Even though the source of Nile is not in Egypt- the river made the country equally attractive along with Giza’s pyramid. Many of you may disagree with this statement of mine and ask how I could compare one of the seven wonders with a river! But if you follow the Egyptian map you can see the route of river Nile that passed through few amazing cities (ancient cities) and has been meeting thirst for historians, anthropologists, engineers, explorers, tourists and so on even after 4500 years later. And those who have been to cities like Aswan, Luxor, Cairo and Alexandria- you may agree with me by now. Luxor is such a city by river Nile. It is the city of Pharaohs- home for the mummies.
In the Hollywood movies related to Egyptian history, you may have seen many structures, temples, stories and characters. Most of these actually came with the history of Luxor, the capital of ancient Thebes- where temples of different Pharaohs existed and still exists. It is also called the largest open museum of the world.
What to see in Luxor? Answer to this from me would be short, and that is: everything! Luxor has ruins almost at every part. The whole city is divided by river Nile slashing east and west side. In the east bank, the must see will be the Karnak Temple and ruins of Luxor temple. Most of the good hotels, restaurants and hang out places are in this part too.
You can spend days in Karnak Temple Complex; it’s a heaven for those who lov
e Egyptian history and architecture. It has so much in terms of ruins, chapels, pylons and other buildings. This complex also has the largest Hypostyle Hall (area: 50,000 Sq. ft) with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. 122 of these have a height of 10 meters and rests of them are 21 meter high. Perhaps the first question comes up in the visitor’s mind is- ‘How did they built it 4500 years ago?’ You may also be amazed by the existence of colors in the hieroglyphic (formal ancient writing system) symbols on the walls, pillars and ceilings. If you ever go to Luxor, don’t miss the chance of being welcomed by the sphinx at the entrance, guarding the temple for ages! And by the way, if $20 is not much for you-do not miss the lights & night show in the temple complex.
Luxor Temple is not as big as karnak, but worth seeing. You may have seen this temple in one of the 70s James Bond movies. Adjacent to the temple, there is a large square where you can enjoy some pleasant time by walking. Across the square many restaurants are serving mouthwatering shwarma and flavored sheesha. If you are looking for the best grills (kebabs) of Luxor, then you may decide to take a walk by the river Nile and indulge yourself with famous Egyptian cuisine in some exclusive restaurants.
When you are done with east cost, you may want to spend on an exciting excuse to be in the west bank. Guess what? Many tour operators at Luxor offers hot balloon rides for reasonable prices. Book your seats for a very early morning balloon ride to see the sunrise from the sky. It will cost you 65-75 US dollars per person for a one hour ride (in Africa a one hour ride takes around 350 US dollars per person!). If you are lucky, the wind will take you through a ‘trailer’ of ruins, valleys and temples of kings and queens.
On the way to the main attraction at west bank, two giant sculptures will stop you- these are called Memnon. After quick photo shoot go straight to see the tombs where mummies were found. There are two separate valleys- one for kings, another for queens. Valley of the Kings is more popular as about 62 tombs have been discovered. The latest great discovery from here was the tomb of Pharaoh Tut-Ankh-Amun. You won’t regret spending 3 or 4 hours spending to see the Sarcophagus of Ramses kings and many more Pharaohs who ruled ancient Egypt.
On the way back, to experience the amazing architecture you must stop at the temple of Hatshepsut. She was on of the 3 Queens who ruled ancient Egypt. Those who have read about ancient architecture, they must know this creation just by seeing it. After your clicks, go to the valley of the Queens. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the tomb of Nefertiti- another great ruler (for restoration purpose they don’t always allow visitors to see it). Please note that there are more to see and do in Luxor. Stay tuned with PURPLE fore more coverage on different cities around the world.
TIPS!
Route: Fly to Cairo (Check few airlines to book your ideal ticket); take overnight train (costs $30-$60) to Luxor. You can also fly from Cairo.
Eat: Egypt’s all cities have delicious food to offer from budget to luxury menu. At Luxor, try Shwarma and Keabab
Sleep: A budget hotel will cost around $10-$15 dollars per night including breakfast and attached toilet. Do bargain.
Buy: Souvenir is available at ‘The Souk’. It’s an interesting area to hang out as well. Try not to believe in whatever sellers are saying. Egypt is shopper’s paradise if you can bargain.
