Mari El is considered one of the most ecologically clean regions of Russia. Here you will find pristine nature, amazing traditions of the original Mari people and national cuisine including gifts of nature: game, fish, mushrooms, herbs and berries. If you live in Kazan, then bus tours to Yoshkar-Ola from the tour operator Kazan360 are available to you. This is a comfortable travel format with visits to all tourist attractions of the Mari capital.

Iconic places of Yoshkar-Ola

In the capital of Mari El, as in any ancient city of Russia, there are many memorable and iconic places:

• The historical center of the city. The main architectural masterpieces are located on the narrow streets of the old center: the Kremlin, fountains, a dynamic "Clock with a donkey", the national gallery with a Tsar Cannon.
• The Mari ethnic village. Craftsmen of folk crafts work here, you can buy souvenirs and quite useful things in everyday life. An authentic atmosphere has been recreated in the ethnic village, allowing you to plunge into the ancient traditions of the Mari people.
• Eco-farm and cheese factory. Here you will learn the secrets of caring for pets, the tradition of cheese making and, of course, enjoy the taste of local cheeses.

Traveling around Yoshkar-Ola, be sure to taste the local cuisine: puff pastry pancakes koman-melna, boiled sausage – sokta, shangi, peremechi, rich soups from the oven.

What to see in the Republic of Mari El

The main natural attraction is the Mari Chodr National Park. It includes three natural zones: coniferous and deciduous forest, taiga and forest-steppe. There are many hiking trails in the park. One of them leads to the "Rock of Desires". There is also a large forest lake, where locals like to come for a beach holiday, there are mineral and mud springs.

The main place of power is the Nolkin caves and the surrounding area. According to legend, the spirit of Kamai used to live in the mountains. He left when people started making tunnels and quarrying stone. But despite this, the locals still bring him offerings. You can see the candies and coins left so that the spirit does not complicate the hike. The tunnels are not closed, but it is not recommended to visit them, there is a danger of collapses. Inside the caves are stalactites and stalagmites, bat nests.

The holy place of the republic is the holy spring of the Kazan Mother of God. It is located near the village of Vizimbir and the Kamennaya Gora nature reserve with relict pines. This region is so beautiful that it is compared to Switzerland. It is similar to the landscape, consisting of hills and forests, as well as crystal clear, healing air.

The mystical attraction is the "Sea Eye". This is a round lake on the slope of Shadrinskaya Mountain. A deep reservoir with crystal clear water was formed in a sinkhole. From time to time, the water completely drains out of it, and the bottom dries up. During the filling period, the depth of the lake reaches 38 meters.

Source: Kazan360 travel company, organizer of bus tours to Yoshkar-Ola.