Okulovka , Novgorod Oblast, Railway station town in Novgorod Oblast, Russia
Okulovka is a railway town in Novgorod Oblast situated in the Valdai Hills along the Peretna River. It serves as the administrative center of Okulovsky District and hosts several factories producing wire, electronics, and furniture, alongside smaller operations focused on textiles and food processing.
The settlement originated in 1851 during construction of the Nikolayevskaya Railway connecting Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Russia's first long-distance rail line. This railway project shaped the region's growth and established the town's role as a transportation hub.
The local museum dedicated to explorer Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay preserves the memory of his discoveries and showcases historic buildings from the pre-revolutionary era. These collections reflect how the town values its connection to important figures in science and exploration.
The town is best explored on foot since main areas are relatively close together and the flat terrain offers good sightlines. Sturdy footwear is advisable as paths outside the center may be in poor condition.
Scholar George de Roerich was born here in 1902 and went on to become a leading Tibetologist with decades of research based in India. His work advancing Asian cultural studies connects this small town to major intellectual circles across continents.
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