Things to do and see in Jordan

Highlights of Jordan

One of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East, Jordan has a lot of attractions for visitors. There is ancient history here as well as spectacular desert formations and sea life. Here are some of the top things to see and do on a holiday in Jordan.

Amman

I didn't spend much time in Amman, One can find a decent room for about 30 US Dollars just about anywhere in Jordan, I paid a little extra for a nicer room with hot showers, most places include breakfast. Cabs are cheap and the best way to travel in Amman, if you know Arabic you could try buses.

Amman Airport to Hotel Transportation: I had my hotel arrange Airport pick up, Cab driver was standing with my name on a paper, easy and convenient.

Next morning I was off to Jerusalem, I wrote a small post on how to cross the border from 

Amman to Israel  http://goo.gl/TLdb8C

Crossing from Eilat to Aqaba http://goo.gl/wOzUwC

Aqaba

Beautiful City, head to the Tourist information office, you will get all the information and maps you need about Aqaba there.

Just off the coast of Aqaba you can go snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea. You’ll see coral reefs and a whole range of colorful fish. From clown fish to other sea wonders you’ll be amazed at the variety of sea life here. And don’t forget to head back into Aqaba for a delicious meal at one of the many fish restaurants. For a different kind of water experience head to the Dead Sea for a float.

The highlight of my trip was a dive in the Red Sea. There are several Dive centers in the city,  paid 35 JD for equipment and 40 minutes of diving.

Sleep Under the Stars in Wadi Rum

If you ever saw Lawrence of Arabia and were mesmerized by the desert rock formations then Wadi Rum will enthrall you. This is the setting for that movie and is breath-taking. Ride a camel across the desert and camp out under the stars here for a magical experience. 

Below is the Mini Bus I took from Aqaba to Wadi Rum For 5 JD, a picture of inside of what the van looks like. It drops you off at the Highway and from there another Van or mini Bus to Wadi Rum Tourist Center.



Once at the Tourist office you pay the entrance fee, there will be some locals offering you camp site and tours. Bargain the prices, most camp site include dinner and breakfast, which is quiet good.








I took a Jeep Tour of Wadi Rum and by sunset ended up climbing a hill to get some great views and Pictures.

The camp tents are comfortable and at night there was a bonfire with a few tourists sharing stories of their travels, there were 8 of us, mostly french, some there for mountain climbing. At night there is a clear sky and its the most stars in the sky that I have ever seen. 




Most people living in and around Wadi Rum are Bedouin, They are descended from nomads who live around Arabian and Syrian Deserts.

Explore Petra

For most people Petra is a highlight of any visit to Jordan.

The walk down the Siq is full of mystery and that first glimpse of the Treasury is unforgettable. But do take time to see the rest of Petra as there is a lot more to discover in this ancient city. From the Street of Facades to the High altars you’ll be amazed at the beauty of Petra. 

One of the Wonders of the world,  costs 50 JD about 75 USD for entrance.

Leaving Petra on a Friday for Amman, our Bus that was supposed to leave at 7 AM did not leave till 1 PM.

The mini buses generally will not leave in Jordan till they are full, so we ended up paying the bus driver twice the fair to drive (we as in the few of us in the bus).

Jordan is full of amazing experiences and is very diverse. From the cosmopolitan life of Amman to the solitude of the desert, its amazing!

Happy Travels!

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Top 3 Things to do in Kuwait City

Visited Kuwait City in December 2018, arrived on a MEA flight from Beirut. My Itinerary was Layover in New York, 5 days in Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, India, and onward to Hong Kong, China and Mongolia.

Bottle of water is more expensive than Petrol in Kuwait. One of the reason you'll see big cars and SUV's on the freeways.

American Passport holders have visa on arrival, you will need to go the visa on arrival office near gate 2 to get the paperwork taken care of.

Visa Info


Withdrew local currency at the airport ATM, Once outside the airport, I ignored the cab drivers that approached me and took the Airport bus to my Airbnb. The city buses are the best way out of the airport.

Kuwait is an expensive destination, an average 3 star hotel will cost upwards of 100 USD. I was only there for 2 days.


