Jordan

Things to do in Jordan

Tourists who come for a Jordan tour package would be overwhelmed by the choice of things to do. Here is a list of activities we recommend in Jordan.

• Amman Walks– Amman in central Jordan is the country’s capital. This magnificent city is a treasure house of historical wealth. It would be ideal to dedicate 2 days to explore the interesting sights of Amman. Winding hills, street art and the lively mix of exotic and cosmopolitan local life would give you a special experience. Try to visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum also.
• Visit Petra – Petra in southern Jordan is indisputably the crown jewel of Jordan tourism. A Petra walk at night is one of the most delightful travel experiences one should not miss. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. UNESCO describes it as one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage.
• Follow Biblical clues at Mukawir – Every tourist should visit the many Biblical sites Jordan is famous for. The Baptism sites of Elijah’s Hill, Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan and Lot’s Cave are all famous sites from the Bible.
• Visit Mujib Biosphere Reserve – The famous nature reserve bordering the Dead Sea offers the most dramatic natural beauty in whole of Jordan. Home to many varied flora and fauna, you could spot the rare Syrian wolf or Egyptian mongoose during your visit.

Places to visit in Jordan

• Aqaba Fort – Also known as Mamluk Castle or Aqaba Castle, is the only real beach resort in Jordan. There is plenty to see here but the main appeal lies in its coral reef, offering some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world.
• The Dead Sea - The Dead Sea is the lowest point on dry land, at about 1,412 feet below sea level.
• Dana Biosphere Reserve - Home to jaw dropping landscapes, wildlife and thousands of years of history, it is believed to have been inhabited since 4000 BC.
• Jerash and The Decapolis - The Decapolis is probably the best-preserved classical city in the region. the Temple of Artemis and Umm Qais are some of the attractions here.
• Mount Nebo - A very important biblical site, it is believed that this is the site from where Moses first caught sight of the Holy Land. It is also believed that he died and was buried here.
• Wadi Rum - It is a place of towering sandstone outcrops with sheer red sides and rounded summits. You could take an excursion in an off-roader or a mobile camping trip on camelback.
• King Abdullah Mosque – A truly stunning sight. This is the only mosque in Jordan where non-Muslim visitors are allowed to enter.

Food in Jordan

Jordanian cuisine has been developed from centuries of social and political change. Being one of the largest producers of olives in the world, olive oil is the main cooking oil used in Jordan. Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan is the most distinctive Jordanian dish. It is essentially a plate of rice with meat boiled in thick yogurt, sprayed with pine nuts and herbs. Cooking techniques used in Jordanian cuisine varies from baking, sautéing and grilling to stuffing of vegetables. Lamb, beef and goat meat and poultry are widely consumed. Flavors of herbs, garlic, onion, tomato sauce and lemon are typically seen in Jordanian dishes.

Quzi, also called ghozi is another popular Jordanian delicacy. It is rice based dish, served with very slow cooked lamb, roasted nuts and raisins. Yogurt is commonly served in Jordan alongside food and is also a common ingredient. Jameed, a form of dried yogurt is unique to Jordanian cuisine. It is considered a symbol of generosity and is a main ingredient in Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan. Hummus, a puree of chick peas blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic and falafel, a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas are two internationally famous snacks from Jordanian cuisine.