War-weary Israelis find peace in Dharamkot

With their country fighting a war with Hamas-led militant groups for over a year now, a large number of Israeli nationals have converged on the tiny hamlet of Dharamkot.

Every year, over 20,000 Israelis visit this picturesque hill station. No wonder, Dharamkot is also known as “Little Israel”. For them, this place is a home away from home. After the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine-based groups began last year, most of the nationals had left for their country.

There is now a sudden influx of Israeli tourists, mostly youth and elderly, which began around two months back. Most of the tourists, who have made Dharamkot their home, are reluctant to talk about the war in their country and reasons for their coming back to India. Sources, however, said the Israeli government had asked elderly people to vacate certain war-ravaged areas and go on a vacation. As for youth, many were serving in the army on rotation and the ones who were off duty had been told to take a break, they said.

Nonetheless, the return of the Israelis in a large number has brought cheer among the hoteliers. Most of the lodging facilities in the area are packed to capacity. This “Little Israel” even has a Chabad House (Jewish community centre). The village is tucked into the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of McLeodganj, the popular tourist spot and the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

A number of restaurants in Dharamkot serve Israeli cuisine. Even signboards and menus at these restaurants are in Hebrew language.

Vivek, a resident of Dharamkot, said the area became popular among Israeli tourists about three decades ago. “They have contributed enormously to the development of Dharamkot as a tourist destination among international travellers. Some of the Israelis are coming here regularly and staying for longer durations. Many are now like a family for the local residents,” he said, adding some had even solemnised their marriages locally.

Residents said over the past few years, especially after the Covid pandemic, the arrival of Israeli tourists had declined. “It is good to see that so many Israeli tourists have returned to the area. Dharamkot is like their second home. We share close ties with many of them,” says Sanjeev Gandhi, a local.

The local homestay units are thriving too. Most villagers have converted their houses into guesthouses and are charging a nominal room rent ranging between Rs 800 and Rs 1,500 per day even during the peak season. “Locals are making a good earning by renting spare rooms in their houses to foreign tourists,” said a villager.