- Address: Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Council, Israel;
- Length: 75 km;
- Width: 12 km.
The valley of Hula, located in the north of Israel, is one of the most interesting sights of the country. Hence the origin of the Upper Jordan - the main tributary of the lake of the same name. The very name "Hula" of Aramaic origin is mentioned in the Talmud, but, despite this, the meaning of the name is not known until now. Interestingly, one part of the valley is below sea level, but the northern end rises 70 m higher.
Hula Valley (Israel) - description
The length of the valley is 75 km, and the width is 12 km. Its natural boundaries are the mountains on three sides - the Golan Heights in the east, the steep mountains of Naftali in the west and the Lebanese in the north. Because of the mountains and water, marshes began to form here, but before their appearance the valley was a habitable place.
Archaeologists managed to find traces of parking of primitive people, remains of bones of elephants, horses, buffalo and goats. As the roads passed through valleys, one of which led to Damascus, three cities were formed in the valley: Iyon, Avel. Laish. It was only under King David that the whole valley became part of the kingdom of Israel.
At first, life in the valley was extremely difficult - settlers faced swamps, malaria. Only after the First World War, with the support of Baron Rothschild, new cities appear here, and drainage of the marshes begins. Part of the valley was allocated to the territory of the reserve - one of the largest in Israel, where many rare representatives of flora and fauna live. Tourists come to the Hulu valley to see migratory, nomadic and sedentary birds.
The history of the reserve begins in 1964, and in 1990 another lake was created. As a result, the Hula Valley twice a year becomes home to 500 million birds. Come here, tourists are encouraged by beautiful landscapes, and green fields. All conditions for a comfortable rest are created in the reserve. For example, there is a well-maintained parking lot, on which Arabs sell olive oil, cheese, honey and other products cooked at home.
All amenities for tourists
If tourists decide to visit the reserve on foot, then the entrance is free. You can come by bike on weekdays. It should be taken into account only that the circle around the lake is at least 8 km, if you consider the route without branches. Therefore, many people hire a 4-wheeled two-seat velomobile. This is not only convenient, but also profitable, because the vehicle is provided without time limit.
An electric car that can be seen on the golf course can be rented for 3 hours. Depending on the choice of mode of travel, tourists have a magnificent view, it is possible to capture flocks of different birds. But this is not the only living creature in the reserve, which asks for it on the photo. An inquisitive traveler will find different representatives of the fauna.
The reserve is monitored by a non-profit non-governmental organization. The result is the observation platforms near the lake, thanks to which you can go closer to the birds without disturbing them. Even special houses are made for pigeons. There are many fish in Hula Lake, but it is strictly forbidden to fish, but you can admire and photograph the hunting of waterfowl.
Around the lake there are tables with benches, for which you can sit down, relax and have a bite. The most surprising thing in the Hula Valley is the surrounding landscape, which changes constantly due to the changeable sky. It is worthwhile to come for a whole day to meet the sunset, the second such to see elsewhere is no longer possible.
How to get there?
You can get to the Hula Valley in a rented car or a sightseeing bus, you should follow the road number 90. From there you will have to turn east and follow the direction of the Golan Heights.