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All Israel Kushi's Pundak 101
AO Edited

Kushi's Pundak 101

This legendary roadside attraction feels like a bizarre mirage, 101 kilometers outside the resort city of Eilat.

Bir el Maliha, Israel

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Yael W.
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Murals referencing the rare and strange reptiles that once lived at the exhibit.   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
Random dinosaur sculptures to pose with inside.   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
Entrance to Kushi’s 101km   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
Millage signs to famous locations   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
Many of the peacocks roam freely.   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
Billboard on Route 90, enticing travelers to stop.   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
Odd greeting sign   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
At one time, Kushi’s 101km was rumored to have had a tiger from Africa.   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
Noisy residents of the zoo.   yweiss1 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Pundak 101, referred to as "Kushi's 101 Km" by most Israelis, is a peculiar roadside attraction with a rich history and unique founder. Just 101 km from the popular city of Eilat, former Israeli Defense Force commando, Shimon "Kushi" Rimon, opened this pit stop in 1981. 

Notoriously known among locals as a war hero gone rogue, Kushi once served in Unit 101 (a special forces crew commanded by the former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon). After his service, Kushi had a run-in with the law when he was arrested on drug charges in Germany.

Upon his release, he ventured back to Israel. Local legend says Kushi pitched a tent in the middle of nowhere and dreamt of building a home and a desert retreat.

At first, Kushi opened an inn. But quickly he started expanding the grounds. An amphitheater, spa, and swimming pool were built—turning the lonesome inn into the retreat Kushi dreamed it would become. The retreat was open to all, and any travelers taking the Arava Highway could easily stop and explore the unique destination. 

Today, Pundak 101 is open 24 hours. It offers restrooms, a restaurant, dated arcade games, sculptures, and most famously a small zoo. From guinea pigs to peacocks, this eccentric collection of animals is enough to spark any visitor's curiosity and make them feel as if they might be hallucinating from the heat.

Sadly, an electrical fire almost destroyed the reptile exhibit in recent years. But Kushi rebuilt and expanded the exhibit which still stands today, even adding newly built wooden cabins and a flower garden.

Visitors can pick up an ice cream, roam around at their leisure, and marvel at this strange site as long as they wish. One might even see the legend himself, as it is believed that Kushi still lives on the premises. 

Related Tags

Sculpture Gardens Sculptures Desert Art War Roadside Attractions Places To Stay

Know Before You Go

Kushi's Pundak 101 is located on the Arava Highway, close to the ancient Well of Rest, at the 101st kilometer in front of Petra and Mount Aharon (the biblical Mount).

Don't be afraid to wander around. Visitors may miss the zoo entirely if they do not walk through a gate (past a stationary firetruck) inside.

Community Contributors

Added By

yweiss1

Published

September 15, 2023

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  • https://www.beinharimtours.com/news/5-must-see-sights-in-israel-you-didnt-know-about/
  • http://www.chowgypsy.com/2012/10/kushi-pundak-101km-zoo.html
  • https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Blaze-destroys-Arava-landmark
Kushi's Pundak 101
Bir el Maliha
Israel
30.306892, 35.13534
Visit Website

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Israel

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