Life is too short not to enjoy it to the full. Some people prefer clubs and pubs, others climbing mountains, the rest dancing and singing, a fourth group love exploring the nightlife, while there is also the fifth group of people whose one and only goal in life is traveling. Travelers also are divided into several types, those who are interested in mainly sacred sites, those who opt for the archaeological sites hoping to witness the archaeological findings as well as to contribute to the excavations, of course if they are being held, others love monuments and castles, and lastly those whose primary goal and concentration is directed to the natural sites.
Those who have been to Armenia, and those who have some idea of this country, all agree upon and claim one thing – Armenia is a mountainous country. But this said, it would be simply a sin, not to say that mountains are not the only the asset of Armenia and that it has many other natural wonders to brag about.
Parks and Forests – The truth is Armenia is not full of large parks. But quantity is not a primary thing when those few ones that can be found in this small Caucasian country provide a full quality. One of those parks is Dendropark, which was founded in 1933 by a Polish engineer. Don’t expect to see any animals in the park. It’s a park, where various species of plants, flowers and trees can be seen. Other than that, the park is a perfect place to relax and have a picnic among the enchanting spell of the flowers and trees. The best time to visit this park is the July to November period. It’s when the sun still warms up the park allowing the visitors to stroll around and enjoy the park in all its colors.
If you are an animal lover and would love to meet them at a closer distance, then Khosrov Forest State Reserve is the right place. It’s where visitors will simply be thrilled by the reserve’s fascinating and diverse flora and fauna. Being founded in the 4th century by Armenian King Khosrov Kotak, the reserve is currently under state ownership. The invertebrate fauna is represented by 1500 species, while the vertebrate by 283 species. Some of the animal species that will be a delight to the eyes are the Panthera pardus (Leopard), Capra aegagrus (Wild goat), Ovis gmelini (Mouflon or European Mouflon), Aegypius monachus (Cinereous Vulture), Neophron percnopterus (Egyptian vulture) and Buteo rufinus (Long-legged Buzzard).
Another worthy option is Dilijan National Park, where besides the fauna and the flora visitors can also see the monasteries of Goshavank, Jukhtak, Matosavank and Haghartsin, the Church of Akhnabat and of course enjoy the spectacular view of Clear Lake. The park’s flora includes oak, oriental beech, iris, orchids, cow parsnip and so on, while the fauna includes various types of reptiles (viper, Armenian and Dahl Lizards), amphibians (Lake frog, Green toad), fish (Trout, Barbel), birds (Bearded eagle, Caspian snowcock) and mammals (Red Deer, Fox, Wild cat, Badger).
Natural wonders – If you ask, nature is the most talented artist in the world; no human being can ever re-create or re-produce the colors it picks or the shapes it gives to its creations. Not many people would think that such a small country like Armenia would have a Devil’s Bridge. But it has and the bridge is now one of the primary tourist destinations. Up to this day no one is able to explain the geological processes in regard to the bridge, neither explain its formation. Further on, as you look around from Garni Temple you will see the Garni Canyon, which causes the feeling of infinity as you look down. If you love challenges, then Mozrov Cave should be your next venture. Nevertheless, that’s where you just can’t do without a guide, so consider that and also you need to be most attentive and careful.
Lakes, waterfalls, rivers – Once Armenian Kingdom, or it would even be better to say the Armenian Empire stretched from Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. That was during the reign of Armenian King Tigran the Great (95-66 BC). Unfortunately, just like every empire the history has seen, the Armenian Empire as well was not destined to survive, and presently Armenia has no access to the sea. This might appear a killjoy thing for most sea and water lovers who love swimming and lying in the sun, but as they say when one opportunity is lost, another one comes along. Lake Sevan – it’s one of the oldest and largest alpine lakes in the world. Perhaps, the best description of the lake was made by Russian dramatist Maxim Gorky, who described the lake as a piece of fallen blue sky. Just like the colors might appear different from different angles, so is the lake; depending on where you stand you will get different impressions of it.
There are many people who love waterfalls so much that just the idea of a waterfall can pull them to visit a country that possesses one. The feelings that waterfalls create as you stand in front of them or as you stand under them are peerless and beyond every comparison. The beautiful Waterfall of Shaki falling from 18 meters is not one of the biggest but it definitely is one of the most beautiful ones.
As to the rivers, the largest one is Araks. You can catch a glimpse of the river while visiting Khor Virap Monastery. Among other rivers are Akhurian, Vorotan, Hrazdan, Aghstev, Qasagh, Getik, Kura and so on.
Mountains – As already said, Armenia is a mountainous country. While the mountains might not be quite apparent in capital Yerevan, their presence is very well felt as you appear in an open area with no tall buildings around. It seems as if you are enclosed in them and at the same time a feeling of being protected occurs to you. They seem to be the guardians of the Armenian people and their homeland. Some of the mountains are Aragats, Azhdahak, Ara, Khustup, Porak and so on. The most beloved mountain of all Armenians is Mount Ararat, which is an Armenian mountain currently in the territory of Turkey. The popularity of this mountain greatly increased after remains of Noah’s Ark were found on it.
As a conclusion, Armenia’s natural sites are the right place to spend some valuable time that will fill your heart with incredible feelings and memorable moments.
