If you’re considering visiting Israel but are seeking alternatives, then Jordan is the perfect place to explore. Jordan is a country less traveled compared to Israel, offering unique experiences off the beaten path. Jordan offers an alternative, equally captivating experience compared to its more popular neighbor, Israel. The country is full of amazing places.
You can visit the incredible ancient city of Petra and float in the peaceful Dead Sea. It’s ideal for both thrill-seekers and those looking for relaxation. There’s something for everyone in Jordan.
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Why Visit Jordan Over Israel?
Why visit Jordan instead of Israel? Israel is famous for its holy places and busy cities. But Jordan offers something special. It’s a place where you can enjoy a quiet trip, learn about history and culture, and avoid the crowds.
Here are the best places to see in Jordan:
Petra: The Rose-Red City
Petra is Jordan’s most famous old place. It was built by smart people called the Nabateans a long time ago, more than 2,000 years ago. They made this city out of pink cliffs. Petra is quiet and not full of tourists like Jerusalem. You can take your time walking around and seeing the beautiful desert around it.
Wadi Rum: The Valley of the Moon
Wadi Rum is a place that looks like another world and has been used in movies about Mars. You can drive through its red sand in a big car, sleep outside in a tent like the local Bedouin people, or just look at the big rocks that stand tall in the desert.
The Dead Sea: A Natural Spa
The Dead Sea is a special place where you can float easily because the water is full of minerals and very salty. It’s like a natural spa that makes you feel fresh and calm. It’s quieter than the busy beaches in Tel Aviv. Here, you can relax with just the sound of the water and the wind.
World Heritage Sites in Jordan
Jordan has special places recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Each of these sites has its own interesting past and importance. They give us a peek into the ancient culture and natural beauty of this land.
Petra
Petra is a special place in Ma’an Governorate, Jordan. It’s also called the “Rose-Red City.” In the past, it was an important trading center between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is carved into sandstone cliffs and has rock-cut buildings, over 40 tombs, and clever water systems. The mix of Hellenistic architecture with Nabataean temples and tombs makes Petra famous worldwide as an archaeological wonder.
Quseir Amra
Quseir Amra is a place in the Zarqa Governorate. It became a World Heritage Site in 1985. This old castle from the 8th century was used as a strong fort and a palace for Umayyad kings. It is famous for its big wall paintings which show us what early Islamic art looked like. Quseir Amra is an important example of the buildings and art from the time of the Umayyad rulers.
Um er-Rasas
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa’a) is found in the Madaba Governorate. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2005. It started as a camp for Roman soldiers and grew into a place where both Christian and Muslim people lived. The area is known for its amazing old ruins, which include places where copper was dug up, religious temples, churches, and other big buildings. The layers of history at this site show us the different ancient societies that were once successful there.
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is in Southern Jordan. People also call it the “Valley of the Moon.” It’s a strange and beautiful desert that looks like the planet Mars. Because of this, it has been used in movies about Mars. People can drive through its red sand in special cars, sleep outside at night in tents like the Bedouin people, and look at the huge rocks that reach up to the sky. It’s a place where the beauty of nature is as amazing as what you see in movies.
Al-Maghtas
Al-Maghtas is located in the Balqa Governorate. It was added to the World Heritage Site list in 2015. This place is on the Jordan River and is thought to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. It has old parts of Roman and Byzantine churches, small religious buildings, a monastery, caves, and pools. It’s a very important place for Christian visitors because of its deep history and religious meaning.
Jordan’s World Heritage Sites provide an amazing trip through history, culture, and the beauty of nature. Whether you are visiting old broken buildings, being amazed by architecture made from cutting into rock, or being part of desert life, these places in Jordan guarantee a memory that will last forever.
Travel Tips for Jordan
- When to Go: The best times to visit Jordan are during spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November. The weather is nice, and the places look their best.
- Talking: People speak Arabic in Jordan, but you can use English in places where tourists go.
- Money: In Jordan, they use money called the Jordanian Dinar. You can use credit cards in the cities, but it’s better to have cash when you’re in small places like Wadi Rum and Petra.
- Staying Safe: Jordan is a safe place to travel. But it’s a good idea to hire a driver or join a group tour to travel around the big country.
Jordan is a place that asks you to explore off-the-beaten paths and learn about the deep and beautiful culture of the Middle East. If you want to see something different from Israel, Jordan’s lasting beauty is there for you to find. Go to Jordan and let the tales of this old place fill you with wonder for your next trip.