Sea of rest: what to see in Tatarstan, except Kazan
Tatarstan is justifiably proud of its natural and cultural wealth: there is something unique here for adventurers and for those who dream of tranquility and a complete reboot from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tourism in Tatarstan is being actively and purposefully developed, new ecotropics and routes are being developed for travelers, comfortable recreation areas and stylish gastronomic spaces are being built. Izvestia together with the project "Media Intelligence.Tutu" found out what the tourist routes of Tatarstan look like, whether it is comfortable to spend the night in a yurt and where to try national specialties.
Blue Lakes and the Kama Sea
Tatarstan's guests most often open the republic with a visit to the capital, Kazan. In recent years, this city has rightfully gained the status of one of the most comfortable and modern in Russia. There are many cultural and gastronomic attractions, comfortable hotels and picturesque streets and embankments.
But to really see the nature of Tatarstan and appreciate the beauty of the republic, you need to go outside the city. Moreover, you won't have to make a long journey.
The Tatarstan Urban Development Institute has been improving the natural areas around Kazan for several years and creating new points of attraction for the curious and anyone who wants to explore the breathtaking expanses of the Volga and Kama Rivers.
One of the most picturesque places is the Blue lakes with clear refreshing spring water, which are located just 20 km from Kazan, near the village of Shcherbakovo.
These are karst sinkholes that filled with water about 200 years ago. Their temperature all year round is an invigorating 4-5 °C, and due to its healing properties, bathing in a pond gives a noticeable balneological effect.
The territory has been considered a nature reserve for more than 30 years, but more recently it has gained a second life. The space has been landscaped: you can sit on benches by the water and listen to birds, you can comfortably change clothes and plunge into the invigorating water, and then warm up with a cup of fragrant Tatar tea with herbs or coffee. A curious fact: red book moss grows in the waters of the Blue Lakes, it looks like small Christmas trees.
There are information centers in all well-maintained areas, where you can not only get a detailed route and sound recommendations, but also relax or purchase branded merch "natural science", dedicated to the unique animals of the region.
There is a boat station near the Blue Lakes where you can rent a boat and ride on the river next to the lakes.
A trip to the Kama Sea, one of the three largest reservoirs in the world, will be no less exciting. The width of the Kama River here is about 42 km, so the river here really looks endless, like the sea. The landscaped beach of the Kuibyshev reservoir near the White Mountains shopping mall. The bathing season lasts from the first days of June to the end of August.
Most recently, the territory was cleaned and beautifully decorated, now there are neat decking, a comfortable food area and still gentle water.
Moviegoers will be interested to take a look at the Semruk film village in Laishevo, located two steps away: the famous film "Zuleikha Opens her Eyes" based on the book by Guzel Yakhina was shot here.
After the filming was completed, it was decided not to dismantle the scenery, but to arrange a small museum on the picturesque high shore of the Kama Sea. The audio guide, which can be taken at the information center, will remind you of the main character's story and help you navigate the area. The location is part of the Belye Gory shopping mall and is a winner in the All-Russian competition "Small Towns and Historical Settlements".
The site will also be interesting for those who want to celebrate a landmark event with catering with a beautiful view and a delicious menu. She is being prepared for later life by setting up a permanent cafe and hotel.
But perhaps the most grandiose discovery for travelers of the republic will be the Volga trail in the area of the Kama Estuary — here, from Mount Lobach, you can watch from a bird's-eye view how the Volga and Kama merge. Moving a little to the side, you can also look at the geographical center of the Volga and how it turns 90 degrees and changes its course.
The idea of the Volga Trail, a kind of terrancourt or even an eco—resort with panoramic views, was realized and made accessible to everyone quite recently. Local historian Timur Tsiunchuk was the first to pay attention to the route.
This is 350 km of well-maintained trails through forests and fields along the right bank of the Volga River from the borders with the Ulyanovsk region to the Chuvash Republic with an additional segment in Kazan. The route connects five municipal districts, more than 100 cultural heritage sites and 26 specially protected natural territories, and most importantly, it allows you to breathe in the fresh air of flowers and herbs, admire the turns of the river and test yourself a little.
It is not necessary to walk the entire route from the beginning to the end at one time: it can be started or completed near each village along the trail. This allows you to safely go for a walk not only for prepared tourists, but also for families with children, as well as older people. You can start the journey from Kapitanov Square in the village of Verkhny Uslon. It is curious that Catherine II, Radishchev and Herzen visited these parts in different years. And in 2023, travelers Tim Apelov and Roman Starov cycled the entire route in 11 days and made a film about it, "The Volga Trail: not only on foot!"
On the other side there is the Yuriev cave with real stalactites and stalagmites and the Yuriev gypsum quarries, which you can walk through both with the guides of the information center and on your own. This is the only open and longest natural cave in the Middle Volga region. Tourists like to look into the Grotto of Rains and the Baboon Hall, which are picturesque spaces inside it.
In order to make the trip to the cave and quarries exciting, the guides outlined the excursion program in the form of a quest in which you need to look for clues and act together. You can also rent ATVs at the information center and explore the surrounding area.
If you find yourself there, then take a look at the Ivan Kanishnikov House Museum. Paleontological stand (dinosaurs lived in Tatarstan!) It is adjacent to a corner dedicated to the life of merchant Russia, as it was 150 years ago. A separate room is dedicated to the amazing fate of Kanishnikov and his wife: their story will make many people think.
Glamping near Kazan
The glamping method, which seemed unusual until recently, is actively developing and is becoming increasingly popular among Russians.
In the Republic of Tatarstan, the trend is actively supported: all year round, you can find accommodation in luxury yurts, like at Yurt Resort, in various barnhouses, like at Urman Camp, in an ordinary comfortable house, like at Forest and River, or you can even settle in a tree house, like at the Utrow country club.
Each glamping has baths and pools so that guests can relax body and soul. Moreover, at Yurt Resort you can arrange an unforgettable aroma massage with rare types of oils, and then play transformational games. Glamping is muslim-friendly, each room has everything you need for prayer.
And Urman Camp went further, installing vats with hot water and herbs on the veranda of each barn. Swimming with a view of the forest and listening to birds singing or a melody from a vinyl record is another local find that all guests will remember for a long time. No wonder people come here again and again.
"Morning" is perhaps the most massive glamping. For living, you can choose houses of different shapes — from ordinary barns and spheres to plums and even tree houses — as well as get to the local Maldives, a separate island with snow—white sand. There is a lake nearby where you can watch the picturesque sunrises and sunsets.
"Forest and River" boasts a unique activity: catamaran rafting along the picturesque Kazanka River surrounded by trees. And in the evening, a real pioneer bonfire will be lit here.
What to try in Tatarstan: unusual delicacies
Tatar cuisine has long been a favorite in Russia. But it is at home, in Tatarstan, that it is prepared especially carefully. For example, at Yurt Resort you can try the amazing zur belish in a tradition that has been developing for many years. First comes the most delicate filling, then the "lid" and only then the "bottom", after which comes complete peace.
There is also a special soup for guests — Kunak (from the word "guest") — it is prepared from several types of meat and is designed to help a visitor quickly replenish his strength from the road.
Did you know that chuck Chuck has an "older brother" — "baursak"? This is also a dessert made of dough and honey, but cut more coarsely. There is also a version of the Turkish pishmaniyeh called talkysh-kaleve. In short, the cuisine of Tatarstan may well be the reason for a separate trip to this hospitable republic.
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