Iran's Nature 21 Nov 2018 BY The Authors Group

Ecotourism, Iran: Wonderful Destination for Ecotourism

With a variety of climatic zones and nature, when you travel to Iran you will see hot deserts, lush forests, and beautiful mountains at the same time. One of the most interesting parts of Iran, from the perspective of eco-tourism, is considered to be the northern part of the country.

Although ecotourism in Iran is a young industry so far it has served a lot in the tourism industry. Wonderful hospitality of local people and the unique nature of Iran quite well and has led the industry toward a sustainable development. So if you are a nature lover and interested in visiting natural parts of the world, Iran is a great destination for you.

Ecotourism, an educational and responsible form of traveling, is broadly defined as low impact travel to endangered and often untamed locations which sustains the well-being of local people. It educates the travelers both in terms of the physical landscape and cultural characteristics, and often provides funds for conservation and benefits the economic development of places that are frequently impoverished.

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Ecotourism in Iran

Iran the country of ancient culture, rich history, unique architectural masterpieces, and natural beauty is a true paradise for anyone who loves and enjoys history and nature. The tourism industry is drastically developing, attracting more and more tourists from all over the world. Iran, with varied and rich resources, has more than150 protected areas and 26 national parks which is a suitable place for eco-tourism and visitors can not only see but also touch the pristine nature.

Ecotourism can be considered an attractive aspect of tourism that includes mountaineering, caving, migration of nomads, diving, ice climbing, desert hiking, biking in the desert and rock climbing.

Due to a very diverse natural setting, Iran offers a lively and interesting environment to the nature lovers. The nature setting varies from north to south. It embraces temperate forests in the north with relatively high humidity and rainfall, deserts and salt lakes in the central parts, towering mountain ranges and picks, as well as glaciers and coastal areas.

You can enjoy 4 seasons’ weather in one day all year round in Iran. From high and snow-capped mountains like majestic mount Damavand, large lakes and rivers, stunning jungles and grasslands in the north to hot and dry lands in the Lout desert and tropical weather in the coast of Persian Gulf there is the possibility of enjoying different weather diversity all year round.

Iran’s special tourist attractions:

Hot Springs

One of the natural attractions of Iran is medicinal waters springs, mineral and hot waters with different chemical composition, for example, hot water springs of Larijani, Mahallat, Sarein, Bostal, Abad, Ramsar, etc., which are visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Qeshm Island

The largest island of Qeshm is located in the Persian Gulf. It can be considered unique. The island is preserved in its natural form and has not been touched by humans.

The Big Island is surrounded by several small islands (Naz islands), which are connected with a large island at low tide. Another unique phenomenon on the island is the largest mangrove forest in the Middle East. More than 150 species of birds can be seen in the woods.

The longest cave in the world Namakdan or “Three naked” is located on the island of Qeshm. The cave is about 6 km.

Badab-e-Surt, Mazandaran

Badab-e-Surt is a natural miracle which shines with its natural beauty. Badab-e-Surt is a stepped terrace that was formed over thousands of years. It is located in Mazandaran province, at an altitude of 1840 m above sea level. There are two different spring glasses of water in the pool terraces; the one with a high salt concentration, which has medicinal properties, and the one has a sour taste and orange color. The whole natural complex is striking in its beauty. It is important to note that there are only a few of stepped terraces in the world, and one of them is located on the territory of Iran.

Different Ecovillages in Iran

In order to attract more tourists to Iran, the government started developing eco-villages, with all conditions to help tourists be closer to nature. In addition, the settlements present the life and traditions of the people so that the tourist will be familiar with the local customs.

Turkmen Ecolodge

Ecovillage is located near the Golestan National Park, which is considered one of the most popular places for ecotourism. The house is made of the clay in the traditional style.

Turkmen Ecolodge eco-village grows organic vegetables, herbs, and fruit which are treated to their guests. In addition to visiting and investigating the National Park, the eco-village offers to learn the process of traditional bread baking in a clay oven or learn the craft of carpet weaving.

Matin Abad Eco Camp

Matin Abad Eco Camp Eco Resort was one of the first in the country of its kind. In a short time it became an important part of eco-tourism and now it offers to its guest to have a pleasant holiday on eco-farm and be in a close contact with nature. Eco-camp is located in the desert, in Aran va Bidgol province. The entertainment program includes a walk on camels, biking, as well as the study of the night sky in the desert. Ecovillage offers tourists only organic products and as an alternative to the energy source, it uses solar cells.

Matin Abad

Mountain valley Bavanat

For those who want to take a closer look at the nomads’ lifestyle, we offer to stop in Bavanat summer houses, located in the Zagros Mountains. The country house has its own garden where they grow fruit and vegetables. Summer cottage is the perfect place to get acquainted with the traditions and life of nomads, taste local dishes and take part in the production of cheese, butter, bread, etc.

Ecotourism in the northern part of Iran:

In Iran ecotourism, a special place occupies the Mazandaran province on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, with an area of 23 714 sq.km. Mazandaran climatic conditions contributed greatly to the preservation of historical monuments. Suitable environmental conditions, pleasant and mild subtropical climate, beautiful natural scenery and proximity to Iran made the province one of the main places of tourism in Iran.

A significant role that ecotourism plays is in conserving the endangered flora and fauna of the region, national park Dasht-e Naz, Mount (volcano) Damavand, lake Lahr, waterfall and fortress Malek Bahman. A garden of Safavids epoch is located in the city of Bushehr, in the neighborhood - a bird sanctuary on Miankal Peninsula and Lake Abbas Abad. In the surrounding area of Nowshehr Sisangan National Park and Lake Avidar are situated and near the city, TonekabonChaldareh National Park is located. The village Namakabrud is famous with its aerial tramway. Lake Valasht is near the village Kelardasht. Natural terraces and hot mineral springs Badab-e Surt are also located in the province.

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