Fun things to do in Luxor

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Paintings are the most important detail in Madinet Habu. But don't be mislead - the temple itself, without the size and power of Karnak or Luxor temples, it is also a fabulous building with the splendours of Egyptian architecture.

Our guide gave us lots of explanations about some architectural details, but... the paintings... you know!

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I did the Luxor temple tour in the morning that day, then onto the Karnak temple, and I was left with ample time before the night falls to take the public ferry to the west bank. I strolled along the promenade - the pavement just along the river.

You could see the Luxot Temple view from the other side, and watch the several boats and feluccas mooring along the Nile river. Or better yet talk to some local people in the area -- be careful though as a lot of people hanging around the ferry bank have a business to sell or two.

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and watch the lcoal families relaxing during the cool evenings at the huge square (or circle) just beside the Luxor Temple complex. Sit on the grass, have a picnic, grab a cone of icecream, just watch people. Unless of course you don't have the time.

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You've probably noticed that I've got several and so many things to say about Medinat Habu and so many pictures posted here, only because I enjoyed wandering around this temple so much, though of course not as much as I was impressed by the Karnak and Luxor temples, but this Mortuary Temple of Ramses III have some impressive features different from the 2 temples on the east bank.

And maybe because when I went there, there aren't much people around and I felt the serenity of the place.

Entry fee = EGP30

Include this on your tour of the west bank, hire a taxi or book it with your hotel.

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When you passed through the second pylon and second court of the Medinet Habu, you'll be in an open area which used to be a hypostyle hall, with the roofing already gone, so all you'll see are bases of the columns that looks like huge tea cups. On the right side are 5 small rooms/chapels, left-side are treasure rooms.

Beyond the hypostyle hall is the funerary chamber of Ramses III on your left side.

Entry fee to Medinet Habu = EGP30

Take a taxi or private car or include this on your private tour of the VOK or west bank.

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I forgot but I think there are 2 pylons or gateways aside of course from the main gate at the Medinet Habu and likewise 2 impressive courts with equally impressive inscriptions on it's walls. The first gateway said to have as big as the one in Karnak Temple and depicts the victory of Ramses battle with the Nubian's (on your left side) and the Syrian's (on your right side) -- a battle that have not transpired in reality. Similar exxagerated images are at the back of this pylon. Once you entered the first pylon, you'll be standing the a huge open court - first court - with columns and statues of Ramses and the palace on the left side.

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The Medinet Habu is about 5kms away from the valley of the kings on the west bank side of Luxor. The temple is very well preserved and has a vast area second only to the spectacular Karnak Temple in the east bank or the modern part of Luxor. This temple is built as a mortuary temple in memory of Ramses III.

See photos (on the right) for the nicely preserved coloured relief paints on the columns, on the second pylon and the second court of the temple complex. Look up to the ceiling of the 2nd pylon's entrance and you'll see the elaborately painted winged cobras and sun discs (2nd photo). During the coptic era, the 2nd court was used as a christian church.

Entry fee to the site = EGP30, hire a private car or taxi or include this on your package private tour of the VOK/VOQ.

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Entry fee = EGP30 to the Medinet Habu, located in the west bank and you may easily include this site along with your visit to the valley of the kings and queens and hatshepsut temple.

Believe me, it's worth including, the site is in good condition, and the inscriptions on the temple walls and columns are very intricate. The hypostyle hall have similar columns like the ones in Karnak temple, only smaller or shorter.

There's a parking lot just on the left side of the entrance and a restaurant/cafe opposite the entrance of the site, which has a toilet, am sure you'll be looking for one after roaming around the sights in the west bank.