Gilan’s seasonal agricultural calendar varies from region to region. Our ecolodge is in a flat area near the beach. In this region, crops such as rice are cultivated due to high humidity and balanced temperature.
Activities in Lotka Ecolodge
Ecolodge Agricultural Products
The crops we plant at our ecolodge include: garlic, eggplant, pumpkin, fava beans, pinto beans, radish, carrot, cucumber, and local vegetables. The following chart shows the timing of planting and harvesting based on information we learned from local farmers.
Some of our farm Crops
Sericulture Workshop
Sericulture and silk yarn production is an old livelihood of Gilan. We also organized a workshop for this purpose. Silkworm breeding is done in spring and summer. Silkworms feed on the leaves of the mulberry tree.
After about 40 days the worms become cocoons. Then one must harvest the cocoons. And finally, the cocoons can be turned into yarn.
When it is not possible to do silkworm breeding, as in autumn and winter, we use them for educational workshops and cultural events.
The kinds of animals that live in our ecolodge farm
Waste Recycling
Waste management is one of the most important issues in Gilan province. From the start of our ecolodge we tried to segregate and recycle as much waste as possible. In the case of wet waste, meaning organic waste, it is easier to separate and recycle.
The main part of organic waste is added to chicken and duck food, and we turn the rest of it into compost. But in the case of dry waste, recycling is more difficult.
Large volumes of plastic bags, plastic bottles, and all kinds of paper and cardboard, and cans are not easily recyclable.
Unfortunately, there is no recycling plant around us and we do not have a segregated waste collection system in the village. So, we decided to segregate ourselves and then look for a buyer of segregated waste.
Dry waste segregation in ecolodge
Outdoor Activities
At the ecolodge you can enjoy leisure activities such as boating and cycling.
What Makes Us Special?
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.
HOW TO GET TO LOOTKA?
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.
