In the Krasnodar Territory there is an amazingly beautiful corner of wildlife called the lotus valley. Hundreds of tourists flock here every year to enjoy the beautiful pink flower. Surely many are wondering how the lotus valley was created in the Kuban?
A bit of history
This paradise, located in the Akhtanizovsky estuary near the villages of Golubitskaya, Peresyp and Starotitarovskaya, was formed gradually.
Back in the late 30s of the last century, the scientist S.K. Troitsky was the first to try to plant an exotic Indian plant in the Krasnodar Territory, using the seeds of the Astrakhan region for this. However, only after two decades of painstaking selection work, in the 60s of the twentieth century, the experiment ended successfully. And all thanks to the efforts of the scientist A. G. Shekhov. It was he who was able to cultivate a flower in the delta of the Kuban River. Twenty years later, in the Akhtezian estuary, near the city of Anapa, a lotus valley appeared.
When to travel
It should be noted that if you want to enjoy the sight of blooming lotuses, then you need to come to the Akhtezian estuary from mid-July to early August, although it all depends on air temperature: it also happens that the flowering lasts until the beginning of autumn.
What is a lotus valley
It must be emphasized that the lotus valley occupies an area of 2 km 2 at the place where the Kazachiy Yerik river connects with the Akhtanizovsky estuary. The latter extends over a distance of 150 km 2 .
Of course, a truly picturesque place - the valley of lotuses. How to get to her? Surely this question haunts a huge number of travelers.
In fairness, it should be said that this can not be done by land: the only way is to rent a boat or motor boat and sail along the Kazachiy Yerik River, whose depth is 20 m and its length is about 32 km. Of course, many will be interested to know that this ecosystem was created artificially, so the inhabitants of the flora and fauna here are familiar to us: snakes, turtles, herons, gulls, eagles and even pelicans. These places are deservedly called the "Kuban Jungle."
Beginner tourists will find it very useful to know that the lotus valley in the Krasnodar Territory is not the only place in our country where this exotic flower grows. There are also lotus plantations in the Astrakhan region and the Far East.
Excursions
Of course, getting to the destination “Lotus Valley” in the Akhtanizovsky estuary is easier with sightseeing tours. Their cost is quite acceptable for a person with an average income. The average price of a trip to the lotus valley is 2,000 rubles. It includes travel, a walk to the destination and passage to the territory of the "Island of Health". For an additional fee, you can fish and taste wines.
Picturesque places of Taman
Currently, a whole arsenal of travel companies offer trips to the lotus valley. For example, you can choose a small farm located on the coast of Cossack Erik as the starting point. Nearby is the famous hill called “Oak Market”.
Experts believe that this is an unformed mud volcano. Here during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the slave trade was carried out, which is why the territory was called the market, and the adjective “oak” was assigned to this place because oak trees grew here. In addition to these massive trees, a huge abundance of medicinal herbs grows around, of which there are more than a hundred species. The world of flora and fauna is rich and amazing in this natural zone. Many plants, such as mulberry, viburnum, acacia and others, are listed in the Red Book.
In the local dining room, tourists can enjoy savory dishes of fresh fish. The fact is that in the Cossack Yerik River pikes, catfish, pike perches, rams, perches and so on float in a huge amount. Each tourist can independently try their luck at fishing in these places. The fish you catch will be cooked right there.
After a hearty lunch, travelers go to the docks and rent boats to get to the lotus valley.
The distance from the Oak Market to the destination can be covered in 20-40 minutes. It all depends on the speed of the floating vessel. On average, the Anapa: Lotus Valley excursion lasts about 5 hours. Optionally choose morning excursions. As already emphasized, each travel agency has its own route. Some tours include wine tasting after a trip to the Lotus Valley, others include visits to watermelon or melon fields. Some tour operators combine admiring lotus flowers with swimming in the Sea of Azov, so the duration of such an excursion is about 9 hours.
In the valley of lotuses, tourists are usually no more than half an hour. This time is enough to capture these picturesque places of beauty on a camera or camcorder, as well as swim surrounded by lotuses and water lilies.
How to get there on your own
Of course, every Russian should at least once in his life see the earthly Eden called "Valley of the lotuses." "How to get to this miracle of nature by car?" - ask motorists and all those who prefer to relax "savages."
Yes, of course, you can do without tourist packages and go to the lotus valley on your own "iron horse". To do this, you need to get to the resort city of Anapa. Then the route will run along the Temryuk – Strelka highway. When you reach the bridge that is laid across the Kazachiy Yerik river, you need to turn to the exit and continue driving, following the signs of the Lotus, right up to the pier, where there are swimming vessels.
Train lovers can take a train ticket to the village of Dzhemete.
If you want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, because you are tired of spending many hours traveling on roads, you can use the air service by taking a ticket to Anapa. Further access is not difficult.
Undoubtedly, the valley of lotuses in the Krasnodar Territory is a real paradise for tourists. Do not disregard it!