Mazandaran

A Guide to Mazandaran

Mazandaran is one of the northern cities of Iran bordering the Caspian Sea. This province stretches between the UNESCO Hyrcanian Forests in the east to the beautiful city of Ramsar in the west. The cities, villages, forest parks, colorful lakes, and resorts are only a few of the natural wonders of this province. Some of the world’s most wondrous roads, such as the Chalous Road pass through Mazandaran. For that, this province and its mesmerizing regions are one of the top road trip destinations in Iran. Plus, its Bazaars and local Markets, and historical sites are notable in their unique way. In this post, we will talk about the different attractions around Mazandaran Province. Also, you can find information about the local dishes, handicrafts, the best time and way to get around Mazandaran.

The Story of Mazandaran

The story of Mazandaran begins from the Chalcolithic or Copper Age. This fact is according to some archeological researches based on 6000-year-old clay and stone tools found there. The capital of this province, Sari, flourished during the Sasanian era before the advent of Islam.  Until the Safavid era ( about 400 years ago), this region witnessed several wars and destructions. Finally, Shah Abbas the Great of the Safavid made much effort to develop Mazandaran again. However, his efforts were in vain, and Russian troops set the capital on fire one night. During the following reign of Qajars, Agha Mohammad Khan, the founder of the Qajar Dynasty, choose Sari as his capital. Later, after his coronation, he moved the capital to Tehran.

Trans-Iranian Railway influences on Mazandaran

Mazandaran gained much more importance after the Trans-Iranian Railway was built during the Pahlavi era. Its primary purpose was to link Tehran ( the capital of Iran) with the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea regions. On one side, one of the stops of this railway was in this province. Notably, the building of this railway had major influence on both World Wars. After all these years, Mazandaran continues in development and prosperity.

What Makes Mazandaran Exceptional?

The capital of Mazandaran is the great and populous city of Sari. The historical attractions of this province are mostly in this city. However, its exceptional forests, lakes, and villages are all around Mazandaran. Some of the most unique natural and cultural attractions of the province are:

• The Vaziri bathhouse in Sari.
• The coastal landscapes of The Namak’aabroud Village.
• UNESCO’s world heritage Garden of Abbass’abaad complex in Behshahr.
• The railway on Versek Bridge (named by Churchill as the victory bridge).
• Mount Damavand (the highest volcanic mountain in Asia).
• Badab Soort Springs (the orange color and step-like lake).

These attractions are what make Mazandaran famous. However, there is more to this exceptional province. Below, we will be listing more points of interest around different regions in Mazandaran.

People & the cultural customs of Mazandaran

The Locals of Mazandaran speak Persian and Mazani languages. The Mazani Language has a close connection with Gilaki Language (spoken in Gilan, the neighboring provicne). These two languages are Caspian Languages that have similar vocabularies. As for the customs and traditions of this province, different villages and cities hold special ceremonies and festivals.  These ceremonies range from national ceremonies such as Nowruz (New Year) to ritualistic harvesting of different farm products. Also, the Mazandarani Dance, known as Selma, is one of the famous cultural dances in Iran.

What is the best time to travel to Mazandaran?

As a coastal province, Mazandaran enjoys Mediterranean weather. That said, the best time to visit this province is during spring. Accordingly, from April to June is when the weather is moderate. You can also travel to Mazandaran during autumn. That is the season to explore the Hyrcanian forests. During autumn and, especially, in October and November the rainy days persist over Mazandaran.

Keep in mind that the weather gets humid during summer. Accordingly, from the end of June till mid-September, the weather is humid. Notably, from the end of November to the beginning of March, cold winter weather persists.

What is the best way to get to Mazandaran?

You can book international and Domestic flights to Sari International Airport (Dasht e Naz). Also, you may find direct domestic flights to other airports in the Province such as Nowshahr and Ramsar Airports. However, the best way to get to Mazandaran is by car. The roads to and along this province are among some of the world’s most famous and heavenly roads. In this way, you get to enjoy the unique nature of northern Iran. Also, you can book train and intercity bus tickets from Tehran and other major cities in Iran to Mazandaran. If you need a private guide, driver or simply if you need to book domestic flights, trains, or intercity buses, you can get the best deals through Travelopersia

Mazandaran’s Points of Interest

Mazandaran is an exciting travel destination for being one of the coastal regions of the world’s largest lake. Also,the highest volcanic mountain in Asia with the highest peak in Iran is in Amol County in this province. This famous mountain is the Damavand Mountain. Aside from that, there are many villages and tourist spots in this Province. All in all, you can explore the evergreen forests, unique lakes and waterfalls, and lagoons while visiting Mazandaran. Also, you can have a relaxing beach vacation in the coastal regions of the province. Below, we will be introducing some of the highlighted historical and natural attractions of this province and its villages. You can find more information on these attractions by checking out our Blog posts.

