Indiana Jones always credited Jordan for letting him embrace his inner explorer. After all, it was in the labyrinths of the Lost City of Petra that Indy went looking for the Holy Grail. History and culture are etched deep into every rock formation and trail in Jordan, with dramatic landscapes stretched along the coastline of the Red Sea and an incredible underwater world beneath. Jordan brings out the adventurous side of visitors, leaving each with new tales to tell and discoveries to dream of.
1. Hiking in Petra
Where hikers become ancient explorers
Petra is described as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage” by UNESCO, owing to the lost city of stone’s role in cultivating ancient civilizations. Jordan’s rose-red city has tons of surprises for travellers and is ranked 5th in the World’s Best Hikes. Once you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to tread different types of trails while exploring this well-preserved archaeological wonder.
2. SnorkeLling in the Red Sea
Make new friends underwater
The Red Sea is home to coral reef formations and is one of the warmest, clearest seas in the world. The Gulf of Aqaba is more shallow than other areas of the Red Sea, with ship wrecks and deep canyons for photographers to capture alongside more than 1,000 species of multi-coloured fish. So don’t be afraid if you find a turtle coming right at you – just smile and wave.
3. Bird watching in Azraq
Jordan’s only oasis
Azraq means ‘blue’ in Arabic and is an oasis at the heart of the Jordanian desert. As Jordan’s only oasis, Azraq keeps you connected with nature through long walks and bird watching. This scenic destination includes natural and ancient pools and is a seasonally-filled marshland that’s flocked by an impressive variety of birds – so don’t forget your binoculars!
4. Swim through Wadi Mujib
The Grand Canyon of Jordan
Here you will find some of the most wondrous cliffs on which you can hike, swim, slide and abseil. Known as the Grand Canyon of Jordan, Wadi Mujib is a river which enters the Dead Sea 410 metres below sea level. The Mujib Nature Reserve offers two canyoning trails rich with biodiversity such as the Ibex trail and the traditional Siq trail. All you have to do is pack your bag, pick your trail and get going.
5. Rock Climbing in Wadi Rum
Where ancient routes meet modern times
Known as the Valley of the Moon in Arabic, the name Rum most likely comes from an Aramaic root meaning ‘high’ or ‘elevated’. This valley is filled with large sandstone and granite mountains that have been climbed by the Bedouins for generations and are hence marked as ‘Bedouin Roads’. Featuring two of the most enormous ridges, Jebel Rum and Jebel um Ishrin, and with guides to lead your way, this experience is bound to take you to greater heights.
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Smrithi Mannar is a student of Journalism and Travel&Tourism in Bangalore. A dancer by heart and talkative by nature, Smrithi likes to discover emotions through writing and traveling. Always ready to try new things, she wishes to be an aspiring golfer, someday.
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very interesting . never knew Jordan had so much to offer.