My first trip to Kerman goes back over five years ago. As much I was thrilled by it (mostly because of the great company), when I heard of Kerman again I didn’t seem to have a significant memory. What I remembered was that it was in no way modern (in terms of facilities), there weren’t a lot of good restaurants and the city would shut down pretty early. So when I found out that a visit to Kerman was on the itinerary, I was a bit meh about it. Especially because it’s way down south and it was going to take a full day to drive to there from Shiraz.

Nevertheless, I took the plunge.

Taking the extra mile to Kerman

To my surprise, the city had transformed dramatically. I had either been too mingled with my friends to notice my surroundings at the time or things had improved significantly in the last 5 years. Today the main streets of Kerman are packed with modern shops claiming to sell high street western brands (originals or not, your call!) and I had dinner in some pretty decent restaurants offering not just great food, but great service with impressive interior designs.

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
The bazaar of Ganjali khan complex.

Apart from the long journey of our trip to Kerman (in case you’re not flying), most of the main highlights are located in the outskirts, but only six main attractions were enough to convince me that Kerman was worth every mile and every minute driving.

Top Places to visit in Kerman:

#1 Rayen Citadel

Arg-e-Bam, the largest adobe building in the world located in Kerman, was fully destroyed after a devastating earthquake in 2003 and is currently only partly open to the public. However, the well preserved Arg-e Rayen was quickly brought to spotlight to replace the experience of a medieval Persian town for tourists.

Going up and down the stairs, getting on rooftops, passing through where once used to be the bazaar and peeking into the governor’s house can seem like you’ve stepped back in time by a few centuries. Not to forget the rooftops of the fortress make for some pretty insane photo backdrops.

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
This is what I’m talking about!

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to KermanTop Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman

#2 Shahzadeh Garden

Just as you approach the Shahzadeh Garden in Kerman garden, the word oasis suddenly makes sense to the fullest. One second you’re in a barren desert and next you’re in a garden tended with ample water flowing down in cascading series.

Right in the middle of nowhere, somewhere in the village of Mahan where vegetation is poor, you’re struck with a walled piece of land from where numerous trees are peeking out creating a huge contrast to its surrounding.

Once you enter and find your way to the gates, you’re greeted by the numerous local families that flock in to promenade around the perimeter.

Take the steps right up to the fountain source and there’s a small Qajar palace (currently a souvenir shop) waiting to be discovered. A traditional tea house and restaurant are also available. The food was fine but I’d definitely recommend sipping on a cup of tea here. The garden is just too good to leave early.  

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
Isn’t it just gorgeous?

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to KermanTop Things to Do on Your Trip to KermanTop Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman

#3 Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah vali

This shrine was constructed in honour of Shah Nematollah Vali, a Sufi master and poet and completed by various rulers over the centuries. Today it’s a complex including several courtyards, a shrine and a mosque with two minarets adorned with tile-work from top to bottom.

There’s a calming atmosphere inside, reflecting the spirits of Shah Nematollah himself. We easily spent a good one hour exploring the site. There are also a few shops in the main courtyard where you can buy books or souvenirs.

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
The beautiful courtyard decorated by flower pots.
Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
The shrine.

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman

#4 Ganjali khan complex

Built by Ganjali Khan the governor of Kerman under Safavid rule, Ganjali Khan square is flanked by a caravanserai, a mosque, a bathhouse and a madrasah on all sides. It’s also commonly used as a gathering point for special ceremonies.

The bathhouse is known to be one of the most famous in Iran and a perfect example of Iranian bathhouse architecture. It’s an absolute must-visit on your trip to Kerman. It’s huge and holds a lot of history in its heart. The mosque is small but a gorgeous dome is carried by squinches and the adorned ceiling is nothing short of ethereal.

The bazaar is a bustling area where anything from fabrics, clothing, footwear and kitchenware is sold. My personal favourite? The copper section for a copper lover. 😉

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
The bathhouse of Ganjali Khan.
Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
Ganjali khan mosque

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#5 The Jameh Mosque of Kerman

I’ve seen my fair share of mosques in Iran and around the world. The jameh mosque of Kerman is nothing unique and definitely not as glorious as its similar ones in other cities. But our evening here turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip to Kerman. We arrived at the mosque right before the evening prayers and upon our first minutes, the sensational call of prayer was to be heard leaving us stumped for words. The combination of a full moon on top of the main ivan and the call of prayers made for a heavenly atmosphere. We were all left there for almost an hour just standing still and watching men and women form the lines for a joint prayer.

As a tourist, you will visit a lot of mosques during your visit to Iran and it’s almost always during visiting hours when there’s no one around. I couldn’t urge you more to visit a mosque during praying hour, especially the evening prayers. Appreciating the beauty of architecture is one thing, but experiencing an actual prayer leaves a lasting impression that is unique to this part of the world.

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
Serene at anytime, it is at its most magical during the evening prayers.

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman

 #6 Kaluts or Shahdad desert

No trip to Kerman would be complete without a visit to the Kaluts. I didn’t get the chance to visit the desert this time around. It was summer and we would have probably melted under the fierce sunshine. However, I have been here before and this is truly one of the few places that have the power to beguile any type of traveller. The scenery is as surreal as it can get. It’s hard to not be staggered by its vastness and beauty. The numerous yardangs formed by sandstorms over time make this place different from all the deserts you’ve seen elsewhere.

Getting here can be a bit dangerous and tours are always arranged escorted, so don’t just go off on your own. But if you head over to Iran in the cold season and want to get a glimpse of the desert, this place is my top recommendation. Its accessibility is a bit more difficult than the other deserts of the country but I assure you, it’s absolutely worth it!

Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman
Photo by my friend Ivan Dogic

 

Two full days would allow you to visit all these places on your trip to Kerman despite them being distant from one another. You might want to consider the 3rd day for the Kaluts if you’re travelling in the right season. Taking a flight to here and then continuing your journey to other cities is also a good idea. If your timetable allows you to spend at least 2 full days here then I would definitely say it’s worth it, but if you’re tight on schedule, it’s always better to get a full experience of one city instead of just hopping into a few.

Is Kerman worth the distance?

4 thoughts on “Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Kerman

  1. Cathy says:

    Hi! First of all I just love your blog!!! So great if you are planning a trip to Iran.
    I just love deserts (and have been in quite a few!) so I am curious why it is dangerous to go and see the Kaluts or Shahdad desert. And if one takes a tour, do you organise that in Kerman at a travel agent and would that be just one day?
    Thanks again for the fantastic tips!

    • Matin Lashkari says:

      Thank you for the sweet words Cathy. Kaluts of Shahdad can be a little dangerous because there are sometimes drug dealers on that road. I’ve personally never seen one but you still need a permit to go there on your own. All tours to Kaluts can be organized in Kerman. You can do either one day or more. There are a few eco-lodges in the villages nearby (ex: Shabhaye Por Setareh in Ziaratgah village) so some stay the night over there. There’s also the option of camping in the desert but I’d personally freak out there if I were alone. 🙂

  2. Cátia says:

    Hi!! Me, my husband and my childrens will Go to Iran in December. As we have to take enough money to use there, I was wondering what is the average spending on meals. Tks

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