Agamon Hula — a wonderful park
An enjoyable family activity is to view migratory and resident birds, ducks and other wildlife at Agamon Hula in the Hula Valley. About 500 million birds pass over Israel each year and hundreds of thousands stop off at this lake. Bird-watching seasons are from October to November and from March to April (but check on conditions via the press). There is also much to see during other months of the year.
Because of its considerable wildlife, there has been continuous human habitation in the Hula Valley from early prehistoric times. The tribe of Dan settled in its northern section sometime after the Israelite conquest of Canaan and controlled the Hula Valley for about 400 years. This ended when the army of the Assyrian Tiglash Pilezer III exiled its inhabitants in about 740 BCE.
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VISITING THIS SITE:
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Time: Several hours.
Direction: Enter “Agamon HaHulah” into Waze.
Facilities: This park is run by the JNF. There is a snack and gift shop in the Visitor Center by the entrance to the park. Buying a small booklet in color and in English or Hebrew on “The Brds of Israel” at the gift shop can make viewing and identifying the birds and ducks a fun family activity. The only restrooms are in the Visitor Center. Hours for the entire week, including Friday, Saturday and holidays, are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, with the last admission being at 4.00 pm. Their phone number is 04 681 7137. This is their website.
Public transport: There is no close public transport.
For the overview "Draining Lake Hula — almost an ecological disaster" — see my book "The North of Israel for Everyone: The Best Family Activities, Hikes and Historic Sites."
Viewing the lake and its surroundings:
The Botanical Garden demonstrates the common types of vegetation found around the lake and is definitely worth visiting. There are also viewing stations around the lake, each of which presents interesting information. They are usually manned by an expert who is available to answer questions.
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The following can be rented at the Visitor Center: golf carts (for 4 to 6 people), bicycles, cycle carts, and safari wagons. There is also an effortless bird train.
It is possible to walk around the lake. The total distance from the entrance is almost 11 Km and it takes about 3½ hours. Alternatively, consider a shortened walk to the first viewing station, the Crane Observatory, and then walk back. From the Botanical Gardens take the path on the left. (This in the opposite direction to the flow of vehicles, but pedestrians have their own designated path in this section).
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