Archive for category: Things To Do

If you are looking for a peaceful trip with beautiful landmarks and astonishing customs among hospitable locals; Kurdistan is the one. Kurdistan, one of the most delightful provinces in Iran, owns Iran’s most breathtaking natures and culture for itself. It might sound cliche but it doesn’t change the fact that Kurdistan is truly a paradise. You can taste delicious Kurdish cuisine in its magnificent villages, walk along the peaceful lakes or even wander around in different places and enjoy the weather. Travelling to Kurdistan will definitely give you the best memories possible in Iran.

Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj

Sanandaj city is the capital of Kurdistan which might be the first place you visit in Kurdistan Province. This city has multiple attractions waiting for you to visit them. Sanandaj Bazaar is one of these attractions which is an old and traditional place filled with colorful Kurdish customary clothes. The shiny and sparkly cloths settled by the walls, give the bazaar such an amazing atmosphere and you will gain so much happiness by just looking around yourself.

The Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj can be visited every day except Fridays from 8 am until 7 pm. We would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Colorful cloth used in Kurdish women dress, Sanandaj Bazaar

Asif Vaziri Mansion

Kurdish House or Asif Vaziri Mansion is an ancient building from the Safavid dynasty in Sanandaj which is located near the bazaar so you can visit it before or after visiting the bazaar. This monument is considered as the most valuable cultural treasure in Iran. The special brick works and stucco on the walls dates back to Safavid era but more designs were added up to the building in Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties (about 200 years ago) that are really impressive to look at. Inside the mansion, there are various rooms and areas; but the only place that got a lot of attention from its visitors among them all, was the bathroom with a unique Iranian style. In each and every room there are wax statues to represent Kurdish people. Visiting this anthropology museum is an absolutely amazing opportunity to get familiar with Kurdish history, culture, handicrafts and clothes.

You can visit this exciting museum on weekdays from 8 am to 7:30 pm.

Asif Vaziri Mansion, in Sanandaj. It is now a kind of anthropology museum introducing Kurdish culture and history

Zeribar Lake

A lot of rumors have been spreading around about this magnificent lake. Some people believe the lake is hiding an ancient city beneath itself and other people have their own stories to tell about it. Besides the lake’s mystery, there are a lot of fascinating features that attracts many visitors. A lot of visitors usually come to visit the seasonal migration of birds during spring and enjoy their time by the lake while capturing stunning pictures of the seasonal birds. Spring paints the meadows with delight and as the silver-white lake shines bright, birds keep chirping around creating a magical scenery. Climb up the mountains around, to get a better view of the Zeribar lake and take wonderful pictures, for your Facebook or Instagram account. Don’t forget to try the pedal boats in the gigantic lake. There are some local restaurants all around the lake as well which will serve you delicious meals. The barbequed fish that are caught fresh from the lake, is visitors all times favorite. Taste the famous local bread called Kalaneh as well to keep a sweet memory of your trip to Kurdistan. Without doubt, visiting the famous Zeribar lake of Kurdistan is something that nature lovers wouldn’t like to miss.

Zeribar Lake, Kurdistan: Some people believe the lake is hiding an ancient city beneath itself!

Uraman Takht

One of the places in Kurdistan that draws lots of attention to its beautiful nature, is Uraman Takht. High mountains, twisty valleys, sparkling river and soft clouds that fly over your head, makes you feel like flying. If you are visiting Kurdistan in 4th of May or 3rd of February, you will see a traditional custom held by the locals. This historic custom is called Pirshalyar that has been held for over thousands of years. In this custom, sheep or cows will be sacrificed and locals will cook pottages with their meat; meanwhile other locals in their traditional clothes, play the musical instrument called Daf. Daf is a popular and old Kurdish musical instrument that has been used in religious ceremonies all over Iran. Specific clothing of Uraman people along with their kindness and hospitality, provides an amazing opportunity to have a memorable and heavenly amazing experience in Kurdistan.

One of the places in Kurdistan that draws lots of attention to its beautiful nature, is Uraman Takht.

Palangan Village

Palangan village is another stepped village in Iran with extremely friendly locals. Getting familiar with the vast variety of foods, traditional customs and ceremonies only in one village is impressive.

Palangan village is a stepped village in Iran with extremely friendly locals.

Palangan Village has a traditional base, built with stones and bricks in form of stairs architecture. One interesting fact about these type of villages is the way that each houses’ roof, is the upper houses’ yard. The village is located on the slope of mountains and they are occurred on both sides of a river. Beautiful waterfalls and lakes among the green and full trees in Palangan Village, makes the weather so delightful during the day and very chilly at midnight. So if you found a place to stay over the night, make sure to have warm clothes with you.

