15 GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN ISRAEL

Great Places to Visit in Israel

Whether you are going to Israel as a pilgrim or just a regular vacationer, it is a must to read Wanderlust15’s Israel travel guide. It will provide you fifteen of the most famous landmarks in the country which you need to visit and see. These are natural, religious and cultural sites – some of which are thousands of years old. So, have fun in Israel and tell us all about your trip once you get back!

1. Sea of Galilee

The Galilee Sea is not exactly a “sea”. In fact, it is a freshwater lake which is also called Kinneret or Lake Tiberias. The lake is low and it is the shallowest freshwater lake in the entire world with only a depth of 43 meters at its maximum. It is only second to the Dead Sea in lowness of depth.

Anyway, the Sea of Galilee is the most famous landmark in Israel. This is where Jesus Christ performed his many miracles more than 2000 years ago. Today, people eat by the lake and some even bathe in it – hoping for some “miracle”. This is one of the places to visit in Israel.

2. Western Wall

The Western Wall is connected to the Temple Mount and it is a prayer site for the followers of Jesus Christ, mainly Jews, to this day. A lot of travelers from different countries around the world visit the Western Wall as part of their religious journey. It has been documented since the 16th century that praying by the wall is a traditional Jewish pilgrimage act. The wall is made of limestone and as for its establishment; research suggests that it has existed since 19 BC.

3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This church has many names. For the Orthodox Christians, they call it the Church of the Anastasis or the Church of the Resurrection. In Arabic, they call it the Kaneesat al-Qeyaamah. Within the area of the church, it is believed that Jesus Christ has died, buried and has risen there. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was also said to have transpired within the Holy Sepulchre site called the Calvary. It’s been preserved since the 4th century and it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country.

4. Yad Vashem

One of the most vicious crimes that ever transpired in the history of the world is the Holocaust wherein millions of Jews were slaughtered and murdered because of a man called Adolf Hitler during the Second World War. To remind today’s generation of this injustice, the Yad Vashem was erected and it has countless names and pictures of the people who were unjustly killed back then. The whole place is like a museum now with various organizations and memorial sites within – all connected to the Holocaust. It is definitely one of the places to visit in Israel.

5. Tower of David

The Jerusalem Citadel is also the term people use for the Tower of David. It is believed that the citadel existed during the Ottoman era and the Mamluk Empire. There was another fort there, built before the citadel, which was destroyed due to battles and wars over the centuries. Archaeologists found relics and monuments within the citadel walls that are about 2,000 years old. For example, they dug up a quarry as old as the First Temple age. Today, they use this quarry area to hold concerts and shows.

6. Timna Valley

Timna Valley or Timna Park is one and the same. Day and night tours are being offered here if you want to explore the copper mine of Israel. It is believed that the mines in Timna Valley were active since 5000 BC and they say that it is the first copper mining farm in the history of the world.

The park tour will include a visitation to the Temple of Hathor (Hathor is the Goddess of Copper), Solomon’s Pillars, ancient drawings of Egyptian era and many other remnants and relics.

7. Mount of Olives

The Mount of Olives or Mount Olivet is called as such because during the time of Jesus Christ, the whole mountain was covered with thick trees of olives. It’s been there for more than 3,000 years. A part of the foothill was used as a burial site back then and to date, it has about 150,000 tombs. It is one of the most massive Jewish cemeteries in the country and it has become a tradition for Jews of Israel to be buried there.

8. Temple Mount

The Arabs call the Temple Mount Haram esh-Sharif. For the Christians, it is one of the most sacred places in Jerusalem and many travelers go to the site just to pray. It is a popular tourist attraction and it is one of the best places to visit in Israel.

Presently, the whole temple site has three religious structures. The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are there for the Islam believers. The Dome of the Chain is situated in the Temple Mount as well, which is a place of worship by both Muslims and Christians, as evidenced by history.

9. Dome of the Rock

Israel is home to Jews, Christians and Muslims, as well. And because they need to pray five times a day, they built the Dome of the Rock or the Qubbat al-Sakhrah, in Arabic. It is the most prominent Islamic structure in the country. The mosque was built through the instructions of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik in 688. The dome of the mosque is gold-plated. The last time it was plated was in 1993. Before that, the dome was plated in 1959. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the inscription Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls.

10. Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

The also call the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo as The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem. It was founded in 1940 by a professor in Zoology named Aharon Shulov. He used to teach at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He initiated the program of all kinds collecting animals, from reptiles to mammals, specifically those that were mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures. In part, he wanted to teach his students about these animals and thus, he created the zoo.

11. Gethsemane

It is believed that Gethsemane is the place where Jesus Christ used to frequent – he meditated and prayed there many times. His apostles were also believed to have stayed there with him the night before Jesus Christ was crucified. The last supper was on a Thursday and there they were, if you ask the faithful Christians.

Today, it is a symbol of holiness, sacredness and hope. Christians from all over the world go to Gethsemane, they reflect and pray there, just like what Jesus Christ did back then. It is one of the famous landmarks in Israel.

12. Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is the biggest establishment in Israel which carries the history and the culture of the country. It is an artistic and archaeological museum and is one of the leaders in this genre all over the world. The whole campus is 20 acres big and it was renovated recently to give way to new galleries, extended public entrances and walkways. It was established in 1965 and for more than fifty years, it has gathered and secured almost half a million important relics and works of art that are world-class in nature. This is one of the best places to visit in Israel.

13. Dolphin Reef

The famous Red Sea is touching the coast of Eilat in Israel and within the area is the Dolphin Reef. It is a reef shaped like that of a horseshoe and is frequented by dolphins, the bottlenose kind. They have 7 resident dolphins in the reef namely Cindy, Shy, Nana, Luna, Nikita, Sheba and Raja. Cindy and Raja are both male and Raja is Cindy’s son with Shy. Both Cindy and Shy came from the Black Sea and has been in the reef for 30 years. All these dolphins are very friendly. You can touch and swim with them. One of the things to do in Israel is to swim with the dolphins here in Dolphin Reef.

14. The Garden Tomb

The archaeological site was discovered in 1867 and an archaeologist from Israel named Gabriel Barkay made an approximate that the Garden Tomb was from the 8th to 7th BC. But with its description, many religious followers of Jesus Christ believe that this was his tomb; this was the place where he was buried and where he has also risen. There are no sufficient evidences and documents to prove this for sure but they based the assumption on stories passed down that it is indeed Christ’s tomb.

15. Yitzhak Rabin Center

Yitzhak Rabin used to be the Prime Minister of Israel before his assassination. So, as a dedication to him, the Yitzhak Rabin Center was established which is both a research facility and a library. It is one of the places to visit in Israel. The center is on top a hill which overlooks the Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv and it was designed by an accomplished architect in Israel named Moshe Safdie. A brief history of Israel’s culture and how they achieved democracy is exhibited in the center.

15 THINGS TO DO IN THE MALDIVES

Things to Do in the Maldives

Maldives is an Islamic state and their government requires all citizens to be Muslims. It is written in their constitution that in order to be citizen, one must convert to Islam. But non-Muslim travelers are very much welcome to explore this ultra-small country. In fact, it is the 8th smallest country in the whole world. So, you ask – what is worth seeing in Maldives? Well, to answer your query, here is a complete Maldives travel guide for the beach lover like you.

1. Hulhumale

The most visited place in Maldives is Hulhumale. It’s not a natural island. Hulhumale is an artificial one and it was created to extend the land area of the country. Most of the country’s resident live here and that’s about 30,000 people. It has an area of 2 square kilometers with various building developments. It has the Mosque of Hulhumale which can accommodate 1,500 worshippers. The area is filled with housing units and construction is ongoing to this day.

2. Coral Stone Mosques of Maldives

The Coral Stone Mosques of Maldives is part of UNESCO’s tentative list which was submitted by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It is a compilation of mosques in Maldives – the Ihavandhoo, Meedhoo, the Male, the Fenfushi, the Male Eid, and Isdhoo Old Mosques. The first four mosques mentioned are all Friday mosques. These mosques were submitted to UNESCO for review because of its historical significance and sea-culture architectural design. One of the things to do in Maldives is to visit these 12th century structures. It will be worth your time.

