Jordan: Three Things to See That Aren’t Petra*

*but you should still definitely see Petra

Wadi Rum

People go to the desert to see nature in all its vastness and magnificence. They go expecting something other-worldly: to be transported away to Mars. To be inspired. Wadi Rum. Even the name calls up images of heat shimmering across sand dunes under an open sky.

People wanting something alien and awe-inspiring will not be disappointed by Wadi Rum. Looking out over the sun-burnt cliffs and rocks that rise up out of the sea of red-orange sand, you will be amazed at the sparseness of it all and the sheer colour spreading out into the horizon.

When we arrived, and after having lunch on what can only be described as a bubble from the set of The Martian, we clambered into the back of an open-top jeep, where thin wooden benches covered in brightly coloured rugs had been nailed into the frame, and drove out over the sand. Not the most comfortable of rides, but a spectacular one seeing the red rock cliffs, the camels and a spectacular sunset.

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We stayed at the Wadi Rum Space Village where we ate and drank under the stars before going back to our ‘tent’ to a surprisingly comfy bed and striking guest bathrobes. If you have ever wondered what they are like on the inside I have popped a couple of pictures below.

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Go to Wadi Rum if you want a break from planet Earth and to experience the amber sand dunes.

Jerash

A ruined city: fallen columns, skeletal archways, ghostly avenues and temples, a vast and empty hippodrome. It is imposing and impressive and will ignite even the most lacklustre of imaginations.  

Jerash is the ruins of a Roman city but it’s incredibly well-preserved – you are left feeling that you’ve had a glimpse of what it might have been like. The forum still stands tall and impressive (it is quite unbelievable when you are standing amongst all the giant columns), and the hippodrome feels like it could have been used yesterday to put on a show for the masses.

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Go to Jerash for history and architecture. As with most places in Jordan, wear comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of walking on uneven ground but it so worth it!

Mount Nebo

Taking a drive along the iconic King’s Highway (an ancient route used by traders travelling from Arabia to Levant), Mount Nebo is said to be the place where Moses first saw the Promised Land and also where he died and was buried.

There is a church which is home to a 6^th century mosaic map of the Holy Land but the special thing about Mount Nebo is the incredible view out across the Jordan Valley where you can see the Dead Sea, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Being here at sunset, you can see that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

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Go here to see the beauty of the Jordan landscape in all its glory.

Petra

You came to Jordan to see Petra though, right? One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and arguably one of the most famous images on Instagram: Petra and the Treasury. Don’t let the pics showing a deserted and empty place fool you, though, this place gets busy!

But not without reason does it draw the crowds. Despite all the people trying to get that famous shot, it retains a calmness and sense of peace – maybe something to do with it being kept a secret by the Bedouin people for so long. It is a special place that leaves its mark on you.

Petra was built in 3^rd century, carved into the cliffs of the gorge that surround it. It was built to be impressive: to show of the richness of the Nabataeans who lived there, and it still holds so much magic and majesty. It is a long walk down the Siq (the crack in the gorge) from the entrance to the Treasury, but that just adds to the excitement of when you first see it. It appears just as a slither through the gap in the rocks and is unforgettable.

Once you can tear yourself away from the Treasury, the rest of the ancient city opens itself up to you. We spent a full day exploring and didn’t manage to see everything so be sure to have plenty of time dedicated to it in your itinerary.

For me, the most spectacular part was the Monastery which is an interesting trek to get to. You climb a stair case, cut into the rock, which can be challenging at times. Also beware of the donkeys that have a tendency, once they have carried people to the top, to charge back down. It all adds to the excitement of when you get up there. Once at the top grab a hibiscus tea from the little stall and sit and look out. There are a couple of places all touting ‘the best views in the world’ and I’m not inclined to disagree with them.

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I hope you have a fantastic trip to Jordan, one the friendliest and most fascinating countries I have visited, and come home with memories to last you a lifetime.