google-site-verification: google452562d23dfaa212.html VISIT THE WORLD: EGYPT

Monday, May 31, 2010

EGYPT

Top ten places to visit egypt
There's no other place in the world that holds more mystery than the country of Egypt. The smell of the mysticism of the ancient Egyptians still lingers over the place. This ancient atmosphere seems to fill its every nook and cranny with secrets yet untold.
1. Pyramids of Giza
And perhaps there is nothing more mysterious, and more worthy of seeing in Egypt than the esteemed Great Pyramids of Giza. These are the pyramids of Khufu, Kafhre, and Menkaura. These perfectly shaped structures leaves everyone in awe and in wonder about how exactly they were made, considering that the ancient Egyptians had no advanced technology to work with.
2. Sphinx
And of course, if you're going to go to the Great Pyramids, then you might as well go to the Sphinx. This is one of the most mysterious structures in Egypt. Even now, archaeologists are still arguing about its origin and its purpose, making it the subject of the famous phrase, "the Riddle of the Sphinx."
3. Abu Simbel
These two temples were built by Pharaoh Ramesses II to commemorate himself and his wife, Nefertari. It's a breathtaking place, and its temples are hailed as one of the most beautiful in Egypt. What's even more interesting about the Abu Simbel is the amount of effort put into relocating and preserving it.
4. Cairo
And of course, if you really want to immerse yourself in Egyptian culture, it would be best for you to go to the capital city, Cairo. The place is teeming with bazaars and restaurants where you can buy your taste of Egyptian culture. It's surely not a place to miss.
5. The temples of karnak
What better way to experience ancient Egypt than to visit the very place where they worshipped their gods. The Temples of Karnak is the biggest site for Egyptian worship. It has a monument to just about every god in the Theban religion.
6. The Nile River
And of course, you can't miss out on the famous Nile River. It is, after all, what nourished Egypt and turned it into the place of wonder that it is. In fact, what's great about visiting the Nile is that you can take a Felucca and sail down the legendary river, taking in the sights of the city and the sunset.
7. Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings or Biban El Moluk is the place where Egypt's most esteemed pharaohs were buried. This place is teeming with mummies and undiscovered treasures. In fact, this is the place where archaeologists found one of the most famous mummies of all time - Tutankhamun.
8. Egyptian Museum
Of course, since it would be unwise to leave the Egyptian treasures in the tombs they were found in, the archeologists put them in the Egyptian museum where they would be put under high security. If you want to learn about Egypt, this is the best place to start. There's no other place with a higher concentration of Egyptian artifacts, and you can even follow the tour so that you can be oriented with the history of each of the artifacts.
9. Siwa Oasis
Egypt isn't all about temples and pyramids, there's a place where you can just let loose and have fun - the Siwa Oasis. Here, you can take a swim in the cool waters to ward off the desert heat. It is rumored that Alexander stopped here during his great conquest.
10. Necropolis of Sakkarah
And indeed, you can't miss something as intriguing as a 'Necropolis' or, if translated, a City of the Dead. Here, you will find the less popular pyramids of Egypt, the step pyramids. However, though they are less popular than the great pyramids, they're still suffused with great history and culture.

