TripWays

Lovely Santorini – The Gem of the Aegean Sea in Greece

Santorini is known as the gem of the Aegean sea. This complex of volcanic islands is surrounded by turquoise water, colorful cliffs, and sun-toasted sands. Due to scientific information, the whole complex is still an active volcano. The crater of this volcano is in the sea, which makes the Santorini volcano unique. Thera (Santorini) happens to be one of the most famous islands, not only in Greece but also in Europe. It’s known for breathtaking sunsets, marvelous nature, fantastic sea view, the city’s unique architecture, and luxurious lifestyle. Make sure you’re ready to plan your travel to Santorini cause we’re going to prove that it’s a legit holiday destination. Here we made a list of the best places to see in Santorini.

What to See & Things to Do in Santorini?

There are a variety of places you can see there. For covering all the things you might like about there, we start by naming the best villages in Santorini.

Oia

Traditional, beautiful, and the most famous village of Santorini; this is how we describe Oia. The narrow streets hold eye-catching monuments like blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses. You will spend the best time just walking through the streets since there are plenty of tourist shops to buy souvenirs and different types of restaurants and cafes to have a taste of greek foods. This village contains several cultural attractions like the “Maritime Museum.” You can rent a car for more comfortable transportation, which costs 14€ ($17) per day.

Oia has a small charming port called Ammoudi, which is surrounded by the high red cliffs. Some people believe this is the most picturesque area in Santorini. If you’re into snorkeling, there is a rocky beach next to Ammoudi, ideal for snorkelers.

There are many ways to transfer in Oia; there are public transfers (bus) and private transfer (taxi, minibus, or private VIP cars). You can check the extra information online.

Santorini in Greece

Emporio

This one is the biggest village in Santorini and also the most peaceful one. It’s 40 minutes away from Oia, and you can get there quickly. According to locals, this village used to be the center of trades on the island, and its name is also pointing to this history behind the city since The word “Emporio” means “Trade” in greek.

Alleys are so narrow that two people can barely fit in. It’s like a labyrinth leading up to the castle. You’ll get to see one of the medieval castles in Santorini. Since Emporio was the center of trades, building the castle on the higher ground was a strategy to avoid pirate attacks.

The church of Agios Nikolaos Marmaris is located in the village too; it’s a small church used to build it of grey marvel. It was a grave monument a turned into a Christian church during the time.

Santorini in Greece

Pyrgos

Being the highest village on the island, Pyrgos provides the most alluring panoramic views. Infinity pools preserved by hotels will bring a different experience of swimming to you. Don’t forget to visit wineries in the village. Also, there are some incredible restaurants and shops in the town.

Pyrgos, Santorini, Greece

Megalochori

Would you prefer a quiet place to chill? You have to visit Megalochori. It’s one of the prettiest villages on the island. At the entrance, you’ll get to see a beautiful bell tower. There is a square in the village center, which has some cafes and restaurants to try local food. At night you’ll be able to enjoy live Greek music. Megalochori is the heart of the Santorini Wine industry; make sure you visit wineries and try their goods.

Santorini, Greece

The ancient site of Akrotiri

Akrotiri is referred to as the Greek Pompeii since the site was covered in ash. Some evidence has stated the village back to the prehistoric eras. Fishing and farming were the main activity, but time went on, and trading became a thing in the village. The architecture of Akrotiri is elaborated and modern. It’s believed that Plato’s Atlantis was inspired by this village. Multi-storeyed buildings, colorful frescoes, and traditional windmills are things to see in Akrotiri. You can also visit the residential part of the village containing some incredible churches, cafes, and restaurants.

Santorini, Greece

Historical Museum of Thera

Excavations in Akrotiri resulted in objects which are collected in The museum of prehistoric Thera. Amazing artifacts and wall paintings, sculptures and inscriptions from archaic to the Roman period, vases and clay figurines, and many other things in the museum make there a must-visit place in Santorini.

Red beach

One of the most beautiful attractions that lie on Santorini’s southernmost part is the Red beach. You’ll never regret visiting here since it’s one of the unique views in the world. Besides the sea’s turquoise color, the red color of sands creates the wildest landscape to watch. As you know, Santorini is famous for its beautiful sunsets. They provided white sunbeds and umbrellas; you may need to consider things you’ll need for taking a sunbath. The only water activity available is snorkeling. You can go to the white beach by boat.

Red Beach, Santorini, Greece

White beach

Just like the red beach, there are no facilities except sunbeds with umbrellas. Unlike the red beach, it’s not very popular so you’ll enjoy it if you need to relax and get somewhere quiet and not so crowded. It’s not easy to get to the white beach, but you can get there on foot from Cambia beach if you love adventures. An easier way would be taking a boat from the red beach.

White Beach, Santorini, Greece

Black beach

Perissa beach and Perivolos beach formed one lengthy beach which is famous for its black volcanic sand. The scenery provided is very alluring; crystal-clear waters along the sands’ color make a unique landscape to gaze at. If you want to party, midday would be the time to catch. Bars would serve cocktails by the pool all day; they also host various events and DJs.

Unlike the white beach and red beach, the black beach offers many facilities and watersports; enjoy canoeing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, and diving. If you want to spend time by the sea, there is a camping site where you can stay. Mesa Pouno mountain, which separates Perissa from Kamari, is where you can try cliff jumping. As you see, the black beach is a must-visit place in Santorini since it provides many natural features and luxurious watersports and activities.

Black Beach in Santorini, Greece

Artspace Winery museum art gallery

A unique art center located in Exo Gonia, Santorini. It’s been a home to all the greek and foreign artisans since 1999. They’re offering visitors the opportunity to meet contemporary greek art. Paintings and sculptures displayed in the 1861 old winery are representative works of art. If you have an eye for art, you’ll enjoy visiting this museum.

Santorini in Greece

Cine Kamari

It’s Located in Kamari and is one of the best outdoor cinemas in Europe. All movies are current popular movies in English with Greek subtitles. Since you can’t buy tickets online, it’s better to get there before 8 pm. Tickets are 8€ ($10), cash only at the door. You can get there by bus, taxi or private cars. You won’t need to be worried about parking; there are plenty of parking spots near the cinema.

Cine Kamari in Santorini, Greece

Visiting volcano

Everything in Santorini, food, culture, architecture, and nature, is related to the active volcano. The existence of this island is based on volcano activities. Nea Kameni is where the crater is located. You’ll be able to reach there by boats from Fira harbor. By visiting the volcano, you will not only see red and black lava stones, but also you’ll witness a view of whitewashed villages and the world’s most amazing caldera.

Santorini in Greece

When to go to Santorini

If you want to enjoy the warm weather, September to October and April to May would be the best time to visit Santorini. If you’re planning a holiday in the summertime at Santorini, we recommend reserving your tour, flight, and hotel. If you’re on a budget, try winter tours. The prices will decrease, but there is a chance that you won’t get to try every option.

Average High/Low Temperatures by Month

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	14	14	16	18	23	27	29	29	26	23	19	15
Low °C	10	10	11	13	17	21	23	23	21	18	14	11

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Where to stay in Santorini

Hopefully, there is no need to be worried about accommodation services in Santorini. The boutique hotels of Santorini are famous for their fantastic services and luxury facilities. One thing about Santorini is about the great time you can lounge on your deck to spend a part of the day indoors. You won’t miss anything, the time you spend in these hotels and hostels is not like the moment you are in a small room in a modern hotel in a crowded city. You will enjoy being in a hotel. Anyway, here we are going to name some of the most famous hotels in Santorini.

Grace Santorini

Grace Santorini is one of the best hotels in Oia, Santorini. Unlike many hotels on the island, this one is very convenient and easy to access. Taking a taxi for a very short distance is the best way to get to your place. We recommend you try local foods at their restaurant, which offer the most delicious foods ever.