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The lovely city of Bushehr is famous for its impressive and peaceful coast, and amazing traditional architecture which has made it a fascinating destination for many visitors. If you have decided to have a tour to Iran, you will witness a combination of architecture, fascinating coast, and tasty local food in Bushehr.  To consult us about tours to Iran, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@idt.ir. Stick with us to know more about Bushehr tourist attractions and the things you can do in this city.

Jashkak Salt Mountain

If you travel to Bushehr and had the opportunity to visit around the port of Bushehr, do not miss visiting the salt dome of Jashkak, particularly as a nature lover. This salt mountain is one of the most attractive sights of Bushehr. Salt domes are large layers of underground salts that have moved toward the surface of the earth and resemble amazing domes.
Jashkak Salt Dome is one of the most beautiful salt domes in the Middle East that is still active. This unique salt mountain is 12 km long and 4.5 km wide. What distinguishes this salt dome from other salt domes is the presence of caves, waterfalls, crystals, and the type of salt on this mountain.

This salt mountain is one of the most attractive sights of Bushehr.

Malek mansion; The house of the richest man in Bushehr

Malek Mansion, which is located six kilometers from Bushehr, is one of the historical monuments of this city, which was built during the Qajar period and dates back to 100 years. The owner of this mansion was a famous and rich merchant of Bushehr named “Mohammad Mehdi Malek Al-Tojjar”.
Built by French architects in the style of old buildings in the Persian Gulf with local materials, this building is actually a complex with different sections such as formal meeting halls downstairs, banquets and private parties upstairs, The fort, the emperor and the various rooms and porches as well as the courtyards are nested. The mansion became a military base in the years following the British occupation.

Dating back to 100 years ago, this beautiful mansion used to be the house of a rich person in Bushehr that attracts many visitors today.

Dehdashti House

Bushehr has many beautiful old houses with fascinating atmospheres and Dehdashti house is one of them. This house is a relic of the Qajar period, with a delightful courtyard, gorgeous exterior, and lovely interior design. In the exterior, coral stones and wood have been used and the walls inside the building are plastered and oil paintings can be seen in the rooms.
Dehdashti house or mansion is located in the old part of the city, where there are neighborhoods with old houses, and in its alleys, you will find beautiful cafes.

This house is a relic of the Qajar period, about 100 years ago, with a delightful courtyard, gorgeous exterior, and lovely interior design.

Goor Dokhtar, forgotten tomb

If you are interested in the history of ancient Iran, get a little away from the port during your trip to Bushehr and visit Goor Dokhtar. Dating back to around 600 BC, there are arguments about who the tomb belongs to.
Looking very much like Cyrus the Great Tomb, some attribute Goor Dokhtar to Mandana, Cyrus ‘mother, and some believe that Atossa, Cyrus’ daughter, was buried in this place. There are even legends about the burial of Cyrus I (not Cyrus the Great) in this tomb. The girl’s tomb is made of 24 pieces of stone and its appearance is similar to the tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Looking very much like Cyrus the Great Tomb, there are many legends about this tomb.

Palm Groves

Palm Groves is like a jewel on the ring of Bushehr province. Dashtestan city and Abpakhsh have the largest number of palms in this region. The lush and tall groves at the entrance to the city of Abpakhsh have created a very spectacular landscape in this area and travelers often do not pass without stopping. The presence of water-filled canals on both sides of the entrance to the city has given a special “freshness” to this area so that travelers during Nowruz (the beginning of the new year in Iran) can enjoy water and nature together. These groves offer a high variety of dates; in addition to dates, citrus fruits, lemons, pomegranates also grow in these areas.

These groves offer a high variety of dates in Bushehr.

The Beach

One of the most beautiful attractions of Bushehr is its unique beach. It lasts about 8 months of the year. This province has the longest coastline in the country and is famous for its amazingly beautiful coast in the country. It is said that years ago, a British politician described Bushehr as a city with a fascinating beach landscape when you look at it from a distance on a ship, it looks like it is half in the water and the shore is not recognizable.

Bushehr has the longest coastline in the country and is famous for its amazingly beautiful and lovely coast.

Bushehr Bazaar

Bushehr Old Bazaar is the main center of trade in the city just like other cities in Iran. The bazaar was established during the Qajar period with the beautiful and spectacular architecture of that time. The most amazing feature about its architecture is that it let the light enters the market, but when it snows and rains, water does not penetrate into the market. If you are planning to buy souvenirs for your loved ones, the old market is the best place to visit.

