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East Azerbaijan
The land to history and Sahand, Arasbaran and
Satarkhan, carpet and Shahriar is now easy to reach for a trip. East
Azerbaijan has good roads as well as a highly frequented railroad
and an airport with fairly on time flights.
In the contemporary history Tabriz has been the place to
many historic events and birthplace to many eminent politicians and
learned men and all these suffice to arise one’s curiosity to take a
trip to the northwest corner of Iran.
Everybody’s Share: Tabriz is so rich
with places to visit that can entertain a passenger for 3-4 days
easily. A passenger with more curiosity for culture can wander from
one historic house or building to another museum or interesting
neighborhood even for a week. Arasbaran and Sahand are attractive in
their own ways. Among the other attractions of West Azerbaijan we
can name: Lighvan Valley, Ghury Gol pond and some other beautiful
ponds, mosques like Jaame, Kabud and Ali Shah, and some beautiful
churches of which the most famous one is Saint Stephens, located 16
Km on west of Jolfa, and historical monuments of Maraghe and Oskoo.
Special Recommendation: the spirit of
Azerbaijan is in the lanes and alleys of Tabriz. Walk in the old
lanes of the ancient arias leisurely and peacefully. Relax in every
small café and have a cup of tea. Look for more famous cafes where
you can still hear the “Ashighs”-lovers- playing music and the old
Turkish men singing Heidar Baba with their husky voice.
Advice to travelers: Azerbaijan is a
cold region and a proper the time for trip is sometime between
Ordibehesht(April) to Mehr(September). Of course it is not that
cold in New Year that makes your trip bothering. Take enough warm
cloths with you and don’t forget it is no less changeable than Gilan
and Mazandaran.
West Azerbaijan
The meeting place of great religions is holly
to many people all around the world. To Zoroastrians it’s holly
because they believe it could be the birth place of Zoroaster, to
Protestants because it was the first place they took refuge and kept
safe from enemy and to Armenians because of Tatavouse church which
is said to be the oldest church in the world or at least the first
church of Armenians.
Everybody’s Share:
Urumiye Lake is the most
famous attraction of this land. Alas! The lack of a perfect plan for
attracting truism investment has impeded this city to be of the same
weight with those of the same foreign cities. But keep in mind that
this lake is one of the 59 most important ecological sources of the
globe and not for Iranians but for anyone in the world it is a pity
to miss visiting here at least once. Among the other attractions of
East Azerbaijan we can name several spa baths, small and big Burnic
Caves, Sohulan and Kuftu Cave, Some ancient churches and
Takht-e-Soleyman.
Special Recommendation: Don’t forget a
nigh living with Maku Tribes. Remember a night living with them not
visiting them. It means leave the point of view of a third party and
try to experience a totally different atmosphere. They are kind and
hospitable people and accept you in their tribe easily. If you are
traveling with light luggage and have a good transportation, go as
far as Soraya Spring in far northwest of Iran, so far that in some
maps which have been printed again and again, you can’t find it in
the boarders of Iran. You can see an elegant view of Ararat from
there.
Advice to travelers: if you travel in
your own car take a tour around the lake and do not return from the
same road. For example if you have started from Tehran and have
visited Tabriz, Khoy and Maku and then Orumiyeh it is better to pay
a visit to Sanandaj and go back from Hamedan road to Tehran.
Ardebil
Gilan and Mazandaran are highly associated with
* for Iranian while the two neighboring states on the east and west,
Golestan and Ardebil, if say not having better potentiality are at
least the same, Especially Ardebil which has got everything but a
desert that an ideal ecotourism destination could have. Generally
the most prominent elements of an ecotourstic landscape are
mountains, forest, sea and special anthropologic characteristics,
that Ardebil owns them all together.
Everybody’s Share: It is a pity that an
Iranian would have never seen Talesh as much as it is a pity not to
see Moghan Meadow. Though the historic sites of Ardebil are
well-known to Iranian people, places like: Sheikh Safi Mosque and
spa baths of Sareyn and natural attractions like Neo and Shurabil
Lakes, Fandoghlu forest and Arasbarab Mountain.
Special Recommendation: visit Givi.
It’s a mini Masuleh near khalkhaal and besides don’t forget
sightseeing in foggy green meadows along the road from Ardebil to
ParsAbad. And if you were lucky spend a few hours with Ilsavan
Tribe, A precious and unforgettable memory. It is pretty cold in
Nourooz. Sareyn is far too busy; don’t expect high standards of
hygiene and health there. Postpone your trip to Sareyn to some other
time that is quitter and warmer unless you are in a hurry to treat
your painful joints. Moghan is the ideal land for those seeking
peace, calmness and originality. Don’t worry about the cold. Anyhow,
one of the beat possible choices to suggest for Nurooz holidays is
Moghan Meadow and its surroundings from southwest of Caspian lake to
Arasbaran. If you have approached Ardebil from south and west, chose
one of the two defiles: Heyran or Alamas.
Advice to travelers: Sareyn is pretty
cold in Nurooz and too crowded, but Moghan is less crowded and a
better destination for your ttrip.