Santorini, Greece

Canaves Oia Suites

Pool bars, Private pools, magical decorations, and many other facilities are available in Canaves Oia Suites. If you are traveling with your family, these whitewashed caves are the best to stay at due to large rooms and full services for big groups of visitors.

Accommodation in Santorini, Greece

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem is a Latin phrase meaning: “seize the day.” You may not like wasting your time not enjoying your stay at Carpe Diem hotels. No one can forget the expansive views of this hotel while swimming in the pool and spa. Don’t forget to have a dining time in Carpe Diem too. The romantic atmosphere makes it an everlasting memory from Santorini.

Santorini, Greece

Celestia Grand

What is more beautiful than watching the sunset? What about being able to watch from every angle? This is exactly what you will get from Celestia Grand. This brand is a set of luxury Villas with the best services and neat rooms. It is 2 km away from the south of Fira. If you want to quit the crowd, this one is your choice.

Santorini in Greece

Have you ever been?

Santorini is one of those many places in which your camera doesn’t work. It doesn’t work when you compare it with breathtaking sceneries you can see there with your naked eyes.

If you have ever been to this brilliant part of the land, let us know about your experience of Santorini’s journey.

Jerash – The Most Beautiful Roman Site in Jordan

If you travel 30 miles (48 km) north of the capital Amman in Jordan or 25 miles (40 km) south of Irbid, you arrive at the vast and ancient city of Jerash, where an old soul of the wealthy and cosmopolitan city of Jerash repose waiting to whisper senescent tales in your ears. While it was settled long ago in the Neolithic period, Jerash was founded as a Hellenistic city in the 2nd century BCE. Holding some of the largest and the most well-preserved Roman and Byzantine ruins, Jerash can offer you a mythic archaeological adventure.

Visit

There you can find signs illustrating the history of each set of ruins. You should have a map to direct yourself to the Visitor Centre, at the South Gate of the Jerash archaeological park. The ruins are widespread compared to other similar sites, but it’s not impossible to regard everything in a couple of hours. It is improbable for visitors to miss anything important. We recommend you go first thing in the morning so that you can evade most of the tour groups coming from Amman.

Jerash ruins contain different parts to visit. Try to pin other places on the map so you can plan your visit properly. Here is a list of the places this site includes:

Jerash Archaeological Museum

Jerash Archaeological Museum presents an aggregation of artifacts found through excavating, including coins, statuary, and sarcophagi.

Hadrian’s Arch

Hadrian’s Arch was built to memorialize Emperor Hadrian’s visit.

Jerash, Jordan

Hippodrome

Hippodrome is partially set up in a new Roman-era stadium. It was the smallest one in its kind of structure in the Roman Empire.

Oval Plaza (Forum)

Oval Plaza (Forum) is an atypical wide, unsymmetrical plaza at the start of the Cardo.

Temple of Zeus

The Temple of Zeus, rather than being a spectacle itself, presents a great viewpoint to many parts of the site.

South Theater

South Theater is an amphitheater with a capacity of 3000 people. It is still occasionally used today to execute concerts and musical events, but you can enjoy some daily features, including bagpipers in traditional Jordanian military dress.

South Theater, Jerash, Jordan

The Cardo (Maximus)

The Cardo (Maximus) is a 660-yard colonnaded street that connects the whole length of the city. Long ago, it was linked with the city’s main buildings, shops, and residences. A complicated drainage system lies below the paving decorated with stones. Look whether you can find chariot tracks on the stone or not.

Agora

Agora is the city’s chief food market, containing a central fountain.

Nymphaeum

Nymphaeum is an elaborate public fountain adorned with lions’ heads and devoted to the nymphs.

The Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis is impressive ruins of a temple consecrated to Artemis, the city’s patron goddess.

Every evening, there is a spectacular light show that floodlights Jerash’s ancient sites in various shiny colors. After the show, you can ask to go on a chariot ride, which is performed at the hippodrome (circus), including Roman legion tactics, mock gladiator fights, and chariot exhibitions. There are also some annual music and art festivals that you can plan for.

Jerash in Jordan

Souvenirs

Not long away, outside of the site’s South Gate, there is a small souq, a kind of an outdoor bazaar, providing a comprehensively rounded offering of Jordanian souvenirs and handicrafts. It is accepted among people to bargain about the prices. Local children and teens usually offer you to buy Roman coins and other small artifacts they found on the site. You should refrain from buying them, as this practice is illegal.

Eat and Sleep

You can find several restaurants from which you may choose the food delighting you along the road into Jerash. Past the police kiosk on the main street and down on the dirt road, there is a restaurant called the Lebanese House where you can find mouthwatering Lebanese food, especially if you order Mezza.

There are some places where you can accommodate and get some rest. If you are willing to stay in a hotel, Hadrian’s Gate hotel on Jerash main road may be the right choice for you as it is low cost and very conveniently located. You can also choose to stay at The Olive Branch, which is noiseless and chill, providing a swimming pool and a campground with lots of resort-type luxuries. You can drive there or take a taxi. Also a bit outside the town, you can camp in Dibbin National park. We recommend you to choose this option during the weekdays, as it is pretty busy on the weekends.

Places Nearby

On the road to Amman, about 10 miles away from Jerash, you can visit Ajloun and its famous castle. Ajloun Castle is a wonderful maze of passages and levels. It provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area of northwestern Jordan and off into Galilee as located on the top of a mountain. Irbid city, the leading industrial and authoritative center in the north of the kingdom, can be your next destination providing a good point for exploring further afield to Gadara (Umm Qais), Pella, and some other nearby sites within the region.

Jerash in Jordan

Getting There

To get to Jerash from Amman, you can drive, take a taxi or get on a bus. If you want to drive there, you should take the north-west road to Salt. Brown tourism signs can lead you there. You can also take a private taxi. With some extra charge, taxis can wait for you to return to Amman after your visit. Remember to negotiate and determine the price before the ride and denominate that the price is for the whole taxi and not per person. But the most cost-effective way is to get there by bus. Buses leave nearly every hour from Tabarbour Bus Station (North station) in Amman to Jerash. There you can find some minibosses to get back to Amman.

Getting Around

You can only walk around Jerash if you wish to visit. But no need to worry, you only need to walk 1.8 miles (3 km). Enter the archaeological site at the southern gate in the south of the Hippodrome. The northern entrance is mostly closed.

Jerash, Jordan

What do you think?

Have you ever visited you to visit Jerash? What interests you the most about this ancient city? We are interested to know about how you imagine walking through the dusty roads of this city.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo

One of the fascinating museums in the world is the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, Egypt. Wandering through its corridors feels like a gentle touch on dusty treasures of the greatest ancient civilization. Here, we will peruse everything you might want to know for a perfect visit to the Egyptian museum. (Photo by Jorge Láscar via Flickr)

What is going on in the ‌Egyptian museum?

There are uncountable treasures in the Egyptian museum: one hundred years old walls and ground embrace 120,000 mind-blowing artifacts. As Egyptian history is vast, plenty of things can drown you in their fantasy world. There are still things getting discovered and exhibited because of the amusing breadth of Egyptian history. We have in mind nearly all of Egypt is still an active archaeological site and probably the only one around the globe on this scale.

One of the most excellent collections you can observe is the items found in the tomb of Tout Ankh Amoun. Dying as a young king at the age of 19, he was buried with incredible treasures displayed in the gallery. You can experience the short golden life of this pharaoh by beholding his solid golden mask, embellished with turquoise, lapis, and coral, as well as his gold mummy cincture, cases, and jewelry. You can also see the golden sandals he used to walk with.

Is a guide needed for visiting the Egyptian museum?

We highly recommend you to visit the Egyptian museum with the company of a guide. As long as the museum is vast, signposting and maps are not so efficient, and the museum’s most marvelous items are not the ones with the best insight, you may end up spending a lot of time there and not seeing many vital things. But a useful guide can efficiently manage your visit time to feed your curiosity by showing you astonishing items while telling their mythical history. You can find your ideal guide in the museum, or if you have a guide to have your company in your visit to Cairo, he may be able to guide you here too. It may cost 200-300LE, roughly $15.

