Mazandaran Province

Mazandaran Province, a lush and beautiful province in northern Iran, is known as the “Green Jewel of Iran.” It is a popular destination for both Iranian and foreign tourists. This province, with its unique natural attractions including dense forests, tall mountains, beautiful beaches, and rushing rivers, welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Cities in Mazandaran Province

The Mazandaran Province has 63 cities, with the most visited ones being Ramsar, Sari, Babolsar, Savadkuh, Kelardasht, Nowshahr, and Mahmoudabad.

Ramsar:

One of the most beautiful cities in the province, known as the “Bride of Iranian Cities,” featuring sandy beaches, dense forests, green mountains, and hot springs. Some of its tourist attractions include the Ramsar Palace, Ramsar Cable Car, Dalkhani Forest, Ramsar Suspension Bridge, Javaher Deh Village, and the Ramsar Bird Garden.

Sari:

Located in the center of Mazandaran province, it has a rich culture and history. Some of the city’s tourist attractions include the Mazandaran Museum, Shahid Beheshti Forest Park, Badab Surt Springs, and Soleyman Tangeh Dam.

Babolsar:

A coastal city known for its sandy beaches, markets, and restaurants. Its tourist attractions include the coastal pier, Galashkola Village, and Azizak Lagoon.

Savadkuh:

Known as the “Land of Springs and Forests,” this mountainous and green city attracts many tourists every year and is a pristine and untouched destination with natural attractions. Savadkuh is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with famous attractions such as Lafur Forest, Shoor Mast Lake, Pelang Dareh River, and Gazo Waterfall.

Kelardasht: Known as the “Jewel of Western Mazandaran,” this lush mountainous city has vast plains and a cool mountainous climate, making it suitable for nature lovers. Tourist attractions include the Mazichal Village, Alam Kuh, and Siyah Bisheh.

Nowshahr:

Nowshahr is one of the cities in Mazandaran province, located on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea and at the foothills of the Alborz mountain range. Due to its geographical location and mild climate, it is one of Iran’s most popular tourist destinations. Its attractions include Sisangan Forest Park, Abidar Dam Lake, and the Lake of Ghosts.

Mahmoudabad:

This city, adjacent to the Caspian Sea, is a popular destination with a pleasant climate and cultural and historical attractions. Notable tourist attractions include Kaludeh Village, Ahlem Jungle, and Sarkhroud Wetland.

These are just a few of the most visited cities in Mazandaran province. Each city has its unique attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists, depending on their tastes and interests.

Best Time to Visit Mazandaran

The best time to visit Mazandaran depends on your preferences and the type of trip you have in mind. If you are looking for warm and sunny weather, summer is the best time to visit as the days are longer, though the high heat and humidity might bring occasional rain. For cooler weather, spring and autumn are ideal times to visit. For a budget-friendly trip, winter is a good time as hotel and accommodation prices are cheaper.

The best time to visit Mazandaran for specific activities includes swimming in the summer, hiking, mountain climbing, and city exploration in the spring and autumn, and skiing in the winter, catering to various preferences and interests.

Famous Foods in Mazandaran

Mazandaran province, with its unique geographical location and climate, offers a variety of distinctive and delicious foods. The cuisine often features fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, meat, and rice. Here are some of the most popular and delicious foods of Mazandaran:

Malabij:

A traditional northern dish made with fish, Malabij or Malata is a popular stew made from fish, beans, eggplant, walnuts, pomegranate paste, and spices, usually served with bread and rice.

Espenasak:

A traditional and tasty stew made from spinach, rice, garlic, onions, and pomegranate paste, which can be served with rice and bread.

Nazkhatun:

A stew made from lamb, eggplant, beans, walnuts, and various spices, creating a delicious dish.

Kado Bure:

Often served as breakfast or a snack, this simple yet tasty dish consists of zucchini, rice, eggs, and various spices.

Stuffed Chicken:

A popular and delicious festive dish made from chicken, rice, vegetables, split peas, raisins, and more, typically prepared for special occasions.

Aloo Stew:

A sweet and sour stew made from lamb, plums, tomato paste, and onions, served with bread and rice.

Aghoz Mesma:

A traditional stew made from chicken, walnuts, pomegranate paste, onions, and various spices. This authentic northern dish is similar to Fesenjan but has a slightly different taste depending on the type of pomegranate paste or individual cooking methods.

Baqala Vabiij:

A local Mazandaran dish made from fava beans, beans, dill, garlic, onions, and various spices.

Torsh Tareh:

A sour and delicious stew made from leek leaves, yogurt, garlic, onions, and spices, known as a famous dish in Mazandaran.

Borani Bademjan:

A dish made from grilled eggplant, yogurt, garlic, and onions, served as an appetizer or snack.

In addition to the mentioned dishes, Mazandaran offers a variety of soups, stews, desserts, and local beverages. If you are looking for a new and different experience, be sure to visit this province and enjoy the diverse and authentic local foods with their unique flavors.

Mazandaran Events

Mazandaran province, with its rich history and unique culture, hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Some of the most famous events include:

Nowruz:

Known as the Iranian New Year, people celebrate by cleaning their homes, wearing new clothes, and exchanging gifts.

National Innovation and Ideas Festival of Mazandaran:

Held annually to promote the culture of innovation and idea-generation among students and young elites. The best ideas in various scientific, technical, cultural, and social fields are judged by prominent judges, and prizes are awarded to the top ideas.

Ordibehesht Festival:

Known as the Flower and Spring Festival, held every year in the month of Ordibehesht. People enjoy the spring flowers and blossoms and participate in various ceremonies.

Barfi Chal Festival:

Held every year in mid-Ordibehesht in the village of Esk in Mazandaran. People carry snow from the heights to the lower areas to provide water for livestock during the hot seasons.

Varf Chal Festival:

Held every year in late Khordad in the village of Kojour in Mazandaran. People celebrate by lighting fireworks and praying for rain.

Mehrgan Festival:

Known as the Harvest Festival, held every year in the month of Mehr. People give thanks for the year’s harvest.

Yalda Festival:

Celebrated as the longest night of the year, held every year on the last night of autumn. People gather, tell stories, eat traditional foods, and serve fruits like pomegranates and watermelons with their elders.

Conclusion

Mazandaran, the green jewel of northern Iran, is a paradise on earth with pristine nature and warm-hearted people. Besides its natural attractions, it has a lot to offer in terms of food. The culinary diversity of this province is astounding and appeals to every traveler’s taste. Depending on your preferences, you can choose one of the beautiful cities in this province and enjoy your trip.

In this article, we mentioned some of the events and festivals held in Mazandaran province. These are just a few examples of the numerous events.

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