Ein Gedi, nature reserve: description and reviews of tourists

Between the Dead Sea and the Judean Mountains is a truly fabulous place, admiring the unique natural beauty. A charming oasis, which is located in the Ein Gedi Desert (Ein Gedi) and carries the same name, has a unique history. In the Middle East, this corner is considered one of the most picturesque, and it's not for nothing that tourists from all over the world are hurrying here.

An oasis divided into several parts

A well-known name, which translates as a "goat source", has several attractions at once:

• Ancient settlement arose before our era;
• Modern kibbutz;
• Free beach;
• A spa with hot springs;
• reserve.

Travelers from different countries go to a blessed place, divided into several parts, from Tel Aviv by bus. Experienced tourists warn that you need to be careful with the choice of the right stop, because the distance from one to another is very large, and if you do not go out there, you'll have to go for a long time under the rays of the scorching sun.

A unique place with an ancient history

The Israeli reserve of Ein Gedi covers an area of 15 square kilometers, and an unusual for this area tropical oasis with penetrating sources of fresh water is in stark contrast to the arid desert.

The Bible mentions that in the ancient settlement, whose history dates back to the 7th century BC, the young king David was hiding. In his honor were named the waterfall, stream and gorge. On the fertile land fed by spring water, there was a wonderful city, famous for its valuable incenses.

Interesting facts from the life of ancient settlers

Here, the ruins of a temple erected before our era were found. A small settlement in its history of existence survived much, it was destroyed by the conquerors and reborn again. Unexpected finding of archeologists and completely surprised: were found the ruins of a synagogue with a well-preserved floor of the mosaic, which laid out a strange inscription stating that anyone who discovers the secret of "afar-semon" will be cursed.

Ancient Jews made a balm for incense, which has a strong effect on man, from a special plant. Surprisingly, a wonderful smell remained in the premises for up to a year. The liquid was sold for weight, it was used to make healing ointments that helped with various diseases. Until now, no one has recognized the centuries-old secret of balsam preparation, and it is believed that this is what the mosaic inscription warns about.

The perfectly preserved water supply system even now is admired by specialists and is evidence of the high level of technical development of the ancient settlement of Ein Gedi.

The Dead Sea has long been known as the Asphalt, and so it was called the Jewish historian Josephus Flavius in his chronicles. He talks about how the inhabitants collected black clumps from the surface of the water and used them to repair ships, roofs and mummification of bodies.

It should be noted that the extraction of salt in the city was a very profitable branch of the economy. The precious mineral had an incredibly high demand, because it was used not only in cooking. The products, generously sprinkled with salt, were stored for a long time, it was also used for dressing skins.

Kibbutz

Unfortunately, in the 6th century, Ein Gedi was completely destroyed by nomads, but restored 63 years ago when the kibbutz (commune) appeared, which is the successor of the traditions of the city, which is no longer there. In the early forties of the last century, young and active people came to the desert, dreaming to turn a lifeless territory into a blossoming oasis. Over time, the first shoots appeared on the barren land, and the enthusiasts who arrived had children in need of comfortable conditions.

In 1994, the kibbutz, which manages all natural wealth, receives the status of a botanical garden. More than 900 plant species imported from five continents were planted by ideological conquerors of the desert in the framework of an important experiment. Now there is a riot of greenery, rare and exotic flowers, including poisonous ones. This is the only botanical garden in the world, coexisting with a residential settlement.

On the territory of the kibbutz a mineral water production plant of the same name was built, and here is the world-famous cosmetic company Ahava, which produces products with medicinal gifts from the Dead Sea.

However, due to the fact that the volume of water consumption for communal lands has increased, the flora of the oasis has suffered. At present, the state is concerned about the problems of the national heritage and is trying to restore the lost.

Free beach and spa complex

Another stop is a public beach that any tourist can visit. It is not recommended to dive so that salty water does not get in the eyes, and after each bath you should take a shower.

The therapeutic spa complex, which offers visitors six hydrosulphide baths and special baths, was once built on the shores of the Dead Sea. Guests are covered with mud, then they go to the pool with water from a hot spring. In the complex you can buy both souvenir products and cosmetics based on marine minerals.

Near the spa is a private beach, equipped much better free.

Preserve resembling a park

In 1973, Ein Gedi appears as a reserve, and its convenient location and proximity to the Dead Sea give it a special attraction in the eyes of tourists who combine rest and recreation with visiting the holy places of Israel. A warm climate and eternal sun create wonderful conditions for the dwelling of the most diverse representatives of flora and fauna.

Picturesque corner in the middle of the desert

A delightful oasis that looks more like a city park with marked footpaths for visitors' walks, exists thanks to the streams of David and Arugot, which give him life-giving power.

Through the cracks in the limestone rocks oozing rainwater from the Judean Mountains, which feeds natural sources. It goes a long way, cleared and beats transparent springs in the territory of Ein Gedi (Israel). Famous for its abundance of water, a wonderful corner attracts various animals and becomes a breeding ground for vegetation. The second largest oasis in the state is the favorite vacation spot for Israelis and foreign tourists. Here is the highest concentration of tropical plants, many of which are rare.

In the reserve, mountain goats, hyenas, leopards, wolves, foxes, Cape Damans feel themselves at ease.

Opening hours of the reserve and various routes for tourists

The entrance to Ein Gedi, the photo of which conveys the amazing beauty of nature, is paid and under strict control. Visiting the reserve occurs from April to September from 8.00 to 17.00, and from October to March from 8.00 to 16.00. The cost of the visit is 25 shekels.

There are several routes for tourists of various complexity laid for tourists. They are marked on the map with bright colors: green - the easiest, red - more difficult, black - for experienced travelers with good physical preparation. Pedestrian trails allow visitors to the nature reserve to reach natural pearls, the beauty of which can not be described.

Experienced tourists are advised to come to the reserve early in the morning, because in the afternoon many routes with a visit to the waterfalls and steep climbs to the rocks will be closed due to the fact that you can not have time to return before sunset.

What to see in the reserve?

One of the most interesting historical monuments is the temple of the chalcolithic period (the copper age). Built before our era, it is the oldest sanctuary. The structure, which was restored in the 60s of the last century, is a fenced yard with a temple and an altar. Once here nomads came to worship their gods.

Ein Gedi, a nature reserve, whose reviews are mostly positive, is divided into two parts by a canyon. A pedestrian path leads to the bottom of the beautiful cave where the powerful Nahal David falls. It falls from a steep cliff from a height of 20 meters and is buried in a stormy vegetation.

Ein Gedi (reserve): reviews of tourists

Tourists admire the unique corner, reminding visitors that it is necessary to treat carefully the natural resources. A green oasis in the middle of a lifeless desert is a real delight, as is the plant and animal world of the reserve.

All mark convenient routes laid for people with different physical abilities, and admit that the easiest is accessible even for children. Guests talk about the amazing sensations when visiting the kibbutz. An amazing botanical garden with exotic plants makes you forget about everything, and from the panoramic grounds located in the commune, you can see truly magnificent views of the Dead Sea.

A convenient beach, which can be reached on foot or by mini-train, is very comfortable for visitors, however salt and stones scratch their feet, so swimming shoes are required. In summer it is very hot here, and the most comfortable time for visiting is autumn.

Some note the unpleasant smell of hydrogen sulfide, because of which the desire to go to the spa complex is lost. Gourmets love cozy restaurants and bars offering delicious dishes.

The reserve in Israel is a beautiful place that heals not only the body, but also the soul. Here come whole families to rest from all worries and problems, and the healing air and amazing nature do their thing.