Ecotourism is one of the enjoyable recreational activities that many tourists around the world consider when choosing travel destinations. Iran, known for its four-season climate, has diverse and unique climates and landscapes due to its special geographic location. One of the provinces with extraordinary nature and climate is Mazandaran province. Among the numerous natural attractions of this province, one must mention the Palang Darreh region, which with its waterfall, river, and unique forest is one of the most popular destinations for ecotourism. Join Eligasht to explore this area.
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Introduction to Palang Darreh
To introduce Palang Darreh, it should be noted that in the central Alborz range, in Savadkuh County, and within the forest cover of Shirgah, a lush and pristine valley is seen. A river flows through the middle of this valley, with an 8-meter waterfall visible upstream.
The bed of this river is essentially a passage leading to this waterfall, where tourists walk in the cool river water to reach the waterfall and its pools. It is no exaggeration to say that this forest, river, and waterfall with its spectacular and extraordinary landscape appears like a piece of paradise on earth.
The distance from Palang Darreh to Tehran is only about 3 hours, making it one of the popular attractions in the northern part of the country for Tehran residents, especially those looking for a destination to escape the heat and polluted air of Tehran in the summer. Stay tuned with Eligasht for an introduction to the natural attractions of this area.
Palang Darreh Forest
As mentioned, the Palang Darreh forest is a very beautiful area, with a pure and pleasant climate in the Shirgah of Mazandaran. This forest is considered one of the most beloved forests in Mazandaran province for nature lovers. It is worth mentioning that in this forest, there are rushing rivers and abundant springs visible in various parts of the area. The presence of these numerous water sources has led to the formation of an exceptional natural environment. The entire Palang Darreh forest is covered with diverse plants, lush valleys, and towering trees.
Among the plant cover in the Palang Darreh forest, various trees and fragrant plants such as Tuska, Angelica, and wild mint can be mentioned.
What exciting activities can we do in the Palang Darreh forest?
Hiking
You must inevitably hike the dirt path from Shirgah to the waterfall. This distance offers a very picturesque and dreamy route. Hiking in the heart of a lush and pristine forest, especially for nature enthusiasts, will be an unforgettable experience. The silence and tranquility of the forest act as a remedy for those seeking to escape the hectic city life. If you look up in this forest, you see nothing but trees and faint rays of light.
Sports and Cycling
Cycling on the dirt roads around this forest is another activity that nature sports enthusiasts can engage in and enjoy experiencing one of Iran’s most beautiful and attractive cycling routes.
Photography
One of the other enjoyable activities you can engage in at this Jungle while visiting its waterfalls and rivers is photography of nature. To reach the waterfalls and rivers, you have to pass through rocks and stones covered with green grasses. Along this path, you will witness a diverse and unique plant cover, so make sure to bring your camera to capture beautiful and memorable images in different parts of the Palang Darreh Jungle.
Picnicking and Camping
One of the delightful activities you can enjoy with your family and friends in the Palang Darreh Jungle is picnicking and camping. Throughout this pristine and scenic jungle, you’ll come across unique landscapes that are exceptional spots for picnicking and camping. It’s worth mentioning that no wild animals inhabit this area, so you can picnic with peace of mind and relish the tranquility and grandeur of the jungle.
Palang Darreh River
Another highly attractive sight in this area is the Palang Darreh River. This river flows along the jungle path. Interestingly, the shallow depth of this river, which does not exceed half a meter at its deepest points, and its suitable temperature create conditions for swimming, so if you enjoy swimming, you’ll have delightful moments in this space. The water of this river is very clear and flows into a beautiful waterfall.
Palang Darreh Waterfall and Pool
the Palang Darreh Waterfall is one of the main and most attractive sights in this area. Many tourists venture into the jungle solely to see this waterfall. This waterfall is situated in the jungle along the river path. As you walk along the river in this jungle, you’ll reach an eight-meter high waterfall that cascades into a rocky pool.
As you approach this waterfall, the sound of water will soothe your ears, and you’ll feel the coolness in the air. Additionally, around the Palang Darreh Waterfall, you’ll see a velvety covering of green grasses that enhances the beauty of this part of the jungle manifold. Moreover, the lower pool of this waterfall is of a suitable depth for swimming, and professional swimmers skillfully dive into this pool from the rock ledges.
Animals in the Palang Darreh
Among the animals observed in this area are rabbits, squirrels, wolves, foxes, deer, leopards, wildcats, hedgehogs, bats, snakes, turtles, and birds such as quails, partridges, eagles, hoopoes, owls, swallows, and teals.
While there have been no reports of attacks by wild animals in this jungle so far, it’s better to avoid venturing too deep into the jungle and leave the jungle before it gets dark to ensure your safety. Additionally, if you plan on camping in the jungle, try to set up your tent near the main road for added security.
Points to Remember When Visiting Palang Darreh
Here are some points to keep in mind when visiting Palang Darreh:
- Appropriate Clothing and Footwear: Weather in the jungle can suddenly turn cold, so make sure to take this seriously. Wear suitable clothes and shoes. If you plan to swim in the pools and rivers, bring extra clothes, footwear, and a towel.
- Footwear for River Walking: Use appropriate river walking boots or sandals for walking in the river. A lightweight backpack is also essential.
