Ilam is one of the provinces in the East part of Kurdistan, Iran, and Ilam is the center of the province. The province shares a 425-kilometer border with Iraq, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Khuzestan provinces. According to the 2016 census, the province had a population of 580,000. Ilam province has dozens of unique tourist and historical sites, and in this article, we try to introduce you to several tourist sites in this beautiful province of the East part of Kurdistan.
"Qilaqeran" Mountain
The most important mountain in Ilam is Qilaqeran Mountain, which has a very beautiful and unique nature. This mountain is located 3 kilometers north of Ilam city and is 2152 meters high. This mountain is famous as the symbol of Ilam and is one of the most beautiful mountainous areas of this city. It is even said that the shape of the Azadi Square of Tehran is taken from the Qilaqeran mountain.
Shashdar forest area
Shashdar Forest Area is another tourist area of Ilam province, located 5 kilometers from Ilam City and near Qilaqeran Mountain (on the road between Ilam and Kermashan). The Shashdar Forest Area, also known as the Shashdar Forest Park, has an untouched and natural nature and has very beautiful and unique scenery. The name of this area means "dense forest" and is also known as one of the most important resorts in Ilam.
The best seasons to visit this forest are spring and autumn. In spring, the beauty of this area is multiplied and a very pleasant smell spreads in the forest due to the blossoms of the trees. In autumn, the forest has a beautiful and special appearance due to the defoliation.
Lake Lifang Siagaw
The only twin lake in Iran and the East part of Kurdistan is Lifang Siagaw, located in the city of Awdanan (Abdanan) in Ilam province. The passage of the Siagaw River among the rocks and the valleys has formed the two lakes, the first slightly higher than the other. The two small lakes are connected by a 10-meter canal and are about 3 meters deep with very clean and clear water. These lakes date back thousands of years.
Kafrin strait (Kafri/ Kafran)
One of the most important tourist areas of Ilam province is Kafrin Strait, located in Badra city. Kafrin Strait has a very beautiful, special, and charming nature. This strait is formed from several streams and high mountains of Kabirkew (Kabir Kuh) and is the source of several streams that flow into the Seymara River. Kafrin Strait is 2 kilometers long and 700 meters above sea level. Zamzam Water Pool is one of the tourist attractions around this strait. Tourists can also take a boat ride in Kafrin Strait and enjoy the unique views of this strait and have a great time.
Arkhawan Port
Arkhawan Port is one of the most unique tourist attractions in the East part of Kurdistan and Ilam province, located 3 kilometers northeast of Ilam city. Beautiful and colorful trees and the pleasant smell of Redbud, are the characteristics of this port, which has made it a beautiful resort. Arkhawan Port turns pink and purple in spring, especially in February-March, giving tourists a pleasant and special feeling.
Raziana Strait
Raziana Strait is located 50 kilometers from the Ilam-Badra Road. This strait is situated in a perfectly green area and a small stream runs through it which multiplies the beautiful scenery of the strait. This area also has a forest and a very nice and charming resort.
Raziana Strait has a unique geological structure, which has led to a lot of research in the fields of "environment, geology, and hydrology". In 2010, the strait was registered as a natural and national heritage of Iran.
