Khvalynsky National Park
Khvalynsky is a national park in the Saratov region near the city of Khvalynsk. Initially, the park's territory was 255 km2, but in 2004 the protected area was increased and currently the area of the national park is 1,404 km2.
The main task of the national park is ecological tourism, protection and scientific research of the biological diversity of the park and archaeological sites. Khvalynsky is home to such historical and cultural sites as ancient settlements, burial grounds, ancient settlements, and the Monk's Cave. Some settlements and burial grounds were founded as early as 6-4 thousand years BC.
The relief of the park is hilly with numerous ravines and small mountains: Kalka (285 m), Tashi (309 m), Mordovian bump (267 m), Belenka (345 m). The peaks of the mountains are covered with forest, which hides many animals, including those listed in the Red Book. In total, 53 species of mammals and 15 species of reptiles have been registered in the park. Among them: foxes, wolves, martens, hares, lynxes, wild boars, moose, badgers, ground squirrels. Of even greater interest is the park's avifauna, which includes over 150 species of birds. You can learn more about the animal world by booking a suitable guided tour. The cost of the tour per person is quite small. For an additional fee, you can arrange horseback riding tours accompanied by a park employee. Also, some of the animals found in the park can be seen in the Teremok aviary, and you can also feed the animals by hand.
The flora of the park includes almost a thousand species of plants and trees. The forests are mainly dominated by pines, to a lesser extent there are oaks and linden trees. 21 plants growing in the Khvalynsky National Park are listed in the Red Book.