Kuwaiti dinar is at the time of writing this post, the world's highest valued currency $3.30 USD equals 1 Kuwaiti dinar.

Top 3 Things to do in Kuwait City

 

Souk Al-Mubarakiya

 

This is a massive shopping Souq with Apparel Shops, money changers, food courts, perfume shops, vegetable and fruit market, seafood market, the list goes on.







Above the seafood market and one of the many eating courts in the Souq.

Kuwait Towers

Went to See the Towers twice, one during the night to see all the lights and once during the day. Took a cab from the grand Mosque to get there.

Grand Mosque

The interior is pretty amazing, went there during the night and during day time, walking distance from the Kuwait Souq.

If you are into shopping (which I am not) Check out the Avenue Mall, it's one of the biggest malls in the middle east, I saw it from the outside on my way back to the airport.



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Visit to Baalbek and Anjar Lebanon

Baalbek and Anjar are two ancient cities in Lebanon that are located along the Syrian border. Both are World Heritage sites and are known for their architecture. Baalbek is a fine example of Imperial Roman architecture, while Anjar is a testament to the Umayyad civilization.

Visited Baalbek in December 2018, weather was perfect, some of the best roman ruins I have seen. You can read about the history at UNESCO world heritage site at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/294

Safety: There are travel warning for tourists going to Baalbek and Anjar due to its close proximity to Syria and Hezbollah presence. I didn't have any issues. I even hitchhiked from Anjar to the main road 15 minute ride to catch a bus, this nice Armenian gentleman gave me a ride. Anjar is located in an Armenian resettlement town and Baalbek is Hezbollah with souvenir vendors selling Hezbollah T shirts. Anjar is 5 KM from Syria, there are mountains between the 2 countries.

Suggestion: Visit Anjar before visiting Baalbek reason being Baalbek is pretty amazing and Anjar will be a let down if you visit Anjar afterwards.

How to get to Baalbek from Beirut, take a taxi to cola bus station. From there take a minibus to Baalbek, the minibus cost is 6000 Lebanese Pounds or about $4 USD. The distance is about 85 kilometers from Beirut or half way between Beirut and Damascus Syria.

The name Baalbek is a Syrian word that means "the city of Baal" or "the city of the sun", did a day trip, day is plenty to see Baalbek and visited the town, got lunch ect. There is a lot of army presence in town.

Baalbek is home to the Baalbek temple complex, which includes two of the largest and grandest Roman temple ruins: The Temple of Bacchus and The Temple of Jupiter

Entrance to the Temple of Jupiter, There were hardly any tourists there because of all the travel warning to that area.

Temple of Bacchus is a famous temple in Lebanon. It is part of the Baalbek temple complex, which is located in the Bekaa Valley. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered an outstanding example of Imperial Roman architecture. 

The Temple of Bacchus is often described as the most beautifully decorated temple in the Roman world. It is also one of the best preserved. 

The Temple is dedicated to God of Wine. Some of the most fertile land on the planet is here as per the info I got from the Baalbek museum.

Inside Temple of Bacchus.

Anjar

Anjar is the only Umayyad site in Lebanon and is home to a complex of Umayyad ruins, The Umayyads were an Arab clan, While Baalbek is Greek-Roman, Anjar is all ruins and nothing like Baaalbek, looked very Roman with all the arches.

Anjar

Questions or Comments?

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Discover Beautiful Bahrain

Bahrain is a fascinating travel destination for those who are willing to venture a little off of the beaten path. It features beautiful architecture, warm hospitality and rich culture, as well as natural beauty including glorious beaches. Visited Bahrain in December 2018. Weather in December is excellent.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island nation located off of the coast of Saudi Arabia. It consists of one large main island, as well as several smaller, outlying islands.

Saudi Rials (currency) is accepted in Bahrain, exchange rate differs.

It is a very multicultural place, with four official languages: Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and English. Due to its large expat community, Bahrain is a blend of many different cultures. Plus, as Bahrain’s is one of the few nations in the Middle East where alcohol can legally be purchased, it is a popular getaway for those in neighboring countries.

