Ali Sadr Cave

2nd place in the list of the most beautiful caves in Iran is Ali Sadr Cave. It is one of the world's largest subterranean water complexes, with a network of channels, lakes, and aqueous tunnels spanning several kilometers. The sunless grottoes, which have been stable for millions of years, contain pristine pools, fanciful rock formations, and stalactite-covered ceilings that soar high above. Unlike many other aquatic caves, Ali Sadr's body of water is not a moving river, but a large, web-like lake that appears to be fed by spring waters from adjacent Sarab Cave. Ali Sadr visitors are taken to an underground port where they board boats that take them silently through a series of flooded chambers.

Above and below the surface of the water, which is clear enough to give visibility to a depth of five meters, colorful, sparkling geological features cover the tunnel walls. Tight, winding corridors split off in all directions or open up into gigantic chambers like the Wedding Room (also known as the 1000 Stalactites Room), the Island (located in the complex's heart), and the 600-meter-long Freedom Hall (the largest chamber in the network). The cave was occupied by early humans starting 12,000 years ago, according to prehistoric murals, pitchers, and jugs discovered on site.

During the era of Darius I (521-485 BCE), a new entrance to Ali Sadr was built, but the cave was probably neglected after that, and it was finally unearthed in 1963. Mountaineers and geologists from Iran and beyond have been exploring it since then. Its current known extent is 11 kilometers, with the longest passage mapped so far covering nearly the same distance. The regular tour takes tourists on a 2100-meter excursion through Ali Sadr Cave, with a boat covering 1470 meters of that route, making it one of the world's longest subterranean boat rides.

Location: Street Culture, Ali SadrIran