If you want to experience the refreshing streak of Egypt, visiting Aswan is a must. This is one of the most popular cities in the southern part of the country. Plan Aswan tours to spend incredible time River Nile and take a look at the natural side of the African country. If you don’t want to miss the refreshing streak of Nile River even for a minute, you should consider visiting the islands in the city.
One of the most popular islands in Aswan is Elephantine Island. This majestic island is located in the middle of the River Nile. According to experts, ancient name of the city was Yebu or Abu which literally means Elephant. The island got this name because of its shape of grey boulders that surrounds the island. There are few hotels in the island that are considered as best Aswan hotels. As the sun sets, you can take a look at the splendid beauty of the island from the window of your hotel.
In last few centuries several structures have been built because of which most of the ancient structures are vanished. But still, you can find few intriguing ancient structures in the island. Largest structure that still exists in the island is Temple of God Khnum. Its granite gateway was built by Alaxendar is the only part of the temple which is still intact and rest of the ruins cannot be identified easily. Interiors of the temple feature large square granite gateway.
As you walk towards the north of the temple, you would come across restored Temple of Satis. It was built during the time of Tuthmose III and Hatshepsut. There are several structures in the temple that have been restored by the experts. One of the most recent structures that have been found during excavations is an Early Dynastic Shrine. This structure is creating an urge in history lovers to plan cheap Aswan holidays. Another highlight of the island is Nilometer, located in front of the museum. According to experts, this is among the earliest nilometers and was used by ancient Egyptians to know about the Nile floods. To reach the nilometer, count 90 stairs while going down in the river.
Another worth-visiting island in Aswan is Kitchener’s Island. This oval shaped island is known for its rich history. In 1890, this island was given to Lord Horatio Kitchener, an Egyptian Consul. If you are planning last minute holidays to Aswan, adding this island to the list of attractions is a must. Kitchener was very fond of gardening so, he transformed the island into a botanical garden. It was constructed in 1899 and in 1928, it became experimental station for plants that were taken from equatorial regions. Today, the botanical garden features native trees and plant species such as date palm and sycamore fig. There are several trees that were brought from other countries to use for the timber industry. While visiting the garden, you would come across peaceful surroundings, beautiful flowers, shady trees and various unusual plants.
