Majestic and Mysterious Luxor, Egypt

During the unrest in the Egypt this year, the tourism industry of country was badly affected. The tourist traffic reduced significantly, although there was no reported incident of any tourist being attacked by the crowds in any part of the country. The biggest loser during this year was the resort city of Sharm al Sheikh which reported a severe decline in the tourist’s visits to its resorts. But another tourist attraction of the country has remained to the most extent immune to all the instability going around the country.

It’s the historical city of Luxor famous for the pharaoh era pyramids and temples. People just can’t help themselves but to get attracted by the majestic and mysterious monuments of the ancient Egypt. Luxor was the religious and political capital of the civilizations that thrived in Egypt about two millennia before the birth of Christ.

Luxor has its own small airport which is well connected to the rest of the region but if you are flying from abroad then the better option will be to take a cheap flight to Cairo and then a connecting flight to Luxor. Luxor is one of the safest places to be in the region as there have been no public rallies because of its status as the national heritage site. There are quite a few hotels in the city that provide you with world class services but at a little higher price.

The modern city of Luxor is located about 10 km from the ancient ruins and you will either have to tag along with a group of tourists heading there or you will have to hire a car for making this journey. You can actually start your tour by paying a visit to the Luxor National Museum located within the modern Luxor city and holds some very unique artifacts unearthed from the pyramids of Luxor.

First place to visit once in the archaeological site area is the grand temple of Karnak. This is a gigantic complex that spans on an area of 2. sq km with five huge cathedrals dedicated to the different gods of the ancient Egypt and along with these cathedrals are numerous obelisks, sanctuaries and kiosks providing a fascinating opportunity for a historical tour. To do justice with this magnificent temple you should spend at least one complete day and explore it properly. The best way of exploring this gorgeous temple is to take a guided tour in company of a seasoned guide whose services can be hired from outside the temple or either from the city.

The next must see place is the famous Valley of the Kings with its 63 tombs with each one of them having its own unique architecture. The pyramids on the far north of the valley are from the first kingdom of Pharos that ruled Egypt about 2000 years before the birth of Christ. Not all 63 tombs are open for the tourists but most of them are. Again the best way to explore the valley is to take a guided tour in the company of a guide.