The Kalmyk Republic is located next to the desert lands located in the Astrakhan region, as well as fields in the Stavropol region. If we look at the map of the country, its outlines are like a horse standing on its hind legs. This is a kind of symbol of nomadic peoples living in the territory of the republic, who have been accustomed to the saddle for a long time.
So, why is this republic so remarkable? You will be surprised how many impressions Kalmykia will bring to you, the sights of which are described in our article today.
Edge nature
If we talk about the natural monuments of the republic in question, we can not say about the Sarpinsky lakes, which once arose from the old women of the Volga River. The largest are considered to be Sarpu and Tsatsu, but even they are fully filled only in the spring, and often they can be seen drying up in the summer, in the heat. Notable are the Baer hillocks, which are located in the steppe. The Caspian lowland is famous for its elongated hills that have the same regular shape. Kalmykia, whose sights are quite diverse, is also known for its Yalshatinsky salt lake. The mud from this reservoir is therapeutic and surpasses other similar ones in its properties, despite the fact that they are even more famous.
Attractions Elista
The capital of the republic is a modern city in which traditions are not forgotten. Arriving here, you can feel the atmosphere, which speaks of what Kalmykia is. Sights of Elista are associated with famous people who lived there, as well as the religious and cultural life of the region. The main Kalmyk Christian temple is located in the city - this is the Kazan Cathedral.
In addition, the Stupa of enlightenment is considered to be known. This is a cult Buddhist building with many relics of the region, which are appreciated by Buddhists. The city also has the Cathedral of the Kazan Mother of God Elistinskaya.
In addition to religious buildings, in Elista you will find a house-museum, in which the famous poet of the republic David Nikitich Kugultinov previously lived.
If you are a chess player, then you will like another city location. For the Olympics in this sport in Elista built a rather original attraction. This is the Chess City, which attracts many tourists coming to Kalmykia.
"Black lands"
A noteworthy place for visiting travelers is the Black Lands Nature Reserve. It was founded over twenty ice ago in order to study the steppe, semi-desert and desert landscape, as well as breed saigas.
Many are interested in why the reserve has such a name. This is due to the fact that snow fell infrequently in this place, because from the height it looked something like a black hole. Even after the return of snow, it was considered that the reserve would still be called the same.
In this place there is a famous lake called Manych-Gudilo, near which birds nest. If you are interested in Kalmykia, the sights of the region are waiting for their visitors, including nature reserves.
Buddhist culture
Another natural attraction of the region is the lotus field, which grows in large quantities in the area adjacent to the Caspian Sea. This plant is a traditional symbol of Buddhists, and Kalmyks are considered to be the largest Buddhist people in Europe. In order for the golden abode of Buddha Shakyamuni to be consecrated, the Dalai Lama himself was invited here. This place is considered the most significant Buddhist temple in the whole of Europe, and in particular Kalmykia. This location is definitely worth a look at it.
The golden monastery of Shakyamuni Buddha is a real relic for Buddhists, for residents of Elista, where it is located, and the whole region. You can see this temple from anywhere in the city.
In addition to the monastery, in Elista there is also a monument to the golden gate Altn Bosch, which for tourists is an exotic religious and cultural attraction. All residents of the republic recognize her. The gates were installed in the nineties, and they illustrate what the history of the Kalmyk people was like.