Ali Sadr Cave
Ali Sadr Cave, located 70 kilometers north of Hamadan, stands as a captivating tourist hotspot and ranks among the world’s lengthiest subterranean water caves. This awe-inspiring cave, adorned with intricate stalactites, promises an unforgettable experience.
Historical Significance
Dating back to the Jurassic era, Ali Sadr Cave is a historical marvel begging to be explored. Fed by an underground river originating from a spring, it boasts a rich past.
Description
Ali Sadr Cave is a vast river-cave complex, offering an exhilarating journey through its immense, darkened chambers. Visitors can traverse these underground wonders via paddle boats, venturing across subterranean islands and discovering its several deep lakes. The cave’s unique allure lies in its spectacular stalactites and a mesmerizing array of colors.
To reach the cave and its terrestrial sections, visitors descend a series of steps from the entrance. Once inside, exploration continues via pedal boats on the crystal-clear river, which reveals its remarkable depth. Despite the absence of natural light, Ali Sadr Cave maintains a pure atmosphere, thanks to its natural ventilation system, accommodating numerous visitors.
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year, offering a cooler respite from the outside world. Its caverns reach towering heights of up to 40 meters, while the river plunges to depths of 14 meters.
Inside Ali Sadr Cave, visitors are greeted by graceful formations bathed in well-designed lighting. The cave walls soar to staggering heights of 40 meters, and its primary chamber sprawls 100 meters by 50 meters, reaching an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level.
Evidence suggests that Ali Sadr Cave was known during the reign of Darius I, as supported by an ancient inscription at its entrance. However, its existence was forgotten until its rediscovery in 1963. Archaeological studies unearthed ancient artifacts, including artwork, jugs, and pitchers dating back 12,000 years.
Presently, three kilometers of the cave are accessible to visitors, with another challenging eight kilometers remaining uncharted. The experience of exploring this magnificent cave is truly one-of-a-kind.
Visiting Information
A visit to Ali Sadr Cave, encompassing a pedestrian track circuit to admire the captivating rock formations, typically takes about two hours. To fully enjoy this wonder, it is advisable to plan your visit during the milder spring and summer months. The cave welcomes visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in spring and summer, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in winter and autumn.
