As a photographer arriving in Petra, you might shake your head a few times in disbelief – it is a place that defies imagination!
The capital of the Nabataeans, a 3rd century BC Arab dynasty, Petra is truly imposing and was carved out of miles of towering rock walls. The perfect square lines to the entrances of the homes, the elaborate carvings of the temples and tombs and the long lines of the water canals that run through the site are marvels. Rocks with unbelievable colours and patterns that run for miles; every tiny nook of Petra is a photo waiting to be shot!
Set in a deep canyon that cradles the entire site, the narrow winding cleft gorges that appear hand carved run the gamut of desert colours – from pale browns, to deep reds and yellows.
Walking for a few hours among these stunning gorges, you glimpse the most famous ruin, Khazaneh or Treasury with its elaborate carved facade. The monastery is equally imposing, and if you climb the 3000-odd steps you'll get stunning views too!
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is one of the must-see archaeological sites in the world. Located 240 km south of the Jordanian capital of Amman and 120 km north of the red sea town of Aqapa, Petra is Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. Though the exact time when Petra was built is unknown, it is said that the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC, which grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices.
Petra was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city in the 4th century AD.
The earthquake combined with changes in trade routes, eventually led to the downfall of the city which was ultimately abandoned.
In 1812 a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt set out to ‘rediscover’ Petra; he dressed up as an Arab and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the lost city. After this, Petra began attracting visitors and continues to do so today.
Petra gets its name as the rose-red city, because of the brown, pale rose coloured rocks out of which all of the city’s structures are carved.
The Nabataeans buried their dead in intricate tombs that were cut out of the mountain sides and the city also had temples, a theater, and following the Roman annexation and later the Byzantine influence, a colonnaded street and churches.
Petra is fascinating – from its separate water systems for humans to animals to the temples that pay ode to nature. About 20 minutes away from the main site of Petra lies Little Petra that was used by traders as a rest stop before entering the main city. With several nooks and crannies this is definitely worth exploring.
Route Your Trip:
Jordan’s Capital Amman is well connected by air from major Indian cities (air fare starts from around INR 20,000). Petra is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Amman.
Stay:
Popular hotels include Petra Guest House, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts, Taybet Zaman and Crowne Plaza. Room rates average about $95 – 200 per person per night.
Tips:
· Visit the Monastery, a 2-hour uphill climb from the center of Petra or Treasury
· Try to shoot the sunrise
· Visit Petra by Night
· Keep a full day at hand to visit the site in the best way possible
· A good wide-angle lens like 24-70 is a must to capture the essence of Petra