Isfahan
Once upon a time it was called the Florence of
Asia, is it still so? As far as you are standing in Naghsh-e-Jahan
Square, having Zayandehrood and Siosepol, it still is! But when you
get far away from the historic sites, all of a sudden that
atmosphere fades away and Isfahan changes to a city like every other
city. It is no more the city which Andrew Malrow called it the honor
of orient and was called the dreamy land of One thousand and one
nights.
Everybody’s Share: The historic sites of
Isfahan are too famous to be introduced. These buildings including
Naghsh-e-Jahan complex, Chehel Sotun Palace, Vank Church,
traditional Bazaar, Menar jonban, Siosepol, Khajoo Bridge, etc are
so numerous and magnificent that can busy a tourist for a week.
: Kashan and the surrounding
countryside can be a perfect supplementary to a visit from Isfahan
State. Besides that keep Chahar mahal-o-Bakhtiyari in mind. You can
get to Shahr-e-Kurd by a two-hour drive and stay there one or two
days in this beautiful city. A local guide can take you to places
less frequently visited and much more attractive. If you have time,
the far southwest of the state, Samirum and its countryside and
tribal residences worth seeing. Don’t forget Zayanderood river bank.
This river passes many villages and unique landscapes from Zagrosss
Mountain Range to Gav-khuni Lake in the margin of desert. Recently
some facilities have been established to attract tourists. You can
have enjoy a two or three-day stay in Isfahan and then go to
Zayandehrood Bank or as an alternative stay somewhere around the
river which is more reasonable and less crowded and then in between
visit the city inside.
Advice to Travelers: Isfahan is a
well-known destination and therefore crowded, especially on the
first three of four days of New Year holiday and on the other
holidays which are prolonged by some other holidays. We don’t
suggest you to go to Isfahan then, chose somewhere quieter.
Ilam
The forlorn far west, it has neither the
historic ups and downs of Kurdistan or loristan to be remembered
when reviewing great historic happenings nor the blessing and
controversy of oil to be known with, standing there on the foot of
Ghalaviz Mount leaning against Zagross Mountain Range and facing
Forat and Karoon Plains. It is staring at the far deserts while not
having too much of green days of Zagross anymore. Being one of the
smallest states of Iran though owning the name to one of the most
ancient tribes of Iran, it seems it has been cleared from the
memories behind the back of abandoned roads.
Everybody’s share: Ilam summer quarters
of Zagross are famous. Ab danan, Shirvan, Chardaval and all the
roads coming from Loristan to this stat are magnificent in springs.
The hot areas of Dehloran also have some nice places to visit such
as its spa bath. In the recent years the remains of war has become
one of the attraction factors to this state.
Special Recommendation: traveling to
Ilam can be part of a trip to Loristan or just a trip to Ilam. You
can go from Loristan to Ilam, visiting the north mountainous
district first and coming down and visiting the hot south areas. You
can take Andimeshk Road from Dehloran to Khuzestan. There are many
passengers to Khuzestan and Loristan, if and only if they change
their way a bit and visit Ilam, they’ll have a share in flourishing
of the land behind the mountain and encouraging tha native people of
the land to love there and not abandon it.
Passenger’s Advice: dive through the
busy roads. Get intimated with local people and don’t look forward
to luxurious hotels. Here is not Mashhad or Isfahan.
Bushehr
Lying on the coast of Persian Gulf, in the
recent years it has lost the competition to its other rival, Bandar
Abbass. The boom of Qeshm Island has changed Bandar Abbass to a more
crowded destination for tourists in south of Iran while Bushehr has
been the grace to the south all alone for several decades.
Everybody’s Share: Bushehr has some
buildings worth visiting, like the old houses of Ghazi, Raiys Ali
Delvary and Malek. There are also some castles and ramparts like the
Dutch castle, Khormoj Castle and Zaer khezer khan Castle. There are
a number of
Ab-Anbars, temples and mosques in this state
that are interesting to see, but besides all these, Persian Gulf is
the most prominent attraction of Bushehr State. You can touch the
marine life here. Maybe you can hire a small boat-Lenj- and pass a
night on it on the sea. You can also go to the Islands near Bushehr.
Special recommendation: the villages and
gate gardens of Bushehr have been forgotten in the itinerary, as if
nobody remembers the joyful time all the Iranian had there singing
the Poems-dobeity- of Faez and Bakhshoo’s Sharveh khani and mourning
of fire all belonging to the non-marine life of the city. It is a
pity to spend your entire trip to Bushehr on the seaside; you should
stay a night in date gardens.
Traveler’s Advice: Bushehr becomes
crowded during New Year holidays. But the good point is the pleasant
and mild climate. On a remarkable part of the beach camping
facilities have been provided for families. A family of four can
spend New Year holidays there by paying thirty thousand Tomans for a
tent.
Tehran
The uproarious city is still unknown from
touring point of view. It’s an odd fact that over 99% of the
inhabitants of this city haven’t seen the 50 museums of the city and
even they don’t know where they are. The ecotouristic attraction of
the capital city is more known. Tochal and the other skirts of
Alborz Mountain Range spread on the northern boarders of the city
like a huge sport complex. There are some very famous national parks
and preserved regions in north and northeast of Tehran. In combining
the number of destinations, the number of travel demanders and the
number of travel agencies, no doubt that Tehran ids the most
important city to be visited. Don’t forget that the most important
city in attracting tourist doesn’t necessarily need to be an ancient
one.
