Ailand

Overview

Welcome to Ailand, Astana's premier family entertainment center, a beacon of modern leisure nestled in the heart of Kazakhstan's futuristic capital. This expansive complex offers a diverse array of attractions designed to captivate visitors of all ages, from the wonders of the deep sea to thrilling rides and prehistoric adventures. Ailand stands as a testament to Astana's ambition, bringing world-class entertainment to the Eurasian steppe.

Its most renowned features include a unique oceanarium, a towering Ferris wheel, a vibrant aquapark, and an intriguing 'Dinosaurs Among Us' exhibit. Positioned conveniently within the city, Ailand provides a perfect escape into a world of fun and discovery, offering both educational experiences and exhilarating thrills.

History & Cultural Background

Ailand's story began in 2003, when it first opened its doors under the name 'Duman complex'. It quickly became a significant landmark, showcasing groundbreaking engineering solutions for maintaining marine life far from its natural habitat. The complex underwent a major transformation and rebranding in 2017, emerging as Ailand, complete with new attractions like the country's largest Ferris wheel, specifically engineered to withstand Astana's challenging climate conditions.

This evolution mirrors Astana's own rapid development as a modern capital. The city itself, formerly known as Akmola and briefly Nur-Sultan, has grown into a symbol of Kazakhstan's progress and forward-thinking vision. Ailand's ability to host a marine ecosystem over 3,000 kilometers from any ocean exemplifies the innovative spirit prevalent in Astana, creating an unexpected oasis of entertainment and education in the vast steppe landscape.

What Makes It Special

Ailand boasts several truly unique features that set it apart. Foremost among them is its oceanarium, officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most remote from any sea or ocean globally, situated over 3,000 kilometers from the nearest coastline. This engineering marvel houses nearly 3,000 marine inhabitants from over 100 species in three million liters of water, meticulously prepared with Red Sea salt.

Another highlight is the Ailand Ferris Wheel, the largest in Kazakhstan, soaring 65 meters high. This impressive structure is not just about size; it's designed with 36 climate-controlled cabins, ensuring a comfortable experience year-round, even in Astana's harsh winters or hot summers. Beyond these, the complex offers an expansive aquapark with slides and wave pools, and the 'Dinosaurs Among Us' exhibit, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, providing a multi-faceted entertainment experience.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The creation of Ailand's oceanarium is a fascinating tale of human ingenuity. To maintain such a diverse marine ecosystem so far inland, approximately 120 tons of special sea salt are annually sourced from the Red and Dead Seas. Walking through the 70-meter transparent acrylic tunnel, visitors experience an immersive journey, with sharks and rays swimming overhead, creating the sensation of being at the bottom of the sea.

The Ferris wheel gained fame even before its official opening, featured on the popular travel show 'Oryol i Reshka' (Heads and Tails), with its host being among the first to experience the panoramic views of Astana. This landmark was specifically built with technology similar to that used in tornado-prone regions, highlighting its robust construction tailored for Astana's weather.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to Ailand offers a captivating experience, blending excitement with comfort. From the top of the Ferris wheel, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Astana's modern architecture and sprawling urban landscape, transforming into a dazzling display of lights at night. The climate-controlled cabins mean you can enjoy these vistas regardless of the season, making it a perfect activity even on the coldest winter day.

Inside the oceanarium, the tranquility of the underwater world provides a serene contrast, allowing for close encounters with exotic marine life. Families particularly appreciate the aquapark for its diverse water attractions and comfortable, warm environment, making it a popular choice for year-round fun. Ailand is designed as a comfortable and engaging destination, providing an enjoyable and memorable outing for visitors seeking a blend of wonder, adventure, and relaxation in Astana.