History lovers will also love visiting beautiful Bahrain. Bahrain has been an important trading post for centuries, so there are many ancient and historic sites to explore. Some of the most well-known include the Barbar Temples, the earliest of which takes from 3000 BC, and Souq al-Khamis, a stunning mosque that dates back to the eighth century.

TIP: Bahrain can be expensive. My hotel room was $100 a night, USD.
Airport to hotel was 5 Bahraini Dinar, about $15 USD.

Bab Al Bahrain

Bab Al Bahrain, the main entrance to the Manama Souq. Manama Souq has a lot of shops selling souvenirs and Arabian lamps and artifacts. There is also other excellent shopping, from small bazaar stalls through to high-end luxury designer boutiques. One of the largest and most luxurious malls is the Moda Mall, however, if you are looking for Bahrain’s famous yellow gold, you should head for Gold City in Manama. Just FYI, I rarely shop, just went to see the glitter.



One of the main cultural attractions in Manama is the stunning Al Fateh Grand Mosque. The architecture of this mosque is absolutely beautiful, and it is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims. You are welcome to take a tour which will show you the most beautiful parts of the mosque, as well as share some information about the Islamic faith.


If you’re looking to relax or perhaps escape the hot sun, Bahrain also boasts several beautiful beaches, such as glamorous Marassi Al Bahrain, with its calm water and many beach parties.

All in all, Bahrain is a beautiful and underrated travel destination. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy the many fabulous restaurants and bars, or perhaps to discover the historic sites, you’re sure to be fascinating and enthralled by this amazing country.

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Things to do in Beirut Lebanon

Byblos Lebanon

Visited Beirut Lebanon in December 2018, days are nice and pleasant and evenings and nights Get cold during December in Beirut Lebanon. The winters are quite mild.

Airport immigration is quick and easy, have you hotel arrange for airport pickup to avoid any taxi scams. Airport to downtown the cost for a taxi is about USD 15. The ride is less then half an hour.

Safety: I found Lebanon to be very safe and did not have any issues at all.

Stay: I stayed at a hotel close to downtown, awesome location, close to several eating places, walking distance to Beirut souk and tourist attractions. The cost was USD 35 a night. Check booking.com for some great hotel deals.

Food: Lebanon is one of the best countries for awesome cuisine. Here is my recommendation 'Le Chef', Gouraud Street, Beirut. Tabbouleh salad there is amazing, I paid under USD 10 for a beer, fresh bread, olive oil, Salad and a main dish. Mar Mikhael and hamra street are another great location for food and clubs.

Transportation: I used minibuses to travel outside of Beirut, and within Beirut did a lot of walking and used shared cabs.

Money: 1 USD equals to 1500 Lebanese pound at the time of writing this post, there are ATM's everywhere. I use XE app on my smart phone for currency conversion.

Language: Most people will speak some English, I used google translate twice.

Travel Guide book - check out Bradt's Lebanon.


One of the first things that every traveler will want to do when they arrive in Lebanon is visit the National Museum of Beirut.  Inside, there are archaeological artifacts that share the history of the country and the people that have lived there over the years.  The two most popular exhibits are the Phoenician gilded bronze figures that were found buried near the Obelisk Temple at Byblos and the Phoenician marble statues of baby boys from the 6th century.

After seeing those exhibits, everyone will be ready to venture over to the Byblos Castle, which was constructed during the 12th century by the Crusaders.  This castle was constructed, dismantled, and reconstructed, a couple times, which makes it a unique piece of history that is thankfully still standing.

Byblos

One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Beirut, I took a minibus, paid the bus driver 2000 Lebanese pound one way or $1.50 USD. The minibus dropped me on side of a main highway, from there I walked through open-air bars, souvenir shops, and outdoor cafes to the historical sites. From Beirut to Byblos it took about half an hour by Minibus.



The entrance fee to the main historical site is 6 or 8 thousand Lebanese pound, I cannot remember. The whole Complex and the museum is worth visiting, it dates back to 8000 BC.







Pottery found in Byblos from 3000 BC - 1600 BC

Beirut can seen by walking to most places, I did take the cab twice to Cola bus station to take the mini bus to Baalbek and back to downtown. The cost of the shared cab was 3000 Lebanese pound or $2 USD.

