Gilan Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It lies along the Caspian Sea, west of the Mazandaran province, east of the Ardabil province, and north of the Zanjan and Qazvin provinces. It borders the Republic of Azerbaijan in the north and Russia across the Caspian Sea. The center of the province is the city of Rasht. The main port is Anzali. Other towns in the province include Astara, Talysh, Fuman, Lahijan, and Langarud. In addition to cities, there are many villages in Gilan with more than half of the province’s population. About two and a half million people inhabited in Gilan. There are different ethnic groups in Gilan. The main ones are Gilak and Talesh who have different languages and cultures.
Geographical and climatic conditions have a great impact on the livelihood of the people of Gilan. The humid subtropical climate with the heaviest rainfall in the country has caused agricultural development in this region. The coastal plain along the Caspian Sea is mainly used for rice paddies. The livelihoods of many farmers in Gilan depend on rice. Tea is the second largest agricultural product in Gilan. In addition to agriculture, fishing is another source of income and livelihood for the people of Gilan. Also, sericulture and silk yarn productions are important economic activities of Gilan.
Historically there have been various trends in Gilan. Before Islam, local masters and feudal lords dominated Gilan. Gilan was one of the last areas under the control of the Islamic caliphate due to geographical conditions and local resistance. However, after the Shiite rule in the Safavid era, Gilan was also taken over by Muslim rulers. Perhaps the most important event in Gilan’s contemporary history is the “Jungle movement”. The Jungle Movement was one of the earliest republican movements in Iran and was successful for a short time but was later suppressed by the Pahlavi monarchy.
Lotka Ecolodge is located in peaceful place, among the nature of the Hyrcanian Caspian Sea. Here, you will get acquainted with the culture of Gilak people. Here you can go on a rowboat trip from the private pier next the river at the back of the Ecolodge, buy local handicrafts provided by rural women as souvenirs, and order Gilani local cuisine (often with organic ingredients).
In Lotka Ecolodge, you will get acquainted with the culture and nature of Gilan. So, you can take part in the daily activities and ceremonies of the village at certain times, go to the mountains, forests, and lagoons around here and get acquainted with the nature of the Hyrcanian Caspian Sea.
Lotka Ecolodge is a rural residence. Currently, Shekili House (Issa-khan’s home) and Orjeni House are two two residences with local architecture in Lotka.
Our guests can go on a rowboat trip from our private pier next to the river, buy local handicrafts of our store, and order Gilani local cuisine.
By Air: The distance between Rasht Airport and Lotka Ecolodge is 19 km (30 min). This international airport located in 10 kilometers north of Rasht. There are a few daily flights from Tehran to Rasht. Most of these depart either early in the morning or late afternoon. Also, there is a direct flight to Dubai. When you arrive, you can take the airport taxi to Lotka or Arrange with us before boarding the plane to pick you up.
By Bus and Taxi:The closest bus terminal to Lotka is Anzali Bus Station, with a distance of 24 km (35 min) from Lotka. There is bus service from the west terminal (Terminal-E-Gharb) in Tehran to Anzali every day, hourly or every 30 min, and distance is 5 hours. Also, there is taxi service (shared or private) from Tehran to Rasht in the west terminal by yellow taxies (Samand), the taxi station located inside the terminal. When you arrive, you can take the bus station taxi to Lotka or Arrange with us before arriving to pick you up.
Our Lodge is located on the north of the city, in a very quiet and peaceful place, among the nature of the Hyrcanian Caspian Sea. Nearest beach from the Ecolodge is only 4 km (10 minutes by car and 30 minutes’ walk). The distance between Rasht Airport and Lotka Ecolodge is 19 km (30 min). This international airport located 10 kilometers north of Rasht.