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Hammamat Ma'in Spa: Hot Water Falls
are well managed, with the facility of deluxe hotel or guest houses
for low budget, therapeutic clinics which are operated by skillful
doctors and specialized nurses to treat patients suffering from
arthritis, rheumatism, blood circulation, eczema, and breathing
difficulties. Ma'in was the house spa for the emperors, kings and
different leaders of the past where they found the remedy for some
of their sicknesses. The most famous king used this spa is Herod
Antipas when he was ill.
Dana: This enchanting small village
nestles at the foot of a cliff overlooking a magnificent view of a
Wadi Araba (Dry River valley). The Royal Society for the
Conservation of nature is setting up a nature reserve in Dana to
study local flora and fauna. Field guides are available. Hiking
trails are open, and field guides will lead tours in the early
morning and in the evening.
Recent surveys of the Dana area have
produced some very exciting results. Nearly 600 species of plants,
200 reptiles and mammals, and more than 150 species of bird have
been identified. Some of species found never before been recorded in
Jordan. Of the species found, some forty five species are considered
to be in serious global decline or threatened with extinction. This
alone confirms the reserve's importance in helping conserve the
world's dwindling wildlife populations. Among the most interesting
animals the surveys have uncovered is Blindfold's fox, a tiny and
beautiful creature hitherto unknown in Jordan. Many rare birds have
been recorded, including the magnificent black Verreux's Eagle,
normally found only in Africa, and the Syrian Serrin a finch native
to the Middle East. Dana is thought to have more than 90 percent of
the known breeding population of Serrin
Um El-Jimal: Further north lies Um
El-Jimal-"Black Gem of the Des"-once a town on the margins of the
Decapolis. Rural and well to do, it was a fitting contrast to the
surrounding busy cities. Its lovely black basalt mansions and
towers, some still standing three stories high, have long inspired
poets.
Ajloun: A short journey northwest from Jerash, through pine
forest and olive groves, brings you to the town of Ajloun. Here is
Qala'at AR-Rabad, the Castle of Ajloun, which was built in 1184 by
Usama ibn Munqich, a nephew of Saladin, who defeated the Crusaders
in 1189. A fine example of Islamic architecture, the fortress
dominated a wide stretch of the north Jordan Valley and passages to
it. From its hill-top position, Castle Ajloun protected the
communication routes between south Jordan and Syria, and was one of
chain of forts which lit beacons at night to pass signals from the
Euphrates as far as Cairo. Today, Ajloun Castle is a splendid sight
and a fascinating warren of towers, chambers, galleries and
staircases to explore, while its hilltop position offers stupendous
views of the Jordan Valley.
Desert Castles: As if the wonders of
nature are not enough, Jordan's deserts are dotted with ancient
castles, farming estates, forts, hunting lodges and caravansary.
Widely varied in function, architectural style and creative
embellishment, most were the domain of Omayyad princes in the first
half of the 8th Century Qusair Amra is an UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively
frescoes and two of the rooms are paved with Cole was the
headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt (The First
World War). Also well worth your while are Qasr El-Hallabat, Qasr
kharanah and Qasr Mushatta. Plan to see them all in a one or two
days loop from Amman to mosaics. The black basalt fort at Azraq is
in continuous use since Roman times.
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