Kerman is the largest province in Iran. It enjoys the highest number of World Heritage Sites and holds a record with five registered sites by 2020. Bam and its cultural landscape, the cultural landscape of Maymand, the Lut desert, the Persian Garden, and the Persian Qanat are the five World Heritage Sites in Kerman, all available to visitors.
Sightseeing in this vast province requires a lot of time. In this article, we only suggest a tour only around the small part of Kerman.
We set off the tour for the center of this province, Kerman city. Undoubtedly, the first place you should go is the Ganjali Khan complex. If you have visited this place in the past years, recommended to pay a visit again. Ganjali Khan Complex has changed a lot, and now it has been more facilitated for tourists.
The most famous part of Ganjali Khan Complex is its stunning historic bath. However, do not be surprised if you see several bathrooms in different places. Vakil bath has turned into a teahouse and restaurant. You can drop by to relax and get pleasure from their local food like Boz Ghorme.
To enter this historic bath, you have to go through the Kerman Bazaar. This Bazaar could be the best opportunity to shop in one of the oldest bazaars in Iran. The Ganjali Khan Caravanserai, Zarrabkhaneh (Mint), now turned into a coin museum, school, and the Ganjali Khan Mosque, all located around the old Ganjali Khan Square, form different parts of this spectacular complex.
On the way to Ganjali Khan, you will probably pass by the old wall of Kerman. Although only a small part of the main wall has been renovated and adopted, it is appealing in its kind.
If you are enthusiastic about history and historical monuments, you will enjoy visiting Jama Mosque (Congregational Mosque) after browsing Bazaar.
An excellent suggestion to visit for the afternoon is the first Museum of Traditional Instruments. This museum, situated in Harandy Garden, houses a collection of various Iranian and even non-Iranian instruments.
If you did not visit Jabalieh Dome yesterday, this morning is the best opportunity to visit. Then, pay a visit to one of the eye-catching gardens of Kerman called Fathabad Garden. This attraction is located in the northwest of the city and about half an hour away from Jabalieh Dome. Fathabad Garden and its stunning mansion will fulfill your satisfaction. Also near this Garden, there is an unknown Castle, named Nafar castle. This beautiful attraction will draw your attention if you are passionate about seeking historical monuments.
Then, you can continue your route to Mahan city through the Kerman ring road. About an hour later, you will be in this cold city on the edge of the desert. Shazdeh Garden or Shahzadeh Mahan Garden is going to be the first place to visit. This place has been registered as one of the Persian Gardens in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. The entrance building and the water path will lead you to the top of it. You will fall in love with this gorgeous Garden. Cold winds always blow inside the Garden, thanks to its location; Hence, recommended to have enough warm clothes with you.
After visiting the Shazdeh Garden, enter the city of Mahan and visit the shrine of Shah Nematollah Vali. If you would like to know more about Shah Nematollah Vali and his beliefs, talk to his followers. There is also a museum in this attraction, where you can find out more about Mahan and Shah Nematollah.
You can stay over at a hotel or one of the Mahan eco-lodges.
Today, it is time to leave Mahan for the city of Rayen. Rayen is the closest city to the 4th highest peak of Iran, Hezar Mountain. One of the largest and most prominent brick forts is in this city.
First, Visit Rayen Castle. This well-renovated castle introduces you to the architecture of government citadels. Inside the castle, there is a handicraft and souvenirs market, and you can kill two birds with one stone. You can visit this attraction as well as buy souvenirs at your leisure.
Then, go to the Rayen Waterfall at the foot of Hezar Peak. This waterfall is situated outside Rayen city, which is easy to access.
Return to the main road and continue your journey to Bam city. You will get there in approximately 2 hours. The historic bam city hosts you for the coming night.
The most significant attraction of Bam city is Arg-e Bam. This enormous complex was the government citadel, at the same time fortress of the old city of Bam. Bam and its cultural landscape have been registered in the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
Although Arg-e Bam was severely damaged after the powerful earthquake in December 2003, it has been renovating and reconstructing by global efforts. Now it hosts tourists. A full visit to Arg-e Bam takes at least an hour.
After a journey through history and centuries, it is time to embark on your journey in a more modern setting. A tourist complex with the same name as Arg-e Bam has been designed with recreational facilities. It is located at a distance of about 15 km from the old Arg-e Bam.