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History, poetry, knowledge, and art, they all could be found in the old city of Hamedan. Hamadan is a small province, with enormous history, owning one of the largest water cave in the world. It’s a great opportunity for learning more about Iran and its history and culture, so, his city must be included in your list while traveling to Iran. Meeting hospitable and kind locals, watching them bake special sweets, traditional meals, and handicrafts like leather, ceramics, and carpets which are reasons for the fame that Hamadan has received over the years, is a delight. Visit the city of Baba Tahir’s childhood and Avicenna’s burial place, to see part of Iran’s glory.

Ali Sadr Cave

There are no caves that could be compared to Ali Sadr Cave in Hamadan. This is the best tourist spot in the city. The large natural cave, dates back to the Jurassic era, around 150 million years ago. When you look at the entrance of the cave from outside, it is impossible to think that such a massive underground lake could be there, due to the surroundings of the cave which are as dry as the rest of the Hamadan region. In order to enter the cave, you will need to wait in lines at the boat station. A beautiful park is prepared for visitors to have a more pleasant time waiting outside. You will be guided into a chain of boats in which you will ride your way deep into the cave. After wearing the safety jacket and finding your seat, your trip to the Ali Sadr Cave will be officially started. As you enter the cave, you will be welcomed by a cold breeze. Usually inside the cave is colder than outside of it, even in hot summers. So make sure to bring warm clothes with you. The boat ride usually takes 2 hours. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the beauty of the cave; the million years old stalactites and stalagmites, fresh air and clean water. The colorful lightings at the corners add up to the cave’s beauty and make so many amazing photo opportunities. After leaving the boat you may walk up a few stairs to get a closer look at the walls and other natural formations of the cave, so make sure to wear sports shoes. There are no shops in the cave obviously, so it’s better to have water and snacks with yourself. There are a few shops back around the cave. Also a few restaurants and many other Iranian shops, such as a bazaar with lots of pots lying around. Walking in the cave besides pedaling boats makes the few kilometers underground journey, an experience to remember. The visit is well-organized and the guides will share all their information with you to make you always remember this wonderful cave.
Ali Sadr Cave is located outside the city. So you need to take Hamadan Road and drive along to get to the Lalejin city and then take Bijar Road to finally reach Ali Sadr Cave.
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Alisadr cave is the best tourist spot in Hamadan.

Tomb of Avicenna

Avicenna, the great Persian scientist, and philosopher who had laid the foundation stones for modern medicine is buried in Hamadan. The first thing that would probably catch your eyes is the architecture of the tomb. The tomb is located in Bu Ali Sina in the city center. On the first floor beside the mausoleum of Avicenna, there is also a small museum beneath the statue which includes collections of ancient medical equipment that were used before by Avicenna. There are also old handwritten books along with his famous book “The Canon of Medicine” which you can take a close look at it. His achievements and a part of his library are also accessible for visitors to see and learn more about him. As you exit the museum you need to climb the stairs, on top of the museum, in order to get a closer view of the monument which is surrounded by a lovely garden and a fountain.
For getting to the Tomb of Avicenna take a taxi or drive to Bu Ali Sina square.
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

Avicenna, the great Persian scientist, and philosopher who had laid the foundation stones for modern medicine is buried in Hamadan.

Tomb of Baba Tahir

If you’re fond of Persian literature and architecture, then you might like to visit Baba Tahir’s Tomb as well. Baba Tahir was an Iranian poet who is still well-known for its romantic poems. A legendary poet whose Iranian adore his poems. The tomb has a unique design which its nice calligraphy and complex tile works with the famous poems on the walls, makes it a meaningful place. The interior of the tomb is splendid just like Baba Tahir was. If you compare his tomb with himself, they have a lot in common; simple appearance but beautiful spiritually.

In the evenings there are usually poetry reading and music playing in the tomb. On special occasions, groups of people gather around the tomb and sing out loud and play traditional instruments. Local poets and artists will also appear in the lovely garden and they would read some of Baba Tahir’s poets or their own poets, so you can enjoy listening to them while enjoying the calm and friendly atmosphere by also observing artistic elements of Persian architecture and art. Around the garden, there are many places to have meals or snacks. You can also buy some nice souvenirs from the handicraft and workshops around or a little symbol of Hamadan to keep in your memory.
Opening hours: 9 am – 6 pm

Baba Tahir was an Iranian poet who is still well-known for its romantic poems. 

