mandess.com - My tourist guide to Israel » Flora and Plants

Ramat-Hanadiv park, gardens and hiking area

Ilan — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:04:16 +0000

At the southern end of Mount Carmel, between Zikhron Ya’akov and Binyamina, lies Ramat Hanadiv, a natural gem dedicated to the memory of Baron Edmond de Rothschild.
Its located a bit north, 66 km and about an hour drive from Tel Aviv.

The memorial gardens sprawl across approximately seven hectares (17.5 acres), surrounding the Baron and Baroness Rothschild’s crypt. It is situated in the heart of Ramat Hanadiv, and its broad lawns, trees and colorful seasonal flowers are only some of the points of interest that attract many visitors to the gardens. The garden is comprised of several small gardens including the Cascade Garden, Rose Garden, Palm Garden and Fragrance Garden, as well as an Amphitheatre for outdoor concerts.

Hiking - Throughout the Park, are color marked, 3 circular hiking trails ,1.5 to 4.5 km in length . One is on easy to moderate difficulty level and the other two are moderate to difficult level. suited to walkers of all kinds and capabilities. Passing through typical Mediterranean terrain, hikers can stop along the trails to enjoy magnificent views at the observation points or to discover sites of prehistoric settlement, a hidden spring, and an acclimatization cage for hikers – all meant to help preserve the ancient living landscape of Israel.

Ramat-Hanadiv park offers a large parking spot at the entrance to the park, and has all facilities as a restaurant and cafe (open Sun-Fri), drinking spots, and rest rooms. It also has an information center.
Gardens have one level pavement trails and are suitable to handicap persons as well as wheel chairs. Hiking trails are good for children and adults.

Ramat Hanadiv web site

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Ein Ovdat canyon

Ilan — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:08:09 +0000

Ein Ovdat is a canyon in the Negev Desert of Israel, south of the kibbutz Sde Boker (Famous for being Ben Guryon’s residence). It’s about 2 hour drive by car from Tel Aviv (169 km far, see map on the bottom of the page).

Ein Ovdat has always been an attractive place for habitation due to its luxuriant fauna,flora and wild life in the middle of the desert. Consequently, the canyon and its surroundings have been inhabited for some 80,000–90,000 years by many peoples such as Neanderthals, Nabateans, and Christian monks. The canyon attracts numerous species of animals, like Ibexes and various birds, to its fertile vegetation.

The flourishing environment is caused by the water of numerous springs that begins at the southern opening of the canyon, and descends into deep pools in series of waterfalls. The springs in Ein Avdat emerge from between layers of rocks, although the source is still not known definitely. Around the springs grows salt-loving plants like Poplar trees and Atriplexes.

The entrance to the reserve is from the Ben Guryon tomb. Entrance fee is about 25 nis per person.
You enter with a car and about a couple of km down, you can park and head by foot to the canyon. You reach the first lake in about 10 minutes walk. The walk to the first lake is quite easy and is good for all ages. You can reach the first lake, and return back the way you came. But, the rest of the route (aprox one hour) and up the mountain to the reserve’s end, is for good walkers only. It requires climbing narrow and steep stairs.

Visiting Hours:
Reserve is open 7 days a week, 8:00 – 16:00/17:00 (winter and summer respectivly)

Telephone:

08- 6555684 (+972-8-6555684)
08 – 6554418 (+972-8-6554418)

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More sites in the Negev area (Between Be'er Sheva & Eilat) road#40:

Ovdat ancient Nabatean city (Archeological site)
Mizpe Ramon (Southern quiet town)
Ein Ovdat Canyon (Natural reserve)
Ben Guryon's hut (Historic site)

Land of Genesis (2010)

Ilan — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:08:25 +0000

Land of Genesis is a new movie by Moshe Alpert, a photographer and wildlife movie maker, which introduces a completely different Israel – an Israel of amazing landscapes and multitudes of plants and wildlife.

Read more about the makers and making of this movie at: www.afikimproductions.com

Getting a new plant from the nursery

Ilan — Sun, 23 May 2010 08:34:22 +0000

There are 3 nurseries in Kfar-Azar village. They are located 100 meters from the Aluf-Sade interchange on Derech-Sheba Street (If you’re ever there, drop by) .

So, on Shavuot holiday (Feast of Weeks) I went to the nursery to find myself a new plant.
Here is how it was

(Click on the video to see it via Youtube in a higher resolution.)

Saints forest (central Israel)

Ilan — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:13:31 +0000

The forest area is pretty big, about 50 square km and stretches from the Sha’ar hagai Interchange and east towards Jerusalem.

Located south of highway #1 (Tel Aviv – Jerusalem). Enter via the Sha’ar-Hagai Interchange (click here for a printable map).

The forest area is very pretty and calm and there are many stopping points along the way to enjoy:

The Sorek caves
Bnei Brith cave
Bicycle trails and walking trails
Stopping points suited for a picnic
Historic sites
Observation points

Click here for a printable map.

Locations near this area:

Ein Kerem
Abu-Gosh village (pass Sha’ar Hagai interchange via highway #1, towards Jerusalem. on your left)
Latrun Monastery