That is how I believe this city must have been discovered by a Swiss explorer – Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. This would be his feeling when he must have just walked through the gorge to a jaw-dropping sight.

Siq at Petra



This is a mile long entrance to the grand city of Petra. This is a narrow gorge that leads to the main city. As you walk along theSiq, keep a watch on both sides to spot some interesting stuff. Around the first corner are some carvings of Gods called as the Djinn Blocks. These are about 6 – 8 ft in height and are said to be shrines of the Gods that protected the water supply to Petra.






Al Khazneh at Petra
The view at the end of the Siq has never failed to amaze anyone who visits Petra for the first time. The treasury or Al Khaznehis a huge monument , several stories high, which is rumored to have stored the Pharaoh’s treasure. There is an Urn that hangs outside that was said to hold the treasure. There are a few bullet marks that were made by the Bedouins who possibly tried testing the legend. The architecture of the same is just amazing and one should soak the same in before actually entering it. The exteriors are more impressionable than the interiors.



Street of Facades at Petra



Roman Theatre at Petra



Royal Tombs at Petra



Al Deir or the Monastery at Petra



This is one of the largest carved structures in Petra and also, the farthest from Siq. Though called the Monastery, there is no accurate evidence of it having been so. The place is located at a height and if you have the stamina for it, you could visit it by climbing over 850 stairs for the same. There are a few donkey rides available to take you up. The structure is very impressive on the outside and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.
Travel tips
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- Here is a useful site for a visit to Petra. The Fees for the entrance and the guides is as mentioned on this page.
- The best time to visit Petra is between March to April and September to December. However, it is also, the peak time for Petra. Here is an amazing guide on the best times to visit Petra,. In fact, it goes beyond Petra and covers a lot of places in Jordan.
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- Petra is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm, except in winter when it shuts by 4:00pm.
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- The only way to explore this city is by foot . Donkey rides are available for hire at the entrance of the city. However, be wary of the horsemen who will offer you a free ride but later charge you a tip. When negotiating the rates for the ride, the maximum suggest is 10 JOD. The rides are available at the key monuments as well to take you around.
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- Petra by Night happens on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 20:00 hrs. The tickets can be booked through travel agents and hotels. This is not included in the day pass.
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- There are plenty of hawkers and refreshment shops within Petra. However, there is only one restaurant her, close to the Monastery.
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- Drink plenty of water and carry the same around as the temperatures in this place can soar quite a bit. The best time to go to the Monastery for a climb is post noon as the sun tends to move away around then. Wear loose cotton clothes and comfortable shoes, preferably hiking ones. Carry enough toiletries and sun screen.
- If you are a solo traveler, specifically a female traveler, you might want to read through this post for some safety tips to Jordan.
- There is plenty more to see in the country which you can find in these travel tips for Jordan.
Getting there:
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- One can get to Petra by bus or taxi from Amman, Aqaba or directly from the airport. The buses are convenient and can be booked online as well. The timings are convenient and fixed. Click here for a quick access to these options.
- There are plenty of hotels around Petra (in Wadi Musa) to stay if you are planning a longer visit.
kdn
I have always wondered about this place since watching Indiana Jones. Reading this article made me feel like I was walking through the lost city. Would love to visit Petra some day.
Apsara
very nice post. you can write guest post in my website and contribute your experienc
Restless Traveler
Thanks Apsara. Will take you up on this and share a blog post shortly.
Cheers
Mridula
And to think that I visted Jordan and couldn't go to Petra 🙁
Indrani
It is in my dreams, I hope to go there some day!
Swati Sammie
My #bucketlist destination Petra n dead sea … hope I visit real soon 🙂 🙂
Ami Bhat
Ooh No Mridula – Why? Anyway….next trip
Ami Bhat
Yep…and then share your experience with me 🙂
Ami Bhat
Cool. Hope you have a good time
Ram & Reshma
A visual treat for all history lovers!!! Excellent Pics Ami 🙂
Ami Bhat
Thanks guys 😀
Unknown
Those are some amazing pictures @Ami
I would love to visit sometime. It's my kinda place.
Ami Bhat
Thanks…let's hope you manage to get there soon. 🙂
ppc management services
Simply superb Post.
Ami
Thank you
Sandy N Vyjay
Petra is so intriguing and mystical. I am sure you would have felt time stand still as you wandered around the remains of a once beautiful city. Would love to get here and explore and lose myself in time, someday.
Ami
Thanks guys, though I would want to go there all over! Its my dream destination too.
100cobbledroads
I’m so fascinated by Petra. The more I see pictures and read about it, the more I want to go. Its the next best thing to Egypt, isn’t it? And the Siq…ahh!
Ami
Sigh! I wish I can go now1