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You may have heard Shiraz’s name in case of talking about drinks. However, this wonderful city is a lot more than that. Shiraz is a city that is easy to travel to and very difficult to return from, visitors miss it even before the end of the trip. Shiraz is known as the city of love and poetry in which some great poets such as Hafez, Saadi, Biddle, and many others were born and grew.

Some Iranians believe that the mild and unique climate of Shiraz makes people fall in love. Everything is more pleasing and vivid in Shiraz, even mosques that are places of worship and are usually decorated with a few meaningful colors such as turquoise and azure in other Iranian cities, are decorated with the most vivid colors in Shiraz.

The first few seconds of the video demonstrating the lovemaking of light and colorful glass is filmed in Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, which is made with a lot of genius and artistic taste. This pink mosque is where Instagrammers and photographers rave about. it seems that it’s not only us, the man of the contemporary generation who has discovered all the beauty and delight of living in Shiraz. But also Zandian, Safavian, and even Syrus the great! Yes, you’re right, this city has been a civilized one for thousands of years! The magnificent parts of the unique and rocky city of Persepolis including Stone solid pillars and the delicate stone-carved sphinx (protectors of the palace); well remained throughout the three millennia, surviving despite floods and earthquakes, brings up the question of whether this precise and engineered work could have been the work of terrestrial humans of thousands of years ago, or whether there was another secret behind it.

All short and simple this one-minute video gives a perspective of historic Shiraz city: from the astonishing pink mosque with all those colorful glassworks to the well-constructed Persian gardens. I’m afraid you’ll miss the scent of heaps of orangery blossom in Shiraz’s garden which is preventable by making the reservation for tours on the Irandoostan website.

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Whenever you hear the name of Mashhad city, you may probably think of the most religious and boring city in Iran. But the truth is that there are a lot of fascinating and interesting places waiting for you. Mashhad, the capital of Razavi Khorasan province, is a vast and beautiful region located in the northeast part of Iran. This holy city is famous for the production of the best quality saffron in the world, it is also the most popular souvenir among its visitors that everybody loves. Mashhad is the only city in Iran that has millions of visitors each year and it’s the most crowded city on holidays. You can start your trip from The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza to expansive green valleys in Chalidareh to keep an amazing time for keeping in memory. We wish you a spiritual and memorable experience in this holy city of Iran. For more information on religious tours to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Imam Reza Holy Shrine

If you are looking for a spiritual overhauling experience, the holiest site in Iran, the place where you can find God reflected in your heart without any shadow, is The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza. Imam Reza is the only Imam being buried in Iran therefore his tomb is so respectful among Muslims. Many Iranians and tourists from nearby countries spend some days in Mashhad to visit the tomb of Imam Reza, especially on some holidays like his birth or death dates or even Ramadan, the shrine will be so crowded but it can be visited any time of the year. The shrine contains the mausoleum of the 8th Shia Imam, The Goharshad Mosque, the Library, a dining hall, vast prayer halls for pilgrims, and museums such as carpet and coin collections. You can find ancient coins from the Sasanid dynasty or medals dedicated to the shrine by famous athletes like Takhti; a great and popular wrestler. Non-Muslims can enter the shrine, but they won’t be allowed to approach Imam’s tomb. Women are supposed to wear a hijab and chador to enter the shrine. It’s better to visit here with a local guide to comply with the local customs and rules. There will also be a fast inspection for men and women separately. The efforts of volunteered workers while placing and handling the carpets with love and care to prepare high standards of respect for visitors are admirable. The shrine has got a unique and rich interior that has been built more than a hundred years ago. Mirror and tile works, form a dreamy image to fondle eyes. The golden dome and the blue background of the walls. This shrine is an architectural treasure. Every corner of it has its own spectacular design. For keeping an unforgettable memory of your trip to Mashhad, visit the holy shrine during evening prayers and spend some time by the fountain and watch the white heavenly pigeons flying above the shrine.

Things to do in Mashhad – Imam Reza is the only Imam being buried in Iran therefore his tomb is so respectful among Muslims.

Goharshad Mosque

Goharshad Mosque can be accessed from one of the courtyards of the Holy Shrine and now is a part of the shrine itself. This architectural masterpiece has a great history behind it; the mosque was built by the order of King Shahrokh’s wife, Goharshad, back in the Timurid dynasty. The colors used in Goharshad Mosque designs are the first thing to capture your eyes. You can take a moment to appreciate the beautiful artwork from the Timurid era; the Iranian tiles and plastering work, the shining mirrors on interior ceilings, and the merging minarets on both sides of the iwan, raised from the ground are all samples of Iranian and Islamic architecture.
You can use Mashhad BRT or Metro systems. If you’re using BRT buses, you can reach the shrine from anywhere in Mashhad. You can get off any station at Imam Reza boulevard, Tabarsi St., or Beit-al Moghadas St. in case of using the metro, take Shohada or 17 Shahrivar metro station to access Imam Reza Holy Shrine.
Opening hours: 24 hours

Things to do in Mashhad – The turquoise color used in Goharshad Mosque designs is the first thing to capture your eyes.

