Best Places for Seeing Reverse Tulips in Iran

The reverse tulip, also called Crown Imperial or Fritillaria imperialis, is recognized as the legendary and native flower of Iran. This flower is one of the rarest plants in the world but is found in abundance in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains and other places in Iran. As spring arrives, nature awakens in a breathtaking display of beauty, and the untouched, verdant landscapes enchant all who witness them. Among the most mesmerizing sights of the season are the vast fields of reverse tulips, a rare and stunning phenomenon found in select regions of Iran.

The lifespan of the reverse tulips is short, and every year, from mid or late April to the end of May, is a golden chance to appreciate the wonders of nature and observe these vibrant tulips. This article explores breathtaking plains of reverse tulips in Iran, revealing their radiant beauty in the landscape.

Zagros Mountains (Western Iran)

Reverse tulip comes in many different types and colors. The spotted reverse tulip grows in bright purple, spotted purple, and white. The Zagros tulip grows in pale yellow. Mary’s Tears, along with the Iranian reverse tulip and various other reverse tulips, can be found in Iran and explored in the verdant plains.

The origin of this eccentric flower was in western Iran, in the Zagros Mountains. About 30 kilometers from Aligudarz, the reverse tulip plains are found on the Zagros Mountain slopes, which continue to the top of the lush slopes. These plains are the largest reverse tulip plains in the world.

Plain of Reverse Tulips

Some isolated populations in the Zagros foothills are home to breathtaking fields of reverse tulips, making it a rare and mesmerizing display of nature’s charm each spring.

The melting snow gives way to the tulips that have just sprouted from the ground. While traces of snow can still be seen in the highlands, the red and yellow colors of the tulips add to the green of the plain and the whiteness of the snow.

Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Koohrang and Chelgerd

Another one of the most beautiful and densest plains of reverse tulips is in Kuhrang, and it is the most-visited plain of reverse tulips in Iran. The plain in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province is located near the village of Banuastaki, which is 12 kilometers away from the city of Chelgerd. The path is fairly easy to navigate. On the way to this plain, you can visit other attractions of the city, such as Alikhan Waterfall and Dimeh Spring. After that, head over to admire the breathtaking expanse of red and yellow tulip fields.

Areas Like Aligudarz and Oshtorankuh

If you have a passion for mountain climbing and the pleasant air of the countryside on warm spring days, you can go to Lorestan and the beautiful city of Aligudarz. This city is situated between the cities of Isfahan, Arak, and Khorramabad. Located in the southeastern region of Lorestan province, Aligudarz offers a mountainous climate characterized by refreshing and enjoyable springs and summers. By late May, as the snow on the slopes of the Oshtorankuh Mountains melts, reverse tulips begin to bloom, creating a magnificent landscape.

Lorestan Province

The Aligudarz Plain in Lorestan Province, also known as the Laleh Dalani Plain, is regarded as the largest expanse of reverse tulips in both Iran and the world. This vast plain starts from the southeast of the city of Aligudarz and continues to the foothills of the Zagros Mountains.

Inverted Tulip Iran

To visit this breathtaking plain, travel 35 kilometers southeast of the town until you arrive at its magnificent expanse. Lorestan Province is famous for its unique nature and spectacular waterfalls, and traveling to its various regions will be full of unique experiences for any nature traveler.

Isfahan Province

The reverse tulip plain of Isfahan Province is among the most breathtaking plains, where you will find a dozen of these flower species. The city of Isfahan has a temperate and mountainous climate, and due to this favorable climate, in spring, reverse tulips with lemon-yellow colors grow in this region. The height of these flowers is usually between 50 and 80 centimeters. You can also attend the Reverse Tulip Festival in Isfahan province. To do so, head west within the province and look up the name and location of the Reverse Tulip Plain, particularly in the Khansar, Fereydounshahr, and Fereydan regions.

Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province

One of the most astonishing reverse tulip plains in Iran is in the village of Savers, in the Dehdasht region, as well as Ardakan, the city of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The tulips here are red in color and surrounded by mountain ranges. To get to the incredible Savers Plain, you have to head to Dehdasht. Behbahan is the closest city to this place, and you have to drive about 90 kilometers from Behbahan to get there.

Ilam Province

Ilam Province boasts unique climatic and geographical conditions and is part of the provinces in the Zagros Mountains. Manesht and Ghelarang regions in this province are one of the main growing areas for reverse tulips in Iran.

The Plain of Reverse Tulips

This region provides an ideal environment for the growth of these beautiful flowers due to its suitable altitudes, rocky soil, and temperate climate. The reverse tulip is a rare plant species in Iran and presents a distinctive display of nature in Ilam Province.

Mountains Near Arak and Shazand

The reverse Tulips Plain in Arak Province should be sought in the foothills of the city of Shahzand. This city is lower in elevation than other mountainous areas, making it greener than other plains. The reverse tulips in this area are mostly red, but lemon yellow can also be seen among them.

Fars Province

Fars Province has lush and diverse vegetation, thanks to its relatively mountainous climate, which embraces vibrant natural landscapes. From mid-April to late May, you can visit the Meshkan reverse tulip plain in the Jaz Dasht region (Meshkan district of Neyriz city) to see one of the most beautiful reverse tulip plains. In addition, you can hike to see the combination of red and green colors in nature. The Plain of Reverse Tulips of Sepidan, Meshkan, and the Semirom region are among the habitats of Iran’s legendary flowers in the Fars Province.

Khambi Garmeh Region of North Khorasan Province

The Plain of Reverse Tulips in the Khambi Garmeh region of North Khorasan province is another popular area for nature lovers. This area is a very suitable place for the growth of reverse tulips due to its semi-mountainous climate. In spring, colorful and fresh flowers grow around the village of Kahmbi Garmeh, and the rarest species of this rare flower blooms in purple and yellow colors, inviting visitors to the picturesque region.

Reverse Tulip of Daraki Plain in Kurdistan

Reverse tulips can also be found in Kurdistan Province. To visit the plains carpeted with these flowers, you must go to the village of Daraki in Kurdistan province. It may intrigue you to learn that, unlike many other plains across the country, the reverse tulips of Kurdistan begin blooming in early spring, around March to April. Daraki reverse tulip plain is also close to Yasuj in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, which also offers a large variety of stunning landscapes.

Reverse Tulips Plain

Final Word

Iran is home to numerous breathtaking locations where visitors can admire the rare beauty of reverse tulips. These peculiar flowers bloom across various regions, transforming the landscape into a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors. Moreover, in Iran, you can discover a myriad of other regions that provide a fantastic view for visitors to encounter this rare flower. These tulips are one of the 12,000 plant species identified in the country and are considered native plants. Due to the importance of the reverse tulip and its risk of extinction, the flower’s file has been provisionally registered with UNESCO and is on the waiting list for final registration.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours and feel free to contact us.