Everybody’s Share: the north and
northeast curve are considered to locate the most important tourist
attraction in themselves. Both sides of Tochal Skirt and Roodbar
Ghasran Valley are of the most booming destinations. The most number
of man-made tourist attractions of the country is in Tehran naming
reserved parks with living animals there, which have been closed to
people.
Special Recommendation: if you visit a
museum every week, it’ll take a whole year to visit them all. But
the most gracious attraction of Tehran is the reserved regions of
Jajrood. It’s the oldest preserved Area of the world and that’s why
many ecotourists would like to visit it. Recently some measures have
been taken to renew the older parts of it, like redecorating the
gate of National Garden and Mashgh Square, etc…the new year holiday,
when the central streets of the city becomes quite it’s a good time
to visit the older part of the city and remembering the old lost
intimacy. If they open the Small Ghazali Town-cinema town- it is
also interesting to visit.
Traveler’s Advice: Tehran is a cheerful,
happy and exciting city. But all these need to be discovered. Those
unfamiliar with this city only know the pollution and traffic of the
city.
Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari
Standing on the height of Zagross it has had a
life of solitude. It has only been recently that some west roads
have been opened up to Khuzestan and the road to Isfahan was a
dangerous one until the last century. The north and south wings are
the heights of Zagross and they have very slope valleys which are
impossible to pass.
Everybody’s Share: Go from Izeh to
Shahr-e-Kord and then to Isfahan and return. This is a golden rout
known by passengers in these recent years. Another choice is going
from Isfahan to Shahr-e-Kord and from there to Yasooj and then to
Ardakan followed by Shiraz which is another fascinating road. It
means a passenger going to Shiraz and Isfahan or Loristan and
Khuzistan can chose Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari as a U-Turn and has
both the chance to visit an untouched land and experience a new road
for coming back and not returning from the same road.
Special recommendation: no natural
phenomenon or historic site can be more fascinating than human being
itself. Traveling to Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari gives you the chance
to face the essence of this and getting to know the social
civilization of Iran. Instead of going from one building to another
and driving long roads, it’s better to meet the local people in the
heights of Zagross and feel the tender spirit of people who have
been immune from the artificial modernity and of course to much
prone to it. Spending even a single night in the Black tents of
tribal people or the brick house of the villagers is an
unforgettable precious memory.
Traveler’s Advice: the travelers to
Fars, Isfahan and Khuzestan would better plan to visit Chahar
Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari in between even if it is only passing through
these crowded states.
South Khorasan
It is said that Birjand means the city of storm
but logically it doesn’t mean snow storms or things like that, it
only means very strong sand storm. Being isolated it is no less than
Sistan and Baluchestan State and maybe the only equal to it is Ilam
State.
Everybody’s Share: Birjand is an ancient
place. Some of the places to visit are as follow: Ebn-e- Hesam
Khasafi tomb, Abu Hamed tomb, Kolah Farangi Citadel, Shokat Abad
Garden, Bash Abad Holly Shrine Chanesht Cave and Birjand Museum.
Special recommendation: traveling to
this state is a special recommendation by itself, but for those who
are more adventurous, we recommend the road from Nahbandan to Zabol,
and it means traveling from the south east of this state to Sistan.
Everything would be so exotic that you imagine you have traveled to
another continent! To take this road, arrange several cars-not only
one- and pick young people in your group. If you are still more
adventure seeker and want to get off the main roads, have GPS and
satellite cell phones with you.
Traveler’s Advice: go shopping in the
villages and be kind to the people. Think of their solitude and
their need to pride.
Khorasan Razavi
The heart of this state is keeping a precious
heritage. The Iranian passenger may ignore the atmosphere of cities
like Neyshabur and Sabzehvar or the other cities of Ira. Specially
that in these cities there isn’t much of traditional architecture
anymore. But to foreign tourists they remind them of Khayaam and
Silk Road. Once everything mysterious and magic was connected to Far
East. We have to remember that the most attractive spot is Eman Reza
holly shrine.
Everybody’s Share: Mashhad has its own
place locating the Shrine of the Eighth Emam. Sabzehvar and
Neyshabur are also famous enough. The traveler’s to Khorasan
usually choose these routs, it means they enter from Sabzehvar, stay
in Neyshabur. They rarely they think of traveling to the northern
area to visit Ghuchan and Dargaz or Sarakhs, Torbat-e-Jam and Taybad
in east and Gonabad and ferdous in south.
Special recommendation: whatever you go
closer to the borders, the atmosphere changes. Don’t forget, a good
trip is the one which changes your mood the most. If you are
interested in poetry and literature, don’t forget the lanes of
Neyshabur. Of course the city hasn’t got much of khayaam spirit in
it, but a professional traveler can find hits if this declining
spirit in the lanes. To the men of letters we suggest, Sabzehvar,
Kalidar and the other surrounding villages. Can you imagine some of
the heroes of Kalidar –a famous novel-are still alive and can tell
you some of the original story.
Traveler’s Advice: New Year is too
crowded in Mashhad, travel to further cities.
Northern Khorasan
This new state has not been able to gain fame
in tourism. However Bojnurd, Esfarayen and Jajrom are so eccentric
that visiting them helps a passengers from the polluted air of far
away lands to change mood perfectly. The western part of the state
is more like the Turkmen. Whatever you move towards east it becomes
closer to the spirit of the grand Khorasan.
