EGYPT LUXOR TODAY

LUXOR TODAY

Luxor’s ancient history is so remarkably dominant that many guidebooks forget to mention the town’s modern day beauty with gardens , greenery and graceful colonial-era buildings . Straddling the Nile 670 km south of Cairo, Luxor has some 450000 inhabitants, mostly involved in farming, tourism or antiquities –related work. 

The relative absence of industry means the desert air is pure and dry, ideal weather for preserving the treasures of this massive open air museum.

The lifehood of the ancient Egyptian civilization, the mighty Nile River cuts Luxor in half and much of your time in Luxor will be spent not far from its bank. The urbanized East Bank is home to most of tourist infrastructure and temples, including the Karnak and Luxor Temples, many hotels, ranging from Spartan chic to refined elegance and transport infrastructure including the train station and airport.

 The city centre area on the East Bank is fairly compact and much can be explored on foot. A range of transport options, from ferries, feluccas and boat taxis to bikes, taxis and horse carriages, make accessing the more distant sights simple.

Across the river on the West Bank sometimes referred to as the Theban Necropolis and long used as a burial ground for ancient Luxor’s rulers is situated the Valleys of The Kings , Queens and Nobles. Less urbanized than the East Bank, the West Bank’s idyllic countryside gives travelers a glimpse of how Luxor appeared in day gone by. While most hotels are located across the river, the West bank offers some delightful hotel options, particularly for those looking for more of a rural or off the beaten track option. 

A regular passenger ferry connects the 2 banks, alongside private boats that can be hired. A road bridge links Luxor’s East and West Banks 9 km south of town moving around the West Bank takes a bit more planning and most visitors choose to move around by bus or taxi, though most of the major sites can be visited with the assistance of a sturdy bicycle.

TIP : Throughout its long history , Luxor Temple served as the dwelling place of a form of the god Amen closely associated with ideals of fertility and rejuvenation.