3. National Museum of Maldives

Prime Minister Mohamed Amin Didi inaugurated the sole national museum in the country back in 1952. It was opened on Maldives National Day which was in the 11th of November.

The main purpose of the Prime Minister back then as to why he initiated the museum is for preservation of history and teaching the Maldives people of what the country is and how they came about all those centuries ago. They have relics from the Buddhist and pre-Islamic era up to the recent times. The building is located at Sultan Park, another one of Maldives tourist attractions.

4. Hulhule Island

All foreigners are to pass by Hulhulé Island in Maldives because the international airport is located there. Some stay here for the duration of their vacation and check in at the Hulhule Island Hotel. It’s not really a resort hotel and is more like a backpackers lodge but it is the only hotel in the island so it will have to do. Other vacationers do some island hopping so as to see the other islands in the country starting with Hulhule. Good thing the beach there is heavenly and most of the time, peaceful.

5. Villingili

Villingili is a resort located in Seenu Atoll. Actually, it is the one and only resort in the area which was built by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. This project was through the efforts of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom as he made a deal with the company to create a posh beach resort. It was partly subsidized by the government.

Today, there are 132 villas in the area and one of the things to do in Maldives is to go there and relax, basically. It has a golf course (the only golf course in the whole country) and also nearby is Mount Villingili, the only summit in the country.

6. Hanifaru Bay

There are no people living near the Hanifaru Bay but it is a tourist spot in Maldives because of its rich waters. Vacationers go there to swim and dive along with manta rays and get this, there are whale sharks too! Of course you can’t observe these sharks in close proximity but you can see them from above. If you are planning to visit Hanifaru Bay to see these lovely sea creatures, the best time to go there is between the months of May to November since manta rays fill up the bay during that period.

7. Meedhoo

The most ancient place in Maldives and the most populated at that is the Meedhoo. It is also called the Midu and is located at the Addu Atoll Island. In Sanskrit language, Meedhoo means Big Island and it is believed that people have started living there since 1000 BC. The whole area is 2.3 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide. Not many people live here as there are only 2,806 residents as of the 2013 census. Still, visitors from other countries pass by Meedhoo just to experience the place.

8. Hithadhoo

Hithadhoo is the second biggest island in Maldives with 11,129 residents according to a 2014 census. The place is famous for its beaches and many tourists stay here for a night or two. One of the things to do in Maldives is to explore Hithadhoo on foot since it’s not too big. The whole island is only 6 kilometers long. The island is filled with wetlands and it is filled with green shrubs and Palm trees. The Equatorial Convention Centre is situated there.

9. Kuruhinna Tharaagandu

Kuruhinna Tharaagandu is an archaeological site which was discovered in 1996 at Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. It was the location of a Buddhist temple back in the 7th century before Islam was spread in the country. The whole edifice was made in coral stone and sixty four structures were excavated in two years. Soon after exposure, the coral stones started to erode and wither. Since 2008, the site has received preservation efforts from the US under the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation group.

10. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

One of the famous attractions in Maldives is the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. It is literally underwater and you can see a family of stingrays swimming above you. The experience of travelers going here is unique and the word coming out of their mouths is – AMAZING.

The word Ithaa means Mother of Pearl and the restaurant is 16 feet below sea level. Only 14 guests can occupy the restaurant at one time and if you are in your honeymoon, this is the best place to go and eat sumptuous meals.

11. Mulee-aage Palace

The Mulee-aage Palace is the official home of the President of Maldives since 2009. It was built in the early 20th century (1914) and was completed after five years. President Mohamed Nasheed found it fitting to live there because the Theemuge was too highly for him. It is located in Male and to be honest, it is a very modest place for a President of a country to be living in. It just shows that President Nasheed and the president after him are grounded people who are in a true sense, a public servant.

12. Medhu Ziyaaraiy

Being the person who introduced Islam to the people of Maldives and helped them convert back to the belief, Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary was “immortalized” by his Islam brothers through the Medhu Ziyaaraiy Mausoleum. A story about Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary back in the 12th century was a bit folklore-like but it was passed on from one generation to the next. Adbul recited the Qur’an to ward off an evil sea monster from killing a virgin girl in Maldives. Because of this, the King reverted back to Islam and compelled everyone in the country to do the same. One of the things to do in Maldives is to visit this place.