Egyptian Museum

How much does the admission cost?

All prices in Egypt are excellent, and you can enjoy having discounts for children. As long as the discount is actually for students, it even includes big kids. The admission price for adults is 80LE Approx. $4.50 and for kids is 40LE Approx. $2.25. You have to pay extra admission to 100LE if you want to visit the Royal Mummies exhibition. Recheck the prices, as long as they may have risen.

How much time can we spend there?

There are places where you can expend so much time adventuring, and still there remain pretty much to see. The Egyptian museum is one of those places. But unfortunately, you’re only allowed to spend around 2 or 3 hours. We emphasize what we earlier said in part, talking about the companionship of a guide. You can use the most out of your time by being guided by a local familiar with secrets. The museum is open between 9 am to 5 pm.

Egyptian Museum, Egypt

Do children enjoy spending time in the Egyptian museum?

Museums are one of the best places to have adventurous experiences with your curious children. School children may relate the things they just read in their history books with the concrete experience of walking among mysterious remains of a majestic ancient civilization. But it can be boring for toddlers and preschoolers if the visit is long and planned for adults.

Egyptian Museum, Egypt

How to get to the Egyptian Museum?

Depending on the traffic, the Egyptian museum is an hour away from the pyramids of Giza. Visiting the museum after spending time between pyramids makes you feel like you observe the details of the pyramids you have seen. Being so close to Al-Tahrir square, the museum makes an enthralling relationship with contemporary Egypt. You can also visit the Cairo Citadel, built by Saladin in the era of the Ottomans, and inside the harmonic Muhammed Ali Mosque. You can overlook the breathtaking Cairo, and the twirling Nile from the hill Citadel is located on.

Egyptian Museum

Have you ever been there?

Have you watched the first Indiana Jones movie released called Raiders of the Lost Ark? Do you think visiting Egypt and its treasures is an exciting experience as such or it is a deeply spiritual experience near the ancient heart of civilization? How do you imagine the dusty touch of ancient Egypt? Write about your imaginations about a treasure house called the Egyptian museum in Egypt.

Hawa Mahal- The Palace of the Winds in India

Hawa Mahal, also known as, The Palace of the Winds or The Palace of the Breeze, has a history of more than 200 years and is perhaps the most famous monument in Jaipur. It is a palace in Jaipur, India, built from red and pink sandstone, some 300 kilometers from Delhi’s capital. The castle sits on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the Zenana, or women’s chambers. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh was Jaipur’s architect. He was so inspired by Khetri Mahal’s unique structure that Lal Chand Ustad designed Hawa Mahal similar to its architecture, and Singh built this grand and historical palace in 1799.

The architecture of Hawa Mahal

This palace is a pyramid-shaped monument with five stories that rise to about 50 feet (15 m). The palace’s top three floors have the width of a single room, while in front of them, the first and second floors have patios. As seen from the street, the front elevation of Hawa Mahal is similar to a honeycomb with small portholes. There are small windows and carved sandstone grills, finials, and domes in each porthole. It gives the appearance of a mass of semi-octagonal bays, offering its distinctive façade to the monument. On the rear side of the building, the inner face consists of chambers constructed with minimally ornamented pillars and corridors, reaching the top floor. Visitors describe the interior of Hawa Mahal as having rooms of various colored marbles, relieved by gilding or inlaid panels; at the center of the courtyard, there are several marvelous fountains.

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The Exterior Design

The exterior of Hawa Mahal, with 953 small windows, as we mentioned, creates a honeycomb-like visual, the architects decorated these windows with intricate latticework called Jharokhas. The original purpose of the lattice design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated without being seen in the street below, as they had to comply with the strict “purdah” rules, which forbade them from appearing without face coverings in public. This architectural feature of Hawa Mahal also makes it possible for cool air to pass through from the Venturi effect, making the entire area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer. To preserve Jaipur’s historical monuments, the Unit Trust of India adopted Hawa Mahal, and they began renovation work on the Mahal in 2006.

Hawa Mahal Museum

In the courtyard of the Hawa Mahal, there is an archaeological museum that displays a fine collection of antiquities, weapons, and other objects used by the royals. The museum was founded in 1983 and will give you a glimpse into the region’s royal past. Significant exhibits in this museum include; Arrowheads, fish hooks, terracotta objects, a 2nd-century storage vessel, and various other fascinating historical artifacts. Recently, in an attempt to promote night tourism in the city, the tourism department illuminated the exterior of Hawa Palace. Unlike other palaces, the front of the palace has no entryway, so you have to enter through a door at the side of the building.

Each of the Hawa Mahal’s five floors has a temple inside that is worth a visit. On the first floor, there is Sharad Mandir, and on the second floor, there is Ratan Mandir with colorful glasswork. Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir, and Hawa Mandir occupy the top three floors. However, there are no stairs to enter the upper floors of the palace, but back in the day, to easily carry Rajput royal ladies’ palanquins, they built ramps that now you can use to visit every floor. On a final note, keep in mind that The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is when the golden sun rays light up the entire red and pink structure in a spellbinding way during the sunrise and sunset hours.

Hawa Mahal, India

Nearby attractions

While in Hawa Mahal in India, there are many locations that you can visit as well that are near the palace. But you might wonder which of them is worth your time and why you should see one and not another. To answer that question and save you the trouble, we have provided for you 3 of the most visited locations in the vicinity of Hawa Mahal, plus some needed information on these locations, to help you decide and make your visit more productive and enjoyable.

City Palace

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built the palace at the same time as the city of Jaipur, who moved his court from Amber to Jaipur in 1727. Approximately 0.85 km further from Hawa Mahal, the City Palace is in Jaipur, which is the present-day capital of the state of Rajasthan, and the City Palace was the ceremonial and administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur until 1949. The Palace was also the location of religious and cultural activities. It now houses the Museum of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and continues to be Jaipur’s royal family. There are several buildings, numerous courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and the Museum Trust offices in the palace complex.

Govind Dev Ji Temple

Only 0.75 km from Hawa Mahal, The Govind Dev Ji Vaishnava temple is located in the Jaipur district in Rajasthan’s Indian state. In a complex called the City Palace. This temple is among the 7 Vrindavan Thakur temples, including Sri Radhavallabh Ji, Shri Bankey Bihari Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji, and four others. The deity (Murti) image was brought here from Vrindavan by the founder of Jaipur, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. According to common legend, Lord Krishna’s appearance in the temple looks just like Krishna’s form during his rebirth on Earth.

Jaipur Zoo

The Jaipur Zoo is 2 km from Hawa Mahal, in the city of Jaipur in India. The zoo opened in 1877 and is near the Museum of the Albert Hall and the Garden of Ram Nivas. It has two parts: one section for mammals and one for reptiles and birds, and almost 50 species of various birds and animals reside here from all over the world. The Gharial breeding farm, which is the fourth largest breeding farm in India, was founded in 1999. Within the zoo, which exhibits the wildlife of Rajasthan, they also established a museum. And it is good to know that they created the Jaipur Zoo Under the Wild Life Protection Act, and so the zoo’s primary goal is to complement the national initiative to protect wildlife.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India

Recommended Hotels near Hawa Mahal

Radiant Star, Jaipur

It is among the most popular budget hotels in Jaipur for both business travelers and tourists seeking a comfortable stay. This hotel provides contemporary rooms with modern facilities, including a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and an attached hot and cold water bathroom. Also, room service, 24-hour CCTV monitoring for optimum security, round-the-clock power backup, and free Wi-Fi connectivity is available. At the front desk, skilled and hospitable staff are always ready to help. This hotel also provides convenient access to the airport, train station, major business centers, major markets, and popular tourist attractions, such as Hawa Mahal and City Palace.

