Hurvat Madras

In the Ella Valley, about 45 km south of Jerusalem, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient agricultural settlement called Hurvat Madras. The JNF (Jewish National Fund) established in the Madras ruin a well-organized hiking route through the many ancient sites in this beautiful nature reserve, which covers about 5000 dunam with typical Mediterranean woodlands, Kermes oak, Atlantic pistachio, terebinth and buckthorn. Among the remains at the site are various buildings, an ancient settlement, agricultural installations and an extensive complex of caves and tunnels, including a columbarium and tombs. Together with your guide you will spelunk in the cave following the mysterious tunnel dug by the Jewish fighters. We will crawl through the cave and squeeze through occasional tight spaces, just like the fighters of long ago did. The spelunking is easy and is appropriate — even for young kids.