Van

Van, in Eastern Anatolian region of Turkey, is situated in a lush green sanctuary by Lake Van and is surrounded by rocky mountains. Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and it was formed when the Volcano Nemrut exploded. South to Van lies a fertile oasis enclosed by the Tigris and the Euphrates and it is said that this place is the Biblical Mesopotamia and the real Garden of Eden. 
Apart from the obvious religious charm, Van has ample prospects of expedition, trekking, hunting or just lazing around in the beach. The best times of the year to enjoy Van is spring and autumn. 

There are many places of interest at Van and might give you the feeling of being transported in time. Do take a guide along and remember that there are places, which charge you an entrance fee. 

• The Rock of Van is a tapered protrusion 1500m in length, over 100m in height, and 300m broad at the bottom. 
   
• The Hosap Castle built by a Kurdish chieftain, in 1643 has been recently excavated and much of it remains under the ground. 
   
• The Sarduri is an Urartian palace built by King Sardur II between 764 and 735 BC. Its temple has cuneiform inscriptions, and the palace has many modern marvels like storage containers, royal bathroom and water cisterns. There is also a container of grains, which is 2000yrs. old. 
   
• Akdamar Island is famous for its 10th century church of the Holy Cross.

Lodging in Van is never a problem, as it caters to all kinds of budget. Some of the hotels are: 

• The Hotel Buyuk Asur is situated in Cumhuriyet Caddesi. Apart from its standard conveniences, this hotel can offer a comfortable stay while you are at Van. 
   
• The Akdamar Hotel is a slightly more expensive hotel and the food is excellent. The hotel`s own bars and cafes take care of all your dining needs. 
   
• The Hotel Buyuk  Urartu located in Cumhuriyet Caddesi has all the basic services and even has a conference room facilitating for conventions, meetings or gatherings. 
   
• The Grand Urartu Hotel is a luxurious accommodation option and its indoor restaurants have the capacity for 1000 people at once.