Tomb of Nader Shah

The tomb of Nader Shah is iconic for being the burial of a true Persian king. Nader Shah, the founder of the Afsharid dynasty, was a very important figure in Iran’s history that lead Iran into glory and expansion. The tomb is located in Naderi Garden near the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. It was Nader Shah’s last wish to be buried near Imam Reza’s Shrine after his death. The king’s life had lots of dramas and exciting stories that you can learn about on this site. A monument has been built in remembrance of Nader Shah; a statue of Nader Shah on horseback, along with a number of soldiers mounted on a high volume of stone. The complex contains two museums in which you can find the old map of Iran which had its widest boards in the Afsharid dynasty and weapons such as arrows, guns, cannons, armor, etc. that had been used by the king. There are also bookstore and souvenir shops back of the main building that sells handicrafts and all sorts of gifts. Next to the Nader Shah’s tomb, there is the tomb of Coronel Mohammad Taghi Khan, who was a popular military leader in Iran and was also known to be the first Iranian who successfully could fly an aircraft. Try to take some time in the garden to enjoy the way that the beautiful architecture and designs of this place give it even a more loving and living sense than it already has and feels the magic of history. At last, try the little photography place and dress as kings or queens and keep the memory of your travel to Mashhad.
Get to the Shohada or 17 Shahrivar metro station, then take a taxi or walk for about 5 minutes on Shirazi Avenue and you will reach the Tomb of Nader Shah in Mashhad.
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Things to do in Mashhad – A monument has been built in remembrance of Nader Shah, the powerful king in Iran’s history.

Chalidarreh Dam Complex

The scenery of this place makes every visitor smile and it provides happy moments for them to experience in Mashhad. Its nature opens its heart to anyone who seeks a break from the tension of city life. Along with the calmness of the place, some activities were provided for visitors to increase their adrenaline and to present a fun and entertaining place to spend a nice day with family and friends. The most attractive feature of Chalidarreh is the chairlift takes you over the lake and the hills around. You can use the chairlifts to go from one station to another. There is also a train that will take you up the hills to have a nice view of the lake and its surroundings. The lake has many functions like watering the farmlands which have a great profit for the Chalidarreh complex as well. Cross over the lake by paddle or speed boats that have been prepared for your boat riding. A small zoo and bungee jumping and zip lines have been provided for your interests. Daredevils can use the zip line to fly over the lake. There are different types of restaurants and cafés around, in which you can enjoy a nice view of the lake while enjoying your time with your family and friends.
Drive or take a taxi to Torghabeh, get to Imam Reza boulevard, and then at the end of the Khomeini ring road, you will reach your destination.
Opening hours: 9 am – 12 am

Things to do in Mashhad – The surrounding nature of Chalidare opens its heart to anyone who seeks a break from the tension of city life

Kang Village

If you’ve never seen an ancient village built up over a hillside, then you would definitely get excited to see Kang Village. The architecture of the village is fascinating. The houses are built in a way that the roof of one house is another house’s front yard. The people who still live here are so kind and simple. Watching the people still caring for each other and helping one another, just melts your heart. Visitors believe autumn is the best season to visit Kang Village because of the colorful leaves along the river that makes an outstanding scenery. The fresh air and a beautiful view with a calm atmosphere are all you need to tramp around and relax for a moment. Having both views of mountains and rivers is just a gift to appreciate life and enjoy the moment. That’s all traveling is about.

Things to do in Mashhad – visitors believe autumn is the best season to visit Kang Village because of the colorful leaves along the river that makes outstanding scenery.

You can buy some dried fruits or smocked tea to freshen up and keep up climbing the stepped village and seek out more history of this thousand of years old village. If you could reach the top of the hill, you will find an amazing photo opportunity of the village which will be unique in your own way. You won’t ever get enough of this village and its kind people. So make sure you pay a visit to this lovely person in Kang Village.
From Mashhad, take the imam Khomeini ring road of Torqabeh and then go along. As you enter the Noghondar road, the road ends up by the village of Kang and you will reach your destination.
Opening hours: 24/7

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