#beirut #lebanon

A post shared by Arvin (@arvin_travels) on Jan 13, 2019 at 1:47pm PST

#beirut #lebanon

A post shared by Arvin (@arvin_travels) on Jan 13, 2019 at 6:58am PST

If you anywhere close to downtown you cannot miss the above Mosque and church.

I visited Beirut during Christmas Holidays, the whole Downtown Beirut was decorated with lights and Christmas decorations. Beirut Souq, was all decorated. Now this is nota  traditional middle eastern Souq, its very modern with all the designer brand name one can think of.

People in Beirut are very friendly. One does see some army presence in Beirut due to close proximity to Syria, overall its very safe.

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Places to See in Muscat, Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Not yet taken with the flashiness of Dubai but curious in the Arabian Peninsula? Oman, a small country, is a wonderfully progressive and open country with stunning landscapes and fascinating culture. Muscat, in particular, is known for breathtaking architecture, superb beaches, hiking trails, watersports, shopping, arts, and history. You can hike the Hajar Mountains in the morning then return to Muscat for a delicious seafood dinner, all in one day.


I was looking for flights from New Delhi to Nairobi and saw some great deals on Oman Air, and stopped in Muscat for 3 days. Taxi From the airport to My hotel, I paid 15 Omani Rial, about 40 U$D.

I have been several times to the Middle East, between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha Qatar, and Muscat, I liked muscat the most. Muscat is a place more like something out of the Arabian nights story, where as the other 3 are concrete jungles.

Safety: Oman is one of the safest countries in the world.

Weather: I was there in March, days can get hot, evenings and nights are pleasent.

Oman is expensive, plan and budget accordingly. I stayed in Tulip Inn, Downtown Muscat. Nice Pool area and amazing Breakfast. 5 Minute walk from the Muscat Big bus, hop on hop off bus. Check discount hotel Prices on Booking.com


My list of places to see and things to do in Muscat



1. Muttrah Souq


Within Muscat, Oman, you will find the city known as Muttrah, a place where the best barterers of the world seem to gather. That’s right, if you’re looking to brush up on your haggling skills, you should definitely head to Muttrah Souq. The traditional market on the Muttrah Corniche (an attraction in and of itself) has several small shops selling authentic Omani goods, such as dyed fabrics, traditional garments, gold and silver jewelry, and souvenirs to bring home.


2. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque


Years ago, the Sultan that built this stunning mosque had a mission to make the building accessible to non-Muslim visitors to help them understand the beauty of Islam. Not only is this openness a rarity, it is a wonderful chance to see and experience more about Islam than you would in other places on the Arabian Peninsula. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque has exquisite mosaics, a carpet that took 4 years to complete, one of the largest and most intricate chandeliers in the word, and mystery, so bring the camera!


3. Bait Al Zubair Museum


Opened to the public in 1998, the Bait AlZubair Museum is located in beautiful Old Muscat and was once the private collection of the wealthy Zubair family. Still, this museum is one of the largest permanent art collections in the country and offers a window into the past. There are six separate buildings to spread out all the exhibitions, including temporary displays. Aside from the exhibits, there is a garden with a miniature Omani village, a selection of indigenous plants and trees, and an aflaj system. The perfect place to go for a calming moment.


4. The Royal Opera House Muscat


Ever dream of seeing Arabian performing arts? Now you have the chance at the Royal Opera House of Muscat, built in 2011. There are not many Omani performing groups, sadly, but you can see international drama, theater, and dance groups quite often. Also, it is highly recommended that you sign up for a morning tour to learn about the traditional architecture of the building as well as some of its history. Be sure to catch a performance if you can.


5. Al Alam Palace

 



Many who visit the Al Alam Palace are quick to call it one of the most beautiful palaces in the entire world. The architecture and dazzling colors are what make the Al Alam Palace a favorite attraction of Oman. The palace has over 200 years of history, and it presently houses Sultan Qaboos. During the 16th century, the palace was surrounded by Mirani and Jalali forts, and some of those buildings still stand. Though you cannot actually get very close to the palace, you can stand by the gates. The recommended visiting time is in the evening, when the edifice gets lit up.


