Saed News: Due to its geographical location, Iran is full of unique tourist attractions across its regions that may not be found anywhere else in the world. However, this abundance of tourist attractions remains overlooked by Nowruz travelers, with their destinations often limited to the northern part of the country.
According to Saad News, quoting Fararo, the Nowruz holidays mainly evoke aggressive and exhausting trips toward the northern provinces, a routine that repeats every year.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the suspension of travel, especially during Nowruz holiday periods, saved the northern roads from long traffic jams, crowded cities and villages, and recreational and tourist destinations in nature for two years.
However, with travel resuming for Nowruz this year, the traditional destination of the northern provinces continues to be the top choice for travelers, particularly those coming from Tehran.
Traveling to northern cities has led to the neglect of other tourist attractions in Iran, especially during Nowruz holidays, creating the impression that Iran has no other recreational and tourist destinations besides the northern provinces.
This is despite the fact that Iran, due to its geographical location, is full of unique tourist attractions across the country, which may not be found anywhere else in the world. Yet, this vast amount of tourist attractions remains overlooked by Nowruz travelers, with their destination consistently being the northern part of the country.
Recently, the Chalus road has faced major challenges due to landslides, causing the closure of roads from Tehran to Mazandaran. This may lead to an influx of travelers toward the Qazvin-Rasht road, making northern travel still the main destination for Nowruz trips. In these conditions, what travelers will face are even longer traffic jams, a shortage of accommodation centers, fatigue, and increased costs.
In a travel situation that should be an opportunity for relaxation after two years of quarantine, it is turning into congestion and traffic, as the rush intensifies.
On the other hand, the closure of roads from Tehran to Mazandaran could provide an opportunity for travel to other tourist destinations in Iran. This might eventually lead to a shift away from the north as the primary destination for Nowruz trips, with travelers dispersing across all regions of the country.
In recent years, southern provinces (Khuzestan, Bushehr, especially Hormozgan and Sistan and Baluchestan) have received much attention, and Nowruz is considered an ideal time to visit these regions.
However, travel to other provinces during Nowruz is still neglected, and their attractions remain unknown. There are areas in the country where Nowruz, with its long holidays, is the perfect time for travel.
What has wrongly been perceived about Ilam is that it is a cold region, and thus the best time to visit it is during warmer seasons, which has led to travelers neglecting this area during Nowruz holidays.
However, especially in the west of Ilam, after May, when the weather warms up, it is not an ideal destination for tourists. Therefore, the best time to visit this province is in March and April, when its beauty can be best enjoyed.
Ilam, one of the oldest civilizations in world history, is home to ancient landmarks like the Shirin and Farhad arch, the Gol Gol relief, the ancient city of Madakto, the Gavmishan Bridge, and more.
Besides its historical and archaeological sites, the pristine nature of this province is one of Iran's best tourist attractions, unique in its kind.
Ilam, with its mountains, rivers, waterfalls, protected mountainous areas, caves, and vast fertile plains, is an excellent destination for nature travelers, with attractions such as the Chaman Ghir Mountain in Kabir Mountain, the Konatarikeh Cave in the Siwan Mountains near Pakal village, the Zaleh Zard hunting prohibited area, the Gachan Waterfall, the Mishkhas and Jafarabad villages, and the Simreh and Razianeh Gorge. The cost of travel to this province, due to its proximity to the Iraqi border, is cheaper compared to major tourist cities and northern provinces.
Kermanshah and Kurdistan, symbols of Iran's history, culture, and art, are among Iran's tourist destinations all year round. However, Nowruz is considered one of the best times to visit these two beautiful provinces.
This is due to the unique Nowruz traditions and culture among the Kurds, which have even gained international fame. During these celebrations, people gather in various regions wearing their local costumes and enjoy Kurdish music.
These celebrations are particularly grand in rural areas, especially in the Horamanat region. The traditional and ancient Baba Yadegar ceremony in the western part of the province is also quite famous, accompanied by the playing of the ancient Iranian tambour.
