An off the grid destination, with 2 remarkable places
At first look, Jordan may appear to be an unusual tourist destination. Until you realize that one half of the (soon to disappear?) Dead sea lies in Jordan. Dead sea is famous because one cannot sink in its waters. There is also Mount Nebo, where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land and is a place of pilgrimage and then the city of mosaics, Madaba. But the second main reason to visit Jordan is the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rated as one of the 7 new wonders of the world.
Located in the middle east, Jordan has a long history. It was home to some of the earliest human settlements. Covering an area of ~92k sq kms, most of Jordan is a desert plateau. Largely landlocked but for a 26 kms stretch in the south where Gulf of Aqaba provides access to the Red Sea.
Jordan is worth a visit atleast for the Dead Sea and Petra. Mount Nebo and Madaba can be visited on way from Amman to a Dead Sea resort. Optional additional places would be Amman, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
What to do in Amman
The capital city of Jordan is a historical town with a current population of ~4million and is built over several hills. Amman is the main entry point into Jordan but there isn’t much to see in Amman. There is the Citadel from where one gets a good view of the city. Many of the buildings still seen at the Citadel go back a long way-Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church and Umayyad palace. All in ruins though. The Citadel is considered among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places.
Below the Citadel is the Roman theatre. I guess we all know what a Roman theatre looks like!
Temple of Hercules at the Citadel, Amman, Jordan Early bronze Age cave at the Citadel, Amman, Jordan Roman Theatre, Amman
You can also try local shopping in the downtown area, below the Citadel. Some of the local markets or souqs are fun to walk around, and gives you a glimpse into the lives of an average Jordanian.
There are restaurants and cafes(e.g rainbow street) where you can try out the local delicacies and coffee.
Mount Nebo, Madaba
On a clear day, one can glimpse Jerusalem from Mount Nebo. Madaba is most famous for the madaba map– part of the floor mosaic in an early Byzantine church, it is the map of Middle East and part of it contains the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of Holy Land. Madaba also has some very cosy cafes decorated with mosaic. Great place to enjoy original local coffee.
Photo of mosaic map, Madaba, Jordan Madaba street, Jordan View from Mount Nebo, Jordan The Madaba map, Jordan
The two main reasons tourists travel to Jordan are the dead sea experience and the ancient city of Petra.
![Sunset at the Dead sea, Jordan](https://mytravelinnings.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_0303.jpg)
The lowest point on earth, DEAD SEA is so saline that humans cannot sink in its waters. Certainly, one of the places to visit before it disappears for good!
![Petra, Jordan](https://mytravelinnings.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_0478.jpg)
PETRA, the Rose City, is on the list of 7 new wonders of the World. Set inside a deep gorge, Petra is a marvel.