Sights of Karaj; 11 places to see in Karaj and its surroundings

If you live in Tehran or Karaj, you might ask yourself where to go on the weekend in Karaj? Karaj is a big city with various entertainment facilities that you should choose one of these attractions according to your taste. From pristine nature to historical monuments and Karaj amusement parks, they all may make a memorable weekend for you. In this article, we introduce the best places to see in Karaj. Stay with us.

Introduction of Karaj

Karaj is the capital of Alborz province and one of the largest cities in Iran. This city is located 36 kilometers west of Tehran, on the west bank of the Karaj River and the southern slope of the Alborz mountain range. Karaj is the fifth most populated city in Iran. This city has many universities and agriculture, tourism and ecotourism industries are thriving in it. After Tehran, Karaj is the biggest immigration destination in Iran because it is close to Tehran and has many facilities. In recent years, many people from different ethnic groups have migrated to Karaj and live together with different dialects and religions.

Sights of Karaj

1. Shah Abbasi Caravanserai

Shah Abbasi Caravanserai is an old building that was built during the time of Shah Suleiman Safavid. This caravanserai is the only urban caravanserai in Iran that was built on the Silk Road. The caravanserai building has 4 porches, 22 rooms for passengers and 5 warehouses for storing caravan goods. During the Safavid, Afshariya, and Zandiyeh eras, this caravanserai was a residence for travelers who traded on the Silk Road, but at the beginning of the Qajar dynasty, it was turned into a military base and the first agricultural school of Iran was established there. Falahat Agricultural School trained many students at the end of the Qajar period.

2. Ice Morad Cave

Yachmorad cave in Gachsar region is one of the most famous caves in Iran. The stalactites and abstract stones of this cave have made unique shapes that are attractive to visitors. Yakhmorad cave dates back to the second geological period. Some experts believe that this cave was formed under the sea about 50 million years ago. We see holes on the walls of Yach Morad cave, which are a kind of natural ventilation, as a result, air flows in this cave and there is a lot of oxygen. The large piles and storages of ice inside the cave are spectacular and the reflection of light on these ices creates fantastic views. The best time to visit Yach Morad Cave is from the beginning of March to the middle of April. At this time, you can see the ice on the cave walls. At the beginning of June, these ices completely melt and only the ice lake remains.

3. Amir Kabir Dam

Amirkabir Dam or Karaj Dam is built on the Karaj River. This dam supplies Tehran with drinking water. Amirkabir Dam is a multi-purpose structure that, in addition to providing water to Tehran, also produces electricity. The reservoir behind the dam is also an ideal habitat for breeding salmon. Karaj Dam has created an eye-catching sight that has many visitors on holidays and weekends. The construction of this building started in 1337 and finished in 1342. American engineers supervised its construction process. This dam is built in an earthquake-prone area, and for this reason, special considerations have been taken into account in its design. Today, you can go boating and fishing in Amirkabir Dam Lake and make a good day for yourself and your friends.

4. Gachasar tulip garden

Lale Gachsar Tulip Garden is one of the must-see places in Karaj in spring. The scenery around this area is very beautiful; The blue sky and a unique nature are in front of you where you can see all kinds of tulips. Every year, many Iranian and foreign visitors come to see the colorful spring flowers of Gachsar. The best time to visit this garden is April and April when the flowers are blooming and the weather is pleasant. Next to this garden, there are stalls with traditional and local clothes. You can wear them and take beautiful photos in nature.

5. National Botanical Garden of Iran

The National Botanical Garden is a collection of plants and trees native to Iran and strange species that have been placed together. This garden along the Tehran-Karaj freeway is a suitable destination for the people of Tehran and surrounding cities who are interested in plants. One of the goals of this practical and recreational complex is to improve people’s knowledge of botany and horticulture. In addition, the National Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of endangered plants. This garden has an area of ​​145 hectares and is located on the southern slope of the Alborz mountain range. Each part of the garden has a different view. This garden also has 6 lakes and 2 waterfalls, which are worth seeing.

The National Botanical Garden has 7 Iranian habitats and 6 global habitats where plants from different regions are grown. Iranian habitats include:

• Hirakani;
• Zagros;
• Southern Alborz;
• Iranian and Turanian;
• Greenhouses in southern Iran;
• Iranian onion garden;
• Local fruit garden.

