Kerman Travel Guide: City Sights, Mahan and the Lut
A guide to the city, nearby Mahan and desert landscapes
Kerman is the capital of Kerman Province in southeastern Iran. The city provides a base for exploring its bazaar and historic buildings, with separate excursions to Mahan and the Lut Desert. Distinguish the city from the much larger province when comparing distances, landscapes and places to stay.
The name Kerman appears in Achaemenid inscriptions as the name of a region. That does not establish the present city as an Achaemenid foundation called Carmania. Encyclopaedia Iranica’s historical geography attributes the present city’s foundation to the Sasanian ruler Ardashir I and explains its earlier names, including Beh-Ardashir and Bardsir.
Sirjan, rather than the present city of Kerman, remained the regional capital into the early Islamic period. Clifford Edmund Bosworth’s historical account explains this distinction. It matters when an older description uses Kerman for a territory rather than a particular town.
Carpet production is an important part of Kerman’s commercial history. Encyclopaedia Iranica’s account of the industry describes the relationship between weaving, merchants and export trade. This craft history provides context for browsing the city’s textile and carpet shops.
Kerman is also a centre for crafts such as pateh embroidery and carpets. Visit Iran’s city profile places these traditions alongside its commercial and industrial role. For shopping, look beyond a product’s regional name to its materials, workmanship and place of production.
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Kerman’s Climate
Kerman occupies an elevated basin surrounded by mountains. Its setting differs from the lower desert landscapes reached toward Shahdad. Keep the city, mountain outings and Lut excursions distinct when planning a journey through the province.
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The historical-geography account places the basin at roughly 1,700 meters above sea level. Pack for changes between the city, mountain areas and desert excursions, as well as between daytime and evening conditions.
The Best Time to Visit Kerman
Spring and autumn are useful starting points for a city-walking itinerary, but the purpose of the trip matters. Visiting the bazaar and museums, walking in Mahan and spending time in the Lut involve different amounts of outdoor exposure. Choose the timing of each excursion separately rather than applying a single monthly average to the entire province.
For those intending to experience the natural beauty of the Shahdad and Lut deserts, it’s essential to know that Mehr (approximately September 23 to October 22) and Aban (approximately October 23 to November 21) are deemed the best months to visit the Shahdad desert. Winter is also a suitable season for visiting Shahdad. However, it’s crucial to leave the desert a couple of hours before sunset en route back to Kerman city because the darkness and possible sandstorms can block the way. Summer is not the ideal season for traveling to Kerman due to its high temperatures. However, if you wish to visit the upland areas of Kerman or pleasant climate villages like Bahramjerd, Seh Konj, or the Fosk waterfall, you can choose this season for your journey.
Essential City Information for Kerman
Before embarking on any journey, it’s always a good practice to save some essential contact numbers on your mobile phone. Doing so ensures you can easily get in touch with relevant organizations or authorities if any issue arises. One such essential piece of city information for Kerman is the city’s telephone area code. The telephone code for Kerman is 034. So, if you’re looking to call some of the major hotels or restaurants in the city, you’ll need to prefix their numbers with 034. Additionally, the number for the Red Crescent Society (equivalent to the Red Cross) in Kerman is 03432615202. In case of emergencies, especially during nature trips, you can reach out to them.
Another crucial part of the travel guide to Kerman relates to the distance and travel time to this city. The distance from Tehran to Kerman is approximately 998.3 kilometers. For road trips considering the distance between Tehran and Kerman, you should anticipate about 14 hours of travel time. For those opting for air travel, the flight duration is around one hour and thirty minutes. The Ayatollah Rafsanjani Airport is roughly twenty minutes away from Kerman city. If you’re driving from Tehran, you should be prepared to spend around 14 to 15 hours on the road.
How to Travel to Kerman?
One of the frequently asked questions by travelers is how they can get to Kerman. In response, it’s important to note that you have multiple options including personal car, train, bus, and airplane. Traveling by train, car, or bus from Tehran to Kerman typically takes around 14 hours. This duration can be quite long, leading many passengers to opt for air travel instead. As a travel tip for Kerman, remember that buses are the most cost-effective mode of transportation, while airplanes tend to be the most expensive.