Everybody’s share: Bojnurd has some
places to visit including Mofakham Mirror House, baba Tavakol and
baba Aman tombs and Abish Gharvagh mineral spring. You can visit
Nushiravan Ghariyeh Cave and the ruins of Belgheys City.
Special recommendation: A traveler who
goes all this way to the northern Khorasan should have strong
motivation for a change. The villages provide the best opportunity
for this. You can easily rent a room or a house for some days. If
you have got a visa you can easily drive thirty Km to Ashgabat, the
capital city of Turkmenistan.
Traveler’s advice: this state does not have
sufficient hotels. If you are going to stay in a hotel, book it in
advance.
Khuzestan
It reminded you on oil and now it reminds you
of brave Iranian men, war, palm trees and anything which is hot.
It’s mysterious, respectable a bit far and out of reach. In the
world of tourism and traveling, it is similar to our whole
fatherland: it arouses curiosity but out of reach to travel there.
There is no holiday before the end of Esfand –March-and before the
end of Farvardin-April- it turns burning hot, therefore there is
only a one-month chance to visit the ancient plain of people of Ilam
and Parsumash and the lonely mausoleum of Cyrus.
Everybody’s Share: besides visiting the
sites of holly war- the imposed war between Iran and Iraq-you should
really visit Ahvaz. You can also go as far as the memorable Abadan.
But the more interesting place to visit is the complex in north of
Khuzestan: Shush with Apadana and Mandana palaces and Sharshahi with
its industry men. There is also the tomb of Daniel the profit and a
beautiful castle which is regarded the symbol of the city by
mistake. Farther, there is Choghazanbil and Haft Tape and the city
of Dezful is over there, the city of bricks and after that is the
city of Shushtar. The group of cities on east and northeast are also
interesting to visit, Masjed Soleyman, Andika, Izeh and all the
roads leading to Chahar mahal-o-Bakhtiyari and Kohkiluye – Boyer
Ahmad.
Special recommendation: Go far way from the
spine of the state: the road from Andimeshk to Ahvaz and then
reaches Abadan directly. On the farthest point of this road that
divides Khuzesatn into two parts like a meridian, on the west edges
of the state there are the Arab villages which presents another face
of our country and on the eastern edges are the presentations of
life which are passing away quickly. In Masjed Soleyman look for the
signs of the first days that oil was discovered there, and the days
when the first football rolled on the land of Iran. Go and visit the
castle in Andika that is said to be the birthplace of Cyrus. If you
are a bit more adventurous, spend one or two days on the banks of
Dez river dam. Never return through the same road. Got to Chahar
Mahal, Kohkiluye or Bushehr from Khuzestan, if you have reached
there through Loristan road.
Traveler’s Advice: don’t worry,
Khuzestan is a green land and there is enough accommodation and a
well-trafficked road, three airports and an old railway that gets
the passenger to the destination anyway.
Zanjan
It’s very similar to mountainous part of
Mediterranean Sea. Regarding the talent it has never been paid
attention to. The travelers to the west prefer to tilt westward and
go further to Tabriz. Zanjan is so delicate and charming that can
keep traveler for three or four days there.
Everybody’s Share: the most famous
tourist attraction of this state is Sultaniye dome for sure. Once it
was the tallest building of the world (like the Toronto tower, 400
years ago) and now it’s the biggest dome of the world as well as
Florence Cathidral Dome. Katalekhur Cave is as well-known as
Sultaniye dome. As a water cave it is probably bigger than Ali Sadr
Cave. The other attractions of the State includes: Rakhshooy khane
building, Shar Shar waterfall and great mosque of Zanjan.
Special recommendation: use the lanes
and paths not the main roads. Zanjan is located in an area full of
ancient sites and natural sceneries. If you travel through the paths
you can see fantastic, fascinating landscapes which you might have
never even heard of.
Traveler’s advice: it can be quite cold
in New Year. Long camping will be bothering. Book the hotel in
advance.
Semnan
The landing place of the Silk Road is now one
of the most crowded roads of Iran. In the northern half of the
country, it is the most important road crossing west to east and
Shahrood-Azadshahr, Shahmirzad-Fulad Mahale are the most important
roads that lead the passengers from the great central desert to the
green lands of north.
Everybody’s share: there is a Grand
masque and a beautiful bazaar in Semnan. Garmsar and Ivanaky are
famous because of the ancient stone-paved path. Shahmirzad is one of
the famous summer quarters of Iran .Tarikhaneh Masque and
Rakhshoykhaneh are of famous places. The southern desert is famous
for the leopards, which are now very few, and also for the memorable
Carvansara.
Special recommendation: if you want to
be surprised by the nature of Iran, visit Abr Mountain, Haj Ali
Gholy Desert for sure, I really insist you to do it. Don’t forget to
pay a visit to Bayazid Bastami and Sheikh Abol Hasan Kharghani tomb.
Passenger’s Advice: you can camp in the
parks of Semnan, Damghan and Shahrood. An ideal rout for the people
of Tehran is a ring around central Alborz: Tehran to Semnan and then
Shahrood to Azadshahr and then to Glestan and Mazandaran and then
back to Tehran again.
