In the Volga-Kama Reserve, located in the Republic of Tatarstan, unique natural complexes of the middle Volga region are preserved. Saralinsky site of the reserve is located in the zone of broadleaved woodlands, on the shore of the Kuibyshev reservoir. Here the river Kama flows into the great Volga. A light gauze over the reservoir makes it vast. Even from the high Volga cliffs one can not see the opposite banks. Here, on the steep banks, the steppe does not surrender its positions to the forest. Bush-steppe cherry trees surrounded by feather grasses firmly scramble the slopes and keep the defense for centuries. The main attraction of local places is the white-tailed eagle, a species listed in the International Red Book. High above the Volga you can simultaneously observe up to a dozen majestic beautiful birds circling in the sky. From specially equipped hide visitors watch the eagles, admire the flights of gulls, terns, kites and many other birds. If you are lucky, you can watch the moose and boas swim across the waterway, see beavers and even a raccoon dog. Give your family the opportunity to come into contact with the world of wild nature of the middle Volga. The Volga-Kama Reserve is part of the UNESCO International System of Biosphere Reserves.
The best time for visit is May-November.
What to see: Arboretum, Museum of Nature, visit-center Zapovedny Teremok, Raifa lake and The Virgin Monastery of Raifa of the XVII century.
How to get to: The Raifa reserve area is located in Zelenodolsky district of Tatarstan, 25 km west of Kazan, Saralinsky area is in Laishevsky district, 60 km south of the capital of the Republic. You can get here from Kazan by car through Gorkovskoye highway along the A-295 road before turning to Raifa and then on the road through the forest reserve to the village Sadovy. Buses No. 552 Kazan-Kulbashi and No. 554 Kazan-Bishnya departing from the station Kazan-2 (metro station Severny station) to the stop Sadovy village.