The Royal CM Plaza

The Royal CM Plaza in Jaipur is well known for its modern, clean, and hygienic rooms. Each room provides many amenities such as; an air conditioner, TV, tea/coffee maker, a minibar, a kitchenette, and a bathroom with free toiletries. You can also use the Royal CM plaza’s banquet hall or conference facilities for corporate events; this hotel also has complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected and a travel desk for city tours. It is close to Hawa Mahal, and also there is a good restaurant in the plaza with friendly staff to make your stay more enjoyable. The Royal CM Plaza is on Bhaskar Marg, Sindhi Colony in the Bani Park area. It is an easily accessible location near Jaipur Junction Railway Station and metro station, which are just 1.5 km from the hotel. Jaipur International Airport is also only a 30-minute drive.

Jai Mahal Palace

Located close to the main shopping center and historical monuments, such as Hawa Mahal, Jai Mahal Palace is ideal for exploring Jaipur’s fascinating city. This majestic palace, a vast complex of regal rooms, beautiful pavilions, and fantastic colonnades set in the 18 acres of gardens, dates back to 1745. The heritage palace has been exceptionally restored and recently renovated to offer guests the fantastic experience of a royal lifestyle complemented by legendary Taj hospitality.

However, despite its historical setting, be rest assured that the rooms in this palace offer a variety of modern amenities and friendly staff, to make your stay satisfactory.

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India

Have you ever been there?

Hawa Mahal can not be described only by words. You need to have a direct encounter with all the beauties of this part of the land to fully understand everything. Many experiences have a feeling that varies from one person to another; we can guess how fantastic there is. If you have ever been to Hawa Mahal, let us know about your journey.

Sigiriya Fortress – The Lion Fortress of Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Fortress is an archeological monument in Sri Lanka. A wonderful jungle is surrounding this giant castle, and it shows the strategic role of that building in those old ages. It is located in the middle of an island, and the closest towns to it are Dambulla and Habarane. Imagine a 200 meters mountain made of a volcano’s magma. You will see an old building on the top, and that’s exactly what you have been searching for, Sigiriya Fortress. The astonishing view of this building makes an unforgettable experience for visitors.

History of Sigiriya Fortress

British Archaeologists of the 1800s got attracted to something interesting in Sri Lanka. It seemed to be an archeological site deep inside the jungles and was built in the Fifth century by the Sinhalese dynasty. The king who decided to build that extraordinary building was King Kashyapa I. This fortress was once the capital of the Sinhalese. It was not the only big building in that area, which dates back to the fifth century. Historians believe that these monuments converted to safe places for those who were busy with internal conflicts and struggles. Many years later, It became a Budhidsm monastery for believers of that religion. The 14th century was the last year of that kind of usage for Sigiriya Fortress. A three hundred period of time is missing about this monument’s exact situation after being a monastery. Then, the Kingdom of candy started to use it as an outpost.

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The architecture of the Sigiriya Fortress

Due to many factors taken into account by archeology lovers, Sigiriya Fortress is known as the world’s eighth wonder. That is not only a simple claim. The architecture is one of a kind, and that’s what makes it brilliant. The Sigiriya fortress’s design was like a lion; unfortunately, the upper section of the building is gone, but you can still see the lion claws, which is the only surviving part of the monument. That’s why this place’s name is Sigirya, which originated from Sihagri, meaning: Lion Rock. For entering the fortress, you can use the main entrance in the northern part of the building.

Paintings

The frescos on the walls are the first thing to catch your eyes while visiting this place. These paintings include pictures of nude females who were the king’s wives, and only 18 of them are still available to see. It is also said that those females could be Sinhalese maidens but, who knows the truth about ancient ages?

Mirror Wall

Located on the Sigiriya fortress’s western side, Mirror Wall is another fascinating part of this rock. They have built a break wall with white plaster covering it. The color of plaster caused a reflection of light, which seemed to be a huge mirror. Visitors have always been into leaving something behind them. This wall became an excellent place for comments and messages, and surprisingly, you can see some old sentences from eighth-century A.D. As writing on the wall became a habit for visitors, many people wanted to write something, which is not allowed these days. Fortunately, the Mirror Wall is under restoration.

Sigiriya Fortress, Sri Lanka

A Plan for Sigiriya Fortress

It can be beneficial to plan before visiting. There are not many things to do in Sigiriya Fortress but don’t forget to enjoy your visit by looking at every piece of this castle. Here we made a To-Do list for visiting Sigiriya Fortress:

Read

Reading about the history of ancient places helps you enhance the quality of your visit. The history behind the monuments reveals a lot of unique information about the date of the building and incidents, the primary usage of this place during the old ages, and many untold stories about the structure and decoration and people who made it. Don’t forget to read about Sigiriya.

Plan

Whether you like to book a tour or visit there by yourself, planning is the most important thing when you want to see somewhere. People’s previous reviews can help you find the best planning pattern that suits your expectations. Timing, transferring, things to be aware of, and all these essential points should be in your plan.

Visit

Reading and planning are for visiting. When you get there, the very first thing_ that is different_ would be the weather and the clear air for breathing caused by many trees surrounding you and the monument. Find the entrance, and there is a ticket office where you can easily pay for entering. As you step into the place, the number of stairs surprises you, but it’s worth seeing! Even with those stairs, even with climbing!

As you will see, a big part of the building is destroyed; try to make it completed in your imagination by putting the missing piece of the puzzle together. In the case of the paintings on the wall, picturing all of them as a whole can clarify the connection between them.

Find the best angle to see everything, and this helps your imagination like a time machine that takes you back in history. We recommend you pick some of your favorite pictures of Sigiriya Fortress, and as you get there, try to find the best place to see what you have seen in the pictures.

Sigiriya Fortress View, Sri Lanka

Entrance Fee

It’s not a very cheap place to visit. The entrance fee is about $30 per person. The ticket office is right next to the main entrance in the northern part of the monument. You can buy your tickets from 6:30 am to 6 pm. It is likely to forget to purchase the tickets, don’t forget to find the ticket office, and buy one of them because heading up to the place without a ticket is not the best thing to do! You will need to buy them, and it takes a lot of energy retracing your steps for a tiny ticket.

Cash or ATM?

There is an ATM for purchasing via card, but you’d better carry some cash because some visitors reported frequent problems with the ATM. Only a few dollars in your pocket help you avoid these troubles.

Is it worth paying?

Nobody can answer this question. If you are a history lover who admires the old buildings, if you like to see what our ancestors had left for us, and if you are someone who cares about the things on the planet and you want to see them, then the answer is obvious. On the other hand, all these payments help the maintenance and conservation of historical sites. And the uniqueness of Sigiriya Fortress is another thing to consider while hesitating about the worth it.

The best season to visit

The dry season in Sigiriya is between late December and early April. It is more reasonable to visit there during this period as the weather in that part of the land can be a problem. Being there during the hot days of the year is very frustrating. Humidity and the hot temperature_ even in the early morning_ kill your good times there. You will need fluids and some accessories to protect yourself against the sun. Don’t forget to pick up your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

Sigiriya Fortress at Sunset, Sri Lanka

What time to visit?

Sigiriya Fortress is open from 7 am to 7 pm, but the ticket office closes at 5 pm. Based on this timing you have a lot of time to visit it. Many visitors prefer to be there in the early morning, and that can be the right choice. For one thing, the heat is annoying during the day. It is tough to climb the fortress when the weather is hot and humid. Also, watching the sunrise from the top of the monument with those landscapes is not something you can find everywhere. Furthermore, photography and timelapse shooting need your concentration, and very early mornings can give you the opportunity for all these things to do in Sigiriya Fortress.

How long does it take?

Of course, it depends. Your fitness level and readiness for climbing should be considered for talking about time, but an average person can spend one-hour climbing. Also, consider the time you will be wandering there and enjoying the gardens, watching the sceneries and taking photos which take a long time to do all of them. Based on the average time visitors have spent there, 3 hours would be enough for visiting everything in Sigiriya Fortress.