Historic attractions of the province

• Kolbadi Historic Qajar House in Sari.
• Fazeli House in New Ab Anbar Neighborhood in Sari.
• Vaziri Bathhouse in Sari.
• The UNESCO Heritage Abbass’abaad garden complex in Behshahr.
• The house of Nima Yushij, the father of modern Persian poetry in Yush village.
• Veresk Bridge in Firuzkuh Road( a symbolic railway bridge influential named by Churchill as the victory bridge after World War II).
• Ramsar Palace and Museum, a remenecint of the Pahlavi era in Ramsar.
• Markuh Castle in Ramsar.

Best beaches and recreational parks of the province

• Farahabad Beachside near Sari.
• Babolsar Beachside.
• Ramsar Telecabin Complex.
• Si-Sangan Forest Park in Nowshahr.
• Forest Park and Beachside in Nur.
• Kashpel Forest Park in Nur.

Most unique villages of the province

• The 2000-year-old Bernet village in Savadkuh.
• Lavij Chamestan village and hotspring in Nur.
• Kandolus village in Nowshahr with 4000 years of antiquity.
• Javaherdeh village in Ramsar.
• Jennat Rudbar village in Ramsar.
• Garasma Sar village in Ramsar.
• The cloudy village of Fibland.

Natural wonders of the province

• Fereydunkenar Swan Lagoon.
• Miankaleh peninsula in Behshahr.
• Shahandasht waterfall and Malek Bahman Castle in Amol.
• The foggy Alimestan jungle.
• Copse field in Lar national park.
• Dalkhani jungle in Ramsar.
• Beech jungle in Sari ( Jangal-e Rash)
• The eastern and western Lafoor jungle, waterfalls, and lagoons in Savadkuh.
• Seven Waterfalls of Tirkan near Lafoor jungle.
• Palang Darreh forest and riverside in Shirgah near Lafoor jungle.
• Gazou waterfall in Savadkuh.
• Valasht lake of Marzanabad.
• Do-hezar Forest in Tonekabon.
• Daryasar plains in Tonekabon.
• Farakhin lake in Nowshahr.
• The Ghost lake of Mamraz in Nowshahr.
• Damavand Mountain and Azoo plains.
• Badab Soort step-like Springs near Sari.
• Shurmast natural lake in Savadkuh.

Local Food & Signature Dishes of Mazandaran

One of the most significant parts of traveling to northern parts of Iran is trying the special local food of these regions. The variety of Mazandarani local dishes is amazing. The main taste of these northern dishes is a mixture of sweet and sour, created by pomegranate paste. You can try the main Iranian dishes and some local dishes in Mazandaran’s restaurants. Below, there is a list of top local dishes that you would want to give a try.

Local dishes of the province

• Ordak-e Sehakpor (stuffed duck).
• Bademjan-e Shekampor (stuffed eggplants).
• Mahi-e Shekampot (stuffed fish).
• Morghe Torsh (Sour Chicken).
• Baghala Vabij (a mixture of broad beans, dried dill, egg, and spices).
• Aghooz Mosamma (a sour and sweet dish made by main ingredients of chicken or duck and pomegranate).
• Malabij (a white fish dish filled with pomegranate and walnuts and flavored vegetables).
• Naz Khatoon (an eggplant dish with tomatoes, grated onions, and a special pomegranate sauce).
• Kadoo Bareh (a vegetarian dish made with potatoes, zucchinis, and tomatoes).
• Beshteh Vash (a Mazandarani pottage).
• Akbar Jujeh (chicken Kebab with pomegranate paste)

Food souvenirs of the province

• Koloocheh (a type of Persian cookies)
• Komaj (Oatcake)
• Caviar
• Olive
• Black Tea
• Farm Rice

Handicraft & Souvenirs

The province of Mazandaran along with its neighboring provinces of Gilan and Golestan represent a close range of handicrafts. You can find these handicrafts while exploring around the local Bazaars of this province and its villages. Some of the most significant handicrafts of this province are:

• Wicker products (Hasir Bafi).
• Wood products such as jewelry boxes, chess boards, and chests.
• Lak Tarashi (making wooden products with roots and trunk of Maple, beech, mulberry, alder, hornbeam trees).
• Felt Processing (Namad Mali)
• Chanteh Handbags of Lafor village.
• Carpets, kilims, and Jajims.
• Hand-made Pottery.