The Zhiguli Sea is a place worth visiting

Zhiguli Sea ... Have you ever heard of such a geographical object on the territory of the Russian Federation? As practice shows, not everyone can answer this question positively. And it's not about illiteracy. Most likely, there is nothing surprising in this at all, because many of us have come from the school bench to call this reservoir the Kuibyshev reservoir.

This article not only tells about this place, but also acquaints readers with its characteristic features and the history of creation, and the Zhigulevskoe Sea in fact is able to surprise.

Also for the most curious will be given interesting, but at the same time little-known facts.

Section 1. General description

Kuibyshev Reservoir, now known as the Zhiguli Sea, was established in 1955-1957. As a result of the construction of a hydroelectric power station in the valley of the Volga River near Stavropol, in a town called Zhiguli.

Initially, the main goal of the power plant was electricity generation. Initially, no one expected that a little more time would pass, and one of the largest reservoirs of the world with a length of more than 500 km, an area of a water mirror of 6,500 km2 and a colossal water volume of 58 km³ will appear on this site.

Geographically, the Zhigulevskoe Sea, which attracts hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers every year, reaches the valleys of Kama, Sviyaga, Kazanka and other rivers.

It should be noted that the creation of the reservoir has almost completely changed the local climate. So, to date, fluctuations in water levels range from 5 to 6 meters in Kazan, although before that it reached 10-11 meters. In addition, the microclimate of the terrain has become another, and numerous abrasions and landslides began.

Section 2. Is it necessary, the Zhiguli Sea?

Of course, with the onset of warm summer days, we all strive for at least a couple of days to escape to nature: to the ocean, the sea, the river or at the worst - to the lake. It is unlikely that anyone will deny the fact that the Zhigulevsky Sea rest provides a magnificent, as they say, for every taste and purse. But, unfortunately, there is a downside to the coin.

Since the foundation of the Kuibyshev reservoir, more than 55 years have passed, and scientists are not in a hurry to reassure the population of the Ulyanovsk region with good news.

During this time the region lost the corner of the Memorial, on the way to the water mass there were the regional philharmonic society and entire residential streets. Under the water took 30 settlements, 196 hectares of land, kilometers of railways and motorways.

As a result of the disaster, a special evaluation commission was created, designed to consider the conditions and opportunities for resettlement of local residents. Many of them refused to leave their homes, and they were forced to take them out of their homes. Soon after flooding of streets and roads coffins began to emerge. The cemeteries were blurred, and people still buried their relatives there.

In addition, the cultural values - the palace with the theater, formerly located in the village of Vinogradov - have disappeared. Arkhangelsk, boarding school, in which the children of noblemen studied, including Ivan Goncharov. The church went under the water.

Destructions continue with horrendous frequency.

Section 3. Fisheries

But not everything is so bad, of course, there are also positive moments. For example, since the appearance of the Kuibyshev reservoir on the Volga, the inhabitants of the local fauna have changed somewhat, and now the total number of fish species varies from 40 to 42. All these species are divided into 6 faunal complexes:

• Boreal-plain (pike, roach, ide, head, minnows, golden and silvery carp, perch, ruff, spike);
• Freshwater amphiboreal (pike perch, carp, sterlet, catfish);
• Pontic freshwater (bream, rudd, chehon, podost, asp);
• Arctic freshwater (smelt, vendace, burbot, peled);
• Pontic sea (goby-round, tulka, needle-fish, starry feast);
• Chinese plain (white cupids, gloves-rotan, white and motley silver carp).

However, fishing should be treated with caution in these places. Even in the recent past, scientists found a high content of zinc in fish. Species not only mutate, changing their appearance, but also can be dangerous for humans. For example, in 1996 in the waters near the city of Togliatti an analysis of local inhabitants was made and it was found that deviations were observed in 49.4% of fish.

Section 4. Favorite vacation spot

The train "Samara-Zhigulevskoe Sea" is in demand at any time of the year, and not only in the summer, as it might seem at first glance.

Of course, the history of the Kuibyshev reservoir is unhappy, but over time its lower part has been renamed into the Zhiguli Sea, and its expanses now attract many who want to have a good rest. The most popular recreation centers in the Republic of Tatarstan, namely in Laishevsky district.

A good example of local hospitality, cordiality, excellent service and a good location are the guest complex "Meeting place" and the recreation center "Kamsky prostory". Both bases are located in very picturesque places, where three rivers merge: Volga, Kama and Mesh. This territory is considered ideal for lovers of fishing, and for a cozy family holiday.

Especially for guests are offered in boat rental and the opportunity to invite an escort for excursions to particularly remote places. The Zhiguli Sea (Samara) is actually able to receive guests.

Section 5. Interesting and useful information

• The Kuibyshev reservoir covers the territories of two regions and three separate republics, namely, the Samara and Ulyanovsk regions, the Tatar, Mari and Chuvash republics.
• The water level in the sea can vary within 6 meters. Fishing is widely developed on the territory of the reservoir. They can enjoy in Kazan, Ulyanovsk, Cheboksary, Sengilee, Dimitrovgrad, Chistopol, Zelenodolsk, Volzhsk, Togliatti.
• Throughout the Kuibyshev reservoir there are numerous guest houses, medical centers, tourist bases, which led to an influx of lovers of a good and inexpensive rest.