Ilam attractions: one of the oldest cities in history

Ilam Province is considered one of the western provinces of Iran, known for its mountains, rivers, waterfalls, protected mountainous areas, and vast fertile plains, making it a destination for nature-loving tourists.

The province also hosts numerous historical sites, reflecting the presence of human communities in this region. In this article, we will introduce some of the attractions of Ilam Province.

Ismaeil Khan Ilam Castle

Situated in the highlands overlooking the city of Ilam, there is a castle and fortifications known as Ismaeil Khan. The castle is built in a mountainous area with rocky terrain, making the passage challenging. However, the southeastern part, which serves as the communication route to the castle, has a more accessible path.

This castle is constructed using mountain stones and gypsum mortar. By carving the stones slightly, they have been placed next to each other, creating relatively regular rows.

Chamangir Mountain

Chamangir Mountain is a suitable and pristine destination for mountaineering and nature enthusiasts in Ilam. This mountain is located in Shirovan, 22 kilometers southeast of Ilam. The mountain’s height is 2578 meters.

The Grāb and Chardāvol rivers originate from this mountain. Chamangir Mountain is part of the Kabirkooh range of the Zagros Mountains, connecting to Sirwan Mountain in the southeast and Qalārang Mountain in the northwest.

Address: 22 kilometers southeast of Ilam, Shirovan region

Mount Ahuran

Mount Ahuran is another attraction in Ilam Province, offering a unique place for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

This mountain is located 83 kilometers northeast of Ilam. It has an altitude of 2120 meters and extends 24 kilometers southeast. The mountain begins in the Jazman Rood valley in the west and reaches the Kolitah and Kazeh Mountains in the east.

Address: 83 kilometers northeast of Ilam

These attractions showcase the natural beauty and historical significance of Ilam Province, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking adventure and cultural exploration.

Kanatarik Cave

Kanatarik Cave is a massive cave located in the Siwan Kooh mountains of Ilam. The Siwan Kooh mountains are situated 35 kilometers along the Ilam-Darehshahr route, near the village of Pakal.

Inside this cave, there are beautiful stone curtains, along with stalactite and stalagmite formations and sculptures. The cave also features a blue pool. With a depth of 350 meters, the cave has a very cold interior. Due to its extreme cold, no living organisms inhabit the cave; however, the oxygen inside is suitable.

Teforjgah-e Tajrayan

Twenty kilometers after Ilam, along the Chavar road, there is a viewpoint with beautiful and abundant trees known as Teforjgah-e Tajrayan. Tajrayan is a pleasant climate area recognized as a local summer resort.

Near Tajrayan, another pleasant climate area called “Tang-e Behesht” (Paradise Pond) is famous. Tang-e Behesht has also become a popular destination for tourists and travelers, making this region a host for visitors most of the year. Tajrayan is located 20 kilometers from Ilam, in the Chavar region in an area called “Mort o Boli.”

Address: Ilam, 20 kilometers on the Chavar road, Mort o Boli region

No-Hunting Zone: Zalleh Zard

Zalleh Zard is one of the significant areas in Ilam, serving as a habitat for rare plant and animal species in the country. This area spans 80,000 hectares.

In Zalleh Zard, animals such as wild goats, sheep, deer, wolves, foxes, hares, partridges, eagles, and vultures can be found. The area is a sanctuary for unique flora and fauna, making it a crucial ecological zone in Ilam.

Taq-e Shirin and Farhad

Taq-e Shirin and Farhad is a small structure in Ilam, believed by locals to have been built by Farhad in half a day for his night rest. Many elders in Ilam refer to this structure as “Taq-e Shirin.”

Taq-e Shirin is a square stone structure facing southeast, situated at the foothills of a mountain. The structure is made entirely of carved stones, arranged in rows without mortar. One unique feature of Taq-e Shirin is the flat and uniform design of the roof instead of the typical crescent shape.

This ancient structure dates back to the Sassanian period and is located in Ilam, in the Ivan County, Razneh district, in the village of Chehel Zera’i, Tang Kooshk.

Address: Ilam, Ivan, Razneh district, Chehel Zera’i village, Tang Kooshk

Prominent Inscription of Gol Gol Malekshahi

The prominent inscription of Gol Gol Malekshahi is a cuneiform inscription in the Assyrian language and script, carved on a rock near the village of Gol Gol Malekshahi. The dimensions of the inscription are 135 by 90 centimeters, forming a vertical rectangle.