Sigiriya Fortress, Sri Lanka

How Do I get there?

Sigiriya Fortress is located somewhere far from the big cities. Head to Sigiriya Fortress from Dambulla, the best choice as it saves your time and money, and it’s the easiest way to get there. Traveling to Sigiriya by bus is one of the ways. There are regular busses heading to Sergiriya, and it takes about 1 hour to get there. The ticket price is about LKR 50 per person (USD 0.30), and the final stop is where you can find the Sigiriya’s Entrance after 5-10 minutes of walking.

Another option is Tuk Tuk. It is a kind of three-wheeler by which you can get to Sigiriya in 30 minutes. Renting a Tuk Tuk in Dambulla is very easy. The price is about LKR 1000-1600 (USD 5-9). You can talk over the price bargaining respectfully! Colombo and Kandy are other cities where you can start your journey from them, and buses and Tuk Tuk are available there too.

Things to know before visiting

Be ready for it

It is more than 1000 steps you should take to get to the highest part of the fortress. It needs a lot of energy, and obviously, only if you have no problem with walking and hiking, you can afford to do that. The stairs are not standard.

It is far

It is not very far from other places, but as it needs to take those many stairs to reach the top, the accessibility is almost nothing. Whatever you want to do quickly on the ground is impossible, and you should wait for 1 hour to come down.

Attacks!

While walking there on the site, you will see many signs on the wall warning you about the wasps. According to traditional and local beliefs, the army of the emperor reincarnated in another form and appearance. Those soldiers are now living in their big nests as wasps. Disturbing them is not the best thing you can do with them. They will attack you if you annoy them. Take care.

Sigiriya Fortress, Sri Lanka

How was your experience?

Have you ever been to Sigiriya Fortress? What did you see when you got there on the top of the fortress? How did you like the paintings? If you have ever been to Sigiriya Fortress or any other places like this one, let us know about the feeling you got when you were exploring history.

The Dead Sea – The Lowest Spot on Earth

At 1,412 feet below sea level, the dead sea in Jordan is Earth’s lowest elevation spot and the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. It is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water and has a density that makes swimming similar to floating. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which plants and animals cannot flourish, and that is how the dead sea gets its name. Today, tourists visit the Dead Sea in Jordan as a natural wonder perfect for relaxing and fun in the sun with the family. The Dead Sea’s leading attraction is the warm, soothing salty water itself, allowing visitors to effortlessly float on their back, relax and soak up the sun.

Things to see

Mount Nebo

Located between the Dead Sea and Madaba, Mount Nebo is a historic site that provides a panorama of the Holy Land, and to the north, a more limited one of the Jordan River valley. The excavated remains of a church and a monument commemorating Moses’s biblical story and the bronze serpent stand atop the mountain. Mt. Nebo is a 15-minute drive from the Dead Sea, and Visitors can plan to spend less than half an hour at the site for approximately 1 USD.

Mount Nebo, Jordan

Dead Sea Panoramic Complex

Dead Sea Panoramic Complex, also known as the Dead Sea Museum, is a new complex of the regional museum about the Dead Sea, which contains a panorama lookout, a restaurant, and a conference hall on a cliff, high above the Dead Sea and near Hammamat Ma’in, and it is accessible by car from both the Dead Sea and Madaba. As the name suggests, it has a magnificent view of the Dead Sea and the hills beyond it, and watching the sunset from there is a wonderful experience. The entrance fee for the museum is about 3 USD.

Baptism Site

It is located at the Jordan River, the location archaeologists claim the baptism site of Jesus by John the Baptist, and it is a 10-minute drive from the Dead Sea resort area. Buses transport visitors down to the river basin, and guided tours include visits to a Jordan River overlook, the Baptismal Site’s excavated remains, John the Baptist Church, and down to the river bank are available for a 16 USD fee.

Baptism Site, Jordan

Amman Tourist Beach

It is a public resort with mostly clean facilities that include toilets, changing rooms, freshwater showers, the beach, the changing rooms, a pool, and a restaurant. The cost to enter the public tourist beach is 35 USD, and the locker and towel rental are each 2.12 USD. However, if you are staying at a hotel near Amman beach, you should know that many hotels sell day passes that include full use of hotel facilities as well as their Dead Sea beachfront.

Transportation

In Jordan, tourist areas are accessible from the main road that runs along the eastern side of the body of water and connects to Jordan’s Desert Highway. The Highways leading to the Dead Sea are marked by brown tourist signs. There are bus lines that run from Amman, from Muhajireen bus station to Rame, that costs 1.42 USD. On good weather, on Fridays and Sundays, buses leave from Muhajireen bus station directly for Amman Tourist Beach. The national Jordanian bus company, JETT, offers a daily shuttle from Amman to the Dead Sea and back, departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon for 9.87 USD.

Taxi services for travel to the Dead Sea can be purchased for the day for 28 USD if you hail a cab; however, downtown hotels charge 50 USD for the same service. Many of the local hotels and resorts have shuttles that travel from Amman to the Dead Sea. A taxi can be hired for a full day From Aqaba in southern Jordan to the Dead Sea, a 3-hour drive. For this service, if booked through the reception of a hotel, you should expect to pay approximately 140 USD. From Madaba, in central Jordan, there are Taxis available for the price of 10 to 14 USD.

The Dead Sea, Jordan

Hotels and Restaurants

Hilton Dead Sea Resort Set

Hilton Dead Sea Resort Set along a sandy beach on the Dead Sea. Refined rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms add terraces and/or sea views and the 1 or 2 bedroom suites feature separate living and dining areas. There are also restaurants, bars, and a cafe, Bacchus Restaurant, located poolside, is most desirable for its freshly hand-made pasta and Italian specialties with satisfying and friendly service. Various amenities include an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a gym, a kids’ play area and direct beach access, plus a sundeck. On average, it would cost 132 USD per night to stay in Hilton Dead Sea Resort.

Crowne Plaza Hotel – the Dead Sea

Crowne Plaza Hotel – the Dead Sea is next to a private beach along the Dead Sea, Jordan. The hotel provides Polished rooms with free Wi-Fi, TV, and Upgraded quarters add balconies and/or sea views. Room service is available 24/7. There are multiple restaurants and bars in the hotel Burj Al Hamam restaurant. It has a lovely view overlooking the Dead Sea, providing great food quality and memorable service. We recommend you to try their Lebanese cuisine. It also includes a spa, a gym, outdoor pools, and an indoor pool with a waterslide. Check-in time is at 3 PM, and Check-out time is at noon, and the fee for the superior room with one king bed is 80 USD per night.

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea sets on a secluded beach along the Dead Sea that offers private, free access to the beach. The resort’s bright rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screens, minibars, sofa beds, and whirlpool tubs. All the rooms have balconies or terraces, some with sea views. Here Kids age 12 and under can stay at no charge with an adult, and room service is available 24/7. There are 4 restaurants, including Al Deera restaurant, where you can find the most delicious food in Jordan hotels and restaurants along with a friendly staff, plus outdoor dining, bars, and shisha service. The resort also includes an infinity pool, a spa, a gym, and a playground. Check-in is at 3 pm, and a king leisure room’s cost is 63 USD per night.

The Dead Sea, Jordan

How did you find the Dead Sea?

Have you ever been to The Dead Sea? which time of the year did you visit it? If you think your experience of being there was a nice one, let us know about your journey. Enjoying the time of being in Jordan and wandering around the streets can be very interesting to us. It worth remembering and sharing.

Arugam Bay: Surf, History & Nature on Sri Lanka’s Paradise for Surfers

Arugam Bay, also known as A-bay, is one of the most amazing destinations on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka, this laid-back coastal town was once part of Batticaloa’s historic settlement. Whether you’re a surfer chasing world-class waves or an explorer interested in serene beaches, ancient temples, and local wildlife, Arugam Bay warmly invites you to experience its magic. Enjoy soulful activities such as yoga, beach walks, swimming, and rejuvenating massages, not to mention the delicious local dining options that make every visit memorable.

