TEHRAN – Kelardasht county, which is home to lush green forests, spectacular mountains, pristine rivers on other natural beauties, has been named a prime tourist destination in Mazandaran province, northern Iran.

The designation was announced by Mazandaran’s Governor General Seyyed Mahmoud Hosseinipour when he addressed a Kelardasht conference on Monday.

Over 1.5 million travelers, including overseas voyagers, visited Kelardasht in the past [Iranian calendar] year (ended on March 20), the official said.

He said, based on available data, the number of visitors to Kelardasht has been on the rise during the current year.

“Kelardasht, with its privileged location, has long attracted domestic and foreign tourists, especially from Arab countries,” Hosseinipour said.

With its unique cultural heritage, ancient historical sites, and vibrant local markets is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Earlier this year, Iran nominated Kelardasht, Hamedan, and Ardakan for the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).

Mazandaran is one of Iran’s most densely populated provinces and has diverse natural resources, notably large reservoirs of oil and natural gas. Human habitation in the area dates back to 75,000 years ago. Recent excavations in Gohar Tappeh in Behshahr a proof that the area has been urbanized for more than 5,000 years, and the area is considered one of the most important historical sites of Iran. Based on archaeological studies conducted in the caves of Kamarband and Hutu, near the city of Behshahr, it seems that the human presence in the area of Mazandaran dates back some 9500 years BC.

From a geographical point of view, Mazandaran can be divided into two parts, i.e. coastal plain and the mountainous train. It has a variety of climates, including the mild and humid climate of the Caspian shoreline and the moderate and cold climate of mountainous regions.

Renowned for its diverse cuisine made with fresh and organic ingredients, Mazandaran is a food lover's paradise as well. Its distinctive dishes include: Aghuz Mossama (walnut dish), Tah Chin, Torsh Torshu, Do Pati, Espenasak, pumpkin soup, Esfenaj Marji, Kahi Anar (a dish made from pumpkins), Naz Khatun, Qaliye, Khoresht-e Alu and Aghuznun.

In the early 20th century, by constructing some new roads and railways, Mazandaran became more reachable to people on the mainland who named it “Shomal” (meaning “the North”).

AFM