Do not know how to spend time in Sochi? Arboretum - this is what you need!

In summer in Sochi, nature staggers with its beauty, and sometimes there are not enough vacations to enjoy this riot of colors. But in the days of scorching heat, the arboretum in Sochi is very popular (in translation - the garden of plants). This park is unique, it contains a rich collection of subtropical flora and fauna.

History of the park

Founded in the XIX century (or rather, in 1892), the famous writer SN Khudekov, he initially occupied an area of 15 hectares. To date, this figure has tripled. It was the first park with a rich collection of exotic plants. Its founder, who traveled extensively, was an expert on subtropical vegetation. Therefore, in the territory, designed as Italian terraced parks, more than 400 plant species appeared that did not grow in Russia. This was facilitated by the hot climate of Sochi. The arboretum was opened in a place that in itself was picturesque, it was only possible to decorate it beautifully.

But the development of the park did not stop there, every year it was replenished with new flora from Germany, the Caucasus and tropical trees from different botanical gardens. All this beauty was supplemented by unique sculptures and vases made by the famous at that time A. Durard and P. Capellaro in the Paris workshops. The unique ensemble "Morning" represents several figures: "The Golden Cockerel", "The Shepherd Boy" and "Fisherman with the net". There are 17 such objects in the park, they are monuments of architecture and are protected by the state.

By the nineteenth century, in the free territory of the arboretum, peach gardens were divided and a villa built, which today, after reconstruction, is preparing to open doors for visitors.

In the early Soviet period, the park was nationalized and decayed, many plants died. Only by 1930 began work on its restoration. During the war there was a hospital here. In 1978, a ropeway with a length of more than 900 meters was launched.

Favorite family entertainment - funicular

The cable car in the arboretum of Sochi is one of the favorite attractions for tourists. And not for nothing, because the view from the hanging cab opens simply stunning. The entire resort area and the city blocks under you are revealed both in the palm of your hand, and further - the boundless sea, merging near the horizon with the Caucasus mountains, and the bright sky blue ...

When planning your walk through the park, be sure to consider that it occupies a large area (about 50 hectares), besides, and there is an arboretum in the mountainous area. Going uphill, to view all the beauties, especially in extreme heat, is very tiring. Therefore, it is better to go straight upstairs and start a leisurely journey down, along with the guide. The park-arboretum in Sochi is a real treasure chest filled with rare plants and beautiful animals.

Upper park

Now we will take a virtual walk through the park to decide exactly what next vacation will be spent in Sochi. Arboretum - this is the place, without visiting which the journey can not be considered finished. The funicular will take you to the highest point of the park. From here you can go to the grove of sequoia, because, going down below, you will not want to return to it. I want to give advice to future tourists: get a map, it is very conveniently shown the entire arboretum (Sochi). The official site provides an opportunity to print it free of charge or even download it to your phone.

Going lower, you get to a glade, very beautiful and green, and then go to the alley of mayors. Here, exotic palm trees grow, which in due time were planted by famous people who visited the park. Near each you can read the name of this person. A viewport is opened from the alley. On it you can stand endlessly, absorbing the surrounding beauty. Impressions here are no less than when climbing the cable car.

Enjoying the views, get down the stairs to the fountain "Fairy Tale" with a large statue of the Swan Princess. Next, you are waiting for the epic three roads: to the left - to the Chinese courtyard, to the right - to the aviary of ostriches, directly - to the stylized Japanese garden. The entrance to Australian birds is paid. Walking straight from the Japanese garden, you can look into an interesting cave with an artificial waterfall.

Going down below, visit the dacha "Hope" - this is a pretty beautiful old building, which fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape. At the edges of the villa framed by the ensemble "Morning" and the arbor of love. Nearby is the statue of "Dancer", glorifying the glory of the Russian ballet, and two pools with lotuses and water lilies.

Directly in front of the dacha are the fountains "Cupids" and "The Boy with the Fish", as well as two beautiful pavilions, which often host wedding photo sessions. Further the park is divided Kutuzovsky prospect, and on the underground passage you can get to its other part. As you can see, the arboretum of the city of Sochi is very rich in various expositions, so reserve yourself free time to take a leisurely walk.

