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India is a country full of diversity where a new mystery, unique culture and surprising places are hidden in every corner. There is such a magical and beautiful village situated in the lap of the mountains of North India which is known as ‘Mini Israel’ in the country and the world. Located in the beautiful and cold valleys of Himachal Pradesh, foreign tourists are so impressed by the natural beauty of this place that they come from thousands of miles away to camp here for months. But amidst all this, another surprising discussion remains common in the travel corridors that as soon as they reach certain areas or villages of this region, why are Indian tourists asked to return from a certain distance or what are the restrictions there? Every year lakhs of tourists visit this valley to see this unique combination of huge crowd of tourists, influence of foreign culture and local rules. Let us know in detail in this special report what is the real truth of this ‘Mini Israel’ of India and what are the secrets related to the valleys here.
Why is this beautiful village called ‘Mini Israel’?
Today, ‘Kasol’, a small village in Parvati Valley situated on the banks of Parvati River in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, needs no introduction. Till a few decades ago, it used to be a very quiet and unknown hilly area, where only selected local shepherds used to come. But gradually the backpackers and tourists coming from Israel liked the peace, gurgling rivers and snow-capped mountains so much that it became their favorite destination. After completing their Mandatory Military Service in Israel, when the youth go on a long journey to get rid of stress, they come in search of solace in this valley. The situation is such that in the local markets, shop boards and hotel menu cards are seen written in English or Hindi as well as in Hebrew. The deep impression of Israeli culture is visible in the climate, food and café culture here, which is why it is not officially but unofficially called ‘Mini Israel’.
Heaven for foreign tourists and change in local economy
When a large number of Israeli tourists started settling in this valley and started coming regularly, the economy and way of life of this entire area completely changed. The local people here started homestays, modern cafes and bakery shops as per the preferences of foreign guests. Everyone from chefs to hotel operators learned some basic words of Hebrew language so that there would be no problem in communicating with tourists. Slow start of the morning, sitting on the banks of river Parvati, playing guitar, doing yoga and spending time amidst nature have become the main part of the daily routine here. This unique combination of Israeli tourists and local hill culture has transformed it into one of the most popular and cosmopolitan tourist spots in India, where one can see a wonderful confluence of Indian and foreign cultures.
Why do tourists return from a short distance? What are the local rules and restrictions here?
There are some strict local rules related to this ‘mini Israel’ and its surrounding areas, about which it is very important for every tourist to know. There is also an ancient and mysterious village located near this area which is called the world’s ‘oldest democracy’, but it has its own very strict social and religious beliefs. The rules of those local villages are so strict that the people there do not allow outsiders or tourists to touch any wood, wall or traditional objects. If an outsider violates the rules, even unknowingly, he is fined heavily or has to return facing stiff opposition. This is the reason why many times tourists and common Indian tourists return only after reaching those specific borders so that there is no disturbance in the culture, religious faith and privacy of the local people.
Natural beauty of Parvati Valley and important advice for tourists
Even though this place is famous all over the world for its cultural uniqueness and foreign hospitality, its real strength lies in its dense pine forested hills and clear water streams. People who love adventure travel and go on beautiful trekking routes like Kheerganga Trek, Tosh and Chalal are drawn here. However, the administration and local people constantly appeal to tourists to take full care of mountain cleanliness, minimize use of plastic and respect the local culture. For those who want to experience peace, meditation, trekking and a different kind of global environment, this place is no less than a paradise. These valleys in and around Kasol even today remain as mysterious and attractive for the tourists of the country and the world as they used to be decades ago.