13. Utheemu Ganduvaru

Utheemu Ganduvaru is the residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu back in the 16th century. Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu is a national hero and leader of Maldives until his death in 1585. He relentlessly fought Portuguese invaders who wanted to capture the country. If you want to see 16th century homes in Maldives – how the “elite” people back then lived like – just go to Utheemu Ganduvaru. This is where the Sultan was born and raised by his parents.

14. Sultan Park

The 16th century Sultan Park is an important and historic place in Maldives. It is what remains of the Sultanate era and at this time; the Maldives government has exhausted all efforts to maintain this scenic attraction. Most tour packages include the Sultan Park in their itinerary and travelers are brought to the ruins of the Royal Palace and the Old National Museum. It is the only well-maintained flora and fauna section in the country which locals and tourists love to spend time in.

15. Theemuge

One of the things to do in Maldives is to visit Theemuge. The landmark, Theemuge in Maldives, is not similar to the term House of Theemuge. Theemuge as a landmark or tourist attraction refers to the previous presidential palace of the country. It was used as the president’s “home” until 2008 when the elected president felt that it was too highly to stay there.

The House of Theemuge refers to a dynasty back in the 12th century and it is in no way connected with the tourist attraction called Theemuge.

15 PLACES TO VISIT IN MONGOLIA

Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

A true traveler will go to a place just to experience what it is in a heartbeat. It’s not about the shopping districts or the big malls and the skyscrapers. Sure, it would be nice to go to a place with modern amenities left and right but Mongolia is not like that at all. Actually, the country brings so much more than that. If you are in the truest sense a “traveler”, go to Mongolia. Here are the best places to visit in Mongolia and experience it with a backpacker’s heart.

1. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

The top one landmark of Mongolia and a famous tourist attraction in the country is the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. From the capital, you will have to travel thirty seven kilometers east, which on a fast truck will take you 10-15 minutes. Along the way, there are many tourist bed camps, food houses and souvenir shops. Rock climbing is the main activity here but there are other things to do as well. If you love nature and like seeing new things, you will love this park.

2. Erdene Zuu Monastery

The Erdene Zuu Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the inscription Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. It was inscribed in 2004 with criteria levels ii, iii and iv.

The monastery was initiated by Abtai Sain Khan in 1585 and like many temples in Mongolia; it has a Tibetan-Buddhist architectural style. If you are planning to see this monastery, then, you will be in for a treat because there many other structures to explore in the valley. One day is not enough, literally.

3. Choijin Lama Temple

The Choijin Lama Temple is situated in Ulaanbaatar and it was established in 1904. One of the places to visit in Mongolia is this Tibetan-Buddhist type temple because it boasts of its intricate roof designs, unlike any other Buddhist temple in the country. After its establishment in 1904, construction began and after four years, the temple was completed. The temple was for Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, the brother of Bogd Khan, and it was named after him. A statue of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav is present in the temple area.

4. Chinggis Square

The Chinggis Square is also termed as the Sükhbaatar Square. Some people call it the Genghis Khan Square because it was constructed in his honor. He is by the way the founder of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. No wonder the country filled with monuments in his name.

There are many structures within the square like the Government Palace, the Ulaanbaatar Bank and the Sükhbaatar monument, among others. It is a historical place which shows a glimpse of past and future Mongolia.

5. Gandantegchinlen Monastery

Another one of the most famous attractions in Mongolia is the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. It is a Tibetan Buddhist temple which was constructed in 1727 by the Yongzheng Emperor. It has more than 150 monks at the moment and it belongs in the Gelug sect.

The whole complex has a Golden Temple and a Golden Indoor Statue called the Avalokiteśvara. The same statue has been recognized as the highest indoor statue in the whole world which towers at 16.5 meters. The statue is 20 years old at this time.

6. Tsenkher Hot Spa

One of the places to visit in Mongolia is the Tsenkher Hot Spa or Hot Springs. It is located in Arkhangai which used to be a volcano-infested place. It was believed that the hot spa was formed because of a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Ever since then, water on the spa has always been at 85.5°C. Too warm but a good kind of warm, right?

The locals also believe that the hot springs has a medicinal effect. People with diseases of the nervous system bathe in the springs for its therapeutic result.

