Introduction
A waterfall is a natural feature that occurs when water flows over a steep drop in elevation or a vertical rock face, creating a cascade of falling water. Waterfalls are formed by various factors, such as the type and hardness of the rocks, the speed and volume of the water, and the geological history of the area.Waterfalls are typically formed in areas where a layer of hard rock overlays a layer of softer rock, creating a step-like formation in the river or stream.
As the water flows over the soft rock layer, it erodes the rock and causes the waterfall to retreat over time. Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful and fascinating natural attractions, and many of them have historical and cultural significance.
Iran and waterfalls
Iran has more than 390 waterfalls, some of which are among the highest, widest, and most beautiful in the world. In this article, we will introduce some of the most famous waterfalls in Iran, grouped by their province.
– Alborz Province : Alborz province is located in the north of Iran, and is named after the Alborz mountain range that runs through it. The province has a mountainous and forested terrain, with many rivers and springs. The province has several waterfalls, such as:
- Latian Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the Latian Dam, and is about 15 meters high and 20 meters wide. The waterfall is formed by the overflow of the dam, and is surrounded by greenery and rocks. The waterfall is accessible by a short walk from the parking lot.
– Ardabil Province : Ardabil province is located in the northwest of Iran, and is part of the historical region of Azerbaijan.The province has a cold and mountainous climate, with many natural attractions, such as hot springs, lakes, and caves.The province has several waterfalls, such as:
- Fandoqlu Waterfall: This waterfall is located in the Fandoqlu Forest, and is about 10 meters high and 5 meters wide. The waterfall is formed by a spring that flows from the mountains, and is surrounded by colorful flowers and trees. The waterfall is accessible by a 30-minute hike from the village of Fandoqlu.
– Bushehr Province : Bushehr province is located in the south of Iran, and is bordered by the Persian Gulf. The province has a hot and humid climate, with many coastal and marine attractions, such as beaches, islands, and coral reefs. The province has few waterfalls, but one of them is:
- Dalaki Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the Dalaki River, and is about 5 meters high and 10 meters wide. The waterfall is formed by the diversion of the river, and is surrounded by palm trees and farms. The waterfall is accessible by a 10-minute drive from the city of Borazjan.
– Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province : Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province is located in the southwest of Iran, and is part of the Zagros mountain range.The province has a temperate and mountainous climate, with many natural attractions, such as glaciers, valleys, and forests.The province has many waterfalls, such as:
- Atashgah Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the village of Atashgah, and is the longest waterfall in Iran, with a height of 850 meters. The waterfall is formed by a spring that flows from the mountains, and is surrounded by cliffs and vegetation. The waterfall is accessible by a four-hour hike from the village of Atashgah.
– East Azerbaijan Province: East Azerbaijan province is located in the northwest of Iran, and is part of the historical region of Azerbaijan. – The province has a cold and semi-arid climate, with many natural attractions, such as volcanoes, lakes, and hot springs. – The province has several waterfalls, such as:
- Shalmash Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the city of Sardasht, and is composed of three waterfalls that flow into the Caesar River. The waterfall is about 15 meters high and 10 meters wide, and is surrounded by oak forests and rocks. The waterfall is accessible by a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
– Fars Province : Fars province is located in the south of Iran, and is considered the cultural and historical heartland of Iran. The province has a warm and semi-arid climate, with many natural attractions, such as mountains, plains, and gardens. The province has several waterfalls, such as:
- Margoon Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the village of Margoon, and is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iran. The waterfall is about 70 meters high and 100 meters wide, and has a curtain shape. The waterfall is located in a valley, and is fed by a spring that originates from the Zagros mountains. The waterfall is accessible by a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
– Gilan Province : Gilan province is located in the north of Iran, and is bordered by the Caspian Sea. The province has a humid and subtropical climate, with many natural attractions, such as forests, wetlands, and rice fields. The province has many waterfalls, such as:
- Laton Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the village of Laton, and is the tallest waterfall in Iran, with a height of 105 meters. The waterfall is formed by a river that flows from the Alborz mountains, and is surrounded by forest and rocks. The waterfall is accessible by a four-hour hike from the village of Laton.
– Golestan Province: Golestan province is located in the northeast of Iran, and is bordered by Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea. The province has a temperate and humid climate, with many natural attractions, such as forests, plains, and rivers.The province has several waterfalls, such as:
- Kaboudwal Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the city of Gorgan, and is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the province. The waterfall is about 40 meters high and 20 meters wide, and has a V-shaped form. The waterfall is situated in a green valley, and is fed by a spring that flows from the mountains. The waterfall is accessible by a one-hour hike from the village of Kaboudwal.
– Hamadan Province: Hamadan province is located in the west of Iran, and is one of the oldest provinces in Iran. The province has a cold and mountainous climate, with many natural attractions, such as caves, springs, and lakes. The province has few waterfalls, but one of them is:
- Ganjnameh Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the city of Hamadan, and is about 12 meters high and 10 meters wide. The waterfall is formed by a spring that flows from the Alvand mountain, and is surrounded by rocks and trees. The waterfall is accessible by a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
– Hormozgan Province: Hormozgan province is located in the south of Iran, and is bordered by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The province has a hot and humid climate, with many natural attractions, such as islands, coral reefs, and mangroves.The province has few waterfalls, but one of them is:
- Hara Waterfall: This waterfall is located on the Qeshm Island, and is about 10 meters high and 5 meters wide. The waterfall is formed by the tide of the sea, and is surrounded by mangrove trees and mud. The waterfall is accessible by a boat ride from the port of Qeshm.
– Ilam Province : Ilam province is located in the west of Iran, and is part of the Zagros mountain range. The province has a temperate and mountainous climate, with many natural attractions, such as valleys, forests, and rivers. The province has several waterfalls, such as:
- Absefid Waterfall: This waterfall is located near the city of Ilam, and is about 50 meters high.
– Mazandaran province : A Land of Waterfalls , Mazandaran province is located along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and in the adjacent Central Alborz mountain range, in the north of Iran. The province has a humid and temperate climate, with abundant rainfall and snowfall. The province is home to many rivers, lakes, springs, and waterfalls, making it one of the most water-rich regions in Iran.Mazandaran province has more than 50 waterfalls, some of which are very popular among tourists and locals.
Some of the most notable waterfalls in Mazandaran province are:
- Ab Pari Waterfall: This waterfall is located in the city of Qaem Shahr, and is one of the most visited waterfalls in the province. The waterfall is about 53 meters high and has a U-shaped form. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky cliffs, creating a scenic view. The waterfall is accessible by a two-hour hike from the village of Gezo.
- Sangeno Waterfall: This waterfall is also located in Qaem Shahr county, and is one of the highest waterfalls in Iran. The waterfall is about 105 meters high and has three cascades. The waterfall is situated in a deep valley, and is hidden from sight until the last moment. The waterfall is reachable by a four-hour hike from the village of Sangeno.
- Oben Waterfall: This waterfall is located in the city of Sari, and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iran. The waterfall is about 70 meters high and has a horseshoe shape. The waterfall is nestled in the heart of the northern jungles, and is very difficult to access. The waterfall is reachable by a six-hour hike from the village of Oben.