Things to Do in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea

Quick answer

The best things to do in Jordan are a full day at Petra, including the Monastery climb, a jeep tour and night in a Wadi Rum camp, floating in the Dead Sea, the Roman city of Jerash and a food walk in downtown Amman. Add Madaba's mosaics, Wadi Mujib or snorkelling in Aqaba with extra days. Six days covers the classic route.

13 things worth your time in Jordan

01
Petra: Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs and Monastery
Landmark
A 1.2 km walk through the narrow Siq ends at the Treasury, and the Nabataean city keeps going for kilometres beyond it. The Monastery, up about 800 steps, is larger and quieter.
1–2 full daysAbout ₹6,200 (JOD 50) for one day; included in the Jordan Pass
Enter at 6 am to see the Treasury before tour groups. Wear proper walking shoes; most visitors cover 15–20 km.
02
Petra by Night
Experience
The Siq and Treasury lit by candles, followed by Bedouin music and tea. Atmospheric rather than spectacular.
2 hoursAbout ₹2,100 (JOD 17)
Runs on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Arrive early to sit near the front.
03
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Landmark
A small Nabataean settlement 15 minutes north of Petra with a painted ceiling and almost no crowds.
1 hourFree
Visit on the way to Wadi Rum or before your main Petra day.
04
Wadi Rum jeep tour and desert camp
Experience
Red sand valleys, rock bridges and canyons, with sunset over the desert and a night under very dark skies.
Half day plus overnightJeep tour about ₹3,000–5,000 per person; camps from about ₹5,000 (JOD 40) per room
Book a camp that confirms vegetarian dinner. Desert nights are cold from November to March.
05
Floating in the Dead Sea
Nature
At about 430 m below sea level, the water is so salty you float without effort. Mud and freshwater showers are on hand at the resorts.
Half dayResort day passes about ₹3,700–8,700 (JOD 30–70); public beaches cheaper
Do not shave the day before, keep water away from your eyes, and limit each float to 15–20 minutes.
06
Jerash
Landmark
One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities anywhere, with a colonnaded street, an oval plaza and two theatres.
3 hoursAbout ₹1,240 (JOD 10); included in the Jordan Pass
Go in the morning, about 50 minutes north of Amman, and combine with Ajloun Castle.
07
Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre
Landmark
The Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace on the citadel hill, with views down to the 6,000-seat Roman Theatre.
2–3 hoursSmall fees of a few JOD each; both in the Jordan Pass
Visit the citadel in the late afternoon for the city view at sunset.
08
Downtown Amman and Rainbow Street food walk
Food
Falafel and hummus at long-running downtown counters, warm knafeh, fresh juice, spice shops and the cafés of Rainbow Street.
3 hoursAbout ₹250–750 per snack
Hashem's falafel and Habibah's knafeh are the classic stops, both vegetarian.
09
Madaba and Mount Nebo
Landmark
A 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in St George's Church, then the view over the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea from Mount Nebo.
3 hoursSmall fees of a few JOD each
Do both on the way from Amman to the Dead Sea or the King's Highway.
10
Wadi Mujib Siq Trail
Nature
A wet canyon walk up a river between sandstone walls, ending at a waterfall. Life jackets are provided.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹2,500–3,100 (JOD 20–25)
Open roughly April to October and closed after rain. Wear water shoes and expect to get wet to the chest.
11
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Nature
Jordan's largest nature reserve, with sandstone cliffs, a restored Ottoman village and trails down towards the desert.
Half day to overnightGuided hikes from about ₹2,500 (JOD 20); prices vary by trail
Spring and autumn only; summer is too hot on the lower trails.
12
Kerak Castle
Landmark
A huge Crusader castle on the King's Highway with tunnels, halls and views across the Dead Sea valley.
1.5 hoursSmall fee; included in the Jordan Pass
Carry a torch for the vaulted passages.
13
Aqaba snorkelling
Nature
Coral reefs close to shore in the Red Sea, with reef fish and a sunken tank and aircraft as dive sites.
Half dayBoat trips about ₹2,500–5,000 (JOD 20–40)
Aqaba is about an hour from Wadi Rum; add a night if you want beach time.

How many days do you need in Jordan?

Six days covers the classic loop: Amman and Jerash, Madaba and the King's Highway, a full day at Petra, Wadi Rum overnight and a final afternoon at the Dead Sea. With eight days you can add Aqaba, Dana or Wadi Mujib. Our day-by-day plan is on the itineraries page.

Is the Jordan Pass worth it?

For almost every visitor, yes. The Jordan Pass costs JOD 70–80 (about ₹8,700–9,900) depending on how many Petra days you choose, and covers Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum's protected area, the Amman Citadel, Kerak and dozens of other sites. Bought online before arrival, it can also cover the tourist visa fee for eligible travellers staying at least three nights. Because Petra alone is JOD 50, the pass pays for itself quickly. Check the visa side for Indian passports on our Jordan visa guide.

Getting around

Public transport between the main sites is limited. Most Indian travellers hire a car with driver for the loop, which is comfortable and not much more expensive than self-drive once split between two or four people. See the numbers on Jordan trip cost.

Etiquette and comfort

Jordan is relaxed by regional standards, but cover shoulders and knees outside resorts. Petra involves long walks on uneven ground, so seniors should plan a shorter route and use the electric buggies to the Treasury where available.

Book Wadi Rum camps and Petra hotels early for April, May and October. Check the season on best time to visit Jordan.

Vegetarians do well in Jordan thanks to mezze; read the Jordan food guide before you go.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need at Petra?

One full day covers the Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs and the Monastery climb if you start at 6 am and are fit. Two days is more comfortable, especially for families and seniors, and lets you add the High Place of Sacrifice. The Jordan Pass Explorer covers two Petra days.

Is Wadi Rum worth an overnight stay?

Yes. Day visits are rushed and miss the best light at sunset and sunrise, and the night sky is very dark. Camps range from simple Bedouin tents to domes with private bathrooms. Ask for vegetarian dinner in advance, and carry warm layers from November to March.

Can senior citizens manage Petra?

Yes, with planning. The walk to the Treasury is about 2 km downhill through the Siq, and the return is uphill. Horse rides cover the first stretch, and electric buggies have operated to the Treasury for those who need them. Skip the Monastery climb and allow a slower half day.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.