Petra

Petra is thought to have been constructed in 312 BC, and it was a settlement primarily inhabited by an ancient people called Nabateans. It had a spate of rulers, and fell under Roman rule in 105 A.D. Petra was abandoned at the end of the 7th century, and some of its castles were destroyed at the end of the 11th century. It was then a 'lost city' till it was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812.

Petra has the option of taking tours at night, but these only include a walk to and from The Treasury. However, it is a magnificent sight to behold as it is lit with over 1500 candles.

Petra and Wadi Musa have several shops and stalls from where you can buy souveniers and Petra themed merchandise.

The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar. You can use American Dollars in Petra, but it is advisable to also have dinars with you. There are ATMs in Wadi Musa as well. Credit cards are accepted in most major hotels and restaurants, but many places take cash only, so it is advisable to carry cash with you. Of course, the stalls and vendors in Petra take only cash.

There are ATMs and banks in Wadi Musa, where you can exchange most currencies to Jordanian dinars

Depending on whether youêre staying overnight, the ticket to enter Petra cost varies. A non-accommodated one day pass is 90 JOD, an accommodated one day pass is 50J OD, an accommodated two day pass is 55 JOD and an accommodated three day pass is 60 JOD. Apart from this, there are restaurants but many of them are overpriced, so you may want to consider carrying a packed lunch from wherever youêre staying. Also, be wary of stallholders whoêll try to scam you. Itês advisable to carry as little money as you can, as there is also the threat of pickpockets. Carrying 40 dinars in total should suffice.

The most common languages in Petra/Wadi Musa are Arabic and English

Eating options include both international and local Bedouin cuisine available both in budget and elegant restaurants. The local cuisine is elaborate with a focus on grain, cheese, yogurt, vegetables, and poultry. Vegetarian options are available though the main courses are primarily non-vegetarian. Meals often start with Mezze, an appetizer including hummus (chick peas boiled and blended with tahini paste, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice), Kubbeh (minced meat with herbs covered with crushed wheat and fried), Falafel (fried balls of chickpea flour with spices), salads such as Fattoush, and Araêyes (mincemeat filled oven baked flatbread sandwich). A very popular main dish, considered the national dish, is Mansaf _ rice, lamb and rehydrated yogurt. It is eaten on special occasions, weddings, and festivals. Other main dishes include Fatet Batinjan (Labaneh, roasted eggplant, and minced meat), Galayet Bandora (tomato based), Suniyat Dijaj (chicken baked with tomatoes, potatoes, and onions), Zarb (meat and vegetables cooked in underground pit), Makloubeh (casserole of layers of meat, rice, and vegetables) and kofta in tahini sauce. These are served with breads such as Kubz (like pita), Shrak (thin bread baked on a griddle) and Abud (dense bread).Traditional sweets include Kanfeh (gooey white cheese base with semolina and covered in sweet syrup), Halawa (sweetened tahini sesame paste with dry fruits), Harisa (semolina based cake in sweet syrup). Oriental sweets as Baklawa, Mabrumeh, and Asabea are also popular. Tea (shy) ranging from black to herbal is widely available and popular. Coffee (gahweh) is either Turkish variety (cardamom flavoured) or Arabic (greenish liquid). Alcohol is available in larger hotels and upmarket restaurants.
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