Thus, witnessing the nature and historic buildings of Kermanshah and Kurdistan, especially Horamanat, along with the Nowruz celebrations, may be one of the best Nowruz trips.
Additionally, the region's food and cuisine, now internationally recognized, are considered major attractions in Kermanshah. Dandeh kebab, Khoreshe Khelal, Kolaneh, Ash Abbasali, Beji Sweets, and Berenji bread are not to be missed, as is Koofteh, a popular dish served on the 13th of Farvardin. The cost of travel to these provinces is also cheaper compared to major tourist-heavy provinces, making it an affordable trip for travelers.
Desert tourism is one of the most attractive and beautiful types of travel, but it is only possible during certain seasons, and it is not possible to visit deserts and enjoy their benefits year-round. Desert tours start in November and continue until the end of April.
After that, due to the intense heat, it is no longer possible to visit the desert. Therefore, Nowruz is one of the best times to visit the desert, as the weather is still mild and pleasant, and travelers will have enough time to explore the deserts and the nearby cities and villages.
Central Iran is full of deserts that offer travel opportunities for tourists from all over the country. The Mesr, Varzaneh, Matinabad, Maranjab, and Abuzidabad deserts in Isfahan province, the Karakal and Rig Zar deserts in Yazd, the Shahdad and Riggan deserts in Kerman province, the Rig Jen desert in Semnan, and the Halvan and Zardgah deserts in South Khorasan are among Iran's most beautiful deserts, which are major destinations in the colder seasons, but are often overlooked during Nowruz holidays.
Travel to Isfahan and Yazd is often mistakenly limited to the main cities of these provinces, and travelers mainly know only these destinations, neglecting other natural, historical, and cultural attractions.
Meanwhile, the towns of Aran and Bidgol, Natanz, Jandak, Naein, Khur, and Khansar in Isfahan province have been overshadowed by the city of Isfahan, and their tourist attractions, such as Golestan Kouh in Khansar, the village of Garmeh in Naein, the village of Abyaneh, and the city of Nushabad in Aran and Bidgol, as well as many other waterfalls and untouched resorts, have not received the attention they deserve.
The nature of Yazd province in spring and Nowruz has a different atmosphere. The green trees, the mild breeze, and the sweet songs of birds among the trees and gardens awaken this province from its winter slumber.
Ardakan, Aqda, the village of Kharanq, Taft, Meybod, and Bafq are some of the important cities in Yazd, and their rural areas offer a great opportunity to spend the Nowruz holidays. Therefore, travel to Yazd should be seen as more than just the city of Yazd, and Nowruz is a great time to explore this.
South Khorasan, with its unique Kalajini Valley, beautiful Tabas, and unmatched Ferdows, can also be an important destination for Nowruz trips.
Although trips are an opportunity for people to rejuvenate both physically and mentally, and the need for relaxation exists for all humans, both tourism professionals and local communities are responsible for ensuring safe travel conditions. At the same time, travelers must abide by certain rules to ensure environmental preservation and support those providing travel services.
Here are some important points for travelers:
Many travelers may not know that early April is the breeding season for wildlife, so care should be taken when venturing into nature to avoid causing stress to wildlife.
If you encounter wildlife cubs during your journey, do not approach them, as this may cause the mother to abandon them or react aggressively in defense of her offspring.
Avoid making open fires in nature unless absolutely necessary, and ensure any fire is completely extinguished to prevent forest fires, as most forest fires are caused by human negligence.
Always try the local cuisine in the cities or villages you visit, even if you're unfamiliar with certain tastes.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of local communities, especially women, to avoid unpleasant situations and ensure respectful tourism.
Remember that cultural differences exist, so it's important to learn more about the culture and customs of the area you're visiting.
Avoid littering in nature, as there are no waste collection services in natural areas.
Always buy local products to support the local economy.
By following these guidelines, you can help preserve nature and culture during your travels.