Read: Buy guide books (e.g. Lonely Planet). It gives you handy information and thus you can avoid loads of unnecessary cost and hassle. Try to pick up some numbers in Arabic, it will help you to fix taxi fares, bargain with shop owners.
In the Hollywood movies related to Egyptian history, you may have seen many structures, temples, stories and characters. Most of these actually came with the history of Luxor, the capital of ancient Thebes- where temples of different Pharaohs existed and still exists. It is also called the largest open museum of the world.
What to see in Luxor? Answer to this from me would be short, and that is: everything! Luxor has ruins almost at every part. The whole city is divided by river Nile slashing east and west side. In the east bank, the must see will be the Karnak Temple and ruins of Luxor temple. Most of the good hotels, restaurants and hang out places are in this part too.
You can spend days in Karnak Temple Complex; it’s a heaven for those who lov
e Egyptian history and architecture. It has so much in terms of ruins, chapels, pylons and other buildings. This complex also has the largest Hypostyle Hall (area: 50,000 Sq. ft) with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. 122 of these have a height of 10 meters and rests of them are 21 meter high. Perhaps the first question comes up in the visitor’s mind is- ‘How did they built it 4500 years ago?’ You may also be amazed by the existence of colors in the hieroglyphic (formal ancient writing system) symbols on the walls, pillars and ceilings. If you ever go to Luxor, don’t miss the chance of being welcomed by the sphinx at the entrance, guarding the temple for ages! And by the way, if $20 is not much for you-do not miss the lights & night show in the temple complex.Luxor Temple is not as big as karnak, but worth seeing. You may have seen this temple in one of the 70s James Bond movies. Adjacent to the temple, there is a large square where you can enjoy some pleasant time by walking. Across the square many restaurants are serving mouthwatering shwarma and flavored sheesha. If you are looking for the best grills (kebabs) of Luxor, then you may decide to take a walk by the river Nile and indulge yourself with famous Egyptian cuisine in some exclusive restaurants.
When you are done with east cost, you may want to spend on an exciting excuse to be in the west bank. Guess what? Many tour operators at Luxor offers hot balloon rides for reasonable prices. Book your seats for a very early morning balloon ride to see the sunrise from the sky. It will cost you 65-75 US dollars per person for a one hour ride (in Africa a one hour ride takes around 350 US dollars per person!). If you are lucky, the wind will take you through a ‘trailer’ of ruins, valleys and temples of kings and queens.
On the way to the main attraction at west bank, two giant sculptures will stop you- these are called Memnon. After quick photo shoot go straight to see the tombs where mummies were found. There are two separate valleys- one for kings, another for queens. Valley of the Kings is more popular as about 62 tombs have been discovered. The latest great discovery from here was the tomb of Pharaoh Tut-Ankh-Amun. You won’t regret spending 3 or 4 hours spending to see the Sarcophagus of Ramses kings and many more Pharaohs who ruled ancient Egypt.
On the way back, to experience the amazing architecture you must stop at the temple of Hatshepsut. She was on of the 3 Queens who ruled ancient Egypt. Those who have read about ancient architecture, they must know this creation just by seeing it. After your clicks, go to the valley of the Queens. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the tomb of Nefertiti- another great ruler (for restoration purpose they don’t always allow visitors to see it). Please note that there are more to see and do in Luxor. Stay tuned with PURPLE fore more coverage on different cities around the world.
TIPS!
Route: Fly to Cairo (Check few airlines to book your ideal ticket); take overnight train (costs $30-$60) to Luxor. You can also fly from Cairo.
Eat: Egypt’s all cities have delicious food to offer from budget to luxury menu. At Luxor, try Shwarma and Keabab
Sleep: A budget hotel will cost around $10-$15 dollars per night including breakfast and attached toilet. Do bargain.
Buy: Souvenir is available at ‘The Souk’. It’s an interesting area to hang out as well. Try not to believe in whatever sellers are saying. Egypt is shopper’s paradise if you can bargain.
Read: Buy guide books (e.g. Lonely Planet). It gives you handy information and thus you can avoid loads of unnecessary cost and hassle. Try to pick up some numbers in Arabic, it will help you to fix taxi fares, bargain with shop owners.
