There’s something about Israel that lingers in the heart long after the passport is stamped. Maybe it’s the golden light bathing ancient stone, or the electric energy of Tel Aviv’s sunset streets. Either way, travellers worldwide have spoken—and the latest Travel + Leisure 2025 rankings confirm it.

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have both made it to the Top 10 Cities in the Middle East and Africa, as voted by the magazine’s global readership. Jerusalem proudly retains its third place, admired for its deep spiritual resonance and centuries-old heritage. Readers highlighted its cultural landmarks, immersive culinary scene, and a unique timelessness that makes it a city like no other.

Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is climbing the charts—jumping from eighth in 2024 to fifth this year. This coastal city has been winning hearts with its vibrant street life, modern flair, and commitment to sustainability and design, particularly among younger travellers.

For Indian travellers, the results strike a familiar chord. The rising interest in Israel reflects a growing appreciation for destinations that combine spiritual experiences, rich culture, and a globally relevant lifestyle.

In Jerusalem, time feels like it folds in on itself. The city offers more than religious symbolism—it offers living history. Walk the Via Dolorosa, pause at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflect at the Western Wall, or take in breathtaking views from the Ramparts Walk. The Tower of David Museum adds a modern narrative through its Night Spectacular sound and light show, while the Mahane Yehuda Market bursts with flavours—think artisanal cheeses, local wines, spices, and sweets.

Meanwhile, Tel Aviv’s cosmopolitan vibe makes it one of the most forward-looking cities in the region. Known globally as a vegan capital, it’s also a treasure trove of Bauhaus architecture—explored best at the Liebling Haus or on a stroll through Neve Tzedek, now reimagined as a hotspot for fashion, theatre, and art. Food lovers can indulge in everything from bourekas to gourmet vegan fare, while bicycle and Segway tours through Florentin and Rothschild Boulevard reveal the city’s street art and creative energy. Come evening, the rhythm shifts to jazz bars, speakeasies, and beachfront cafés, keeping the city alive well past sunset.

One standout factor in this year’s rankings is traveller confidence. Despite global uncertainties, Israel has emerged not just as a popular destination but as a trusted one—where safety, culture, food, and hospitality come together seamlessly.

This recognition is more than just a spot on a list—it’s a signal that Israel continues to inspire, surprise, and welcome with open arms.

The Bell Caves of Beit Guvrin National Park have once again been transformed into an extraordinary canvas for art, nature, and sound. This July, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority launched the fifth edition of its celebrated art installation series with “Nari”—a mesmerizing video-sound exhibition created by acclaimed Israeli musician Idan Raichel, installation artist Merav Shaham, and sound designer Eli Haziza.

Running through November 2025, the installation invites visitors on a rich sensory journey into the depths of the Bell Caves, where sound, story, and light create a meditative experience rooted in the heritage of the land. The exhibition draws its name from “Nari,” the hard upper layer of limestone that shapes the cave openings and symbolizes strength, memory, and resilience.

Raichel has reimagined and re-recorded several of his beloved songs with unique traditional instruments to match the cave’s acoustics and atmosphere. The music is woven seamlessly into the projected visuals, which reflect the tale of the "People of Silence"—a nomadic group that returns to its homeland to reconnect with nature, spirit, and self through visions revealed in the earth.

“The multi-sensory exhibition envelops visitors through the music and imagery projected on the walls. The songs and story at the heart of the exhibition deal with the search for home, roots, human connection, and connection to nature – as anchors that give us meaning and hope, even in stormy times,” said Idan Raichel.

Curated by Hilly Wartman Moyal with artistic direction by Yair Moss and project management by Carmi Wartman, Nari is a rare fusion of heritage, introspection, and innovation.

“The caves become more than just ancient spaces; they become places of healing, memory, and artistic revival,” said Merav Shaham, who sees the exhibition as a tribute to endurance and national identity.

Tomer Sargosti, Manager of Beit Guvrin National Park, emphasized the collaborative efforts behind the exhibition:

“This year too, we ensured an empowering experience through advanced multimedia systems installed in the cave. Visitors can enjoy the natural environment and an inspiring layer of culture and creativity.”

In addition to the exhibition, the park offers picnic baskets for couples or small groups, filled with gourmet cheese, wine, and local treats—an ideal companion to a sunset view or post-visit wind-down.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Beit Guvrin is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Caves.” The park houses the ancient city of Tel Maresha, Roman amphitheaters, and a variety of archeological marvels dating back over 2,000 years.

Since 2020, the Bell Caves have also served as a venue for site-specific art, blending historical reverence with modern creativity—without compromising the integrity of the natural surroundings.

Nari is open during evening and nighttime hours. Tickets and more information can be found here: https://parks.qrd.by/narirp

Free visual materials available here:
Drive Link (Photographer credit in file header)

InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, has announced the fourth edition of its prestigious InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships. With applications now open, this year’s fellowship shines a spotlight on the 'intangible heritage' and 'craft traditions' that exist around India’s architectural landmarks, inviting researchers, journalists, architects, and creative professionals to explore and document stories that often go unseen.

Set against the backdrop of India’s built heritage, the 2025 edition encourages participants to view these sites not just as historical structures but as dynamic, living archives filled with rich narratives, rituals, and craftsmanship. Fellows will be selected through a jury process and will have the chance to document cultural elements such as community traditions, ritual practices, and artisan crafts, using formats ranging from essays and photo series to illustrations and other creative media. Depending on the scope, each fellowship will span three to six months.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson of InterGlobe Foundation, said, “The fourth edition of the InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships builds on the success of our previous programs. The focus on intangible heritage and craft traditions is particularly exciting as it allows us to uncover and celebrate the cultural practices that breathe life into our built heritage.”

Launched in 2022, the Fellowship has evolved into a platform that brings forward unique, lesser-known facets of India’s cultural diversity. Past fellows have worked on themes such as Kashmir’s folk theatre and musical traditions, oral traditions around Uttarakhand’s Rudranath Temple, Varanasi’s Ghat Chhatris, and Telangana’s tribal Jatharas. Other noteworthy projects include the documentation of rare musical instruments like the Shreekhol, Taus, and Nafiri, and the cultural exploration of the Lonar Crater in Maharashtra.

Applications for the InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships 2025 will be accepted until August 24, 2025. To learn more about the eligibility and application process, interested individuals can visit: www.interglobe.com/the-interglobe-heritage-fellowships-2025.

Over the years, InterGlobe Foundation has led several impactful heritage projects—such as the conservation of Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, the restoration of Indra Kund stepwell in Delwara, and cultural mapping of 14 Indian cities. These efforts are a testament to the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s diverse heritage.

About InterGlobe Foundation

Established in 2014, InterGlobe Foundation is the CSR arm of InterGlobe Enterprises and works in the areas of Culture and Heritage Preservation, Environment Protection and Livelihood Promotion. It collaborates with partners to develop sustainable and inclusive initiatives that have long-term community impact.

About InterGlobe Enterprises

InterGlobe Enterprises is a leading Indian conglomerate in Aviation, Hospitality, and Travel-related services. Known for its flagship brand IndiGo, it employs over 70,000 professionals in more than 150 cities globally. Since 1989, the company has built businesses that connect people and places through innovation and service excellence.