Journey Through Petra

One of the most hyped attraction in Jordan is none other than Petra and it is certainly worth it. Today Petra does not needs an introduction especially since it is named as one of the new seven wonder of the world. Petra is a well-known ancient Nabataean city in the south of Jordan.  It continued to flourish until a catastrophic earthquake destroyed buildings and crippled vital water management systems around 663AD. After Saladin's conquest of the Middle East in 1189, Petra was abandoned and the memory of it was lost to the West.

It is one of the most expensive site to visit in Jordan. Its entrance cost is 50JD for day visit and 17JD to attend ‘Petra by night’. We drove from Amman to Petra via Madaba and the Drive was quite adventurous as we had a breakdown of car on the highway. I must say that in spite of the breakdown we were quite lucky as the location where we were stuck had a great view of the canyon and a local shop where we enjoyed the view with some local tea. However, due to significant lost time we missed the chance of visiting Madaba. We then directly drove to Petra, as we did not wanted to miss ‘Petra by night’.

It takes almost three and a half hour to reach Petra from Amman. Avoid night driving in Jordan, as there are no road lights even at highways so it is risky. However, highways are well marked. Finally, we managed to reach on time and got a chance to visit Petra in Night

PETRA BY NIGHT

The first thing that will come in your mind will be why to pay extra for night visit what is so special in there. In “Petra by Night”, you will get a chance to walk in the canyon lit by lanterns and see the magnificent treasury light up with candles. It takes place on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 20.30.

It was a romantic walk as we walked in the mild cold breeze touching our skin with hand in hand. The entire way from the entry point of the site until the treasury lit by the lanterns with candles inside the paper bag. The entire site was so beautifully lit that we fell in love with it.

(First View of the rocks aftter a walk of 5 mins from Visitor Center)

As we walked towards the windy Siq, it felt like we were at the bottom of canyon. It took at least 30 minutes to reach the Treasury. The first sight of the treasury was very impressive as it was very well illuminated with candle lanterns with local musicians playing some soft music. They also served some hot tea, which was a blessing especially since weather was cold. The entire atmosphere was filled with music and the fantastic view of the treasury made the night mesmerizing. It took approx. two and a half hour to experience the journey of Petra in night including walking and photography. If you have less time, you can certainly come back earlier though at least keep 1.5 hr for whole visit.

Thus, the tiring but memorable day ended.

(Walking in the Siq)

(View of Treasury in Night)

(Musician Playing Instrument)

PETRA IN DAY

As the sun rises, it was time to explore Petra city and we headed towards it. We hired an English-speaking guide from the Visitor Center for better understanding the history and importance of different sites. It was approx. 4 hours guided tour inside the Petra where he gave some very interesting facts about the place and its origin. Instead of exploring by camel or mule, I choose to burn the calories and experience on foot. Walking on the cobblestone was bit tiring but worth an experience.

The important sites are as follows:

As we walked inside the visitor center, we reached to the main entrance of the site. We then walked through the Siq that connects the Petra city to the town. Walking through Siq is amazing where we witnessed some rock carved temple and images. We walked on the cobbled stone and enjoyed the view of the curvy rocks in different structures and colors.

(Temple carved on Rock)

Siq lead us to the Treasury. The amazing huge well-carved Treasury of the Nabateian Period. We spent significant time here to click some photos. There is also a small café and some benches from where you can enjoy the site and take a break after walking for almost 30 minutes.

(Treasury)

The passage from the treasury lead to a large canyon with many facades of tombs on one side while Royal Tombs on the opposite side. Though, you need to climb significant number of stairs to reach tombs.

(Tombs)

(Royal Tombs)

The street to the Siq lead us to the Roman Theatre. The theater was created by the Nabateans, but later enlarged by the Romans. Theater is still used for occasional performances.

(Theater)

As we walked in the mountains say somewhat approx. 800 steps up the hill we discovered one of the best-carved monument known as Monastery.

(Monastery)

To have an amazing view of the canyon then we headed towards the top from the monastery and we got a great view of the canyon valley.

(View of Canyon Valley)

TRAVEL TIPS:

• The only way to explore Petra is on foot or by camel.
• Spend at least one full day to Petra.
• To reach monastery you either climb up or take a ride on mule.
•  Be aware of the tipping if you hire a mule or a camel.
• If you are going in summers do carry water to avoid from dehydration.
• The best way to understand the history and importance do hire a local guide.
• Do wear some comfortable shoes as there you have to walk a lot.
• "Petra By Night" Tickets can be purchased from your hotel even or from the Visitor Center.
• You can Purchase Jordan Pass. It waives off your visa on arrival fees and Petra day visit. Also include 40 other site visit. It cost 70JD.

Also Checkout:
Itinerary, Dead Sea,  Wadi Rum,  Petra