On the surface of the inscription, after being smoothed, there is an elevated figure of an Assyrian king. The text of the inscription is distinguished by cuneiform horizontal lines.

The inscription text describes the conquest of Ilam and the extinction of the ancient Elamite civilization by the Assyrians. This artwork is located on the eastern wall of a narrow gorge, 8 kilometers from the city of Arkawaz, with the village of Gol Gol situated at its mouth. The inscription was nationally registered in 1355.

Address: 24 kilometers from Ilam, Gol Gol village

Veh Riz Waterfall

Veh Riz Waterfall is located near a village called Cheshme Kabood, which is part of the central district of the city of Ilam. The waterfall has a height of 10 meters and cascades down from a crescent-shaped rock. The source of the waterfall is the Kabirkooh Mountains in the west of Ilam.

Address: 5 kilometers south of Ilam, near Cheshme Kabood village

Kabirkooh Protected Area

Kabirkooh is the largest and most important mountain range in Ilam Province, forming part of the Zagros Mountains. This mountain range extends in a northwest-southeast direction. Kabirkooh is characterized by its lush and rainy areas within the mountainous region of Zagros.

The Kabirkooh Protected Area covers approximately 1665 hectares and is home to various animal species such as goats, sheep, bears, leopards, wolves, and deer.

The area is surrounded by two roads, Ilam-Darehshahr and Darehshahr-Abdanan. While it is a suitable destination for nature enthusiasts, further promotion and the development of facilities are needed to accommodate tourists.

Historical City of Madaktu

Madaktu is a city dating back to the Sassanian era, with a history of 1400 years. The city once featured guard towers, streets, and a drainage system, but unfortunately, these were destroyed in an earthquake. Nevertheless, remnants of this historical city still exist, and cultural heritage efforts aim to protect what remains. Madaktu was registered as a national monument in 1310.

Seven Springs Highland Valley (Haftav Mishkhas)

Seven Springs Valley begins from the village of Jafarabad, 30 kilometers from Ilam, extending towards the Toulab Heights, where forests and orchards intermingle. The lush greenery, walnut trees, various fruits, and the hospitality of the locals make this valley a popular destination for visitors and tourists. Two kilometers into this highland valley, the lush and beautiful Malleh Panjow forest is located.

Address: 30 kilometers from Ilam, Jafarabad village, Seven Springs Valley

Sarab-e Kalan and Simehreh

This mountainous village offers diverse and attractive landscapes, including forests, rivers, and green mountains, attracting numerous tourists. The Sarab-e Kalan river originates from the surrounding mountains and provides extraordinary views during spring and summer. Despite its natural attractions, the tourism potential of Sarab-e Kalan provides an opportunity for further development and nature tourism.

Sheshdar Forest Park

Sheshdar Forest Park, located 5 kilometers from Ilam on the Ilam-Kermanshah road, is one of the most important recreational areas in Ilam. Due to its proximity to Manghal (another recreational site in Ilam), Sheshdar receives a significant number of visitors, especially during the spring and autumn seasons.

The famous Ghalaghiran Mountain, recognized as a symbol of the city and Ilam Province, is situated in this area.

Address: 5 kilometers from Ilam

Gechan Waterfall

Gechan Waterfall is located at the beginning of the Ilam-Sarableh road, 15 kilometers after passing through the large tunnel on this route. The Gechan area is covered with beautiful oak trees and is close to the Manshet and Ghalaje mountains, next to the scenic Gechan Valley. A flowing spring in this valley creates the beautiful Gechan Waterfall. The locals use the water from this spring for their needs and the irrigation of fruit orchards.

Address: 15 kilometers north of Ilam

Vali Castle (Ethnographic Museum)

Vali Castle is a historical building in Ilam, situated in the northern part of Pasdaran Street. It was once the summer residence of Vali and was built on a hill with a height ranging from 3.5 to 4 meters.

A stone inscription in the castle recounts its history, mentioning that the architect of Vali Castle was Haj Darvish Ali Kermanshahi, and the stonework was carried out by Reza Gholi.