What to See in Arugam Bay

Surfing & Surfing Spots

Arugam Bay is world-renowned for its surfing, routinely ranking among the top global spots. The ideal time for catching the best waves is from May to September, during the dry season, though locals insist that there are great breaks all year round if you know where to look. Surfers of all levels can find their perfect wave: the main break is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers while areas such as Baby Point and the inside point are more forgiving for beginners.

Surfing School & Camps

New to surfing? No worries – an on-site surf school located near the peanut farms provides lessons tailored to all skill levels. In addition, there are various surfing camps along the shore where you can learn the basics or hone your technique. Booking your spot in advance online is recommended during the high season.

Surfing, Arugam Bay

Guest Houses & Local Accommodations

The Lighthouse area and the stretch along the beach offer a range of small, cozy guest houses, providing a quieter alternative to the bustling peanut farms. Renting or hiring an off-road vehicle is advisable if you plan to explore farther afield so you can easily access the best surf spots like the main and Baby Points.

Pottuvil and Whiskey Points

Pottuvil Point and Whiskey Point are two popular breaks that offer both main and inside points – making them suitable for surfers of every level. Whiskey Point, located to the north of Pottuvil, is particularly well known for its gentle waves, which have helped many beginners take their first ride.

Crocodile Rocks

Farther south lies Crocodile Rocks, a captivating spot that combines excellent surfing with abundant wildlife. Set between dense jungles and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this location offers breathtaking natural scenery that showcases mother nature’s artistry.

Elephant Rocks

Elephant Rocks is another breathtaking surf spot in Arugam Bay, revered for both its challenging waves and stunning natural scenery. Though it is a bit off the beaten track, making it less crowded, it offers an adventurous hike with unforgettable views at sunrise or sunset. Remember to explore this area with a travel companion or group for added safety.

Kudumbigala Monastery

This ancient monument is believed to have been established as an Aranya Senansanaya in 246 BC, making it the only remaining Dagaba in Sri Lanka. Kudumbigala stands silently amid its surroundings as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich history and the sorrowful tales that have shaped Sinhalese civilization.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

Nature enthusiasts should not miss a visit to Lahugala Kitulana National Park. Known as one of the richest wildlife havens in Sri Lanka, a safari through its lush forests offers delightful encounters with roaming elephants, axis deer, peacocks, and other native species. For more information on wildlife destinations, check out our guide to wildlife in Sri Lanka.

Magul Maha Viharaya

Steeped in legend, Magul Maha Viharaya is famed as the wedding venue of King Kavantissa of the Magam Ruhunu Kingdom and Princess Viharamaha Devi. The temple’s exquisite moonstone, adorned with lotus petals, animal motifs, and intricate ironwood leaves, dates back to the Anuradhapura era, and the image house houses a revered Buddha statue.

Muhudu Maha Viharaya

According to local legends, following the princess’s sacrifice to appease the gods, she landed on the east coast near Pottuvil, where she later met King Kavantissa. This ancient monument features a series of stone pillars that have stood for over 2,300 years. Its image house displays three striking stone statues, believed to represent the ill-fated princess and her king.

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

How to Go to Arugam Bay

Reaching Arugam Bay is an experience in itself. When you arrive in Colombo, you have two convenient options: plane or bus. For the budget traveler, taking the bus is ideal. Direct buses from Colombo to Pottuvil depart from the Pettah bus stand in the morning, with a journey lasting around 10 hours. Bus number 98 on the Pottuvil route costs approximately 400 LKR ($5.5) per ride, with an additional fee of 100 LKR ($1.5) per large luggage piece – totaling roughly $7 for a one-way trip.

Alternatively, Cinnamon Air offers seasonally scheduled flights from Colombo, though at a higher cost. Many seasoned travelers prefer the bus option for its affordability and the chance to see more of the countryside.

Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka

Getting Around Arugam Bay

Once you arrive at Arugam Bay, local tuk-tuks are the most convenient way to get around. They’re available throughout the area, although rental fares average around 2000 LKR ($28) for longer trips. If you prefer independence, renting a scooter is another popular option – typically costing about 1000 LKR ($13.5) per day. However, please note that driving in Sri Lanka without a local permit can lead to fines of approximately 2500 LKR ($34) if stopped by the local police.

Accommodation Options

Arugam Bay offers a wide range of accommodation, from hotels to intimate guest houses. During the high season, it’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time, especially if you plan to stay near the surf areas along Panama Road. Whether you’re here for the waves or the tranquil beach vibes, there’s an option to suit every traveler’s budget and taste.

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Share Your Experience

Have you ever visited Arugam Bay? Whether you fell in love with its vibrant surf culture, rich wildlife, or the serene landscape of the Indian Ocean, we’d love to hear your story. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and connect with other travelers who have been captivated by this unique coastal destination.

Wadi Rum in Jordan

The Wadi Rum is the Mars of our planet in Jordan, and with its red rocks and sands and its colossal size, it won’t shock you why they call it the Mars on Earth. This place is the homeland for Bedouin people, as many generations of them have lived there and left many historical inscriptions for us to discover.

It’s a magical land of wilderness and stunning landscape. No wonder why a lot of moviemakers chose this place to shoot their sci-fi and historical movies. For example, the 2015 movie The Martian or the 2012 movie Prometheus.

The Wadi Rum is a heaven for adventurers; if you are one of them, just get in your car and hit the road of this fantastic land. One of your options is also flying with a balloon to admire the natural landscape and see the mysterious sky during the night. With all those unique sceneries, what’s not to love about the Wadi Rum in Egypt? Who regrets visiting this magnificent place?

The History

There is a rich historical place everywhere you look in Wadi Rum. Because it was inhabited from prehistoric times, you can see different signs of different tribes and eras. This desert was a great place to rest for the caravans traveling from Arabia to the Levant. The most noticeable and the majority of the people who lived here were Bedouins. You can see that tribes like Ad, Main, Lihyan, and Thamud live here as they did a long time ago and still gather around together. But if you have seen Lawrence of Arabia, you would know that the movie was shot in here as the real Thomas Edward Lawrence was there with the Arab leaders of The Arab revolt of 1918.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Magical Landscapes

There are many landscapes in this desert, each one has its specific features, and it’s better to read about them before visiting. It helps you find an option that matches your priorities. Anyway, here are some of the most famous landscapes of Wadi Rum in Jordan.

Lawrence’s House

This place was a shelter for the Bedouins traveling to Damascus and Petra to stay safe against the Bandits and the desert’s rough wind.

Qatar Spring

One of the oldest Springs in the Wadi Rum. A place for different wild animals to come and drink water and for travelers to rest a little.

Anfeshiyeh inscriptions

The engravings marked the way for the travelers to get water or find the best path, and some even warned travelers of the dangers of this desert.

Nabatean Temple

That is a beautiful and historical temple placed near The Wadi Rum village worth checking out.

Mushroom stones

Mushroom-shaped sandstones carved by Bedouins and historians claim they are at least a hundred years old.

Lawrence’s Spring

this spring was a place for travelers to rest, and after the famous movie Lawrence of Arabia, they named this place after Lawrence.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

What to do in this desert

There are lots of activities you can do. But don’t forget to ask your guide if they are available on your tour or not. You can go Rock climbing in the mountains if you can afford a trained rock climber guide with the necessary equipment. It should be a great experience and a great way to test your physical strength and Stamina.

You can even go for hot air ballooning! Yes, you heard it right, Hot air Ballooning. You can find this experience very romantic and fun. The balloon takes off at dawn, and from up there, you can see this magnificent land inch by inch.

Why not check out the camel races? These camel races are events planned by locals or the sheiks that are visiting. We suggest you check these amazing events.

You can ride horses! There are different tours that you can ride a horse through the journey and experience how the locals and Lawrence used to travel around this desert.

