A soulful journey through time

From Jerusalem's soulful streets to Tel Aviv's buzzing coast and the tranquil expanse of the Dead Sea, Israel invites travellers to not just visit, but to live its stories — one flavour, one encounter, one moment at a time

The coming years belong to experiential travel, and Indians are an unmissable part of this shift. No longer satisfied with bucket-list destinations, the evolved travellers are stepping away from touristry traps. They are seeking immersive experiences that bring them closer to local life - to cuisine, culture, and community. And this is why Israel fits perfectly well into this new travel landscape. It's a compact destination - one can travel from part of the country to the other in six hours - with every city, every region offering something intrinsic. Vibrant Mediterranean life, diverse landscape from mountain to desert - it's all woven into one journey.

Jerusalem: A City You Feel

In Jerusalem, history isn't locked in museums - it's everywhere you walk. The Old City's stone alleys hum with life, from arched gateways to bustling souks that feel like a stage set. Climb the ramparts or wander through hidden courtyards and you will find layers of stories unfolding at every turn. The city's markets are its heartbeat. At Mahane Yehuda, the air is thick with the smell of spices and fresh pita, vendors call out over trays of baklava, and street musicians turn shopping into theatre. Book a table at Chakra Restaurant for refined fine dining. Jacko's Street Restaurant adds a Kurdish-inspired twist to kosher cuisine, while Tzemah Restaurant is the city's vegetarian star with creative plates. For lively, unforgettable nights, Machneyuda Restaurant combines music, energy, and chef Assaf Granit's celebrated food. By evening, cafés spill into the streets of Nahalat Shiva and Ben Yehuda, buzzing with conversation and music.

As night falls, the Old City transforms with a spectacular laser show at the Tower of David, which tells the history of Jerusalem. For slower moments, the hillside village of Ein Karem offers shady lanes, stone houses, and artist studios perfect for browsing. Carry a piece of Jerusalem home with you with handmade ceramics from the Armenian Quarter or jars of za'atar. It's a city that speaks through all the senses - the glow of lanterns on cobbled streets, the sound of laughter mixing with the scent of oud, and the taste of warm burekas fresh from the oven. Jerusalem offers stays and flavours to suit every kind of traveller. For five-star indulgence, stay at the Orient Hotel in the German Colony or the David Citadel Hotel that overlooks the Old City. Mamilla Hotel on Mamilla Boulevard blends modern luxury with iconic cityscapes. Stay at The Inbal, located in the city centre, to enjoy its authenticity and culinary spirit. Travellers seeking boutique charm can check into the Bezalel Hotel, steps from the market, or the Ramban Hotel near Machane Yehuda.

Tel Aviv: The Pulse of Israel

If Jerusalem speaks of heritage, Tel Aviv pulses with modern energy. The seaside promenade hums with joggers, cyclists, and families. Neighbourhoods like Florentin double as open-air street art galleries and its nightlife keeps pace with some of the world's best. Each neighbourhood tells its own story. Neve Tzedek, with its pastel townhouses and designer boutiques, invites slow wandering. On Rothschild Boulevard, Bauhaus architecture frames leafy boulevards dotted with cafés where laptops and lattes share space. For luxury travellers, The Norman in Tel Aviv remains a benchmark, while restored Bauhaus-era buildings house boutique hotels with creative flair. Food here is a journey in itself. Carmel Market brims with the smell of spices, sizzling sabich, and trays of halva; Levinsky Market tempts with olives, cheeses, and aromatic coffee; and Sarona Market, housed in a restored Templars' colony, adds a modern gourmet spin with everything from artisanal breads to boutique wine bars. By night, the city comes alive with party mode, from rooftop cocktail lounges to underground clubs that thrum until dawn.

In Jaffa, the vibe shifts - its flea market overflows with antiques and oddities, its artists' quarter hums with studios and galleries. The old port serves grilled seafood against sweeping sea views and the sound of buskers. Did you know, it was here that Israelis and Indian expats came together to celebrate a fusion of Purim and Holi last year?

Don't miss Guetta in Jaffa for Tripolitan flavors, Port Saïd near the Great Synagogue for trendy gastro-bar dishes, and Beber at Shuk HaCarmel for modern plates. For a sweet finish, head to Cassata and Anita, each offering signature desserts that perfectly capture Tel Aviv's vibrant culinary scene. Staying at The Setai, located on David Raziel Street, gives you easy access to markets, attractions, and great food right at your doorstep. Tel Aviv is a city best explored on foot, segway, or bicycle, letting you drift from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavours as they unfold. Nothing prepares you for the first time you float in the Dead Sea. The water lifts you effortlessly, the salt stings in the best possible way, and the mineral-rich mud doubles as a spa treatment straight from nature. At the lowest point on earth, even doing nothing feels extraordinary.

But the Dead Sea is more than a dip. A cable-car ride up to Masada brings you to the dramatic fortress plateau where desert cliffs drop away into endless views - history and landscape wrapped into one. From there, the desert calls.

Evenings bring another kind of magic. A Bedouin-style dinner - cushions on the floor, dishes passed around, stories by lantern light - feels worlds away from the cities. For a memorable stay, try the Oasis Spa Club Hotel for a serene adults-only retreat, Isrotel Dead Sea Resort or Herods Dead Sea Hotel for luxury and spa indulgence. Travelling with family? Check into Nevo by Isrotel. For couples, the David Dead Sea Resort & Spa is perfect with mountain views.

Why Israel Speaks to Indians

Perhaps what makes Israel so compelling for Indian travellers is its layered familiarity. The chaos of its markets recalls our own bazaars, the rituals of prayer mirror temple bells back home, and the generous use of spices feels instantly recognisable. Yet what it offers is distinct: Mediterranean beaches, desert safaris, vineyards, art districts, and sacred trails, all compressed into a country smaller than most Indian states.

Travel Essentials

Flights: Multiple airlines connect Indian cities to Tel Aviv via one-stop routes - e.g. Emirates, Etihad, Azerbaijan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines (Disclaimer: Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv direct service is suspended until 2025)

Visa: Indian passport holders residing in India can also apply online for Israel's eVisa-B2. Processing times vary, so travellers are advised to apply well ahead of the travel dates.

Transport: The Rav Kav smart card works on most buses, trams, and light rail in major Israeli cities. Ride-hailing apps are widely available

When to Go: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather. Summers can be hot, particularly in the south; winters are mild but rainy in the north.

Nidhie Raj Singh, Director - PR & Communication, BRANDit