Dead Sea Highway - Jordan - page 258

(JD3) or shanklish (local cheese, rolled in thyme and mixed with tomatoes, onion and
parsley; JD2), and follow it up with marinated, locally reared lamb chops (JD12) or sawda
dajaj (chicken livers with grenadine syrup and lemon), which are a meal in themselves
(JD4).
The complex is clearly signposted off the Dead Sea Highway, about 10km south of the
Dead Sea resorts. The Dead Sea Panoramic Complex makes a worthwhile stop on a day
circuit from Madaba, Mt Nebo, Bethany, the Dead Sea and Hammamat Ma'in, either by
hired car or taxi (JD50 through Charl at the Mariam Hotel - Click here ) . There is no public
transport.
Hammamat Ma'in
05 / ELEV -90M
Drive anywhere in the hills above the Dead Sea and you'll notice occasional livid green
belts of vegetation, a trickle of water as it catches the sunlight, or a curtain of ferns across
a disintegrating landscape of sulphurous rock. On closer inspection, you may catch a puff
of steam and the hiss of underground water. These hills are alive with the sound of
thermal springs - about 60 of them suppurate below the surface, breaking ground with
various degrees of violence.
The most famous spring is Hammamat Ma'in (admission per person JD15;
9am-9pm) , a spectacular resort in Wadi Zarqa Ma'in. The water, ranging from 45°C to a
blistering 60°C, tumbles off the hillside in a series of waterfalls and less assuming
trickles, and is collected in a variety of pools for public bathing. It contains potassium,
magnesium and calcium.
The entrance fee permits use of the Roman baths at the base of the waterfall closest to
the entrance and a swimming pool. Visitors are requested not to bring their own picnic,
but this is rarely enforced. The valley is hugely popular on Friday during spring and au-
tumn.
Activities
Thermal Bathing
Two main baths are open to the public. The Roman baths have clean, indoor, hot baths
(separate for men and women). There is also a small family pool beside a waterfall (turn
left after the entrance), restricted to women, families and couples.