Israel/Jordan
The Dead Sea is one of the most famous lakes in the world, thanks to its location at the heart of the Biblical Holy Land. Actually a salt lake, the Dead Sea is located at the lowest point on the surface of the Earth, and is so saline that it cannot support life. Many places of Biblical interest can be found along the shores of the lake, making it a must-see destination for religious pilgrims and nature lovers alike.
The area around the Dead Sea has been wetter and more hospitable in past ages, and the lake was once part of an important chain of waterways that aided the migration of early humans out of Africa and into Asia. Its shores are home to many prominent Biblical sites, including Jericho, Qumram, Ein Gedi, Masada and Sodom & Gemorrah.
The Dead Sea is one of the world’s most unique bodies of water. Fed by the Jordan River flowing down from the fresh water Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea is so hot and dry that rapid evaporation keeps the salinity at record levels. Its surface is 1,407 feet below sea level, while the bottom is a further one thousand feet down. The lake is famous for its minerals, which are currently being exploited for everything from agriculture to cosmetics.
The Dead Sea is Israel’s top natural attraction. Visitors flock to its shores to visit its many historical and archaeological sites, as well as to test their buoyancy in the lake’s dense waters. There are a few hotels in the area around the sea, but most people who come are day visitors. Web: www.goisrael.com/deadsea (official website).
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