From Dream To Reality: Your Ultimate Guide To Exploring The Iconic Pyramids of Giza

I bet every wanderlust dreams of ticking the Great Pyramids of Giza off their bucket list, someday. And why not? They are one of the most iconic ancient wonders. They were the tallest man-made structures in the world for more than 3,800 years until the new architectural marvels came up. They are truly magnificent. The massive structures of Pyramids challenge your imagination; they stimulate your fascination and they leave you awestruck at first sight.

I remember I had been enamoured by the pictures when I had seen them in my general knowledge book in standard six. Since then, I have nursed this dream to visit Cairo and marvel at these Egyptian masterpieces- the Sphinx and the Pyramids. After almost two decades, when I visited Egypt, spending a day by the Pyramids of Giza was on top of my list of things to do. Let me help you plan your Egyptian sojourn to be amazed by this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Seven Wonders of the World.

The Pyramids of Giza Are Unique

If it has been your lifelong dream to see these historic works of human engineering, you must be prepared to be wowed and impressed. Not to forget, be ready to embrace some surprises too. For example, like other tourists, even I thought that the pyramids were in some far-off desert but I was thrilled to see them close to the bustling metropolis, on the west bank of the River Nile.

All said and done but no amount of scrolling of pictures or videos on the internet can prepare you for this. When you are in front of them, the magnanimity of the structure overpowers everything else. They are truly invincible. I stared at them silently. Several million tonnes of limestone, granite, and mortar stared back at me. And I kept wondering, “How did they make it?” “How did they think of building it?” “How has it stood there upright and uptight for so long?”

The number of workers who put in their labour, the number of years that went into the making of it and the herculean task of assembling a pyramid speak highly of the technical and engineering abilities of the Egyptian.

Do you know that the three main pyramids are the royal tombs of three pharaohs of Egypt? They are known as the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Khufu’s pyramid is the oldest and largest of the trio, and it is therefore known as the Great Pyramid. You will also find smaller pyramids of the queens and other staff surrounding them. And not very far, stands the Great Sphinx of Giza. Egyptians had a special fascination for life after death and like mummification, these pyramids were in line with the ancient Egyptian belief system. They believed that death was the beginning of a new journey and they ensured grandiosity for the afterlife. Another suggestion goes that the pyramids were the gateway to the heavens.

Each pyramid has something unique about itself. It is for you to find out. Also, while the structures on the outside are spectacular, even the insides are fascinating. Try visiting one of them to be amazed to see the burial chambers, the slanting gallery, the network of passages, the escape shafts, and the underground chambers.

Tips To Plan Your Trip To The Pyramids of Giza Better

• Once you land in Cairo, take some rest, and plan your trip to the pyramids for the next day.
• The road distance between Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza is hardly 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on where you are staying, you can take a taxi, call for an Uber, or book an organized tour or a private tour.
• A guided trip is highly recommended because this way you will not miss out on the important information and insights about the structure.
• It is important to start early to save yourself from the serpentine queues and the scorching sun. Be there as soon as it opens.
• Wear light clothing but in line with Egyptian customs. Sunscreen, hats, and sneakers will be useful.
• There is a separate ticket if you wish to go inside the Pyramids. The stairs are very narrow. It may get stuffy inside but the experience is different.
• Be very careful of your camera and other belongings.
• There are no security issues whatsoever. You will find tourist police around.
• Ask for the panoramic point where you can get a great view of all three pyramids.
• Camel rides may be avoided.
• Do not miss the Sphinx which has the body of a lion and a head that is believed to be Khafre.

Easy Travel From India To Egypt

If you wish to be dazzled by the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, get lost in the walls of the magnificent Egyptian museums, cruise on the Nile River, meander in the ancient city of Alexandria, explore the temples of Abu Simbel and relish the flavourful Koshari, you must manifest your Egyptian adventure soon. Even if you may not have enough budget for a long Egyptian vacation, the trip to Cairo and Giza can easily be done with modest and minimal planning.

The fastest-growing aviation industry has already made the world smaller and travelling to Egypt from India has never been simpler. Due to the aggressive expansion of the low-cost carriers (LCC), flying to Egypt has become budget-friendly. With 1 stopover, Jazeera Airways, Flynas, and Air Arabia provide cheap flights to Egypt. They are convenient and affordable too. Egypt Air has always been a non-stop flying option. I flew with Jazeera Airways via Kuwait and had a smooth experience. And it did not pinch my pocket too.

With the opening of the new Sphinx International Airport, the pressure and congestion at Cairo International Airport have also reduced. Being only an hour away, this new airport saves you from city traffic snarls and provides easy access to Greater Cairo, and the tourist spots in Giza. Also, if you book via a tour agency, Egypt has been providing visa-on-arrival (valid for 30 days) for Indians since last year. For those who wish to do it on their own, the Egypt e-visa application form is straightforward.

Written By: Manjulika Pramod