Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
“Dela: Tigrai’s Hidden Highland Jewel — Where Culture Breathes, Nature Whispers, and History Endures”
By Yemane Gedlu
Nestled in the emerald embrace of Tigrai’s southern highlands lies Dela, a timeless town perched within the historic Silwa district. With its gentle mountain air and a climate that dances between cool highland breezes and warm sunlit days, Dela is more than just a town — it’s a serene retreat for the soul and a living gallery of Tigrayan heritage.
Dela is a quiet marvel, often overlooked by the hurried traveler. But those who take the time to wander its hills, walk its stone-paved paths, and listen to its stories whispered by the wind soon discover a place that pulses with ancient rhythm and vibrant life. The land rolls in verdant waves of forests and farmlands, stitched together with winding trails, secret valleys, and dramatic cliffs that offer breathtaking views across Tigrai’s southern plateau.
What truly sets Dela apart is its authenticity. Here, culture isn’t displayed — it’s lived. From the rich oral traditions shared around evening fires to the joyous rhythms of kebero drums echoing through the hills during local festivals, Dela is alive with heritage. Its people are warm-hearted stewards of tradition, clad in colorful woven garments, proud of their language, music, and ancestral rituals that have stood resilient for generations.
But Dela doesn’t rest only in the past. The surrounding area offers untapped potential for eco-tourism and adventure. Towering rock formations, lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and ancient footpaths beckon the hiker, the naturalist, and the storyteller alike. The air is rich with the scent of wild herbs and the songs of birds — many of which are unique to this region.
For the mindful traveler seeking something pure and profound — not built but born — Dela is an awakening. It is a place where the past meets the present in quiet harmony, where the earth speaks in the language of beauty, and where every sunrise feels like a sacred painting unfolding across the sky.
Dela is not just a destination. It is a discovery.
