It is known for its caves, springs, and rich diversity of vegetation. Ein Gedi is mentioned several times in the Bible. It appears for the first time in Joshua 15:62 as the inheritance of the tribe of Judah in the desert. In the Song of Songs; “My beloved is unto me as a cluster of henna flowers in the vineyards of Ein Gedi” (1:14). According to Jewish tradition, David hid from Saul in the caves here; “And David went up from thence, and dwelt in the strongholds of Ein Gedi” (1 Samuel 24:1).
A kibbutz, founded in 1956, is located about a kilometer from the oasis. It offers various tourist attractions and takes advantage of the local weather patterns and the abundance of natural water to cultivate out-of-season produce. Prior to the founding of the kibbutz, the Ein Gedi area had not been permanently inhabited for 500 years.
Read more about Ein Gedi in Wikipedia or make reservations at the Ein Gedi Country Hotel.