Global habitats also include:

In addition to these native habitats, 8 collections and 1 private garden are also included in this collection. Systematic garden, garden of medicinal plants, garden of rocks, garden of roses and garden of broadleaf plants are spectacular spaces for visitors. This garden is one of the best places to visit in Karaj for children.

6. Khor waterfall

Khor waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls near Tehran. This waterfall originates from a river that originates from the Hesarpik area. Khor waterfall has a beautiful and pristine nature and is an attractive destination for nature lovers and waterfall hikers. In some seasons of the year, professional instructors organize short courses of waterfall climbing and ice climbing in this area. Khor waterfall is a spectacular attraction all year round. Visitors enjoy the pleasant coolness of the air and orchards in the summer season, and the frozen waterfall and ski slopes in the winter season make their trip to this area a pleasant experience.

7. Dizin ski resort

Dizin ski resort is one of the most important ski resorts in Iran and the Middle East. This track was built in the heights of Alborz province and it is the first track in Iran that has been approved by the World Ski Federation for holding competitions. Dizin area, surrounded by Alborz mountains, is an attractive and spectacular resort for the people of Tehran and those interested in winter sports. Today, several hotels and restaurants operate in this area, which provide good amenities for travelers. For this reason, Dezin ski resort is one of the sights of Karaj at night. The sports activities of Deisin track are not exclusive to winter. In the summer season, grass skiing competitions are held in this track. In addition, you can go mountain biking or practice archery.

8. Wardvard Forest Park

Wardvard Forest Park is one of the spectacular parks of Karaj. This park has a large area and is a suitable park for families to spend their vacations in. The air in Wardvard Forest Park is clean and pleasant. In this park, even in the summer season, the heat does not bother you. Vardavard Forest Park’s diverse vegetation has created a pleasant atmosphere for the people of Tehran and Karaj to spend time away from the city’s congestion and pollution, along with suitable recreational facilities. In this park you can ride a bike, play with your children and enjoy its restaurants.

9. Kurdan village

Kurdan is a historical village located 15 kilometers northwest of Karaj. One of the interesting places in Karaj Kurdistan is Berghan River. This river passes through orchards and is a relaxing and beautiful place to spend your weekend. The pleasant climate and beautiful Kurdish nature has made this village famous. Banu Sahra Bridge is one of the Kurdistan’s must-see places, dating back to the Safavid era.

10. Pearl Palace

Pearl Palace is one of the sightseeing places in Mehrshahr Karaj, which is also called Shams Palace. This building was built from 1966 to 1968 under the management of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation as a residence for Shams Pahlavi, Reza Shah’s sister. Shams was suffering from asthma and according to the advice of doctors, he should live in an environment with good climate. He chose Mehrshahr and this palace was built for him at a cost of 1 million dollars. Shams Palace is registered as one of the national heritage of Iran.

The Pearl Palace building is made of cement and looks like an eagle with a pearl in its claws. The roof of this building has a spiral design and many skylights, and pearls cover the entire roof. Pearl Palace Lake has been designed in such a way that it surrounds the building from 3 sides. This lake is deep and made for boating. Shams Palace displays a perfect example of Iranian architecture in the 20th century, which unfortunately has not been in a good condition for years and is being renovated.

11. Farrukhabad village

Farrokh Abad village is one of the famous places of Fardis Karaj and it is several thousand years old. In this village, you can see beautiful green spaces surrounded by old and stout trees that create unique views. For this reason, it is likened to a piece of heaven. The history of this village goes back to ancient times and it is said that it was the residence of the first inhabitants of this area. Archaeologists have found ocher-colored pottery in this village and guess that it dates back to 1000 BC. Gholam Ali Tepe and Zal Tepe are other sights of this village and belong to the Seljuk era. There is also a place of worship and some other ancient buildings in Farrukh Abad, which are interesting for history lovers.

12. Karaj roof

One of the sights of Azimieh Karaj is Bam Karaj. This roof at the foot of the Alborz Mountains hosts visitors who are interested in climbing. The people of Tehran and Karaj come to this roof to walk and climb for hours away from the noise and see the city from a height. This roof is one of the sights of Karaj at night. On days when the weather is good, you can rock climb on this roof and sit quietly for hours at night and enjoy the clean air.

last word

Karaj is one of the largest cities in Iran that has many tourist attractions. You can spend the weekend in this city with your friends and family and visit its various sights. Whether you are interested in nature tourism or enjoy visiting historical monuments, Karaj will provide you with a pleasant atmosphere. If you know another attraction in Karaj, share it with us and the readers.