SEEKING Shalom….ISRAEL
Take in the
spiritual energy of Jerusalem, therapeutic stillness of the Dead Sea and
magnificence of Galilee
Fascinating things often come in small packages and
your visit to Israel will only reconfirm your faith in this saying. Yes, the
country is so small that you can drive from one end to another in merely eight
hours, yet very few places in the world evoke a million emotions the way Israel
does. It’s one of the few places where past, present and future are indistinguishable
from one another, and this is what leaves you feeling bewildered, amazed and
curious – all at once.
JEWISH-ARAB COEXISTENCE
Not as touristy as Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, Haifa is
the best example of a successful Jewish-Arab coexistence in Israel. An affable
and thoroughly modern port city situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa —
the third largest city in Israel — is also the world centre for Bahà’ì faith.
Make sure to witness the pink sunsets from the
spectacular Bahà’ì Shrine and Gardens. With 19 immaculate terraces that reach
all the way up the mountainside and a glittering dome of the shrine that hangs
suspended above, this landmark is quite splendid. If you have limited time at
hand, get a good sense of the gardens from the viewpoint on Yefe Nof Street.
For an unforgettable night view, plan a dinner at one of the restaurants in the
colourful German Colony. To feel the sand beneath your toes, head to Nahsholim
beach. Take a dip in the glistening blue waters, play matkot (pedal ball game)
with the locals, kayak or simply lie down with a book. An easy day trip from
Haifa is Caesarea National Park, a large archaeological site where you can peer
at magnificent stone vaults and ruins left by numerous conquerors — Byzantines,
Arabs, Crusaders, Mamelukes and Ottoman Turks. Originally, a seaside city built
by King Herod to honour his Roman patron Caesar Augustus, this engineering
marvel boasts of a beautifully restored harbour, the temple platform and
Roman-era Promontory Palace.
ARABIAN NIGHTS
A 50-minute ferry ride from Haifa port, Akko or Acre
(in Hebrew) is a little jewel in the crown of Israel and can be easily explored
on foot. With Romanesque monuments, painted church domes, pencil-shaped
minarets, swaying palms, cobbled alleys and outdoor markets, Akko truly brings
you scenes from The Arabian Nights. Discovered by a local plumber, the
underground Templars Tunnel, which leads from the fortress to the city port, is
great fun to walk through. Enter at one end of the city and exit at the other!
The Old City market, with its magical vibe, plethora of sights and local
produce, is a place for fabulous photo ops. The blare of Arabic music adds to
the atmosphere and the falafel joints are your best bet for cheap dining.
MUST-DO: FLOAT IN THE DEAD SEA
If anyone tells you floating in
the Dead Sea is overrated, don't believe them. Just lie back, relax and enjoy
this natural phenomenon at one of the beaches in Ein Bokek. The black mud from
the Dead Sea has been proven to have cleansing and purifying capabilities that
actually act to relieve many health conditions.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Getting around: Renting a car
and driving yourself, at least for a part of the trip, is the best way to see
Israel.
Money matters: The domestic
currency is Israeli New Shekel. 1 Israeli New Shekel = 18.56 Indian rupees.
Israeli week: Workdays are
Sundays through Thursday and the weekend is Friday and Saturday.
Shikha.Shah@timesgroup.com
TL26AUG18
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