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THE DEAD SEA AREA Only 60 minutes from Jerusalem or 90 minutes from
Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea shore offers the visitor an encounter with primeval
nature, deserts, eternal summer, natural phenomena and spectacular
landscapes. This is an opportunity to visit the Syrian-African Rift 400m.
below sea level, and to bathe in the lowest and saltiest sea on earth, in
water that keeps you afloat. The Dead Sea attracts vacationers from around
the world who come to enjoy the thermo-mineral springs, the sea water, the bromine-saturated
air that induces an elevated mood, and the famous black mud, the result of
the accumulation of millions of years of mineral sediments and organic
substances on the sea bed. Extracted from special deposits for use in the
cosmetics industry, the mud is also invigorating and relaxing, relieving
rheumatic pains and backache. The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, got its
name because virtually nothing lives in it, due to its 30%
concentration of salts and minerals, which accounts for the buoyancy of the
water. Some of these minerals are brought by springs from deep within the
earth. The water maintains its heat even as it rises to the surface
and flows into the Dead Sea, the Mazor hot springs at Ein Gedi and Zohar hot
springs at Sodom. The Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River, and also by
fresh-water springs in the vicinity and by runoff from watersheds. Skin
disorders are treated primarily by programmed exposure to the sun. The
greater distance that the sun’s rays have to travel, enhanced by a layer of
vapor created by evaporation, filters them, thus modifying the harmful
ultraviolet portion. This permits longer periods of exposure to the sun ‘s
healing rays. Health treatments are provided both in public facilities and in
the hotels which also have indoor swimming pools filled with Dead Sea water,
and physical fitness clubs. PLACES OF
INTEREST ARAD Arad is situated on a
mountain ridge about 25 minutes drive from the Dead Sea and 35 minutes from Masada.
The city lies on the edge of the Judean Desert between the Judean Hills to
the west and the Dead Sea to the east on the northern boundary of the Negev.
This is an area full of attractions for tourists. Susiya and Tel Arad for
those interested in archaeology, the Hahe’etkim Cliff and the Salt Mountain
in Sodom for those interested in geology, lush oases, tropical vegetation and
rare animals such as leopards and ibexes for nature lovers. ARAD VISITORS
CENTER Model of the Judean
Desert, display of Tel Arad archaeological finds and a Sound and Light Show.
Open Sun. - Thurs., Sat. & holidays 9 am – 5 pm, Fri. & holiday eves
9 am - 2 .30 pm. Entrance fee. 28 Ben Yair St., Commercial Center, Arad. Tel.
07-9954409, Fax 07-9955866 ATRAKTZIA - KALIA
BEACH Water amusement park,
sweet-water pools, water slides and aquatic sports, beach and changing
facilities. Tel. 02-9942391, Fax 02-9942390 BElT HASOFER - ALMOG Replicas of the Dead Sea
scrolls, Sound and Light show: “9000 Years of Settlement in the Northern Dead
Sea Region’ and Dead Sea Scrolls.” Open all week 8 am – 8 pm. Tel. 02-9945201
Fax 02-9942447 EIN GEDI NATURE
RESERVE A desert oasis located
between Nahal David in the north and Nahal Arugot in the south, both
perennial streams which have cut through the stone, forming deep canyons. The
reserve abounds with waterfalls, pools, flora and fauna, historical sites.
Tel. 0 7-6584285, Fax 07-6584517 EINOT ZUKIM
(EIN FESHHA) Nature reserve, water
pools and streams, bathing beach, excursions. Tel. 02-9942355 MASADA NATIONAL PARK The major historical/archaeological site in the
area - Herod’s mountain fortress. Ascent and descent by cable car, Snake Path
or Roman battery ramp. Restaurant, snack bars, souvenir shops. Tel. 07-6584207, Fax 07-6584464 MASADA SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW A unique show in its vivid portrayal of the life,
struggle and heroism of the people of Masada, some 1900 years ago. Mar. - end
of Oct., every Times, and Thurs. Tel. 07-9959333 QUMRAN NATIONAL PARK Site of ancient Essene settlement. Nearby in the
Qumran Canyon are the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered.
Cafeteria and souvenir shop. Tel. 02-9942235 INFORMATION CENTERS · Dead Sea Tourist Information Office Tel. 07-6594408, Fax
07-6584527 · Arad Tourist Information Qffice Tel. 07-9959333, Fax 07-9955052 · Arad Visitors Center Tel. 07-9954409, Fax 07-9955866 · Ein Gedi Field School Tel. 07-6584350, Fax 07-6584257 · Ein Gedi Nature ReserveTel. 07-6584285, Fax 07-6584517 · Ein Gedi Touring & Events Center Tel. 07-6594 726, Fax
07-6584125 |