Kuğulu (Swan) Nature Park
Kuğulu (Swan) Park, located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, is one of the most preferred recreation areas in Seydişehir. As one of the first sites that comes to mind when Seydişehir is mentioned, this location is well recognized even among people who are not from Seydişehir, and it also attracts visitors from outside of Konya.
The park, which has been flooded by visitors due to its location on the Konya-Antalya ring road, has become the new attraction center of Central Anatolia with the work of the Kuğulu Valley Project today. Kuğulu Park, also known as the Kuğulu Recreation Area, begins directly next to the Forest Nursery Administration Building at the Seydişehir exit and stretches to the outskirts of Kuğulu and Kalafat Mountain. The recreation area, which surrounds the Kupe Mountain slopes like an arc, encompasses all colors of green in a beauty comparable to the Black Sea highlands. The pond in the center of the park is fed by clear and eager waters running from the mountain slopes, sinkholes, and water channels, particularly in the region close above and commonly known as Gürlevik Spring. The charming pool in the park is well-known for its geese, ducks, and, most notably, swans. The swans swaying in the water are like ballerinas performing for the tourists.
There are self-catering picnic spots in Kuğulu Park, as well as social facilities that offer food and beverage service to visitors. With the approach of spring, picnickers spend a special time with their families and visitors at Kuğulu Park, which is swamped by thousands of residents from Seydişehir and beyond. This place has recently become a favorite of nature photographers with its magnificent scenery in autumn and winter months. The park presents a different view for photographers and nature lovers every season. With the arrival of autumn, picturesque images emerge in a riot of colors in Kuğulu. During the winter months, when there is substantial snowfall, many amateur photographers visit the Geyik Mountains on the park's south side. Kuğulu Park has recently started to be the subject of outdoor wedding photoshoots. Wedding photographers' photo sessions can be found in more than one location at any time of day. Bride and groom candidates who come to the park area decorated with plane trees, perform the roles given to them by the photographers, and provide interesting poses. Kuğulu Park, which is widely praised by individuals seeking quiet and tranquility throughout the year, stands out as a must-visit destination, especially for those who prefer to spend their weekends away from the tension of the city center and unwind with the peace of nature.
Traditional Development Festivals organized by Seydişehir Municipality every summer are also held in Kuğulu Park. Competitions, illusion, folklore, archery performances, agriculture fair, camel and horse riding, and numerous concerts are held during the week-long activities. Watermelons cultivated in the Sula Basin's Kumluca Kuran and Gökhüyük neighborhoods, aromatic fragrant local strawberries grown in Yaylacık, Dikilitaş, and Ketenli neighborhoods, and historical Seydişehir roasted chickpeas are also featured in the market.
There is no need to wait for the Traditional Development Festivals to see Kuğulu. Regardless of the four seasons, it is best to visit Seydişehir once for any weekend.
