Hamat Gader Hot Springs in Israel

Hamat Gader is located near the Sea of Galilee inimportant qualities heat and mineral rich waters
Israel, near the Yarmouk River. It featurescoming down at a rate of 500-700 cubic meters
several mineral springs with temperatures of upper hour. The waters coming from the depths of
to 50 C. The name means literally the Hot Springsthe Earth are soothing and relaxing and ideal for a
of Gadara referring to a site known today asquite vacation of a few days or much more.
Umm Qais in Jordan just 4 Km away on the·         Crocodile farm 
other side of the border. It is actually located inIn 1981 more than 120 crocodiles from Florida
the three country border between Syria, Jordanwere bought here to open the farm and in the
and Israel.subsequent years many more species from
Brief HistoryAfrica and South America joined the crowd.
The original baths were constructed by theToday it delights visitors that can see them (at a
Romans in the second century. You may seedistance) how these predators enjoy
reminders of the constructions by the Byzantinesthemselves. 
and then by the Arabs. In the Roman times it·         Mini Nature Reserve 
was well known as a recreational site. The springsAt the mini nature reserve you can watch the
were also used for healing purposes.ibex, reindeer, deer, ostrich, baboons, raccoons,
On the third century a Roman Theater with aboutiguana and many others. Also you may enjoy the
2,000 seats was built on the premises and twoParrot Shows featuring trained parrots of the
centuries later a large Synagogue was built.species Jaco, Macaws, Amazon parrots and
In 1923 when the borders of the French MandateCockatoos. At the Petting Zoo kids and grownups
of Syria and the British mandate of Palestinealike can enjoy petting rabbits, hamsters, gazelles,
were drawn, Hamat Gader was on the Britishraccoons, ferrets, goats, ibex, fawns, etc. You
side, but at the end of Israel's War ofcan consult the staff concerning pets.
Independence even though it remains under IsraeliGetting there
sovereignty it was occupied by the Syrians thatHamat Gader is located on the South Eastern side
prevented any visit by Israelis to the site.of the Sea of Galilee.
In June of 1967 on the Six Day War, the site wasIf you are driving from the Centre of Israel take
captured by the Israel Defense Forces. Since thenthe Highway 6 (Kvish Shesh toll) Northbound
it has been developed as a Health Resort and antowards "Yokneam"
alligator and birds reserve.At the end of the Highway take road 70
Hamat Gader TodayNorthbound up to the Junction of road 77
This popular Israeli site is operated jointly by fourEastbound towards Tiberias
Kibbutzim of Southern Golan Heights, Mevo Hama,Arriving to Tiberias take road 90 along the lake
Kfar Haruv, Afik and Meitzar. It offers luxuriousof Galilee Southbound until you arrive to a
facilities combining experiences for all tastes. Itcrossing with road 98 eastbound. Follow the signs
welcomes families, groups and couples.to Hamat Gader.
·         The Bath Complex One there be prepared to be pampered like
The thermo mineral waters at a steadynever before.
temperature of 42 C have the two most