Alisadr Cave

Exploring Alisadr Cave: The World's Largest Water Cave

This huge cave is located approximately 70 kilometres away from the ancient city of Hamadan. The Alisadr Cave has many water halls and a variety of beautiful formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites and karst deposits of various shapes. Visitors can explore the cave by boat along a route that is approximately 2.4 kilometres in length, making it the largest cave in the world that offers such a unique experience. Guided tours for tourists are available every day, lasting between 45 and 90 minutes. During these tours, a local guide will explain the geological features of the cave.

Boat tours through the water channels of Alisadr Cave

This attraction is one of Iran’s most popular destinations for local tourists. A boat ride through the underground water channels is a truly ununsual experience. The temperature inside the cave remains between 12°C and 16°C. The air is cool and humid, and in some areas, the depth of the underground lakes reaches up to 17 metres. Since the water in the lakes is crystal clear, it is likely that the source of this water is underground springs. As you travel through the caves, you will be amazed by the beauty of the geological formations. The multicoloured lighting in each corner of the cave helps guides navigate more easily and enhances its natural beauty.

Water channels lead to land inside the cave, where visitors need to get off the boat and continue their journey on foot. The naturally sculpted stalactites and stalagmites take on various shapes that might seem familiar. With a little imagination, you can see different images in these formations. After walking through the dry part of the route, visitors come to another water channel to continue their exploration by boat.

The discovery of Alisadr Cave

Alisadr Cave was formed naturally. Residents of nearby villages discovered the cave and used it as a water source. It remained unexplored for tourism until 28 September 1963, when a group of 14 mountaineers from Hamadan visited the place. They were able to explore the cave using basic equipment, such as hand lamps and rubber tubes. The expedition of this group of mountaineers was reported in the local newspaper. In 1967, news of this astonishing and seemingly endless cave reached the national media and attracted professional mountaineers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.

Today, Alisadr Cave is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Iran and is currently being considered for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.