The city of Kiryat Shmona, Israel, is nestled in one of the most scenic and beautiful regions of the country, the Hula Valley.
The Hula Valley is a nature lover’s paradise, and it is through the efforts of many that today it is such a marvelous place to visit.
Until recently, much of the scenic valley was covered by a lake and adjacent swamps. (Biblically this lake is referred to as Lake Merom.)
Beginning in the 1950s, the Israeli government funded a large project to drain the swamp areas, therefore turning the region into an agricultural center with an abundance of fresh water. Today, the Hula Valley is a nature reserve where visitors can see flourishing native flora and fauna as well as a large number of migratory birds from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Wheat, cotton, alfalfa, and fruit trees all grow plentifully here.
Because Kiryat Shmona is located in this scenic region, it is a terrific place to visit to see Israel’s gorgeous, lush greenery. Many people think of Israel as just being mountains and desert, which is not entirely true. The small country has such a versatile landscape, and Kiryat Shmona offers a glimpse at the part of Israel that is lesser known.
Kiryat Shmona, which is Israel’s northernmost city, was founded in 1949 on the ruins of the Arab village of Khalsa as a transit camp for immigrants who worked mainly in farming. Over the years, the camp progressed into a city with many prospering industries. There are currently a number of successful manufacturing plants in Kiryat Shmona, although the city serves primarily as a commercial and tourism center for the surrounding communities.
The area’s most famous attraction is Manara Cliff, which is located at the southern entrance of the city. Here you can take a ride in the Manara Cliff cable car, which is the longest cable car in the country. It travels a distance of 2,072 yards! The cable car travels at a fairly steep incline of 43 degrees, so it offers stunning views of the cliff itself and the surrounding Hula Valley.
If you’re a bit of an adventure seeker, there are other great activities for you to participate in here, too. There are three different terminals, the upper, middle and lower terminal, and at each one you can participate in a number of different exciting activities.
You may be interested in rappelling down the cliff face or climbing up a climbing wall. You can even rent a mountain bike and take a ride along mountain paths. Undoubtedly, you will get a thrill out of riding on the mountain roller coaster!
But if that is not your style, you can simply enjoy the magnificent view of the Hula Valley from the observation point, where a restaurant, a hiking path, and activities for children are all available.
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