Jordan : Biblical, Beautiful and a Bewitching mix of Cultures

Why Travel to Jordan ?

Jordan is a country with a rich history, impressive landscapes and atradition of vibrant culture. We have been reading and finding out more about Jordan for a few years, and kept researching of best ways for an extraordinary Road Trip across Jordan. Being residents of Dubai , it is not a far destination, just around the other side of middle east. Also being an Indian, we did not need to apply for a Jordan Visa in advance.

It must be about 30 years back that Steven Spielberg gave us a quick look at the “Treasury of Petra”as Indiana Jones rode on a horseback in search of the “Chalice”. That waas our first sight of the magnificient Petra and it was a sight we held onto for many many years. Later we connected tales from the Bible and Old Testament and found that Moses had reached Mount Nebo after crossing over from Egypt and this is where he was given the view of the promised land.

Since moving to Dubai, we had come to know more about the country, and our fondness for Jordan grew. There were more movies based on Jordan, the internet threw up plenty of information, interest in biblical stories, and some fantastic Jordanians we met in UAE ultimately made us plan up for this trip.

OUR JORDAN TRAVELOGUE

We travelled to Jordan on the last week of December 2024. It is usually pretty cold in most parts of Jordan during these two months. The advantage of travelling during this chilly months is that tourists places are much less crowded, hotels and other accomodations are cheaper, attractions and sights can be experienced better. SO if you can brave the chill, you are sure to be on for a treat.

Here are details about Jordan that you wold need to know to plan a trip to Jordan.

Jordan’s Climate

ordan has a diverse climate shaped by its geography, with three main climatic zones: desert, Mediterranean, and highland. The Jordan Valley and eastern desert areas experience a hot desert climate, with scorching summers and mild winters. Temperatures in the desert can exceed 40°C (104°F) in summer, while winters are cooler but mostly dry.

In contrast, the western highlands, including Amman, enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Rainfall is seasonal, mainly from November to March, and some highland areas may see occasional snowfall. The Dead Sea region, being the lowest point on Earth, is extremely hot and arid year-round. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant times to visit, with moderate temperatures and clear skies. Overall, Jordan’s climate is generally dry and sunny, offering ideal conditions for tourism, especially in spring and autumn when weather is mild and comfortable

The deserts regions have more extreme climates. December and January and pretty cold, and temperatires can touch 3-4 degree celcius.

Capital City of Amman

Amman is the capital of Jordan and is a bustling city with a mix of modernity and history.

Amman, the capital of Jordan, offers a mix of ancient history and modern culture for tourists. The Amman Citadel, perched on a hill, features Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins, including the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, with panoramic views of the city. Nearby, the Roman Theater, a 2nd-century amphitheater, still hosts cultural events and is a must-see. Downtown Amman (Al-Balad) offers lively souks, cafes, and local street food like falafel and knafeh. Rainbow Street is popular for shopping, dining, and its vibrant nightlife.

One can Visit the Jordan Museum for archaeological treasures, including parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls. For a religious and cultural touch, stop by King Abdullah I Mosque and the Duke’s Diwan. Art lovers should explore Darat al Funun and various galleries. Amman is also a great base for day trips to Jerash, Madaba, or the Dead Sea, making it an essential stop in Jordan. It also boats of the largest Airport in Jordan, the Queen Alia International Airport.

Places to visit in Jordan

Tourism happens to be a very fast growing industry in Jordan. With its mix of cultural heritage and biblical sites and tthe enchanting deserts of Wafdi Rum region, the tourism industry is lively most year around.

The Jordanians have been exceptionally cordial to us, and we felt a sense of welcome where ever we visited.

Food and Cusine of Jordan

Jordan is famous for being a culinary hotspot of the Arab region. Its national Dish is Mansaf which is a slow coocked Meat in fermented Yogurt sauce. Maqluba, a layered rice, meat, and vegetable dish, is another favorite.

Jordanian cuisine reflects the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. . Street foods like falafel, shawarma, and kebabs are widely enjoyed. Mezze—small dishes including hummus, baba ghanoush, and labneh—are common appetizers. Zarb, a Bedouin barbecue cooked underground, is popular in desert regions. Sweets like knafeh and baklava are widely loved. Jordanian food emphasizes hospitality, often shared during family gatherings and celebrations, showcasing warmth and tradition in every meal.

We had a demonstration of how Knafeh or “Kunafa” is prepared, and it was delicious extremely palatable.

Getting a Visa to Jordan

Using the “Jordan Pass”

Our Jordan Itinerary

We dashed through Jordan in a 7 days culture and sight seeing Road Trip during Dec 2024 – Jan 2025.

While we landed at Amman ( Queen Alia International Airport). We rented our car from the Car Rental section within the Airport Lounge. It was a swift experience. There are quite a few car rental agencies situated at the Queen Alia Airport in Amman. They include Budget , Economy Car rentals and Europcar. But there are some others which are situated outside the Airport area, about 2 kms away. The car rates are decent, but it would not be wise to expect a latest model car available in their inventory.

and we hit the road with an hour of landing at the airport. Our plan was to visit Mount Nebo on our first day before we drive to Madaba for the first night’s halt. From Madaba, we had planned to visit Wadi Rum and had planned to stay there in a Bedouin Camp inside the desert under the glittering Stars . From Wadi Rum we visted Petra and had planned it for a two night’s halt.

After Petra we were planning to travel to Aqaba , on the shores of the Gulf of Jordan jutting out of the Red Sea. We return with a night at Dead Sea and then back to Amman for two nights before we fly out to DUbai. From Amman we also had planned a day tour to the Greco Roman ruins of Jerash.

Driving Around in Jordan

Jordan is pretty easy destination for a Road trip. Jordan’s main highways form a well-connected network across the country, facilitating travel, commerece and other economic, socio activities between major cities and destinations. The Desert Highway (Highway 15) is the country’s main north-south artery, running from Amman to Aqaba. The King’s Highway (Highway 35) is a scenic, historic route passing through towns like Madaba, Karak, and Petra. We took this Kings Highway on our trip from Madaba to Wadi Rum.

The Dead Sea Highway (Highway 65) runs along the Jordan Valley, offering access to the Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib. The Zarqa Highway (Highway 30) connects Amman to eastern towns. These roads are vital for commerce, tourism, and daily transportation, linking Jordan’s diverse landscapes and regions efficiently.