(Source: http://cadmian.ru/nacionalnyj-park-yugyd-va)

The  “Khvalynsky” National Park has existed since 1994, when the total protected area of 25 thousand hectares of forest embraced the three forest districts in the vicinity of Khvalynsk. This is a very beautiful area and the most elevated place in Saratov Oblast: Khvalynskie mountains, hills and hollows, chalk outcrops on the slopes, forests, a wide variety of plants, animals, birds and, of course, the Volga River. 

The territory of the national park is divided into three zones with different regimes: the protected one, the recreational one and the economic one. Khvalynsky Park includes three special natural monuments: the mountain area of the picturesque Chalk Mountain Belenkaya, the fragment of the park of Vorontsovs-Dashkovs and Khvalynskie springs. Twelve nature trails have been prepared for tourists, so these places are ideal for a relaxing, moderately active family weekend rest in the open air. The route can be selected independently, you may as well go through one of the trails with a guide.

Landscapes and nature impressions on all routes are almost similar, but the tours are different - from the geological to religious. In addition to trail hiking, the National Park can arrange a “Khvalinskoe safari” for you by prior request, which is really a tour on quad bikes. More than fifty species of mammals live in the National Park, including those from the Red Book, such as the famous Russian desman. However, a tourist shouldn’t hope for a chance encounter with a desman or even a more widespreadanimal in the middle of the forest. It is better to visit the captive farm “Teremok” which has recently been established in the park. “Teremok” is a house for deer, wolves, camels, owls, raccoons, otters, peacocks and other forest animals. 

Some of the animals are brought here by the visitors of the National Park, if they find unhealthy or injured animals in the forest and on the roads. The staff of the Reserve nurses the “patients”, and then, if possible, set them free back into the wild. In 2011 the “Khvalynsky” National Park was adjoined by the huge “Saratov” Reserve with the area of 440 square kilometers in Fedorovsky District of Saratov Oblast, at the source of the Eruslan River. 

Natural Trails 

12 nature trails have been prepared in the National Park: a geological trail, a historical trail, a trail dedicated to plants and animals of the reserve, a “religious” trail (with a sacred spring and a chapel) and even a “children’s trail” guided by the school students.

A walk along the path usually lasts about three hours. The “Khvalynsky” National Park is a great place to leave the city for a day, take a walk and relax. But you should prepare for such a day in advance: at least, take the food, because there is no food service in the reserve. There’s only a tea house on the territory of the tourist complex “Solnechnaya Polyana” (“Sunny Meadow”), where you will be served fragrant herbal tea, but the snacks will be your own responsibility. Going to toilet will also be a problem. You can have a rest on the territory of the tourist complex “Solnechnaya Polyana” for 10 roubles per person (a parking place costs 20 roubles). 

There is a museum of peasant’s everyday life “Derevenskoe Podvorye” (“Village Farmstead”), a chapel, a sacred spring, a font, a bike trail, and ski trails with cross-country ski rental in winter. As for accommodation, you can stay in the guest house with two rooms and a total of six beds designed for family living. Parking, kitchen, toilet and shower are included. The cost is 600 roubles per person. Applications must be submitted in advance by the telephone: +7 (919) 823-53-02. Russian bathhouse with a bath besom may be ordered by the telephone: +7 (917) 218-04-67.