Travel to destinations that hold many secrets within themselves is exciting and fascinating. These trips encourage you to embark on adventures and discover the unknown. Caves are part of geological phenomena that, due to their hidden nature, have always sparked human curiosity to explore these wonderlands.
Geographical Location of Ali Sadr Cave in Iran
Ali Sadr Cave is located in the province of Hamadan, within the Zagros mountain range. With its cool climate, this cave is one of the most popular summer tourist destinations in the province. It is situated in Kabudarahang County, 73 kilometers northwest of the city of Hamadan, near a village of the same name.
The cave belongs to the "Sari Qiyeh" heights, also known as the "Yellow Rock." To reach the cave, you can drive about 60 kilometers from Hamadan on the road leading to Bijar, then take the Ali Sadr road. After about 13 kilometers, you will arrive at the cave. The trip from Hamadan takes about 70 minutes.
Alternatively, you can travel from Kabudarahang to Ali Sadr. If you start from Hamadan, after 60 kilometers, you will reach the county. From there, you will need to travel about 50 kilometers to Ali Sadr. The entire journey from Hamadan to the destination takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Exploring Ali Sadr Cave
Upon entering the large cave entrance, you immediately feel the cool, damp atmosphere. The temperature difference from the outside is the first thing that stands out. Descending into the cave, you will notice beautiful formations adorning the walls and ceiling, illuminated in the dark. You will reach the boating area and wait for a boat to pick you up for an extraordinary tour of this millions-year-old natural wonder. After wearing life jackets, you embark on a boat with a guide to explore the cave's waters.
The cave’s corridors and halls resemble streets and alleyways; some end in dead ends, while others are interconnected. A unique feature of Ali Sadr Cave, compared to other water caves in the world, is the ease of navigating the water channels inside. These channels are wide enough to allow passage with regular boats. Be sure to observe your surroundings carefully during the boat ride and discover the hidden secrets of this natural marvel. From the clear, deep water beneath you to the various stalagmite and stalactite formations that captivate visitors, every corner is a visual delight. Colorful lighting enhances these formations, helping visitors identify their shapes and enhancing their experience.
Once the water path ends, the cave tour continues on foot. The wonders of the cave don’t stop, as you’ll encounter formations resembling pearls, dragons, and other objects. Let your creativity guide you to spot new shapes. After walking further, another water path appears. As it narrows and the ceiling lowers, the boatmen will guide you to the edges, where you must disembark and say farewell to the cave’s beauty.
This extraordinary natural phenomenon was added to Iran's National Natural Heritage list as the 23rd natural monument on January 5, 2009.
Naming the Cave
Historically, the cave was used as a dam and reservoir by the villagers. In historical documents, the village was referred to as "Ali-Sad," and in the villagers' identification cards, it appeared as "Ali-Sard." In 1971, when a road was constructed for the village, the road's builder named it "Ali Sadr" on the sign. This naming became associated with both the village and the cave. The cave’s name originally came from the cold water it held, hence "Ali-Sard."
Interesting Facts About Ali Sadr Cave
Ali Sadr Cave is 190 million years old and is considered a living cave. According to geology, as long as the sound of dripping water is heard and the cracks in the walls are covered with layers of limestone, the cave remains alive and evolving. Though these changes might not be observable in a human lifetime.
Ali Sadr Cave is a natural phenomenon, and humans did not have a hand in its creation.
The main entrance of the cave is 110 meters below the surface of the earth.
Despite being underground, there are no toxic gases present inside the cave.
The highest point inside the cave reaches 54 meters from the water’s surface to the ceiling, equivalent to the height of an 18-story building.
Despite its depth, there is no sensation of breathlessness inside the cave.
Around one million people visit the cave annually.
Historically, the cave was used as a refuge during attacks and as a water storage source for drinking and agricultural needs.
Ali Sadr Cave is classified as a lake cave, forming inside the earth’s crust.
Various minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, lead, and copper contribute to the water’s colorful hues of yellow, red, purple, brown, green, and blue. These colors combine with the stalactites and stalagmites, creating beautiful formations.
The water level inside the cave is much higher than the surrounding external areas.
Ali Sadr Cave has many ventilation openings, allowing it to "breathe," meaning that thousands of visitors don’t pollute the air. About 440 kilometers of different cave paths have been mapped, and tourists explore the 2-kilometer-long waterway.
Accommodation Near Ali Sadr Cave
For accommodation, you can stay at nearby resorts. There is a hotel, 10 one- and two-bedroom wooden villas, 16 guest suites, and 50 camping tents available for travelers near Ali Sadr Cave. Additionally, there are local houses and guesthouses in the village where you can stay if the suites and villas at the cave are fully booked.
Facilities at Ali Sadr Cave
In addition to accommodation, there are various recreational and leisure facilities around Ali Sadr Cave, including several restaurants, handicraft markets, an amusement park, an observatory, a mosque, restrooms, and parking spaces for tourists.