7. Sky Resort

The Sky Resort is a ski resort near the capital city, Ulaanbaatar of Mongolia. The trails were divided in three categories – Easier, More Difficult and Most Difficult. The newbies can try the Easier trail. There is also a ski school and a slope for those who want to use the snow sled.

One of the things to do in Mongolia is to visit the Sky Resort. There are tour packages being offered along with various winter activities to go with it. The best time to go here is anytime between the months of November to early April.

8. The Flaming Cliffs

The The Flaming Cliffs has many names. Some locals call it the Bayan Zag. Others refer to it as the Bain-Dzak. In English, people call it the Red Cliffs. So many names for a grand natural attraction – the Flaming Cliffs are located at the Ömnögovi Province and are a part of the Gobi Desert. It is an important location because dinosaur remains were found here. There were eggs that were also discovered in the area as well. Why is it called the Flaming Cliffs? Have you seen its picture? Well, because of sandstone, the colors change during sunset and it appears to be reddish orange.

9. Orkhon Khurkhree and Tuvkhun Monastery

The Orkhon Khurkhree is also known as the Waterfall Ulaan Tsutgalan (Orkhon) and it is one of the best places to visit in Mongolia. The falls is majestic, according to its many spectators and people hike up the mountain just to see its splendor. The falls is continuously flowing 16 meters down. If you carefully observe the river where the falls is connected with, the water is so pristine. The whole place is just magical. Some tourists bring their overnight pack and sleep in the area. Tuvkhun Monastery is within the vicinity, too.

10. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Travelers who have been to Mongolia say good things about the Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. It is located in Arkhangai province and is known as a park that “takes your breath away”. It is a bit far from Ulaanbaatar and you will have to travel almost 600 kilometers just to get there. Even if it is a long drive, the journey is worth it and you will surely love the national park. It is surrounded by the Khangai Mountains and some endangered flora species live there too. You will also see wild animals and rare forest herbs within the vicinity.

11. Khugnu Khan Mountain National Park

The Khugnu Khan Mountain National Park is a nature reserve which means that the national park is being managed and maintained by an organization to preserve the trees, plants and flowers living there as well as the animal wildlife present in the park. It is a mountainous region and a part of Gobi desert is right there too which you can explore. You can go horseback riding or jump on the back of a camel for a change. There are many things to do in Mongolia and one of those is to explore the Khugnu Khan.

12. Ugii Lake

The Ugii Lake or Ögii Lake for some Mongolian people is a Ramsar Site of International Importance. This title is bestowed only on natural attractions that are conserved – it is a treaty and a convention on wetlands by many countries in the world. It is a shallow lake and its deepest part is around fifteen meters only. Birds and fish live and thrive on and around the lake. Because of its importance and scenic appeal, tourists stay at the camps and preoccupy themselves with things to do around the area.

13. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Who in this world doesn’t know the name Genghis Khan? By the mere mention of his name, people shiver in fear. He was a fearless Nomadic leader and even after his death, he was praised and his ways was followed. This is the reason why the Genghis Khan Statue Complex was constructed – so that even after centuries, his legend remains. The complex is home to the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue which was finished in 2008. One of the places to visit in Mongolia is this complex so that you’ll have more knowledge about the great Genghis Khan.

14. Zaisan Memorial

Mongolia has suffered deeply during the World War II and to commemorate the fallen soldiers in their land, the Zaisan Memorial was erected. The monument is a clear example of undying friendship between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Mongolia and it is a nice structure to see with such history. You just need to walk up the hill in order to view the monument. While on top, you will also bear witness to the beauty of Ulaanbaatar as you can get a bird’s eye view. You will also see the Tuul River flowing below the valley.

15. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

One of the places to visit in Mongolia is the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Ulaanbaatar. It is a Russian-affiliated Christian place of worship which they also call the Trinity Church and it can be found in Bayanzurkh Street. The temple was created because of the Convention of Peking agreement between the Russians in 1860. The Consulate brought with him people who were Christian believers and they required a religious monument. So in 1864, the church was inaugurated and the first mass was held. It has always been well-maintained as you can see in the picture and was renovated seven years ago.