Ground Travel to Kerman by Train
Choosing the train for your trip to Kerman is a viable option, especially if you are traveling with family. It allows you to enjoy the scenic views from the road, experience enjoyable moments in a train compartment, and spend considerably less compared to air travel. During certain travel seasons, a large number of travelers prefer the train. An important tip for those considering this mode of transportation: if you’re planning to visit Kerman during the month of Farvardin (the first month of the Persian calendar, roughly corresponding to March/April in the Gregorian calendar), it’s advisable to book your train tickets at least a month in advance.
The month of Farvardin is considered a peak travel season to Kerman, attracting numerous visitors. The distance from Tehran to Kerman by train is approximately 14 hours. When traveling by train to Kerman, you can choose between first, second, or third class trains. For this route, there are also “Ghazal” trains, which are classified as first-class and have a higher fare compared to the second and third-class trains. To book a train ticket, you can visit the OrientTrips website and reserve a ticket based on your travel date and preference.
Air Travel to Kerman by Plane
If you’re looking to save time on your journey, then traveling by airplane should be your choice. Various airlines operate flights to Kerman. On the OrientTrips website, you can easily view the flight schedule and the exact ticket prices for flights to Kerman under the airplane ticket reservation section. Additionally, if you are aiming to purchase the cheapest airplane tickets, you can opt for last-minute flight options. As a travel tip for Kerman, it’s good to know that the duration of a flight from Tehran to Kerman is approximately one hour and thirty minutes. This allows you to reach Kerman in the shortest time possible. Flights to Kerman are conducted daily and unlike trains, there are no limitations. This convenience is why many travelers prefer this mode of transportation.
Best Hotels in Kerman
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Kerman Hotels
Discover the top hotels in Kerman with our guide, showcasing the best in comfort and style. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or seeking luxury, our selection of Kerman hotels offers the perfect stay for every traveler.
Pars Hotel Kerman
Pars Hotel Kerman stands as a modern marvel among Kerman’s accommodations, having begun its operations in 2002. This five-star hotel, spanning eight floors, boasts 197 lodging units. Guests can enjoy a range of special amenities during their stay, ensuring a delightful and comfortable experience.
Conveniently located, the hotel offers easy access to the airport, train station, city center, and Kerman’s attractions. Its facilities include several pleasant restaurants, a gym, coffee shop, water complex, garden, green spaces, and a conference hall with live music.
Kerman Tourist Hotel
Opened in 1975, Kerman Tourist Hotel is a modern four-star property in Kerman, renovated in 2019 to enhance quality and guest comfort. Situated near Kerman’s attractions like the Grand Mosque, traditional bazaar, Ganjali Khan bathhouse and caravanserai, medical university, Harandi Garden Museum, Moayedi Ice House, and the aquarium museum, it provides an ideal base for exploration. The hotel offers amenities like a traditional tea house, several restaurants with Iranian and international menus, a coffee shop, room service, parking, in-room safes, internet, taxi service, green spaces, a conference hall, a billiard room, and sports facilities.
Hezar Hotel Kerman
Hezar Hotel Kerman, a three-star establishment built in 1994 and renovated in 2015, enhances its quality and updates its interior and exterior appearance. With five floors and 42 accommodation units, guests can choose rooms based on preference and budget. Centrally located, it allows easy access to commercial centers, offices, and attractions in Kerman. Facilities include a coffee shop, parking, room service, a restaurant, internet café, minibar, housekeeping services, a massage room, gym, luggage room, and green spaces.
Shahbaz Traditional Hotel Kerman
Shahbaz Traditional Hotel Kerman, established in 2019, is among the finest traditional hotels in Kerman, set in a historic Qajar-era house. Its pleasant traditional atmosphere ensures a delightful stay for guests, who can easily reach Kerman’s landmarks like the Ganjali Khan Bathhouse, the grand bazaar, Harandi Garden, and Vakil Caravanserai. The hotel offers parking, a restaurant, a traditional tea house, taxi service, a coffee shop, and 24-hour reception.
Eivan Traditional Hotel Kerman
Eivan Traditional Hotel Kerman occupies a historic house in the Mahan area, 38 kilometers southeast of Kerman. Dating back to the Qajar period, the building has undergone several renovations, including in 2018, improving its facilities and services. Today, the hotel welcomes guests with 15 rooms and suites, offering a unique décor and traditional ambiance alongside complete modern amenities for a pleasurable stay.