Sistan and Baluchistan: Hamoon Lake,
Taftan Mountain and Chah Bahar coastal city are the symbols of the
three part of this wide state. Hamoon Lake is located in Sistan. In
the recent two or three years there has been more rain than the
drought of 70s and the water from Hirmand river has overflowed to
it again therefore it is flourishing once more. Taftan Mountain is
almost in the center of this state (on north-south direction it is
in the center while on the east-west direction it is westward) it is
the only dormant volcano in Iran. On the foot of this mountain there
are some summer quarters which are rare on this height. Chabahar has
been recently flourished in the south of Iran. It reminds you of
India and the beautiful beaches present you with the beauty of
Indian Ocean.
Everybody’s Share: The burnt City, Zabol
and Hamoon Lake, Zahedan, Taftan Mountain, Iranshahr, Bahoo kalat
and Chabahae are some of the prominent attractions of this state.
There is 700Km from north to the south of this state therefore the
traveler’s visit only the northern half or the southern half on a
single trip.
Special Recommendation: Don’t forget
Guater, this small gulf has been selected among the 111 top natural
attractions of Iran in the book of “the perfect guide of Iran
nature”. Go to small cities like Saravan and Khash to feel the
spirit of Baluchistan. They are very bizarre; they absorb the
passenger in them. There are some villages in the foot of this
volcanic Mountain that make you feel as if you are visiting another
continent. Maybe you could spend a night in a village house around
Hamoon Lake. Fishing with “Tootan” boats is so cheerful. Don’t
forget that it’s the birthplace of Rostam and once it was the wheat
storage of Iran. Remember the toughness of the nature here and let
the people know that you like them.
Traveler’s advice: it’s not an unsafe
place as it is said, don’t worry. But take the safety advice
seriously.
Fars
This land of history is one of the most crowded
tourism destinations especially on New Year Holidays. From
Esfand-March- to the end of Farvardin-April- it is too crowded and
it is the same more or less up to the end of summer. Like Isfahan,
it is well known internationally, especially for those who are
interested in visiting ancient places.
Everybody’s Share: the ancient sits here are
famous in the world like Takht-e-Jamshid (Persopolice), Pasargad,
Neyshabur, Naghsh-e-Rostam, Hafezieh, Khaju and Saadi’s tomb. We can
also name Darvazeh Koran-Koran Gate-Vakil Bazaar, karimkhani
Citadel, Eram Garden, Ghavam Narenjestan, and Sarvestan Palace.
Special Recommendation: in Zagross
Mountain regions don’t forget the residency of the moving tribes and
the beautiful landscapes. If you have never had the experience of
the moving tribe’s type of life, this is the best place to gain it.
Ask for the stopping place of Ghashghayi tribes and enjoy the
mysterious, ancient life. Enjoy the magnificent spring of Dena
Mountain foot. If you have reached Fars through the north (Isfahan,
Abadeh and Shiraz Road), return from an alternative road that is
Shiraz, Ardakan,Yasooj, Samirom, Isfahan ore from Yasooj to
Gachsaran and Khuzestan and then from Khuzestan to the northern half
of the country.
Traveler’s Advice: Shiraz is terribly
crowded on New Year holidays. Go to the smaller cities and if you
are more professional pick a village to stay.
Ghazvin
The state of hazelnuts, earthquake and Alamut
Castle is one of the highly frequented cities of Iran though most of
the passengers do not tend to stay there for an hour and prefer to
go to more crowded cities on the northwest ore southeast of the
state.
Everybody’s Share: Ghazvin has a number of
places to visit but none can rub shoulders with Alamut Castle in
respect of fame. This mysterious Castle is the reminder of an uneasy
era in the history of Iran. Near Alamut, there is the small lake
named Vavan and a village with the same name that attracts thousands
of tourists every year.
Special recommendation: Alamut is pretty
cold in spring otherwise it was a dreamy land for an off road trip
and camping in nature. Any roads between Ghazvin and Mazandaran or
Gilan is fascinating, specially the road from Taleghan to
Roodbaarak. Somewhere on this road at the height of 4000m, there is
a lake which reminds you of the nature of Alaska. On e of the nice
traditions of people of Ghazvin is Nourooz Khani which starts around
the middle of Esfand-March- and continues up to the early Farvardin.
You can watch this ritual in some cafes and villages. If you are
interested in history, you can do a pleasant activity here. Go from
one village to another and look for ancient castles and people to
tell you the story of them. Some of these castles are named as
follow: Lambsar, Shemiran, Sangrood, Shirkuh, Sasan, Kharaghan,
Barajin tower and etc.
Traveler’s Advice: Don’t rush to get out
of Ghazvin. It’s a friendly request from all those 40 million people
who pass it away yearly.
Qom
Qom is mostly known because of the shrine of
Holiness Maasoumeh, Jamkaran Mosque, Madrese-ye-Feyziyeh and some
other shrines around. There is no imagination of ecotourism there
while because of the national desert park, Salt Lake and the other
natural phenomenon in the surrounding desert can attract thousands
of tourist from Iran and other countries rather than the pilgrims.
Everybody’s Share: the shrine of
Holiness Maasoumeh, Jamkaran Mosque are well known to all Iranian.
Besides them the central part of the city is of interest to people
due to the religious structure. In these recent years even foreign
tourists has developed great interest in visiting this city. Kahak
village is also a place worth seeing.
