Did you know that Egypt comprises over 110 known pyramids? For a different kind of tourism experience filled with fascination and ancient excavation, Egypt continues to be an ideal destination! Furthermore, the country encompasses seven UNESCO heritage sites which you can surely uncover on your trip here. If you’re a history nut then Egypt reflects all the ancient history in the world. While there are talks about the wonders in Egypt spilled all over the internet, there are still plenty of secrets left to be uncovered. But before you plan your trip to Egypt, it is advised to have a well-planned itinerary and apply for an Egypt visa. The good news is that Indians can apply for an Egypt E-visa from India. One can feel the rush of the busy streets of Cairo on one end and the serenity of Pyramids in the desert on the other hand! So, let's know about the top attractions of Egypt and some tips that would help you explore the country better-
How about going on a loveful and peaceful Nile river cruise with your family? Egypt is defined by the beautiful Nile River which continues to provide an escape to millions of travelers out there. During the cruise, you can witness tranquil river sights and famous temples such as the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu's Temple of Horus. All this ends with an unforgettable sunrise and sunset on the cruise. Also, to get more of a traditional feeling and explore the specialty of Egypt, you can take a lateen-sailed wooden boat to sail across the Nile River.
Aswan is one of the most peaceful towns to explore when on an Egypt tour. If you want to unwind and disconnect from the routine hustle and bustle, then this town is your escape. You can further take a ferry to the famous Elephantine Island and take a stroll around the colorful streets of the vast Nubian villages. Other activities to do include camel riding and visiting the monastery of St. Simeon on Aswan's east bank.
Abu Simbel is one of the most fun places you can explore in Egypt. It is a great temple known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful vibe. It is also known for the wonderful engineering feat carried out by UNESCO in the 1960s.
While the famous Giza Pyramids continue to occupy the hearts of tourists, Saqqara is another unique place to uncover. The place is a vast array of tombs and pyramids with an intense historical connection. It is best known for its Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which is popular for its advanced engineered architecture.
Egypt is a truly awesome country to explore. However, with a few tips, one can always travel and explore better!
The first thing is to learn a few Arabic phrases. This will never go out of style and would show your respect for the culture of Egypt. For instance, Hello as( salam / marhaban ), peace be with you as (salāmu alaykum), and thank you as (shukran).
The months from June till August feature a quite less crowded and isolated environment in Egypt. This is because it is quite hot to explore the country and visit tourist attractions. If you are looking to visit Egypt during the peak season, the months from October to April, when the temperature is a bit cool, are ideal. You can explore the tombs, go on a desert safari, and visit the pyramids!
As far as tap water is concerned, it is advised not to use it in Egypt. While you can use it for cleaning purposes, consuming it can cause a problem. Thus, it is advised to buy bottled water when in Egypt.
The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound( LE). The Egyptian pound is divided into piastres (pt). While making payments in Egypt, be aware of the difference between the two. If you do not look properly, you can be scammed into thinking that 50 piastres (or cents) is the 50 Egyptian pounds note!
In Egypt, the word ‘baksheesh’, means ‘tip’. The habit of tipping in Egypt is quite common and expected in Egypt. For the porters and other attendants, a minor tip is right. However, for the waiters at the restaurant, you can consider giving around 10% of the bill, or a bit less if that fits your budget!
This was all about the fun places and expert tips of Egypt. Without a second thought, Egypt is one of the most beautiful countries to explore in the middle of Asia and Africa. Egypt, the home of the ancient pharaohs and the country with numerous tombs, features a lot to see and explore. So, pack your bags and be ready for this fun-filled trip!