What better place for a daytrip than Utopia itself? Israel's Utopia Park, located in Kibbutz Bachan near Netanya, reproduces a tropical rainforest environment to showcase orchids, carnivorous plants, other tropical plants, and wildlife.
But it's not just about plants. Utopia Park's 40,000 square meters include an indoor rain forest, an outdoor park and a Garden Center, each of which has a collection of unique wildlife and family attractions.
In addition to two mazes—a classical maze made of bushes and a tunnel maze— the outdoor park has a musical water fountain and a butterfly garden with a specially monitored environment. Children can also enjoy the playground or the petting area, which has sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens.
In Utopia’s indoor Orchid Park, orchids grow in a recreation of a rainforest, in addition to one of the largest collections of carnivorous plants. The entrance to the rainforest area is a large cave, and inside are waterfalls, fish pools, bridges. There is also a variety of wildlife and a large birdcage, which visitors can enter to walk among pheasants, parrots, peacocks, and other birds. The park has both covered and open sections and is open all year.
Utopia Park’s Garden Center is one of Israel’s largest nurseries, with orchids and other tropical plants. Aryeh, the park manager, notes that he had excellent relations with what was once Israel's largest nursery in Atzmona, Gush Katif.
"When the Disengagement closed down Atzmona's operation, we stepped in and purchased all of their remaining stock," he said.
There is also a cafeteria and a shop with fertilizers, fish, and other garden products.
Individuals can drop in anytime, while groups are encouraged to make reservations. Groups can also participate in a “plant design workshop” on how to design a plant cocktail.
www.utopiapark.co.il
www.utopiapark.co.il
Prices, hours, directions, and more information can be found in English.
Photos by Baruch Gordon