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Ismailia Governorate: The City of Beauty and Enchantment

Explore Ismailia Governorate: A blend of history, nature, and culture on the Suez Canal, offering gardens, museums, and serene lakeside escapes.

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Ismailia Governorate, known as the 'City of Beauty and Enchantment', is a unique Egyptian destination on the Suez Canal. Founded in 1863 during the canal's construction, it boasts lush gardens, historical sites, and delicious seafood. It offers a tranquil escape with a blend of history and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Ismailia Governorate

Local tips

  • Visit during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for comfortable temperatures and less rain.
  • Try local dishes like fresh grilled fish from Lake Timsah and traditional Egyptian cuisine.
  • Take a boat tour on the Suez Canal to witness this marvel of engineering.
  • Explore the Ismailia Museum to see artifacts from Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman times.
  • Enjoy water sports such as boating and windsurfing on Lake Timsah.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Cairo, you can take a direct bus to Ismailia. East Delta Travel operates buses from Cairo to Ismailia three times a day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around $2. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cairo to Ismailia, which departs every 4 hours. The train journey takes about 2 hours and 53 minutes and costs between $1 and $24.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Cairo to Ismailia takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The cost ranges from $81 to $190. Taxis offer a direct and comfortable option for reaching Ismailia.

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Discover more about Ismailia Governorate

Ismailia Governorate, often called the 'City of Beauty and Enchantment', is a captivating region in northeastern Egypt, strategically located on the banks of the Suez Canal. Established in 1863 during the construction of the Suez Canal, the city was named after Khedive Ismail Pasha, who oversaw Egypt during this transformative period. Ismailia offers a unique blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers. The governorate is characterized by its well-organized streets, numerous gardens, and a distinct European architectural style, a legacy of its founding as a base for European engineers and laborers working on the canal. The city is divided into two sections: the French area, once home to French, English, and Greek communities, and the Arab neighborhood. Key attractions include Lake Timsah (Crocodile Lake), a picturesque natural lake perfect for swimming, boat rides, and relaxation. The Ismailia Museum houses over 4,000 artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman eras. Visitors can also explore the Suez Canal's history at the Suez Canal Authority Museum and take tours of the canal itself. The governorate is also known for its mangoes, strawberries, and seafood. Ismailia played a significant role in modern Egyptian history, including British suppression of an uprising in 1952, which led to the Egyptian Revolution. From 1967 to 1970, it was a war zone, but it has since been rebuilt and has returned to prosperity. Today, Ismailia is a vibrant city and a key economic hub, with industries in shipping, logistics, trade, and agriculture.

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