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Besides the fact that Mazandaran lies alongside the largest lake of the world, i.e., the Caspian Sea, several other lakes (both large and small) are also located in the plains and heights of this region. Abbas Abad Lake, Behshahr Located in the southeast of Behshahr in the midst of the forest, is a lake with an area of about 10 hectares. Due to the fact that in past, Shah Abbas Safavid was responsible for constructions in this vicinity, thereby the name. Being easily accessible by vehicle, in addition to a resting area, ancient relics, sweet water and pleasant weather make this region a must place for tourists to visit. Caspian Sea, Mazandaran The largest lake of the world, Caspian sea (land-blocked body of water), covers an area of 438,000 sq. km. and is located between Iran and countries such as the Republics of Qazaqistan, Turkamanistan, and Azarbayjan. Its southern coast which extends from the Hosseinqoli Gulf to Astara is in the jurisdiction of Iran. In past this lake was known as Heerkani, and in foreign texts and maps was called 'Caspian'. The average depth of this lake in the north is 6 m. and to the west and south west regions is at the most 1,000 m. The coast of this lake is sandy and low-lying, with the Gulfs of Qarah Boqaz and Gorgan to the north east and southeast respectively. The latter is segregated from the Caspian Sea due to the presence of the Miankaleh Peninsula. The Anzali Wetland also separates from this lake by the Qazian Island. The Caspian Sea comprises of three sections, the northern, central and the southern ones. The Iranian coast of the Mazandaran Sea stretches to the length and width of 3 to over 30 km. from Astara to Gomishan and the mouth of the Attrak. Its northern landscape engulfs the blue and considerably calm Caspian Sea, and in the southern region, except for the western sector which comprises of high lands and wetlands in general, are the scenic beauty painted by the forests on the skirts of the Alborz Mountains. Much beyond these forests, stand the majestic and snow-capped peaks of Alborz, enhancing a special beauty to the said landscape. Besides which, surrounding the coastal area are citrus orchards, rice fields, verdant pastures- all rendering a glorious and eye-catching view! The most important regions in this vicinity that can be interesting regarding tourism are the following: Ramsar - Alamdeh axis, Alamdeh - Babolsar axis, and Babolsar - Farah Abad axis and Behshahr. Daryook Dam Lake, Tonekabon This lake (reservoir) has an area of about one hectare and is situated opposite the Vali Abad valley of Hezar Cham and in the skirts of the Dal Kamar Mountains. It is a sweet water lake with a depth of about 5 m. It is surrounded with pastures and meadows, thus providing a habitat for endemic birds and wildlife. It is coupled with natural beauty, and a wonderful landscape, in addition to being an area for therapeutic and research activities. Estakhr-e-Posht Lake, Neka This lake covers an area of about 6 hectares and is situated in the Estakhr-e-Posht village in the valley of Zarom River. The lake resembles a huge and circular water hole, around which are rice fields and rush-brakes. Temporary shelters can be found in the vicinity, though it is devoid of any type of service facilities. Access to this lake can be by the beautiful forest road from the city of Neka by vehicle. The valley and Zarom River add to the tourist attractions. Gaz Wetland, Behshahr This wetland is located to the southwest of Miankaleh Gulf, and extends over an area of more than 50 hectares. The same being a habitat for both endemic and immigrant birds, and is enhanced with the view of the Miankaleh Peninsula Island and the Ismal Saie Island, located opposite. The tamarisk trees along with other vegetations in keeping with the environment have painted a beautiful portrait in this region, and its special features in respect to the wetland, is one of the few seen around the globe. The advancement of the sea and gulf waters has rendered a second life to this area along with the beauty that these natural features embrace. Kandochal Wetland, Chaloos This wetland is situated in the dense forest 'Feyeen' of Chaloos. The same prolongs over an area of 1 hectare and is about 5 m. deep. This sweet water wetland is surrounded by trees, besides the rush-brakes within the water itself and other fauna. This area is a habitat for birds and wildlife that make use of the water here. The area provides space for camping purposes and sight-seeing. Khezr-e-Nabi Lake, Noshahr The said lake is located to the north of Noshahr, cradled amidst the forest. The natives believe this lake to be sacred. It is a sweet water lake with an area of less than half a hectare. The same provides a natural refuge for a variety of birds and wildlife. This beautiful region due to its natural landscape is breath-taking especially in the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Lapoo Va Palangan Wetland, Neka The said mass of wetlands lies at a distance of 1 km. south of the Caspian Sea and to the east of the electric power plant of Neka. Throughout the year this area can be said to have its own kind of attraction with respect to the season. For instance during the fall and winter season it is a habitat for waterfowls and other immigrant birds that flock to this area. Suitable environmental and weather conditions together with the facilities provided can be taken advantage of here by tourists who have planned a visit to this part. Sarandoon and Balandoon Wetland Complex, Sary The said is located near the village of Siyah Mahaleh, at a distance of 25 km. from Sary. The same comprises of two sections - Sarandoon in the south and Balandoon in the north. This wetland expands over an area of 30 hectares, and during the autumn and winter has a maximum amount of water, whereas in the spring and summer the water is of a lesser content, the water is sweet. Within these wetlands and the surrounding areas are rush-brakes and other types of vegetations suited to this area. The above mentioned vicinity provides an excellent habitat for birds and water species. Besides which the natural environmental beauty together with easy access to this verdant area can provide the scope for it to be taken advantage of as a sight-seeing spot. Valasht Lake, Chaloos This lake encompasses an area of about 15 hectares, and is located in a deep valley to the southwest of Chaloos and to the northeast of Kelar Dasht region. This area forms a suitable habitat for waterfowls and a variety of water species. Unfortunately, no organized exploitation has been made in this lake regarding fishing industry, and fishing only takes place by fishing rods here. Access to this lake is from the west of the Chaloos Road and Marzan Abad. Other Lakes, Mazandaran These are the Sahoon Lake situated in the township of Amol in the southern skirts of the Damavand Peak. The Shurmast Lake located at a distance of 5 km. on the Firooz Kooh Road and the Gol-e-Pol Lake, south east of Qaem Shahr. |