6. The National Museum of Oman


Established in 2016 in Muscat, the NationalMuseum is where Omani heritage is put on display and is best when paired with a visit to the aforementioned Bait Al Zubair Museum. As for the National Museum, it covers over 13,700 square meters (147,000 square feet), consists of several galleries and exhibits, and is rather high-tech. Some of the galleries are Oman and the World, the Land and the People, Ancient History, Splendours of Islam, and Renaissance, amongst others.


7. Bimmah Sinkhole


Though slightly on the outskirts of Muscat, you cannot visit Oman without seeing this remarkable natural wonder. Also known as the Dabab sinkhole, this gorgeous pool of water was created when the limestone layers beneath the desert started dissolving. Now, you can see the turquoise waters and awesome rock formations. It’s surreal.

Picture below of The Frankincense Burner, if you take the tour on the Big Bus, it's on the way from the Royal Palace to the Muttrah Souq.



Let me know if I Missed anything in the comments below and do share this Post.

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Layover in Doha Qatar

Visited Doha in March 2015, it was a 2 day stopover on my way to Texas From India, on a Qatar Airways flight. The City is Clean, Modern and somewhat Expensive. I was in Qatar on a Friday, which is a Holiday. I stayed Near the Qatar Islamic Museum, walking distance to Shopping, restaurants and Doha Corniche which is a walk along the Sea with amazing Views of the city both during the Day and Night.

Qatar is also going to be home to 2022 FIFA World Cup Soccer

Visa Policy for Qatar

Although Doha is best known for its’ skyscrapers and shopping malls, it’s not too difficult to escape the world of steel and plate glass to enjoy shopping and the smoke perfumed atmosphere of the more traditional souq markets.  The souqs, located all around the city, are the best places to purchase souvenirs of traditional goods, spices, perfumes, and wool and silk pashminas. 

One of the biggest and most popular is the century old Souk Waqif which has recently been restored to its original glory, transporting you to your own Arabian nights fairytale. 

And finally, just off the beaten trail, near the equestrian area, you’ll find the Falcon Souq. It’s home to everything needed in the training, maintenance and care of the lofty bird. However, look but don’t touch the prized birds, which are treated like members of the immediate family and generally cost more than your car back home.

In the Evening tired from all the walking I took a private cab to drive me around Doha, Visited Katara which is cultural village in Doha, Qatar, located by the bay.


Above Picture - Katara cultural village structures used to house pigeons.

Do share my video 

What are some of your favorite things to do on a layover?

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Sleep Under the Stars in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum Entrance Ticket Office with Seven Pillars of Wisdom Mountain in the background

Wadi Run Jordan is breathtaking, a natural wonderland.

If you ever saw Lawrence of Arabia and were mesmerized by the desert rock formations then Wadi Rum will enthrall you. This is the setting for that movie and is breath-taking. Ride camel across the desert and camp out under the stars here for a magical experience. 

Seven Pillars of Wisdom Mountain Wadi Rum

My Camp Site Wadi Rum

Got some tea going in the Desert Campsite

Riders in the desert, Take a long holiday, Let your children play

I've been through the desert on a Camel with no name

Wadi Rum Sunset Climb

Yes, Climbed that mountain above to get some Sunset photos, not an easy climb.

Red Desert Dreams in Wadi Rum

Hired the 4x4 white Jeep to take me around Wadi Rum

Exploring Wadi Rum Super excited

Desert meets  Canyon 

Stone Carvings

 Not Sure what those Mountain Carvings meant or what whey were for, in the foot steps of Lawrence of Arabia maybe

No Automobile repair shop for 100 miles

Owner/driver trying to jerry-rig his 4x4 the night before

 I explored for hours in the Desert without a camel with no name

Hitch hiker in the middle of no where 

Finally got to the camp, picked up my belongings and got to the road winch connects to the main highway, hitch hiked my way to the highway, to catch a bus to Petra.

The red white scarf you see on me, I bought at a souvenir shop in Aqaba. Before arriving in Wadi Rum, I was in Aqaba for scuba diving in the red sea, and much that I wish I had a care free life and lived in Wadi Rum I am not Bedouin.

Last Final notes - Word cannot describe how amazing Wadi Rum is. As Nike says Just Do it.

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