A lake is a natural component of the hydrosphere. As a rule, it does not have a drain; it has no access to the ocean. On planet Earth, lakes are unevenly distributed. Their location is influenced by the climate, which is considered the main one in determining the method of nutrition and the amount of evaporated water. Other factors related to the formation of depressions also play an important role.
As a rule, where the climate is humid, there are more natural reservoirs. In such places they are fresh and full-flowing. In dry areas, the lakes are endorheic, and there are much fewer of them. S alt waters are most often found here.
The lotus lake in the Volgograd region is located in a place where the first type of climate prevails. This reservoir is located in a natural park created on June 5, 2000. The area of this region is just over 1500 square meters. km. It is worth noting that every year the level of flood on the lake is quite large. The climate is mild and humid, compared with the steppe. Temperature fluctuations are alsosmall. However, it should be noted that dry periods still dominate. On some summer days, the thermometer mark often reaches 40 ° C. The annual rainfall is 320 mm. This indicator is considered normal for the dry-steppe-semi-desert zone.
Lotus as a symbol
Where is the lotus lake, you can find out below. This item is dedicated to the beautiful flower that makes this pond unique. What does the lotus symbolize?
This flower has been known for a long time. It is the symbol of Egypt. The flower represents beauty, purity, the desire for sunlight and light. Previously, the lotus meant the renewal of vitality and the rebirth of youth on a spiritual level. This is due to the legends of the Egyptians, who believed that the old god dies for only one purpose - to be born and become young again. If ever a person comes across a picture where the deceased holds a lotus flower, then he must understand that the author is primarily talking about resurrection and awakening.
According to other myths and legends, the lotus has become a symbol of fertility and flowering. In ancient times, the pharaoh's scepter was made in the shape of this flower, which stands on a long stem.
In India, the lotus is a symbol of creative power. He is considered the image that created the world. The inhabitants of this country believed that the Earth, like a flower, floats on the surface of a large ocean.
If we consider the religious sphere, then we must say that the lotus for Buddhists is a symbol of wisdom and spiritual revelation of man. In China thisthe flower became widespread long before it entered the life of every believer. For the inhabitants of a populous country, the lotus meant purity and chastity, and was also a symbol of fertility and productivity.
Egypt, India and China have become countries that have spread the lotus as a symbol far beyond their borders.
Distribution of the lotus on the planet
The distribution area of this lotus is quite extensive. It can be found in Australia, the Malay Archipelago and the island of Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Japan, Hindustan and Indochina, and also in China.
In Russia, only three places were previously known where such a lotus grows. We are talking about the shores of the Caspian Sea (in the Volga delta), in the Far East and in the Krasnodar Territory. More recently, a whole lake of lotuses has been discovered. Where?
The reservoir is located in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain, not far from the cities of Volgograd and Volzhskaya. Although the lake is not particularly large, it still evokes unusual emotions. Quite a lot of people come here, not only from the nearest settlements, but also from all over the country. Often tourists can be found in the period from August to September. After all, it is at this time that the lotus begins to bloom.
The main flower of the lake
What does the lotus lake (Volgograd) look like? The photo perfectly demonstrates all its charms. The stems of flowers are under water and have a powerful rhizome. Some leaves are also located under water. Their shape is scaly. Other leaves float on the surface or are raised high above it. As a rule, they are flat and round in shape andhave a funnel with a diameter of up to 60 cm.
Flowers are relatively large. Their diameter reaches 30 cm. The petals are usually pink or white. Having a straight pedicel, they rise above the water. Each plant turns in the direction from which the sun shines, so the flower easily changes its position. Many tourists who come to the floodplain pay attention to the fact that the lotus shimmers in the rays. This is due to the fact that the entire plant is covered with a wax coating. Thanks to this feature, water drops, like balls of mercury, roll from one sheet to another.
Climate area
As described above, the climate of this area is quite mild. Due to the fact that the weather conditions practically correspond to the Crimean ones, there is an opportunity to grow heat-loving crops such as grapes and corn.
The Lotus Lake (how to get there, you can read below) does not freeze in winter, as the temperature rarely drops below 0 °C. The peculiarities of this climate is that in December there can be a stable snow cover. If we consider the average temperatures of the coldest month, then sometimes the thermometer readings drop to -9 ° C. Severe frosts -30…-25 °С almost never happen.
How to get to the lake by yourself?
If you want to drive to the water body of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain (we are interested in the lotus lake, in particular) on your own in your own car, then you should find out the exactroad. The main task of the driver is to drive to the Krasnoslobodsk-Srednyaya Akhtuba highway. In order to do this, you need to find yourself in Volgograd. The city should be left along the new bridge and at the entrance to Krasnoslobodsk turn left. Next, you should get to the Volzhsky, and after it - to the Middle Akhtuba. Then you need to cross the bridge over the river and move straight ahead without turning.
When the driver sees the sign for Lebyazhya Polyana, he should turn off the road and drive about 4 km along a winding asph alt road. Then the driver must move past a small village where there is a shop. After that, he will see a bridge, and a fence will stretch to the right. It is necessary to pay attention to where the fence ends - there you can see a lake of lotuses. It is after this that you need to move off the road; the car can be left at the local parking.
Routes and excursions to the lake
If you do not have your own transport, then there is an opportunity to get to the lotus lake using one of two routes: No. 104 or No. 104-a.
If you wish, you can go on an excursion. Its duration is quite short, so it is perfect for busy people. Lotus Lake is popular due to the fact that such rare species of plants live only in it. The cost of the tour is quite small - 2 thousand rubles will be taken from one person. This is the maximum price. If two or more people register for the tour, the amount is divided between them. The walk around the area only lasts an hour and a half. At nine in the morning, departure from Volgograd is carried out, arrival - already in the afternoon(approximately 13:30-14:30).
Due to the fact that the lotus growing here is listed in the Red Book, you must be careful on the excursion so as not to damage the plants. The best time to visit this area is in August or early September. After all, it is during this period that lotuses begin to bloom. If a group of people who visited the lotus lake with a tour plans to continue their journey on their own, then you can adjust its time. However, this should be discussed with the administration.
As a rule, such walks are organized in the summer. In spring, winter and late autumn, this program is no longer relevant. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that this tour is not held every year. It is necessary to contact the organizers in order to find out all the details.
Reviews about the lake
If we analyze the reviews of tourists who have visited this area, then we can say that there are simply no minuses near the lake. True, some people complain that it is necessary to come either in the morning or in the afternoon, because by the evening the buds are already closed. Some note the presence of a small amount of debris.
People who have been here mention that the lake is located very close to Volgograd, the flora is really amazing, and they don’t take money for entering the territory. This is definitely a plus.
