Egypt Tourism

Why Visit Egypt?

Egypt is renowned for its pyramids, which are among the oldest in the world. Sail down the Nile and watch a spectacular sunset while passing ancient cities. Tourism in Egypt is known to have existed for centuries, from the pharaohs, the seven wonders of the world, to vibrant bazaars. Explore stunning red sand beaches amidst some of the most majestic deserts to exist. If you wish to explore Egypt’s ancient civilisations that have been buried for 1000 years, go to the Valley of the Kings, the Sphinxes, and cave tours.

Category Details Capital Cairo Location Northeast Africa Currency Egyptian Pound Language Arabic Top Destinations Giza pyramids, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, White Desert, The Sphinx Famous Activities Snorkeling. Red Sea Diving, Camel Ride, Desert Safaris, Pyramid tour Ideal Trip Duration 7-10 days typically

Places to Visit in Egypt

1. Cairo – Known as Egypt’s capital and the heart of the country. It offers a rich cultural and historical experience, featuring iconic pyramids of Giza, a Felucca ride on the Nile River, and the world's largest museum dedicated to archaeology, as well as the lively Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. 2. Aswan- Nestled on the east side of the Nile, known as the “Land of Gold,” Aswan is considered to be a slower side of tourism in Egypt and a gateway to the Nubian culture. Visit the remarkable Philae Temple or take a mini boat ride to go to the attractive nearby islands. 3. Luxor- This city feels like walking into a museum. Luxor has some of the most remarkable landmarks that Egypt has to offer, from the Temple of Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the hauntingly quiet Mortuary Temple of Hatsheput. 4. Alexandria – The Mediterranean coast meets Egypt's softer side, and it's the second-largest city. It was once the home to Cleopatra and Alexander the Great. Explore the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Corniche and enjoy a windy walk around the stunning beaches along the sea. 5. Giza- See the Great Pyramid of Giza, go on a camel ride, and go to picturesque places that are often seen on postcards and brochures. It is one of the most impressive cities to ever exist and is a must-visit.

Budget and Accommodation

If you are visiting Egypt, you can plan your trip on a budget with options ranging from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts. For an enjoyable 5-day trip to Egypt from India, the cost typically ranges from ?61,400 to ?2,76,622, depending on your travel style. However, a luxury stay can cost you nearly ?1,65,000 to ?2,77,000+ per person (excluding flights). Accommodation primarily depends on the amenities offered, the type of hotel, and its location.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Egypt is from April to October. At this time, the weather is quite pleasant, even though Egypt doesn’t experience typical winters; usually, the country is almost always hot and humid. The average temperature ranges from 14°C (low) to 25°C (high), making it ideal for exploration.

Summers in Egypt can be searing, with temperatures reaching nearly 36°C to 38°C. The highest temperatures typically occur from May to August. Winters can be quite cool, but the winters here remain warm. This season is considered to be the best to explore tourism in Egypt, as the minimum temperature is 18°C. The ideal months for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling in Egypt are March, April and September. A country like Egypt receives much less rainfall than other countries. The rainiest weather can be experienced near the Mediterranean coast or Cairo.

How to Reach Egypt?

By Air: The easiest way to reach Egypt is via direct flights, which are available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. There are two international airports in Egypt, one is Cairo, which handles mostly international flights, and the other is Luxor Airport, which is an excellent option if you’re planning to fly to other nearby countries.

By Train: Not really from India, but this mode of transportation is considered to be the most convenient way to get around Egyptian cities like Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo.

Things to do in Egypt:

Explore the Pyramids – stand in awe of the last man-made ancient wonder structure known to Mankind. Undoubtedly, the best things to do while you’re exploring Egypt tourism. Famous pyramids are the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of Khafre. Sail down the Nile River – this is considered to be the best way to explore the city and the temples on a Felucca, which is known as a traditional boat in Egypt, and you can hop onto it and explore the majestic Nile River while sipping on cocktails and a feast to devour. Wander through Cairo- Explore the legendary landmarks and rich culture. The city is very walkable, allowing you to explore vibrant and lively bazaars and corners of the city, which are rooted in deep history. Cairo also offers lively nightlife to immerse yourself in. Try out the local foods in Egypt - Egyptian cuisine is considered to be the top attractions of the country. The street food is a must-have while you’re out there exploring. Try staple food items like Koshari, Ful Medames, Shawarma, and Baklava in Cairo and Giza.

Culture and Lifestyle

Language – Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but luckily, in most tourist places like Cairo and Luxor, you’ll find a lot of people speaking English. But trying to communicate in the local language is highly appreciated by the locals. Cuisine – Egypt is best known for its food, it's full of comfort and flavour. Don’t miss eating falafel, grilled meats and koshari. You can have a scrumptious meal in Felfela in Cairo, Abou Tarek or even try some of the local markets for an authentic experience. Attire – Light and breathable clothing works the best, and when you’re visiting a temple, it is advisable to wear modest clothes.

Shopping

What to shop In Egypt, you can easily buy everything which is famous in the East side of the world. Get your hands on Papyrus paintings, Aromatic perfumes, Leather bags and belts, handcrafted ceramics from local markets. A few popular souvenirs to take back home are traditional Egyptian art and miniature pyramids. Where to buy The local markets and shops are a major tourist attraction in Egyptian tourism. Some of the most popular bazaars are the Aswan Market, Souq el Ataba, City Centre Alexandria, and Mall of Arabia. To travel like a local, it's best to immerse yourself in the experience.

Short Itinerary –

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and explore the Giza plateau

Day 2: Day tour of Local Bazaars in Cairo, try local foods and explore the Egyptian Museum

Day 3: Fly to Luxor to see Prehistoric temples and go for a hot air balloon ride

Days 4 & 5: Take the famous Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan or take the Felucca ride

Day 6: Go to Abu Simbel for a short day tour or come back to Cairo

Day7: Depart

What to pack-

Comfortable and breathable clothes made of cotton and linen. In Egyptian temples, dressing modestly matters, so carrying a shawl or a scarf is essential. Having a charger and a universal power adapter is a must-have. Always carry Egyptian pounds and your cards with you at all times. Carry zip lock bags if you are visiting deserts and pyramids to avoid sand in your belongings. Have your passport, travel documents, and visa ready.

Visa and Immigration –

To experience Egypt tourism as an Indian, there are primarily three ways: Firstly, you need to apply for a visa from the Embassy of Egypt or the consulate of India. Secondly, you can also obtain your e-visa through the Egyptian government's portals. Lastly, there is a visa on arrival option for Indians to make the process easier.

Tips –

It’s always better to start early in the morning, as the sun is not harsh and the temples are just opening, and the tombs, such as the pyramids, have comparatively less crowd. Stay hydrated at all times and try to carry a small water bottle with you, as the weather is hot and humid. Also, avoid tap water. Fridays are generally very slow in Egypt, as the day is considered holy, and some places open late or remain closed. For connectivity and Wi-Fi, ensure you use Egyptian Vodafone, as it's known to have good coverage. In major touristy cities, traffic can be a lot, at crossroads, in a big group or ask locals for help.