Highlights Around Egirdir, Isparta,Lake District, Turkey,Europe
Kovada Lake & National Park
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The most notable asset of the Kovada Lake National Park is its natural
resources that offer vast opportunities for recreation. 9 km in length,
the lake's circumference is 20, 6 km. The lake, which is quite shallow,
is about 6-7m in depth. Sediment in the water gives the lake its green
colour and hinders the vision beneath 1.5 m. The lake rests at 900 m
above sea level. The erosion of limestone and folding of the earth’s
crust by tectonic effects account for the formation of Kovada Lake.
Karstic topography created by the erosion of limestone is quite
apparent. Being a natural southward extension of Lake Egirdir, Kovada
Lake acquired its present form when the narrow valley between the two
lakes drained and turned into land. Today these two lakes are linked by
a channel. Among the tree species growing in the National Park are red
pine, black pine, common oak, European oak, Turkey oak, ailanthus,
juniper; among the bushes that are typical of marquis vegetation are;
hath, nettle tree, wild olive tree, jasmine box, myrtle, pistachio,
common meddler, hawthorn, mountain meddler, raspberry, dog rose, bay,
bead tree and Jerusalem thorn.
In Kovada Lake there are carp, fresh-water bass and lobster. Unchecked
and illegal hunting has led to the decline in the diverse and rich
wildlife in the area. Wild boars, stone martens, meddlers, foxes,
rabbits, tree squirrels are the principal wild animals that are found in
the vicinity of Kovada. Among the bird species are wild ducks, geese,
and ruddy woodcocks. For those interested in karstic morphology and the
virgin nature, the area offers a wealth of exploration. Visitors can
camp or stroll through the park and enjoy the lovely scenery. It also
offers pleasant opportunities for mountain climbing.
Getting There
South from Egirdir a quiet road follows a wide, flat-bottomed valley
planted with apple orchards and carpeted with wildflowers in spring. To
the west pine-forest slopes rise to the bare summit triangle of Davras
Mountain(2635m) and 35 km. after leaving town the road reaches the
Kovada Golu Milli Parki. A small, rarely visited national park
encompassing some beautiful stands of mature pine, oriental plain and
oak, it’s a haven for birds, insects (particularly butterflies) and some
large mammals including wild boar and, supposedly wolves and bears.
There’s a camp ground near the park entrance, though a lack of public
transport and the quietness of the roads means reaching the park without
your own transport is difficult.
Isparta
- Akpinar - Cave
of Zindan - Pinar Gozu Cave - Kovada
Lake - Candir Canyon - Unkown
Valley - Kasnak Forest -
Adada Ruins – Sagalassos
- Yalvac (Pisidia Antiochia) -
Barla