Lower park

After the top half it may seem that nothing will surprise you. But no! The most interesting is yet to come. Almost at the entrance there is an exhibition pavilion, which shows a huge number of exotic plants. You can purchase the outgrowth of any of them.

Walking along the alley of magnolias, you will reach the sea aquarium. This is another pearl of the arboretum, since its volume is 150 cubic meters. And in its depths - the most interesting underwater inhabitants: moray eels, piranhas, stingrays, fish-clowns. Nearby is the exotarium, and you can admire exotic insects, reptiles and birds.

On the shady and cozy avenue you will reach the rosary. A lodging star will be not only the path, but also the fragrance of flowering plants. About 80 varieties of domestic and foreign selection pleases the eye, and the aroma is simply unforgettable. Tired after a long walk, relax in the gazebo by the pond, especially since it is very picturesque. Bamboo thickets, many waterfowl, cozy arbor - all this will make the finale of the walk unforgettable.

Vegetable world of arboretum

This is a real botanical garden: more than 2000 species of trees and shrubs, a huge number of flowers. To see the sprouting rare plants and get a full story about them, use the services of a guide, otherwise you risk not finding on the large territory many interesting views.

Here is a unique collection of pine trees, which many consider quite ordinary and familiar. Nevertheless, you can see more than 70 varieties of these useful trees. Thanks to them, the air in the park is magically clean. Oak sorcerers are represented by a wide exposition: there are about 60 of them, among them there is an evergreen cork variety. These are real long-livers, individual specimens crossed the boundary in 200 years.

Rarer plants include bamboo, cypress. Here, at home, you can admire the blossoming cherry blossom. The most exotic species arouse genuine interest among tourists, they are viewed with great enthusiasm by children: they are bread, strawberry, candy, soap, tulip and iron trees. Most of them you will not see anywhere else. Metasequoia, growing here, is the only relic species listed in the Red Book. The rest were only in the form of fossils.

And, of course, you can not forget about palm trees. They make an element of exoticism, for which they are so loved by visitors. They are collected here 24 species, a feature of all representatives are wide leaves with a pattern resembling spread fingers.

Each time of the year here is beautiful in its own way, life never leaves the arboretum. Sochi keeps its greenery and beauty in winter. Many plants (for example, magnolia) continue to bloom and under the flying snowflakes. And especially delicate palms for a cold period are hidden by special teplichkami.

These amazing animals

You will meet them everywhere: in specially designated enclosures and freely strolling through the park. Look at the ostriches and peacocks, because these majestic handsome men are not often met. By the way, birds are allowed to feed, which children will be very happy about.

A lot of waterfowl can be seen on the pond, at the bottom of the park. These are pelicans and storks, muskrats, porcupines and turtles. A true pleasure will be to watch the graceful swans, household geese and ducks. Often the latter stroll along the alleys along the pond, leading a brood of chicks. To wait for bad weather in the cold (fortunately, few) winter days, for all birds are equipped with warm enclosures.

Ticket prices

The price is quite democratic for a good rest. Entrance to the park will cost you 230 rubles. To ride a cable car (one way), you have to part with another 200 rubles. Guide services will cost 50 rubles, but you can save by purchasing a card for 20. Children under 7 years can be free of charge, and from 7 to 14 pay 50% of the ticket price. Visiting aviary with birds and aquarium, as well as numerous tents with drinks and treats requires additional costs.

Operating mode

We have already indicated enough reasons why we should visit the arboretum (Sochi). Opening hours depend on the time of the year. From November to March the winter regime is in effect: from 9.00 to 17.00. The rest of the time the park accepts all comers from 8.00 to 21.00. You will be a welcome guest every day, the park works without days off and lunch breaks (except for an aquarium).

Address and options for travel

The simplest (though not cheap) means is a taxi. Suffice it to say the address: Kurortny prospect, 74, or simply say that the purpose of your visit is a walk in Sochi (arboretum). How to get there, the driver knows himself. If you stopped near the spa town, you can go by train to the station, and then by bus or shuttle bus to the park.

Let's sum up the results

When choosing routes for summer holidays, do not forget about the pearl of the Krasnodar region - Sochi. Arboretum is one of the brightest and most memorable places of this resort. Taking a hike all day, you will get a lot of impressions, and the family album will be replenished with beautiful photos.