The Lotus Valley in Astrakhan is a unique natural landmark. Lotuses in the Volga delta bloom for about two months a year. Usually the flowering period occurs in the second half of the summer.
In the Volga delta, on the territory of the Astrakhan region, there is an amazing place - the valley of lotuses. From late July to early September, lotuses have a flowering period. Usually, the largest number of blooming lotuses occurs in August, therefore in the second half of summer the Volga delta becomes the main natural attraction of Astrakhan.
Excursions to the Lotus Valley
Everyone can admire the blooming lotuses. Excursions to the valley are organized from Astrakhan and Volgograd. Excursion trips on motor ships and boats, which take place every day, are very popular among tourists. Motor ships leave from the Astrakhan Embankment, and the administration of the Astrakhan Nature Reserve organizes boat excursions. To order an excursion, you can contact the Department of the Reserve.
You can go to the lotus fields yourself. In the river delta there are sections to which there is a dirt road. Therefore, if you have your own car, it is not difficult to get to the valley. For example, by car you can reach the village of Krasny Buksir, located not far from Lebyazhya Polyana. The view of the lake opens directly from the road leading to the village.
It is better to go on an excursion in the early morning. Because the buds open at dawn and close after sunrise.
Lotus bloom
Each year, lotus flowers bloom during approximately the same period. The higher the air temperature in summer, the earlier the flowering begins. If the summer is hot, the buds may open at the end of June. In cooler weather, bud ripening lasts longer, so flowering may not begin until August.
The lotus itself blooms for only three days, after which its petals fall off. But since hundreds of thousands of these beautiful flowers grow in the Volga delta, and their buds do not open at the same time, you can admire the flowering for several weeks. In summer, every day, buds rise from the water and open their pink petals. Single flowering specimens are found even in October.
The Caspian lotus grows in the Astrakhan region. Its leaves do not float in the water, but rise above the water on thick stems. The total length of the stem can be up to two meters. Flowers reach a diameter of 10-15 cm. The total area of lotus fields in the Volga delta is several hundred hectares. Some fields are located on the territory of the reserve.