More places to visit egypt
Alexandria
Alexandria is in northern Egypt and is its second largest city. Also the largest seaport in the region, it has a population of 4 million inhabitants.
A summer resort city, it enjoys temperate climate. Winters average 45F and summers are warmer at 90F.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city was the capital of Greco - Roman Egypt. Today, because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from the Suez Canal, it is an important industrial centre, as well as a centre of maritime archaeology.
A city draped in history and culture, it is Egypt’s most multi-ethnic city.
Cairo
Cairo, the Triumphant City, is Egypt’s wonderful capital. It is the largest city in both the Middle East and Africa and lies at the centre of all routes leading to, and from Asia, Africa and Europe.The city extends on the banks of the River Nile to the south of its delta.Cairo is the administrative capital and, close by, is almost every Egypt Pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Ancient Egyptian City of Memphis and Capital of the Old Kingdom, on the very edge of the city.Cairo provides great and well organized culture, including art galleries and music halls, such as the Cairo Opera House. The city also provides some of the best accommodations and restaurants in the world, such as the Cairo Marriott and the Four Seasons.Great part of the incredible and unbelievable charm of the capital of Egypt is the result of 2000 years mixture of Islamic, Christian Coptic and Jewish culture. An incredible and unique mixture that still keeps on flourishing to this day.
El Gouna
El Gouna is a privately owned man-made resort along the Red Sea, in Egypt. This resort with a permanent population of approximately 10,000 inhabitants is a luxury resort with a distinct Arabian style.
El Gouna enjoys a hospitable climate throughout the year. In winter, the dry, sunny climate maintains a pleasant atmosphere, while in summer, the cool breezes blowing in from the sea provide relief from the high temperatures.
The resort is built on a cluster of small islands connected by several lagoons. The resort houses all amenities and recreational activities found in luxury resorts around the world.
Kharga Oasis
Kharga Oasis is located in the south-western part of Egypt in the Libyan Desert. This oasis is one of the most developed in the Western Desert; it has a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, most of whom are descendants of an ancient nomadic tribe.
Kharga has not seen any rain in 20 years. Its climate is similar to that of the rest of the desert region in Egypt hot summers and mild winters. Nights are pleasant even during summers, while in winters, nights can get quite chilly.
A caravan route, known as the 40 Days Road, connecting Sudan and Egypt, used to pass through this region. It was a popular route for traders and merchants, and thus, the region flourished. The Romans built a chain of fortresses to protect Kharga from invaders.
Nuweiba
Nuweiba is located on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, along the Gulf of Aquaba. On one side, it is flanked by sandy beaches and on the other side, by a lofty mountainous range.
Nuweiba has a long tourist season because of the pleasant climate for most of the year. The sea breeze gives it a relief from the heat compared to some other regions in the desert.
After a brief war between Israel and the Arabic nations, Nuweiba came under the rule of Israel for a short while. Trade and commercial connections with Jordan via a ferry system led to its development.
Nuweiba is still a quiet seaside town, but has started attracting visitors because of its natural beauty. The nearby attractions in Israel and Jordan are an added advantage.
Siwa
Siwa is located in the western part of Egypt in that stretch of the Sahara which is known as the Libyan Desert. This oasis has a population of approximately 23,000 inhabitants most of whom live in the main town while some live in the few villages in the region.
Siwa’s moderate climate is the best in the country for therapeutic purposes. During spring and autumn, the weather is the most pleasant. Summer and winter experience extreme temperatures.
This site is believed to have been inhabited for more than 12,000 years. An oracle temple built here 2,500 yeas ago was regarded highly by the ancient Egyptian rulers, and thus, the area flourished.
Today, the area is far away and isolated from the larger cities; its inhabitants are mostly of nomadic origin whose main activity is agriculture.
Aswan
Aswan, in southern Egypt, stands on the east bank of the Nile. It is one of the driest inhabited areas in the world and is home to approximately 200,000 people.
Aswan is a popular Egyptian winter resort; the summer months of May-October are hot with highs of 41C; the winter months of November-April are mild with temperatures dipping to 10C.
Once a military station, even today, due to its strategic location, it houses a garrison of the Egyptian army. The majority of the population is of Numidian origin and sustains their livelihood through agricultural and tourism.
Dahab
Dahab is located on the southeast coast of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.It experiences dry desert climate. In summer, temperatures rise to 40C. Its proximity to the mountains, however, makes the heat bearable. In the winter months of January and February, temperatures dip to 15C.
Formerly a small Bedouin fishing village, Dahab has transformed into a busy costal tourist centre. The economy now depends on the tourist flow. Expectedly, the local population, the Bedouins, make their living through the Tourism industry, with establishments on the waterfront, working as guides and as traders and craftsmen in the local markets.
Farafra Oasis
Farafra Oasis is the smallest oasis of Egypt and is located in the Western Desert region. This oasis has a population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants, but recently several smaller villages have sprung up.
In summers, the temperature of the region ranges between 27°C and 35°C; sometimes even going above the 40°C mark. In winters, the temperature is around 20°C; at nights it may also drop to 0°C; there is no rainfall throughout the year.
