Kovada Lake National Park

Kovada Lake National Park, located approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Isparta city and about 15 kilometres south of Eğirdir town, is one of Turkey's smaller national parks yet one of the most ecologically significant freshwater habitats in the lake district of Isparta Province. Kovada Lake is hydrologically connected to Eğirdir Lake through underground karst channels, though the two lakes sit at different surface levels. The park encompasses the lake and its immediate riparian and forest zones, covering around 6,500 hectares of mixed forest, reed beds, and open water. The lake is shallow and reed-fringed, making it unsuitable for swimming but outstanding for wildlife observation. Eurasian otters are regularly sighted along the wooded northern shore — Kovada holds one of Turkey's more reliable otter populations. White-tailed eagles, osprey, great crested grebes, and numerous heron species are commonly seen from the walking trail that follows the eastern lakeshore. The trail passes through sections of umbrella pine and juniper forest before reaching a picnic area with lake views at the southern end. The full perimeter trail is approximately 8 kilometres and takes 2–3 hours to complete comfortably. Information boards at the park entrance describe the key species. A tea house and basic food stalls operate near the entrance; there is no restaurant inside the park. The park entrance is accessed from the Eğirdir–Sütçüler road and a small entry fee is collected at the gate. Birdwatching is most productive in the early morning before 09:00 and in the hour before sunset when waterfowl are most active on the lake surface.