When there is a full moon, you can camp with your fellow travelers to look at the full moon. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

What to expect from Wadi Rum

Don’t forget to book a guide. You have to have a guide to enjoy the full enjoyments and experience everything without any trouble. So don’t forget to Pre-book a guide and a tour with your preferences.

Be ready for the hot weather in the day and the cold and chilly nights at night. So always bring a set of clothes appropriate for such an environment.

As we mentioned before, there are different tribes, so always act appropriately and do what the tour guide tells you to do so you stay out of trouble. These people are mostly calm and hospitable but act with caution.

There is no need to speak of the harsh environment in this desert. There are no hotels and classy places to stay. But there are different camps and shelters, and Bedouin tents, so don’t expect a comfortable journey! But we can say it is worth the experience.

Watch out for Scammers! Some people will tell you that they will get you to the Wadi Rum desert, but instead, they will drop you off in the Disi desert. They will lie to you about the camp names, so don’t trust strangers and get a safe and reliable guide so you won’t get into any of these problems.

We hope you would have an incredible journey, but you should expect problematic situations and environments as any journey. Don’t be afraid! It’s just a kind of challenge for a journey. Don’t you like a challenging experience?

Wadi Rum Camping, Jordan

What you need in the desert

For traveling through desert land and its roughness, you need certain items that will come in handy and make this journey far more comfortable and fun. So let’s go through them one by one.

Camelbak hydration pack

This backpack shaped water container is pretty useful if you are hiking or climbing rocks in the desert. It has a tube that directly goes to the water container, and you don’t need to stop to drink from it, and we all know how much being hydrated in the desert is essential.

Sunscreen

Don’t forget to bring one of these so your trip won’t get ruin by sunburn in the hot and sunny desert.

Shamag or Bandana

A Shamag or a bandana can be used as a lot of things. For example, as a face mask or as a headband and even use them as a flag for your tent, you make yourself easier to find in between tents.

Dry towel

A light-weighted towel that can be used for a lot of uses. You can use it to dry your sweats or wash them or pour water on them and use it as wet tissue and clean yourself in rough situations.

First aid kit

There is no need to say how much you need to have a first aid kit for the desert. In case of any injuries, this kit should come in handy.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Have you ever been there?

There is nothing better than visiting a city when you want to discover it. I mean, the best descriptive texts can not bring you the feeling of a single moment of being there. This is the magic of a place that surprises you with many things to see and discover. How did you find your visit to Wadi Rum in Jordan? Let us know about your experience.

Petra – An Ancient Archeological City in Jordan

Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, dating back to Before Common Era at Petra, Jordan. This ancient city of the Nabataeans flourished and then became a part of the Roman Empire, which turned it into a trade center. What remains of this magnificent place are the buildings lost to history for several centuries after the Crusades and Saladin’s Conquests.

But as all the wars were over and time had passed, a lost ancient city was again recovered in the 19th century. Petra is now one of the top highlights of Jordan and a unique archeological park. If you want to visit this marvelous site from ages gone, read below and plan your journey into the past by visiting Petra.

A Small History About Petra

Being centuries old, the whole complex and the buildings inside the area have a lot to tell. But being lost in history reduces what can be said about a historic site. But in short, Petra was once a critical city of the Nabataean Kingdom of Arabs in the 6th century BCE. The area itself is said to have been inhabited for more than a few thousand years, but the kingdom and the capital of the Nabataeans were built much later.

The area and the unique way of life in the desert’s hot sands allowed this kingdom’s citizens to live and prosper with ease. But as they flourished, they became a target for rivals. Their environment gave them an advantage despite being harsh, but they became a client state of the Roman Empire in the first century BCE.

Roman Takeover of Petra

For about 200 years, the locals lived independently and under the protection of the Romans. But their luck ended, and the Romans took over and annexed the kingdom and then renamed it. The Petra of the 1st century CE became a central hub of trade for the Arabs of the area but less independence. After nearly 2 centuries under Roman rule, Petra lost its importance with the emergence of new trade routes.

Petra After the Earthquake

In 363, an earthquake brought much destruction to Petra. After this devastating disaster came the Byzantines, who did not make things better for the locals. They did leave some of their buildings in Petra but nothing that would ensure the city’s survival. This city remained in decline until the early Islamic period when it was abandoned and soon became lost and forgotten in history.

Petra, Forgotten But not Lost

The once glorious city, surrounded by mountains and carved into stone, was again rediscovered in 1812. The city’s rediscovered remains were soon famous again and with a new name, called the “Rose City,” which was later on listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

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What to See When You Get to Petra

As you enter the Petra archeological park complex, you will have to pass from a passage known as Siq. The Siq is a nearly 2 km canyon passage with some carvings and rock walls worth watching as you walk.

As soon as the Siq ends, you will reach the treasury. Beyond the treasury, there is the street, and as you walk on, you will see a Theater left from the Roman era. On the opposite side of the 7000-seat Theater are the Royal Tombs on a hill.

The largest and perhaps oldest of the buildings in Petra is perhaps the Monastery. The Monastery is carved into the stone and has some climbing to reach. But you can get there with a ride which can be rented at the entrance.

How Much Time to Explore Petra

You can explore the area and see the important highlights in one day and return. The ideal amount of time to see all the areas and enjoy your visit is to spend two days at Petra. If you want to spend two days at the complex, be sure to catch the night and the candle lights, which is one of the most memorable things to do at Petra.

The area is full of buildings and monuments to see, making it possible for you to make another visit. During your third day at the park, you can do even more exploring and even go beyond what the ordinary visitors see.

Should you require to make several visits, you do not need to go all the way back to the city. You can simply head to the nearby Wadi Musa, which is very close to the entrance. There are all kinds of budget to top hotels and places to stay nearby.

When to Visit Petra

The perfect time to visit the place and explore is during spring and autumn. The summer gets too hot, and the winter may get cold and difficult. The hours will be different during each season and according to the daylight. It is safe to say that the site will open as soon as sunrise and close at sunset. As for the night visit, you can reenter Petra from 20:00 until 22:00 but not every day.

While planning the most suitable time and temperature, you should also check the forecast and wear appropriate clothing. Other than that, it is better to make your visit during the early opening hours to avoid crowds. If you do so, you will get a much better chance of visiting the monuments all for yourself and take the best pictures possible.

Petra, Jordan

What to Wear At Petra

Although there are no restrictions on what to wear, it is best to wear something to protect you from the sun. Wear something with sleeves that is not warm and gives you the freedom to move. You better have appropriate shoes for walking long distances. Other than these you should probably wear a scarf and bring some sunblock.

Petra, Jordan

Getting Around at Petra

If you are up to it, you can walk around all of the buildings in the complex, which is quite massive. The entire area is nearly 60 square kilometers, which means other than having good walking shoes, you will need to bring a lot of water to go on foot. If the idea of walking around with only a map and water, you can rent a horse, carriage, or a donkey at the entrance.

The most pleasant and fastest of these three rides in the carriage. This convenience is because if you take any of the other rides, you will not be riding; there will be a guide to lead the animal.

The last means of transporting is by wheelchair for the disabled that is free. This kind of transportation is to reduce the limitations of the visit for all visitors. At times, an electric car may also be available for the disabled for faster transportation.

Petra, Jordan

Shopping and Eating at Petra

There are several vendors for water and snacks as well as some souvenir shops. The prices for water and snacks are reasonable, but you might want to negotiate. This variation in prices is because some of the vendors may want to overcharge the tourists. If you can carry some water bottles with you, you may need less shopping at the site. Expect to need about 3 or 4 liters of water.

Petra, Jordan

Petra Traveler Information

How to Get to Petra

First, you should decide which one of the cities you want to visit before Petra. You might want to head to Amman via airplane and then drive to Petra, or head to Aqaba first. Be ready to spend a few days in these cities and rest, and then head out. For your trip to Petra, you have several options, Car (rental or your own) bus, a minibus, and a taxi. It is also possible to go there on foot, but you will have to be in the town of Petra to do that.

