Rasht is one of the largest most populated cities in northern Iran. As the capital of Gilan province, Rasht has a lot of scenery to see. Registered as Creative City of gastronomy in UNESCO, Rasht offers a huge range of tasty foods. So, if you are a food traveler, Rasht must be your first spot to investigate in Iran. Note that if you are a vegetarian, the good news is that despite most Persian dishes, they have a wide range of tasty vegetarian foods. For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, Rasht also offers so many colorful natural sites.
Municipality Square which is located in the center of the city, is one of the most beautiful squares in Iran, especially at night. In the center of the square, there is a big fountain and if you look around, you can see the famous municipal building. This building is more like a palace and it resembles Saint Petersburg’s architecture. The Clock Tower, Post and Telegraph Museum are other structures in this square with a similar look.
Saravan forest park is considered the main park of Rasht. Due to the jungles and rivers existed in this region it’s suggested to choose this area for natural tours and recreations. The biggest difference of this park with other similar parks is enchanting surging lakes existed in this place. this park, first, seems a land covered with grass but when you get close, you get aware it’s a lake. you can boat on this beautiful lake and have a pleasing trip to the mysterious jungles.
There is also a river called Khorushan in this park that in order to get to it you should keep on more to the park. The sound of surging water touches your ears and makes you obsessed to stay there for a while and watch the beautiful scenery.
Local markets are among the most exciting places to visit by any food lover. A delightful combination of colors, flavors, and sounds always conveys a great sense of liveliness and joy to the visitors. The Grand Bazaar is a 24-hectars market and consists of the square, street and caravanserai. Most of these caravanserais are now abandoned but the rooms in some like Taqi Bozorg have been converted into shops.
Asalem to Khalkhal road is one of the most gorgeous and spectacular roads in Iran bridging two province Gilan and Ardabil together. It is a combination of two contradictory points: the highland forest and plain together. This 70-km-long road lies from the sea level to 3000 meters high and purely depicts splendors of the motherland and its natural tourist attraction. The road is in fact a rout lies inside green velvet textile of the countryside, goes up to the heaven where a carpet of fog is beautifying the scent of fresh flora and fauna. When someone gets lost in this real-life dream, it is the time that he feels regeneration inside.
A trip to Iran is a wonderful opportunity for nature lovers to visit the country’s famous wetlands, many of which are registered with international conventions. There are over 80 internationally recognized wetlands or lagoons in Iran.
- The ecotourism significance of the Estil lagoon is doubled by the closeness to the road, diversity of natural views like mountains, forests, farms, and lands. The western side of the lagoon is covered by forest and ground covered plants and its eastern side contains floating alder trees.
- Anzali lagoon as a natural wetland with freshwater is irrigated by eleven rivers and thirty tributaries. all the Lagoon is full of Lotus that gives the place perfect color. When arriving at the Lagoon, you can catch a boat and row your way through the birds and flowers of the Iran northern Wetland. In addition, Anzali Lagoon is a destination for a lot of birds that come here from the northern countries.
Latoun waterfall it can be considered the highest waterfall in Iran with the height of 105 meters has two high steps from where water is released up to the point where water flows on.
the important historical Qal’eh roudkhan castle has been the seat of Gilan government for a long time. it has 2 parts: a citadel where the king lived, barracks for soldiers. The wall encircling the castle and watchtowers can be seen to the north and south of castle.
Structure of Masouleh is unique and mesmerizing as the buildings have been built into the mountain and are interconnected. Front yards and roofs both serve as pedestrian areas similar to streets. The landscape surrounding this stepped village is lush and mountainous with a frequent covering of dense fog.
Olasbelangah village is nested on foothills of the alborz mountain range. Teeming with timeless yet spectacular sceneries, sound of birds, this picturesque area is sometimes referred to as a lost paradise in northern Iran. In addition, the mountains topped with green valleys and Densely Packed Forest. It is astonishing in spring and summer because of cold and foggy weather. After falling asleep in a wooden cottage under the starry sky, you wake up to the sound of birds. Get out of the hut as soon as possible to see a carpet of clouds beneath your feet. Prepare yourself for a day of eating local food.