Special Recommendation: make visiting
the surrounding desert part of your experience. To visit Maranjab
Desert and Bahram Castle, Cities of Kashan or Varamin are the
jumping off places while Qom could be an alternative, specially the
road from Tehran to Qom which goes round the Salt Lake and ends in
Siah Kuh. Though the old houses of Qom are not as famous as those of
Kashan, they are as beautiful, for example the house of Imam Khomeyn
and Mola Sadra’s House. If you are lucky enough you can witness on
of the ceremonies of Qom, named Sar Derakhti to keep the trees safe
from the piercing cold of winter and twice a day you can see the
servants of harem perform a ceremony to change shifts, named Laleh
Gardani.
Traveler’s advice: experience visiting
and livingin the old city of Qom.
Kurdistan
Kurdistan has developed a better situation in
tourism in the recent years little by little. The untouched nature
and hospitable and kind people and the good knowledge of people
about this land have played a good role in this flourishing. The
travelers to this land are much more after historic sites rather
than natural attractions; they look for the mood and feelings which
are only gained on this trip.
Everybody’s Share: the Museum and bazaar
of Sanandaj are great places to visit. Besides, we have to say about
the Natural history Museum and Abidar national park. Zarivar Lake is
also famous, though recently it has been so crowded and dirty that
it might be better to forget about visiting it.
Special Recommendation: go to Oramanat,
this word means Heavenly. The beauty of the area rally reminds you
of heaven. Don’t forget Negl village, West Masouleh and
Oramanat-e-Takht. If you wish to feel the spirit and essence of
Kurdistan, go to the cities and villages on the west edge. Forget
about being a conservative tourist in Sanadaj and walk through the
lanes and alley of the city. Sit on the ledge of the doors and watch
people. Accept their offer for a cup of tea and buy souvenirs from
the small shops and don’t forget in all lands people are more
beautiful than architecture and mountains and valleys.
Traveler’s Advice: on New Year holidays
and summer holidays Kurdistan is less crowded. Instead of Shiraz and
Isfahan for once visit this state.
Kerman
It is not that far as it is always imagined.
If you go for it from any point in Iran it’ll take you about a day,
two or three hours less or more. If the traditional architecture was
not damaged, Kerman could be a city-museum like Soya or Broje. Here
and there you can frequently see a historical building or a house
with the traditional architecture which is humbly pleasant and
reminds you of all the great religions that have started in desert
and all the great Gnostics living around desert.
Everybody’s Share: the historical
buildings and the bazaar amuses the tourist for four or five days.
But Bam is still wounded by earthquake. Mahan is still the most
pleasant part of the desert, homing the tomb of Shah Nemat Allah
Vali: I mean the Dervish who sighs deeply/Otherwise there are
thieves look like Dervish”
Special recommendation: go to the
fantasy city of Lut.from the same road to Mahan keep going to Sirch
and then to Shahdad. The Fantasy city of Lut is the most illusive
natural phenomena in Iran. It is a pity not to experience it at
least for a night. If you go there, don’t forget the cities of
Gandom Beryan-roasted wheat- and Salm.
Traveler’s advice: Don’t worry. Kerman
is a safe city and the people are hospitable and kind.
Kerman shah
The land of west history once was the main road
for all the passengers traveling from Far East to west. Moving this
rout to the northern parts has isolated Kerman shah in these recent
years.
Everybody’s Share: Bisotun historical
complex and Taq Bostan, Anahita temple and Maad’s towers of silence
are among the most famous places to visit. Ghuri Ghalee Cave is also
very well-known because it is said that one of the underground ways
of it ends in Iraq. The other attractions of this state are Sarab
Nilufar_lily mirage-Bisotun safari park and Dalahu jungles.
Special recommendation: do not confine
yourself to visiting the city of Kerman Shah and its historical
sites. Cities like Sanghor, Sahneh, Ghasr-e-Shirin, Kangavar and
Paveh have fascinating local areas. Besides that, you should really
visit numerous villages which are mystically isolated.
Traveler’s Advice: Kerman Shah State has
many cheap hotels but not many luxurious ones. Lower your welfare
standard and enjoy let yourself enjoy the stay.
Kohkiluye and Boyer Ahmad
This state had got the most of Zagross. Due to
its effectiveness on geographical aspect of this mountain range,
it’s the home to people of Pasargad and Parsumash who once played
the main role in the history. But now like their northern neighbors,
Chahar mahal-o-Bakhtiyari, are more proud of the natural attraction
of their land rather than the historical ones. Here you can see
people having copper skin like that of Bolivians and Tibetans,
because of living in heights. Living in heights demands bigger lungs
and heart to provide enough oxygen, so they all have broad shoulders
and are tall.
Special Recommendation: you shouldn’t
miss the pleasure of visiting Margun, Sitakht and Charam. You can
plan in advance to spend a nigh in one of them.
Traveler’s Advice: summer is a more
proper to take a trip to the heights of Kohkiluye and Boyer Ahmad.
Of course it’s not that bitter cold insprinf to prevent you from
traveling there. The cities like Gachsaran and Dehdasht which are
near the east and west boarder of the city are warmer in spring. The
roads are fine and there is no other way to travel there rather in
your own car. The hotels have limited number of rooms, but don’t
worry in the nice weather of spring you can stay out.
