a fun place to visit. It is a microcosm of all the good things Jordan has to offer, including a fascinating history with some outstanding sites, excellent hotels and activities, superb visitor facilities, good shopping, and welcoming, friendly people, who enjoy nothing more than making sure their visitors, have a good time.
In summary, every half an hour drive into Jordan is a different attraction and experience, from the north all through to the south, its land encompasses all, sea and mountain, waterfall and desert. So you see, Jordan’s diversity is not the best kept secret anymore. There are so many places to visit and great experiences to have in this magical Kingdom, which once captivated ancient travelers, and now continues to enthrall a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation that guarantees every traveler a trip of a lifetime!
For more, check the official website at: http://www.visitjordan.com/visitjordan_cms/MajorAttractions/tabid/54/Default.aspx
Where is Jordan?
Jordan is located in the Middle East and borders Syria, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, Palestine, Israel, and Iraq. Covering some 89,342 sq.km, it is located at 31 00 N, 36 00 E.
Jordan’s History (Take a Journey through Jordan’s timeless history)
Jordan is a land steeped in history. It has been home to some of mankind’s earliest settlements and villages, and relics of many of the worlds great civilizations can still be seen today.
As the crossroads of the Middle East, the lands of Jordan and Palestine have served as a strategic nexus connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Thus, since the dawn of civilization, Jordan’s geography has given it an important role to play as a conduit for trade and communications, connecting east and west, north and south. Jordan continues to play this role today.
Jordan’s Current Government
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional. The monarch is the head of state, the chief executive and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The king exercises his executive authority through the Council of Ministers. The cabinet, meanwhile, is responsible before the elected House of Deputies which, along with the Senate, constitutes the legislative branch of the government. The judicial branch is a totally independent branch.
Information courtesy of www.kinghussein.gov.jo
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
