If are a fan of nature getaways, then next choice of your travel destination should fall on the South of Azerbaijan to the fascinating Lankaran, Lerik and Astara. This is a land of hot springs, nature reserves and the majestic Talysh Mountains.
Bordered by the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains, the Lankaran region’s flora and fauna is diverse and eye-catching. The region is blessed by being home to two wonderful natural resorts – the Gizil Aghaj Reserve and the Hirkan National Park- that offer a surprising variety of landscapes for such a small area. The Gizil Aghaj reserve on the Caspian coast just north of Lankaran city is home to a multitude of water birds, including gorgeous flamingos which migrate here from Africa each winter.
Meanwhile, the vast Hirkan National Park spreads throughout the Lankaran and Astara regions. It’s a botanist’s paradise with diverse flora, being home to a huge variety of trees, including ancient iron trees that survived the last ice age. There are over a dozen marked routes offering great hiking opportunities, some with lunch stops and tea breaks along the way in cosy local villages.
scenIc and IncredIbly beautIful vIews
The diverse views of dramatic mountains, calm seaside, ancient forests and subtropics in this region will mesmerise you. Walking on the seaside of the Caspian sea will give a totally different experience compared to the one in Baku as sand here is in black colour and has therapeutic effect. Another location that has to be truly on your to-do list in Lankaran is Khanbulan lake which has scenic and incredibly beautiful views. A lake is surrounded by iron tree forests which change their colours throughout the seasons. If the weather allows, you can stop for a picnic or drink tea at a small tea house next to the lake.
also famous for theIr thermal water sprIngS
Several villages in the Lankaran region to the south of the country are also famous for their thermal water springs, with several sanatoriums offering relaxing and therapeutic baths of the hot, mineral-rich water flowing naturally from underground. This subtropical zone is also Azerbaijan’s production centre of citrus fruits, black tea and brown rice, which grow easily in the fertile soil, enriched by the abundance of rain in the region. If you visit in autumn, you’ll find local orchards with aromatic lemons, mandarins, kiwis, feijoa, loquats and kumquats.
A UNIQUE LOCAL CUISINE EXPERIENCE
Lankaran is where tea was first grown in Azerbaijan back in the early 20th century. Also, the country’s first tea factory opened here in 1937. Tea has since turned into a local symbol of the southeast region with its numerous tea plantations. One of them, Yashil Chay in the village of Istisu, offers tours with tea leaf gathering and tea-making masterclasses. Lankaran is very rich in its offerings of delicious fruits, tea and many national dishes. The local cuisine is unique and will satisfy your taste buds. Don’t leave without trying dishes like fish lavangi or parcha-dosheme plov and enjoy endless cups of freshly grown Azerbaijani tea.