Golestan
Its name means Flower garden and it’s proud of
itself thinking of Jahan nama and KHush yeylagh. If Iran could have
a better tourism it could be another Yellow Stone for the
Ecotourists, alas! It is not!
Everybody’s Share: there are thousands
of places to visit here.Golestan national park and the neighboring
areas in the south, Turkmen Sahara in east, the trio of the lakes:
Alagol, Almagol and Abigol in the northeast, Ashuradeh and Caspian
Sea in the north! What else do you want?
Special recommendation: don’t confine yourself
to Gorgan, Ashuradeh and Gonbad. Remember Hosein gholi Khan Coast,
maybe you can go fishing with the fishermen for a night. It’s a rare
experience. Get off the main roads. Pay more attention to the
eastern half of the sate, the national park in the south of this
part, Turkmen Sahar and finally the bays and villages of the
southeast of Caspian are a blending of local Gorgan culture,
Russian, Cossack and Turkmen.
Traveler’s advice: Don’t worry about
accommodation. Enjoy the nature and camp.
Kilan
The wettest coast of Iran presenting the most
various aspect of human life on itself, it is a pleasant destination
for travelers because it makes them change so quickly: absolutely
unique nature, you can see people dress differently on the road, the
architecture of the houses are entirely different and abundant local
food are supplied.
Everybody’s share: the beaches are
famous there. Anzali pond, Masule, Siahkal jungle and Talesh, the
mountainous land are all magnificent shows of life.
Special Recommendation: don’t forget any
of Heyran and Almas, Astara and Dorfak defiles or the mountainous
villages there. If you go to Deylaman, don’t come back to Siahkal
again. Go through a road that takes you to Loshan. You’ll be
stunned. If you go to Masuleh, don’t miss visiting the old Masuleh.
It’s a two-hour cheerful drive in mountains that leaves you
astonishing about the nature of Iran.
Traveler’s Advice: get far away from the
well-known cities and villages. Head off to unknown destinations.
Loristan
It’s the land of metal and dream. The tallest
waterfalls of Iran fall down here, the roaring rivers pass here and
the most difficult defiles to pass are leaning against Zagross on
this spot. After Middle Ages the best works of art belong to metal
statues of Loristan. There is such complexion in their designs that
everybody mistakes them for works of a professional modern sculptor
in 21st century.
Everybody’s Share: Khorram Abad and
Borujerd have some important historic places of which the most
important one is Falakolaflak Castle. It is a landmark in Loristan
today. Nevertheless natural attractions of this state overweigh.
Oshtorankuh Mountain, Gahar Lake and Nujian waterfall are more
famous. The cities further away from transit road
(Tehran-Khoranshahr road that reached to Andimeshk through Borujerd
and Khorram Abad), such as Ali Gudarz, Azna, Dorood, Alashtar, Nur
Abad and Kuhdasht are less visited by Iranian tourists. Nonetheless
they are much better places to feel the spirit of this state.
Special recommendation: we suggest you
to visit Chekan valley. It’s like traveling to another continent.
But don’t go there hastily, take enough time and prepare yourself to
experience something rally different and feel the ancient aspect of
life in the plateau. Don’t forget to get to Nur Abad and Alashtar.
The spring is magnificent in these two cities. If you are of the
hiking type go from Shahbazan to Imamzadeh Mohammad. It’s about a
day walk through the most glorious landscapes. You can see grand
canyons on your way which are much bigger than that of famous one in
America which attracts more than 300 thousands foreign tourists
there and earns about one milliard dollars yearly.
Passenger’s advice: the roads are OK,
there are enough hotels and the natives are more eager to serve
tourists. Visit Lorestan for sure.
Mazandaran is a coastal city lying on the
coasts of the biggest Lake of the world. It is the most visited city
by Iranian tourists. At least 5million people visit this state
yearly. Less than 700 Km out of the 6thousan Km coast line is proper
for tourism investment. 600 Km of this belongs to Iran and 200 Km
belongs to Mazandaran. But sitting in the center of the southern
coast, owning the deepest and warmest water of Caspian Lake makes us
to think of it as the most beautiful beach of the whole Caspian
Lake.
Everybody’s share: the beaches are of
course known by everybody. Some of the mountainous roads have been
used frequently in the recent years like: Chamestan, Kandolos, Kelar
Dasht, do Hezar, Se Hezar and Janat Roodbar.
Special Recommendation: get far away
from beach; look for small untouched villages on mountainous roads
and paths. The further and the higher it’s the better. Choose places
like Janat Roodbar rather than crowded fereydoonkenar, Chalus, motel
Gho and Ramsar.
Traveler’s Advice: leave Mazandaran as
if you have never stepped there. Will you do this?
Markazi
Probable Arak is the only capital city of the
state in Iran that has less fame than the other cities of the state
to attract tourists. Especially cities like Mahalat and Khomeyn
which are the recently activated targets of tourism industry in
Iran.
Everybody’s share: there is a long list
of places to visit in this state. Though it is one of the states
that is passed by passengers too often, is has no fame in tourism.