The northern part of the castle contains a larger and more beautiful Shah-Neshin (royal chamber) with a small pool adorned with marble stones. In 1385, Vali Castle was converted into the Ilam Ethnographic Museum, consisting of various sections and is now considered one of the richest ethnographic museums.

Falahati Palace

Falahati Palace was commissioned by Gholamreza Khan Abu Ghaddareh. Initially surrounded by gardens, it has now transformed into a building and street due to urban development. In 1390, the historical Falahati Palace was converted into the Ilam Agricultural Museum. The museum has four exhibition spaces, including a section for stone tools, traditional agriculture demonstrating planting, harvesting stages, an herbal plants section, and agricultural land documents.

Arghavan Gorge

Arghavan Gorge, located 3 kilometers northeast of Ilam, is on the river route covered with flowers and purple trees, presenting an indescribable beauty in spring. This dreamy area, formerly called Gavaz, is situated at the entrance to the northern route of the Kermanshah to Ilam road, next to the new Azadi Tunnel. Beekeeping thrives in this area due to its natural features.

Address: 3 kilometers northeast of Ilam

Raziyaneh Gorge

Raziyaneh Gorge is near the village of Chenar Bashi, 45 kilometers from the city of Ilam. This narrow and deep gorge is situated in a lush green area with a flowing river inside. In 1388, 75 hectares of Raziyaneh Gorge were designated as a natural-national site and were registered in the list of Iran’s natural-national monuments in the same year.

Raziyaneh Gorge is a pristine and natural area attracting numerous tourists for its unique environment.

Address: 45 kilometers from Ilam-Dareh Shahr, near the village of Chenar Bashi

Sarab Kalan Village

Sarab Kalan Village is a mountainous village with natural and pristine landscapes such as rivers, forests, and pleasant weather. It is located 55 kilometers from the province of Ilam, and its beautiful Sarab Kalan River, alongside oak-covered forests, is another feature of this village.

Sam Del Del (Saddle of the Saddle)

Sam Del Del is a historical structure composed of numerous stone pebbles arranged in the shape of a horse saddle and placed on top of each other, located near the city of Ilam in the Gravab Gorge. On a stone slab in its inner part and on the ground, one can observe traces related to horse saddles, believed by the locals to be one of the Shia Imams.

Chenar Cemetery

Another historical tourist attraction in Ilam is a cemetery known as Chenar, located in the Chenar Bashi area of the city. It is said to date back to a thousand years before the birth of Christ.

Address: Ilam, Chenar Bashi area

Hazaran Castle

Hazaran Castle, dating back to the Sasanian era, is located on the Abadan to Mormori road, in the village of Hazaran, on a natural hill. This historical structure, constructed mainly with materials like stone and gypsum, has suffered significant damage over time.

Address: Abadan, Abadan to Mormori road, Hazaran village

Sam Castle

Sam Castle is another historical tourist attraction in Ilam, situated near the village of Cham Bor in the Shirovan Chardavol county. This ancient complex consists of three related yet somewhat distant sections, believed to date back to the late Parthian and early Sasanian periods.

Address: 4 kilometers from Siah Kooh

Atashkadeh Moushkan

Atashkadeh Moushkan is an ancient and historic structure believed to date back to the Sasanian era. This valuable artifact, made of Sarooj clay and stone, is located 3 kilometers from the city of Sarableh in the Ilam province.

Address: 3 kilometers from Sarableh, Moushkan village

Chahar Taqi (Four Arches)

Chahar Taqi, also known as the Four Arches, is another historical and ancient site in the Ilam province, belonging to the Sasanian period. It is essentially a fire temple, and today, only four arches remain, constructed solely with pebbles and gypsum. To visit this historical building, one can travel to Darehshahr county in the Ilam province.

Other tourist attractions in Ilam include the Manshet and Qalarnag protected area, Imamzadeh Pir Mohammad Abehra, Zinegan Cave, Qajar Fire Temple, and behind the Abadan Castle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sam Castle located?
Sam Castle is located in the Shirovan Chardavol county, near the village of Cham Bor.

What are the natural attractions in Ilam province?
Natural attractions in Ilam province include Arghavan Gorge, Raziyaneh Gorge, Gechan Waterfall, Yeylaghi Haftav Mishkhas, Kabirkouh Protected Area, and more.