Taukliman Reserve

Taukliman Nature Reserve is located in close vicinity of Rusalka resort, about 6 km northeast of Kaliakra cape, 15 km east of Kavarna, 60 km northeast of Varna and around 530 km from Sofia in the same direction.

In its southwestern part is located a salt lake, called by locals Nanevska Tuzla.

The name Taukliman means "birds bay" in Turkish and is associated with the migratory birds route Via Pontica.

The bay is a typical landslide with length of about 4 km, formed between the edge of the Dobrudzhansko plateau and the coast. The limestone rocks, crashed in several places have slipped over a deep located layer of clay sloping to the east and northeast. As a result four tiered terraces (sliding feet) have formed, separated from each other by almost vertical slopes.

The lake lies in the lowest terrace and is being fed it by spring waters. Its area is 0.1 sq m and the salinity is from 2.3 to 87 ‰. The bottom of the lake is covered with healing hydrogen sulphide silt (firth mud).

The caves

The area around the lake is very picturesque. High rocks gleam on lush vegetation background. The heads of the low-stemmed trees and shrubs hornbeam, cornel-tree, hazelbush, etc. are intertwined with wild vines and beard. Between the terraces are visible openings of caves, some of them on the beach. There are remains of ancient and medieval villages, parts of late antiquity fort, a Byzantine fortress from the V century and a large number of circular stone structures (sharap-tashi) used for making wine. According to the studies of archaeologists the high rock caves were used for living, and later probably as sanctuaries by the Thracians, Greeks, Romans and Slavs.

The most beautiful caves are located in the upper part of the landslide - Golyamata Maara, Temnata Dupka /the longest, 170 m/ Aragonitovata pestera richly decorated with pretty aragonite crystals, the small cave Igreno Uho /Eye of a Needle/ with red dyed synths formations.

Birds

During the seasonal migrations the lake is filled with lots of birds that stop here for rest and food. Once restored the flock continue north to the Eastern European plane, to Central and Northern Europe. In autumn they rest there again before continuing south to Nile River.
Then in that place may be seen hundreds of birds such as gulls, geese etc. Besides protected species have found permanent refuge in the muddy lake and the slopes  - owl, long-legged buzzard, great olive warbler and reptiles - Balkan grass snake, stengushter, Spur-thighed tortoise.

Transport

Rusalka resort can be reached by car or bus. After Kavarna you should continue to Kaliakra cape but in the village of Bulgarevo should turn north to the village of Sveti Nichola, along the turnout for Rusalka. Taukliman is a few minutes walk from the resort.

Accommodation

There is a holiday village among a picturesque oak forest in the reserve. The complex offers 600 villas with two beds, bathroom, balcony, telephone and satellite TV.
The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, 10 tennis courts with hard flooring and 5 with red flooring /two of them with lights/ mini golf and volleyball cources, archery and horse-riding, swimming pool with mineral water and large jacuzzi, Yacht Club with boats and kayaks, diving center and rehabilitation centers offering saunas and various rehabilitation programs.

Sources: http://www.namore.eu/, http://www.nasamnatam.com/, http://bg.wikipedia.org/, http://www.visit.bg/, http:// hoteli-bg.org /
Photos: http://www.panoramio.com/, http://www.nasamnatam.com/