Some of the places to visit are as follow: Imam Khomeini’s (PBUH)
house, gardens and spa baths of Mahalat Khorhe fire temple, Arak
bazaar, Chal Nakhjir Cave, Dodehak Carvansara, and Mostofiolmamaalek
Special Recommendation: you shouldn’t
miss visiting Ashtiyan. In Nourooz, the smaller cities of Markazi
State are closer destinations as well as cheaper. Also in summer
most of these cities are cool. Try living in the villages of the
state, especially those near southeast that have more of Zagross
atmosphere.
Traveler’s Advice: Markazi State has
nice places for camping in summer. It also has several hotels.
Hormozgan
It represents maximum culture and stamina of
sailing. In fact many centuries ago lots of people were sailors
here, more than any other cities. Modernism has dominated
everywhere. Even now you can see men who go sailing in the see on
their Lenges_small boats- which are similar to those being sailed on
thousands years ago from Persian Gulf to Zanzibar here and there.
Everybody’s Share: Kish and Qeshm are
now the most popular destinations in Iran and in the recent
years it has attracted the largest amount of investment. Bandar
Abbass is now a bay for Qeshm but it can be an attraction if there
is a fairly good revision in city furniture design. Minab and Jaask
are blooming in Nourooz.
Special Recommendation: go on the sea
with a Lenj for sure. If you share the cost with some other
families, it won’t be expensive. Even you can rent a Lenj for your
accommodation. Don’t forget less crowded areas like Jask and Konag.
If you got to Qeshm try to find an accommodation closer to the
western part since it’s more natural. If you are anit sharp, you can
rent an inexpensive place in the villages on the coast. If you like
the view of the beach chose the northern beaches. There is a kind of
stream between the Island and main part of Iran that has a great
view at sunset and sunrise.
Traveler’s Advice: Hormozgan is too
crowded in Nouruz, if you are going to stay in a hotel, make sure
you have booked it before. Don’t forget visiting isolated Islands
like Hengam and Hendorabi.
Hamedan
If you have gone to Hamedan, you can see it has
a lot to amuse you for some days! But the point is IF you have gone.
It’s not too far. But the problem to say is that: it has no “golden
point” to attract tourists. A “golden point” is the center of
attention in tourism. It’s an attraction that can activate the
tourism of an area all alone. There are many places to visit in
Hamedan but none of them is a golden point. Probable making a fun
park could help creating this golden point.
Everybody’s Share: Ganjname, Ba ba Taher
tomb, Avesina tomb are very famous in Hamedan, besides that arethe
old Bazaar, Alavian Dome, Hegmataneh ancient hill Astromardkhay
tomb. In the area, Ali Sadr Tower is very famous and well-visited.
There are some places to visit in the other cities of this state
like: Nahavan, Malayer and Tuyserkan to keep the traveler for three
or four days there.
Special Recommendation: Don’t miss the
great Mirage of this state. Here mirage means spring, of course a
spring which is the source of a river. One of the most famous one is
Gian, you may call it the biggest spring of Iran. The jungles are
also attractive, though nothing has been done to change then to
attract tourists. For lots of teenagers and youngsters a village is
a place like that of the “the Cold Roads” film. It is located around
Malayer and of course there are hundreds of similar villages there.
Nourooz and summer holidays are a good chance to feel the native
life of these untouched villages; it gives you a chance to take the
first step for long-term visiting villages to heal the wounds of
your spirit and nerves made by hectic life of the cities.
Travele’s Advice: don’t return from the
same road. It’s a better idea to visit the west parts all together,
it means, Hamedan, Kurdistan and Kerman Shah, even if you have
enough time you can visit East and West Azerbaijan at the same time.
In fact it is a tour around Orumiye Lake, Azerbaijan in north,
Kurdish States and Hamedan in south.
Yazd
The center of desert has been flowering in
these recent years. Yazd is one of the only few cities of Iran which
still has much of the traditional architecture and walking there,
makes a passenger feel the ancient spirit of the land, though in the
recent years the traditional architecture has been destructed to
some extent.
Everybody’s Share: there are lots of
Baad girs and storehouses in the city which are really
fascinating. Amir Chakhmagh Building, Pir-e-Sabz Chak Chak,
Zoroastrians Graveyard, named Dakhme, Alexander prison, Jame Mosque
and Dolat Abad garden should really be visited. Other cities like:
Taft, Mehriz, Ardakan andTarzjan are also beautiful in their own
way.
Special Recommendation: go to the desert parts
like Aghda desert. It’s a pity not to see Tabas. You should really
visit Abar Kuh Mountain and the cedar tree. Keep in mind that Yazd
is one of the cities which is losing the native atmosphere, in fact
the old days are numbered, go and visit it before it’s too late. If
you go there from Tehran, we suggest you to come back from Tabas,
Khor and Biabanak. Go from Yazd to Tabas and then back to Khor and
Biabanak you may have time to visit villages like Garmeh and Arusan,
and then go to Jandagh and Moaleman till you get to the main road of
Semnan-Mashhad. From there if you are in short of time , return to
Tehran, otherwise tilt to Shahrood, Azadshahr, Gorgan and then from
Mazandaran road to Tehran. Visiting desert, jungles and sea all on
the same trip is a unique experience.
Traveler’s Advice: there are good hotels
in Yazd, but recently some of the ancient houses have been equipped
for accommodation that you can book them from Tehran.
(Source: Hamshahri book)
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