Farafra only gained importance during the reign of Romans over Egypt when it became an important centre for them, but then it almost disappeared into oblivion and was rediscovered 200 years ago.
The New Valley Project which is looking at developing the Western Desert has given a new lease of life to Farafra; the area is being developed for tourism as well.
Luxor
Luxor, a city in southern Egypt, is the capital of the Al Uqsur governorate. With a population of 200,000 inhabitants, it is the site of Thebes, an ancient city. It is also referred to as the ‘world’s greatest open air museum’.
Luxor experiences an overall mild climate with the exception of its summers, which are scorching hot. Winters are dry and sunny with cold nights. October to February is the coolest period, while May to October is hot. April is the best time to visit.
The region of Luxor attracted tourists even in the ancient times during the Greek and Roman empires. Today, it is well known for its temples and the ‘Valley of the Kings’. Tourism has the largest share in Luxor’s economy followed by agriculture.
Port said
Port Said is in north-eastern Egypt. Situated near the Suez Canal, it is home to an estimated 500,000 people.An Egyptian summer resort, Port Said enjoys moderate weather conditions throughout the year. The average summer temperature is 30C and 18C in winter. Locally known as Bur Said, the city was founded in 1859 as a working camp. It links the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, at the Northern entrance of the Suez Canal. Port Said’s economy is based on the fishing, chemicals and the processed foods industry. It is also an important harbour and serves as a fuelling station. The People here are of Bedouin and Arab origin.
Suez
Suez can be described as one of the seaport towns located in Egypt’s northeastern part; long Gulf of Suez’s northern coast; adjoining Suez Canal’s southern terminus. Moreover, it has boundaries identical to Suez governorate. The town of Suez contains 2 harbors: Port Tawfiq, and Port Ibrahim; along with widespread port facilities. They go on to form a ‘metropolitan region’ altogether. Highways and railway lines link city with Port Said and Cairo. The city of Suez contains a ‘petrochemical plant’. Moreover, oil refineries on its part consist of pipelines which carry finished products to Cairo.An interesting part about Suez is that it’s a ‘way station’ for various Muslim pilgrims who travel to as well as from Mecca. In the sixteenth century, Suez had been naval station with respect to the Turks.The significance of Suez in the form of port increased tremendously after opening of Suez Canal in the year 1869.
Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya Oasis is located to the west of the River Nile in Egypt. The oasis is spread over a large depression, the lowest of its kind in the country. A cluster of villages with a total population of approximately 30,000 inhabitants constitute the oasis.
Bahariya Oasis enjoys a fairly moderate climate with very chilly winters.
The people of the oasis are known as the Wahati people and are descendants of the Bedouin tribes. While the residents still lead an idyllic and peaceful life, connection to Cairo by an asphalt road has introduced several changes in the lifestyles.
Under the reign of the Pharaohs the region developed into a major agriculture centre; agriculture is still a primary occupation. The region developed a reputation of a major wine producer almost 4,000 years ago.
Dakhla Oasis
Dakhla Oasis is one of the oases in the Western Desert region of Egypt. It is situated more than 100 m above sea level and numerous springs and ponds form a part of its topography.
Western Desert enjoys a fairly moderate climate with very chilly winters, while summer temperatures may rise as high as 50°C.
More than 4,000 years ago, this was a flourishing region having access to three important caravan routes linking it to various parts of Egypt. Today, most of its population consists of farmers. Phosphate mines in the neighbourhood have also attracted more settlers.
Dakhla is at quite a distance from the main settlements of the country and thus has remained vastly unknown till the nineteenth century. It is made up of 14 settlements with a total population of approximately 75,000 inhabitants.
Hurghada
Hurghada is an Egyptian city on the Red Sea. It is home to 40,000 inhabitants and is a major tourist centre.
Hurghada has a warm and dry desert climate with a steady breeze. Summers are very hot. In winter the temperature dips to 20-25C.
Until a few years ago Hurghada was just a small fishing village. Today it thrives on tourism. The locals here are mainly of Bedouin and Berber origins.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam, in south-eastern Egypt, is situated near the Red Sea. This upcoming tourist hotspot has a small population of only 6000 inhabitants.
Situated near the Tropic of Cancer, winter (October to March) temperatures range from 18-35C and summers (April to September) range from 20-45C.
Previously a small fishing village, Marsa Alam is fast developing into one of Egypt’s most popular sea side destinations.
The local population is mainly of Bedouin origin.
Sharm El Sheikh
A small Bedouins fishing village turned into a large tourist resort city situated on the southern most tip of the Sinai Peninsula and capital of Janub Sina, Southern Sinai province.For thousands of years the Sinai Peninsula has attracted pilgrims from all over the world.In the last few decades the tourism has changed considerably, and today visitors are flocking to go diving in the spectacular dive sites the region offers.
Taba
Located at the north-east point of the Sinai Peninsula, Hyatt Regency Taba Heights is situated on the beautiful Red Sea. The resort is surrounded by majestic mountains and set on a long secluded beach and private bay, offering guests direct access to the sea. Taba is a meeting of borders. It overlooks Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia. It currently has very good restaurants and beach cafés, and the border with Israel can be crossed on foot, with bus service into Eilat.Taba was once a rest town for traders using the caravan route to the fort of Aqaba, today is mainly a dream for tourists.

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