Top 10 Things To Do In Kerman, Iran

1. Voyage through the glorious Rayen Castle

Situated at an altitude of 2200 m (7217.8 ft), about a 1000 km (621.4 mi) southeast of the Iranian city of Kerman, Rayen Castle is a potent relic of the magnificent Iranian history. Countered with multiple bouts of unrest, triggered by foreign invasions, Iranian history reflects a need for local rulers to build fortresses and castles to preserve the physical scape of Iran itself. Built in the Sassanian era, for protection against attacks from opposing forces, the castle’s preservation till date conveys a unique sense of historicity. With its tall watchtowers and impeccable architecture, a walk in the alleys of the citadel consumes the visitor with an overwhelming sense of awe.

Rayen Castle

Address: Kerman province, Iran

Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 8am - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 8am - 1pm

Price: 5 USD

2. Absorb the romantic antiquity of Fath Abad Garden

Radiating an aura of romantic antiquity, Fath Abad Garden in Kerman is a must-visit attraction. Situated about 16 km (10 km) off Kerman, the garden is about 140,000 sqm (1506947.5 sq. ft.), housing a mansion of about 4000 sqm (43055.6 sq.ft.). At dusk, the reflection of the building is a sight to behold. It is worth applauding to know that the structure is exclusively made up of Artex coupled with raw adobe, hence reflective of the simplistic architectural choices of Iranian builders from the past.

Fath Abad Garden

Address: Kerman Province ,Iran

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

3. Tantalise your taste buds at Doodkesh Restaurant

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One local food establishment that deserves a definite visit is Doodkesh Restaurant. Catering to people from all the classes and serving locally made rich vegetarian and non-vegetarian Iranian dishes, Doodkesh allows visitors to do takeaways in addition to facilitating indoor dining. This is accentuated by the traditional Iranian musical notes being played in the background, which qualifies it as a fine dining experience.

Doodkesh Restaurant

Address: Kerman Province, Nasir Boulevard, Iran

Opening hours: 8am - 12 am (daily)

4. Experience the unbelievable calm at Kalout

How often do you happen to come across still surroundings, unbelievably peaceful yet providing the serenest of views? Kermans Kalout desert just transmutes into such heaven at night, allowing the campers to be overwhelmed by its dreamy sequenced starry skies. The calm and windy ambience is just the perfect spot for a relaxing nights’ rest. A visit to this beautiful space at night is a must for visitors who want to engage in some alone time, reflecting on the divinity, expanse and vastness of nature’s artistic creations.

Kalout

Address: Kerman Province, Iran.

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Go on a Persian shopping spree at Bazar-e-Sartasari

Meaning ’ end to end’, Bazar-e-Sartasari is hailed as the longest bazar of Iran. Strolling through the bazaar is akin to strolling through Irans creative and craftful past. From visiting the ancient tea house to picking locally produced handicrafts and products, including carpets, copper works, and jewellery, the bazaar is itself a relic of the past. Due to the rush in the bazaar streets it is advised to travel on foot rather than on cars.

Bazar-e-Sartasari

Address: Kerman Province, Iran

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

6. Treat the aesthetic in you at Muzeh Sanati

If you are a lover of arts, with a clear zest for drawing and painting, a trip to Kerman’s beautiful art gallery, Muzeh Sanati is a must for you. Named after Irans famous artist, Syed Ali Akbar Sanati, the gallery housing both antique as well as contemporary and modern art pieces, is an artists haven. While the modern section of the gallery comprises of an unparalleled collection of thought-provoking social commentary conveyed essentially through photographs and illustrations, the main section of the gallery houses artwork by Sanati, of which realistic plastic statues by him stand the most noticeable of all works. By presenting Sanatis art, Kerman’s gallery immortalizes his relentless efforts for understanding the pain of the underprivileged and the destitute.

Muzeh Sanati

Address: Dr Beheshti Street, Kerman

Opening hours: Winters: Tue - Sun: 9am - 2pm, 4pm - 6pm (closed on Mon); Summers: Tue - Sun: 9am - 2pm, 5pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 1.90 USD

7. Spiritually energize yourself at Masjid-e-Imam

Situated about a 1000 km (621.4 mi) to the east of Tehran, Masjid-e-Imam at Kerman was built by Amir Mobarezeddin in the year 1350. This mosque hails as the earliest surviving model of Iran’s Muzaffarids dynasty. It comprises a rectangular court, which is enveloped by a single-story arcade. There are four Iwans surrounding it. Two central features of the mosque include the mihrab and the qibla wall. The mihrab is a semi-octagonal design in the qibla wall which is erected by a semi-dome, beautifully inscribed with mosaics of ancient Iranian and arabesque motifs.

Masjid-e-Imam

Address: Kerman, to the East of Tehran

8. Revisit the Iran-Iraq war at Museum of the Holy Defence

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With immaculate weaponry for land and air defence right on display in the open-air space, Museum of the Holy Defence is another site worth visiting in Kerman, especially for the lovers of history. Situated at Shohada Square (Martyrs Square), the museum is constructed in the tragic memory of the Iran-Iraq war that commenced in 1980, lasting for about a period of 8 years and ended up killing 300,000 Iranians. The museum is a relic of the past since it preserves the Iranian aspects of war.

Museum of the Holy Defence

Address: Shohada Square, Kerman

Opening hours: 7am - 12:30pm, 4:30pm - 6pm (daily)

Price: 3.56 USD

9. Stroll around Kerman’s octagonal beauty, Gonbad-e-Jabaliye

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Situated on the outskirts of Kerman, Gonbad-e-Jabaliye is an octagonal architectural site, with a brick dome made up of gypsum, mortar and stone. The mysterious aspect of the Gonbad is the fact that no one knows its construction date, nor the purpose of this building. Researchers speculate that it must have been constructed around second century CE, and may have been used as a tomb of a respectable dignitary since it houses a museum of gravestones. The structure and exterior of the Gonbad are of pertinence since it infuses ancient Islamic architectural features into its design. The gonbad is surrounded by a garden, inviting the visitors for a pleasant walk.

Gonbae-e-Jabaliye

Address: Shohda Street, Kerman

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 2.38 USD

10. Get energized by the perfect coffee at Wheelie Cafe

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Environment friendly, built from local raw materials and sustainable in its working, Wheelie Cafe is a pedestrian mobile cafe, built on three wheels, requiring no need for fossil fuels to supplement its presence. It is your perfect call for a cup of hot coffee served with some mouthwatering croissants, pastries and biscuits. While visiting the Kerman bazaar do not forget to relish a coffee from this cafe.

Wheelie Cafe

Address:Ganjali Khan Road, Kerman

Website: Wheelie Cafe

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri: 9am - 2pm

Kerman - the essence of Persia

In all its glory, Kerman offers travellers a revisit to the Persian past. Be it through its delicious food, beautiful places or sanctified locations, all radiate the essence of Persian-ness. Do not forget to travel to Kerman when on a visit to Iran. This place will just stay with you, long after you have left, a journey that is definitely worth your time and travel.