Jordan: 5 Reasons to Visit the Swissland of Middle East

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

She was broken, her spirit crushed. The past had the proof of her haywire decisions. Those decisions were correct then, incorrect now. But she had to move ahead and write a new life. Unaware of the future but aware of her dignity, she moved ahead and rewrote those chapters of her life only she could. Once broken, resurrected now. Jordan resurrected me!

Coming straight to the point, my 5 Reasons to visit Jordan will give you hope and confidence to visit the country for your next holiday. Read on and pack your bags. If not now, then when?

5 Reasons to visit Jordan

1. Petra, one of the new seven wonders of the world

The city shines as a rose and takes you back to 300 BC. The ruins are Jordan’s pride and Petra sits like a solitaire on a queen’s necklace.

Petra is one of the new seven wonders of the world. The lost city is one of the strongest reasons to visit this small country of 7.2 mn people. This historical and archaeological site is famous for the rock cut architecture and water conduit system. Petra is also called the Rose City because of the color of the stone here.

Petra has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1985. This is your reason to be here. This you can’t find anywhere else.

P.S: History and literature students, this is your sonnet. You would not want to miss this.

2. Safety. Yes, it’s safe to go!

Despite of being at an unfortunate location with Saudi Arabia to the east and south, Syria to the north, Iraq to the north-east and Israel to the west, Jordan is absolutely safe to travel. It is a free country. And unless you don’t bother the others, no-one will bother you inside Jordan. People are warm and friendly. With tourism being one of the main sources of income, hospitality of the locals is something to reckon.

You can take my word on the safety of the country. I have been to Aqaba and Bethany, both situated at the border and felt no fear or lack of security.

P.S: Do read the news about the political scenario before visiting. That anyhow goes for every country you plan to visit.

3. Dead Sea- Earth’s lowest elevation on land

Visit Dead Sea and you can confidently say that you went 380 meters below sea level. It is a storehouse of salts, potassium, magnesium and other minerals with 30 to 33% water salinity. There is no vegetation or wild life in Dead sea due to high salt levels.

You can’t swim or sink in Dead Sea but only float. This is earth’s lowest elevation on land and the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. It is around 10 times as salty as an ocean. All this makes Dead Sea a famous tourist attraction.

Never swallow Dead Sea water. If you do or topple over, get out and take a shower and get in again. Don’t be more than 10- 15 minutes inside the water. Get out, take a break and repeat and never ever shave before you get inside. One of the biggest reasons to visit Dead Sea is the fact that it’s drying up. By 2050, Dead Sea will dry up. Though the Red Sea- Dead Sea Project is fast paced to feed the Dead Sea, still make your way till it lasts.

P.S: Don’t forget to apply the Dead Sea mud over your full body for a once in a lifetime experience. This is your mind & body rejuvenation.

4. Hospitality of Bedouin or local people

The Bedouin are Arab wanderers or seminomadic group who have descended from nomads from the Arabian and Syrian deserts.

Many Bedouin communities strive in Jordan. One can meet and greet the Bedouins and see their culture, get influenced and take back their love. It’s fascinating to meet one of the oldest existing tribes. They still have their mannerism and love for life intact. If nothing else, you can surely take back their spirit.

Throughout Jordan, you can clearly find complimentary tea, coffee and help. The Bedouins are ready to serve at every chance. They are open to chats, some laughter and loads of knowledge sharing. They are proud of their past and won’t mind sharing their stories and rich history. Local people are a huge resource for knowing a place. They will tell you those secrets no history book or an internet link can. The Bedouins will fill you with tea and love.

5. Holy Biblical sites

Jordan has been a Holy Pathway since centuries. The kingdom of Jordan is a pilgrimage country for Christians and Jews. The following five destinations have been appointed by Pope John Paul 2 as Christian Pilgrimage destinations in Jordan in 2000 on his visit.

1. Bethany: The place where Jesus Baptised.
2. Mt Nebo: Mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land.
3. Mukawir: The place where John The Baptist was imprisoned and executed.
4. Mar Elias: The remains of one of the largest known Byzantine churches in Jordan can be found at the site.
5. Our Lady of the Mountain Church.

The above information on the Holy sites is based on my visit, wikipedia and other sources from internet. I apologise if I have stated any fact incorrectly.

These 5 reasons to visit Jordan are exclusive. You won’t find them anywhere else. Petra will take you centuries back and the greasy water at Dead Sea will brighten you. From food, culture, religion, leisure and history, Jordan is a storehouse of adventure at every turn. Book your tickets and get ready to experience the Swiss land of Middle East.

P.S: Thankyou Jordan Toursim for showing the stunning offerings of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I bring back many stories and colorful memories.

Thankyou Honor 5X for being my travel partner for high quality pictures during the trip. Pictures are the only full proof way of looking back. Honor 5X, you have really been a friend in need.