Souvenirs from Kerman
One of the frequently asked questions by visitors is, “What souvenirs should we buy from Kerman?” In response, Kerman city offers a diverse range of products to choose from.
Edible Delights from Kerman
A part of these souvenirs constitutes the tasty edibles that the city of Kerman is known for. This includes:
- Qavootu (a sweetish mix of ground nuts and spices)
- Kolompeh (a type of pastry filled with date and walnut)
- Pistachios
- Zireh (cumin seeds)
- Dates
Unique Handicrafts of Kerman
The other segment of souvenirs from Kerman pertains to the city’s unique handicrafts, including:
- Pateh (a type of Persian embroidery)
- Shiriki-Pich (a specific kind of rug)
- Kermani Rugs
- Gabbeh Dozi (a type of rug embroidery)
- Ajideh Dozi (another embroidery art)
- Copperware
Shopping in Kerman
If you’re traveling in Kerman and wondering, “Where should I go for shopping in Kerman?”, we have the perfect answer for you.
Ganjali Khan Bazaar
One of the best shopping centers in Kerman is the Ganjali Khan Bazaar. If you’re looking to purchase traditional handicrafts such as Pateh, Gilim (a type of rug), copperware, and Ajideh Dozi embroidery, then head to this old market of Kerman. At this bazaar, you can also buy high-quality pistachios, Qavoot in various flavors, and fresh dates.
Other Shopping Centers
Besides the traditional market, there are other modern shopping centers that we would like to introduce in the travel guide to Kerman:
- Atlas Passage (Pasaj Atlas): A modern shopping complex with various shops and services.
- Saleh Al-Mahdi Commercial Complex: This complex offers a diverse range of products from clothing to household items.
- Big Star Bazaar (Bazar-e Bozorg Setareh): Another place to find both traditional and modern goods.
- Fayton Shopping Center: A great place for those looking for a mix of both world-class brands and local specialties.
If you’re traveling with young children, make sure to visit these shopping centers as many of them have dedicated play areas for kids, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for the entire family.
Explore Kerman’s Attractions
Historical and Cultural Sites
Ganjali Khan Square, Bathhouse, and Bazaar
When visiting Kerman, make sure to explore Ganjali Khan Square, the Ganjali Khan Bathhouse, and the Ganjali Khan Bazaar. These historical sites offer a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.
Kerman Zoroastrian Fire Temple
The Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Kerman is not only a place of historical significance but also houses an ethnographic museum. It’s an intriguing stop for travelers interested in both history and culture.
Kerman’s Zoroastrian heritage extends beyond one building. Encyclopaedia Iranica describes communities that preserved religious traditions and copied Pahlavi texts over many centuries. This continuity provides context for understanding religious heritage alongside museum displays.
Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine
The shrine of Shah Nematollah Vali is in Mahan, outside Kerman city. Its early mausoleum predates the Safavid dynasty: Encyclopaedia Iranica attributes it to the patronage of the Bahmanid ruler Ahmad I and records completion in 1436. Treat the shrine as part of a Mahan visit, rather than combining it with Moshtaqiyyeh as if both were one Safavid monument.
Mahan Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Shahzadeh Garden, also called Shazdeh Garden, is near Mahan. It is one of the nine components of the UNESCO-listed Persian Garden property, identified in the official register as Bagh-e Shahzadeh, component 1372-006. Water channels, planted areas and built spaces explain the relationship between irrigation and garden design.
Natural Wonders of Kerman
Kerman’s Unique Natural Landscapes
While exploring Kerman, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in its natural wonders. The city and its surroundings boast a diverse range of natural attractions.
Kalouts
The kalouts of the Lut are wind-eroded landforms, also called yardangs. UNESCO’s Lut Desert description explains how wind transports sediment and erodes the landscape, producing large ridges alongside stony deserts and dune fields. These are natural geological formations. Their continuing erosion does not mean that every rainfall turns the entire landscape into a different place.
Explore Kerman’s Local Cuisine
When visiting Kerman, trying the local cuisine is not just a culinary adventure but also a way to familiarize yourself with diverse flavors while supporting the local economy. Many travelers wonder what dishes to try in Kerman. In response, we’ll introduce you to some of the delicious local dishes you shouldn’t miss.
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