By Car

If you plan your trip with your own car or a rental, you have to drive from 2 to 5 hours to get to your destination. If you are going from Aqaba, you will have about 130 km of the ride in about 2 hours. From Amman, however, you will have a little longer way to go. The main road is about 236 km but gets to Petra much faster (about 3 hours considering traffic). Other than the Desert highway, you can also go from the King’s Highway, which is about 250 km. It is a more scenic route and takes longer, but the journey is more pleasant.
Once you reach Petra, you can park your car in free parking near the site.

By Bus

If you want to travel by public transports, you will have a cheaper ride with limitations. The limitation is that if you miss the bus, you will not go to Petra until tomorrow! What you need to do is to find the JETT Bus in either Amman or Aqaba. The bus will depart at 06:00 in the morning and move from the desert highway from the city.
The bus will cost about 22 JD, but you will have to ask about departure times.

By Minibus

To take a minibus, there is not a fixed price or location or departure time. You will either head to the Wihdat Bus Station in Amman or from Aqaba Bus Station. They will probably take you as far as Wadi Musa, and then you will have to take a taxi for the rest of your way. As for the price, you will have to negotiate as they may want to charge the tourists extra.

By Taxi

The price for a Taxi from Aqaba to Petra is around 30 JD, and from Amman to Petra, it will be around 70 JD. You can pay a little extra and ask the taxi to wait for your outside and bring you back. The same rule of negotiating the price applies to taxis as well as minibusses. The best way to take a taxi is to ask your hotel to call you one.

Keep in mind that as safe as it is to travel to Petra, you might want to keep an eye out for scammers and people who will charge you extra. It is recommended to travel with your own guide to avoid such scams and touts and bring all the necessary gear for the trip to reduce the need for shopping. Always double-check the prices online and on our table below to be sure how much money you will be spending.

Petra, Jordan

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Location
Address	Jordan, Petra (Get Direction)
Opening Hours
Spring & Summer	06:00 – 18:00
Autumn & Winter	06:00 – 16:00
Night Visit	20:30 – 22:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Prices
One Day Ticket	50 JD
Two Day Ticket	55 JD
Three Day Ticket	60 JD
Fees for Non-Accommodated Visitor	90 JD
Ticket for Night Visit	17 JD

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Notes

The prices may change from time to time.
For a night visit, you must also have a ticket for a day visit.
Children below the age of 12 can enter for free.
The mentioned prices do not include transports.
If you rent an animal, please be kind to them, or you may be reported.
If you see any animal abuse, you should also report the mistreatment of the animal.
The mentioned prices require you to have accommodations. If you want to get these places
You must have a place to stay or pay extra for a visit.

The Valley of the Kings in Egypt

The valley of the kings is one of the most significant symbols of ancient Egypt at the time of the New kingdom. Archeology addicts would fall in love with this fantastic place, considering the mausoleums of pharaohs placed underground. Exquisite artworks have covered the walls, including paintings of nature, animals, and influential leaders of ancient times. This mysterious valley is placed in the ancient city of Thebes, which is called Luxor nowadays. Although all the difficulties such as hot weather, this place attracted many visitors from all around the world. Visiting the Valley of the kings is a great chance to bless yourself with fascinating Egyptian archeology beautified by ancient art.

History of Valley of the Kings

The most magnificent burial ground in the world is the valley of kings, a house to deceased kings, queens, and nobles of the New Kingdom (1500-1070 B.C) for over a thousand years. Old kingdom pharaohs chose the pyramid of Giza and the Nile delta as the place of their tomb, but as mentioned before, the New kingdom pharaohs choose what we call the valley of kings now to be buried, in case they wanted to be closer to the source of their dynastic roots. Egyptian myths are so complicated and beautiful. Mummification represents the belief that there would be an afterlife. Since they believed the body is home to the soul, they tried to preserve the body. They also used to think if the body was ruined, the soul would be lost

according to believing Afterlife, the tombs’ chambers were filled with treasures like food, jewels, statues, and everything a person needs to sustain life to eternity.

Discovery

In 1907, lord Carnarvon, fascinated by Egyptology, hired Howard Carter to excavate the Egyptian noble’s tomb. After the lord received a license to dig at the site, which was believed to be a house to deceased nobles of ancient Egypt, it finally took 15 years to discover Tut’s tomb. On November 26, 1922, they entered the tomb, proudly and happily, where they found a considerable amount of gold and treasures. Thanks to Lord Carnarvon’s interest in Egyptology and, of course, his unsparing generosity to pay workers for many years, a new door was opened to the ancient world of Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt

Location

Thebes was the royal capital of the new kingdom, but nowadays, it’s known as Luxor. Since the pharaoh’s burials were full of treasures, they feared safety, so they decided to conceal their mausoleums under rock cliffs in a valley located in the heart of mountains behind Dayr al-Baḥrī.

Things to see

Valley of the Kings includes over 60 tombs of Egyptian royals, but unfortunately, all of them are not open for public visits. But there are many tombs and chambers of pharaohs exquisitely painted, sculptured, and designed. Chambers are like artworks you wouldn’t get enough of, especially if you have a sense of art.

The Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt

Which tombs are open?

Although there are over 60 tombs in the valley of kings, only 11 of them are open to visitors. When you buy the entry ticket, you will see eight tombs, but you need to get extra tickets for the rest of them.

People who have visited tombs have described every tomb. You can choose the order or the tombs you want to visit.

The tomb of Seti I

It’s one of the most beautiful temples, the burial chamber is adorned with colorful scenes, and the ceiling has an astronomical painting.

The tomb of Tutankhamun

Although it’s one of the least decorated temples, it’s one of the most important ones since you can visit Tutankhamun’s mummy.

The tomb of Ramesses V and VI

Temple of Ramesses V and VI has one of the largest chambers, a pillared hallway at about the tomb’s midpoint. Like Seti I’s tomb, it has impressive paintings and an astronomical ceiling, decorated by the book of heaven.

How would it be?

There will be a visitor’s center with a 3D map in the center when you arrive. There also will be restrooms. Once outside, trams are there to take you to any tomb you’re heading to. Don’t forget to purchase both entry tickets and tram tickets. You will have a 3-minute ride on trams till you arrive at the valley of the kings. (Travel tip: have a map of the valley and check each tomb you have visited.) even if you have a guide, they’re not allowed to come into the graves, make sure you have enough information.

wearing etiquettes

This area is known to be hot; wear something cozy and casual. Wear comfortable shoes since you may need to walk or cycle around the site. Wearing sunglasses and sunscreen will be so considerate. Also having a hand fan and a sunhat will be useful For your own self and respect other people use some deodorant, hot weather and intense activity will make you sweat.

The Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt

How do I get there?

There are some choices on the table to go to the valley of the kings from Luxor itself, but if you’re an independent traveler, if you’re short on time, the best one will be to hire a taxi from the east bank or the waterfront car park in front of the ferry terminal on the west bank. The taxi fare for each ride is about 250-300 LE ($15-16). The second choice will be a tour bus; almost all the hotels and travel agencies arrange daily tours, including the valley of the kings and Deir al Bahri. People who are not in a rush can use cycling to add some sport to their adventurous tour of ancient Egypt, but I have to warn if you haven’t had the experience of cycling long rides and uphills, this is not a good idea.

Tickets

You can purchase tickets for LE100 ($11) for adults and half of that for students. Each ticket includes access to three tombs, and you will have to pay additional fees to visit Tutankhamun’s, Ay’s, and Ramesses VI. trams tickets will be around LE4 ($0.5).

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Have you ever been there?

Being in Egypt is a full journey of wonders belonging to ancient times. Pharaohs have left us a true treasure as a legacy, and discovering those days’ remains can clarify the quality of lives during those ages. If you have been to Egypt, particularly to the Valley of the kings, let us know about the experience of that much history in one part of the land.