- Sun Protection: Sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are important, especially in the summer. Use waterproof bags for carrying your camera and mobile phone.
- Camping Essentials: If you plan to camp, bring enough water, food, and trash bags. Check the weather forecast before your trip.
- Return Before Sunset: Plan your return before sunset to avoid being in the jungle after dark.
How to Get to Palang Darreh?
Palang Darreh Jungle and Waterfall are located near Shirgah in Savadkuh County, east of Tehran. The access route from Tehran passes through Firuzkuh Road. Shirgah town is located after the White Bridge and before Qaemshahr. The Palang Darreh Jungle and Waterfall are situated east of Shirgah.
To reach the entrance of the jungle, after passing through Shirgah, turn left onto a side road. This road is located next to the iron bridge in Shirgah town. At the beginning of this road, you’ll see an environmental signboard. After an hour’s drive on this gravel road and passing through the village of “Nafar,” you’ll reach the beginning of the hiking trail in the jungle. The length of this trail is approximately 13 kilometers. It’s important to note that the path is gravelly and slippery during rainy weather. Upon entering the jungle, you’ll walk along the Palang Darreh River until you reach the waterfall.
Best Time to Visit Palang Darreh
The best time to visit this area is from early spring to late summer. While the jungle is one of Iran’s most beautiful autumn forests and many nature lovers and tourists visit this exceptional nature in the fall, the rainy and wet ground might be troublesome. Additionally, due to the cold weather, swimming in the river and waterfall pools is not feasible in this season.
Therefore, it’s better to visit in the summer on non-rainy days and make sure to check the local weather conditions before your trip.
Attractions Around Palang Darreh
When we travel to an area, we usually like to know what other tourist attractions are in the vicinity so that we can see multiple attractions if possible. Below, we have listed some of the attractions around Palang Darreh for your convenience.
Gazoo Waterfall
One of the tourist attractions near this area is Gazoo Waterfall. This waterfall is located 70 kilometers southwest of Palang Darreh near Shirgah and descends from a valley to a height of 53 meters. Just like the Palang Darreh waterfall, there is a deep pool at the bottom of this waterfall suitable for swimming.
Shah Abbasi Bridge
Shah Abbasi Bridge in Shirgah is another notable attraction near Palang Darreh in Mazandaran and is one of the most famous historical bridges. This bridge belongs to the Safavid era and dates back 450 years. Shah Abbasi Bridge, with a length of 57 meters and a height of 5 meters, spans the Keselian River in Firuzkuh.
Lafoor Forest
Lafoor Forest is also considered a significant attraction near Palang Darreh. It is said to be over 40 million years old. Lafoor has tall and beautiful deciduous trees and pristine nature, with a combination of plant scents and moist soil that captivates every visitor. This forest is a habitat for rare plant and animal species in Iran, making it highly valuable. Lafoor is approximately 61 kilometers from Palang Darreh, equivalent to a one and a half hour drive.
Andargoli Forest Park
Another attraction near Palang Darreh is Andargoli Forest Park, located in the eastern part of Shirgah’s tea garden. In this park, you can rent wooden cabins and stay overnight in the heart of the forest. This park is about 10 minutes away from the main road. Although the main road is in good condition, the path to reach the forest park after the main road is unpaved. Andargoli Forest Park is located 20 kilometers north of Palang Darreh waterfall.
Shoormast Lake
Shoormast Lake is another tourist attraction near this area, located 50 kilometers south of Palang Darreh. This lake is situated in a high area among tall and dense trees and is fed by underground springs. Shoormast Lake covers an area of 15,000 square meters with a depth of 5 meters. It is located 6 kilometers west of the White Bridge and is surrounded by ancient, lush trees and various plants. Boating is one of the activities you can enjoy at Shoormast Lake.
Berenjestanak Dam Lake
Berenjestanak Dam Lake is also one of the attractions near Palang Darreh, located 34 kilometers north of this forest and close to the tourist village of Berenjestanak, making it suitable for tourism. Among the activities you can enjoy in this area are swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and other sports activities.
Final words
In this article from Eligasht, we introduced one of the most attractive, pleasant, and delightful natural attractions in our country, located in Mazandaran Province, namely Palang Darreh. We talked about its pristine and lush forest, river, waterfall, and remarkable ponds, as well as the joyful activities you can engage in this area. Finally, we also introduced some tourist attractions near this area. We hope this article from Eligasht has helped you get to know the natural attractions of our country better.
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FAQ
What is Palang Darreh known for?
Palangdarreh is known for its lush forests, pristine rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and captivating natural scenery, making it a popular tourist destination in Mazandaran Province, Iran.
What activities can visitors
enjoy in Palang Darreh?
Visitors to Palangdarreh can engage in various activities such as hiking in the lush forests, swimming in the river or waterfall pools, fishing, horseback riding, and partaking in other sports activities amidst the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Are there any accommodations available near Palangdarreh?
There are tourist villages or accommodations near Palangdarreh where visitors can stay, such as lodges, cottages, or guesthouses, providing a comfortable stay amidst nature.
What are some other tourist attractions near Palangdarreh?
Some other tourist attractions near Palang Darreh include Berenjestanak Dam Lake, Shah Abbasi Bridge, Lafoor Forest, Andargoli Forest Park, and Shoormast Lake, offering a variety of natural and historical sites to explore in the vicinity.