Chabahar Sights – The India of Iran
The sights of Chabahar will amaze you. Chabahar is one of the most beautiful and pristine regions in southern Iran, which has perhaps received less attention than other tourist destinations in our country.
The attractions of Chabahar encourage everyone to travel to this beautiful and high-potential city. Located in southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan, Chabahar is Iran’s only oceanic port, situated on the shores of the Makran Sea and the Indian Ocean.
This port is one of the most important intersections of the North-South international trade corridor; therefore, it is of high economic and logistical importance. Beyond being a commercial zone, Chabahar possesses abundant historical and natural attractions.
While tourist facilities in Chabahar are developing and you should not expect luxury urban amenities, the attractions are so numerous that you will enjoy yourself immensely. In this article by AvayeTabiyat, we introduce the best tourist spots so you can experience the beauty of Chabahar and have a wonderful journey to southern Iran.
The Beaches of Chabahar
As Iran’s only oceanic port connected to the Indian Ocean, Chabahar offers unique rocky coastlines where the waves create stunning scenes upon hitting the shore.
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Powerful Waves: You can witness “wave founts” where water shoots up to ten meters into the sky. However, be cautious as the force of the water can be dangerous.
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Sandy Shores: If you prefer relaxation, Chabahar also has pristine sandy beaches perfect for swimming under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Chabahar Rocky Beach (Mossy Beach)
This is one of the most beautiful spots where you can see high waves crashing against the rocks. During the monsoon season, these waves can reach heights of 15 meters. It is also called Mossy Beach because most of the rocks are covered in green moss, giving the coastline a vibrant color.
Beris Beach
No matter where you go in Chabahar, you will find a diverse beach. Beris Beach is one of the most famous, known for its iconic clifftop view overlooking parked fishing boats. It is a photographer’s paradise, though you must be careful near the cliff edges.
Gwadar Bay
Located right on the border of the Gulf of Oman and Pakistan, Gwadar Bay offers a sense of endlessness. If you move from here toward the South Pole, you won’t hit land until you reach Antarctica. It is the perfect escape for those tired of urban life.
Natural Wonders
Hara Forest (Mangrove Forest)
Located near the border of Iran and Pakistan, these “floating forests” live in saltwater. During high tide, the trees are partially submerged, with only their crowns visible. We recommend visiting before sunset to see them in their most beautiful state. You might also spot dolphins, flamingos, and herons here.
Chabahar Water Fountains (Wave Founts)
One of the most spectacular sights is the natural fountains created when seawater is forced through holes in the coastal rocks by the pressure of the waves. These fountains can erupt over 10 meters high.
Darak Beach: Where the Desert Meets the Sea
This is one of the rarest phenomena in the world—a place where sand dunes meet the ocean. You can find freshwater wells just 200 meters from the salt water. The combination of palm trees, white sand, and blue sea is breathtaking. Don’t forget to visit the local banana plantations nearby, known for their small, sweet green bananas.
Ramin Village & The Sacred Fig Tree
Ramin is an ancient village and a hub for fishing and surfing. The village is home to the Sacred Fig Tree (locally known as Loor or Makr-e-Zan). This tree belongs to the banyan family; its branches grow downward, take root in the soil, and become new trunks. It produces small red fruits the size of hazelnuts.
Lipar Pink Wetland
Moving away from the standard image of blue lakes, Lipar Wetland is pink! This is due to the presence of specific plankton and algae that create chemical reactions in the water. The best time to visit is from February to early May, or September to early November.
Shirgovaz Village
Located in the Bahu Kalat district, its name combines “Lion” and “Boar.” It is a haven for wildlife lovers, where you can see peacocks, striped squirrels, and the Gando (Iranian crocodile). You can also enjoy tropical fruits like papaya, mango, guava, and coconut here.
Martian Mountains (Miniature Mountains)
Located 50 km east of Chabahar, these mountains look like a landscape from another planet. They are a geological heritage site, once buried under the sea millions of years ago, which is proven by the marine fossils found on their peaks.
Mud Volcanoes (Gel-Afshan)
About 60 km west of Chabahar, you can find rare mud volcanoes. Instead of lava, these hills “erupt” cold mud from the earth. Some scientists believe this is due to the unique tectonic pressure of the Indian Ocean on this region.
Bahu Kalat Wildlife
This protected area is the primary habitat of the Gando (short-muzzled crocodile). You can also see Indian grey mongooses, Chinkara gazelles, wolves, and various birds of prey.
Historical Sites
The Portuguese Castle
Located in the 2,500-year-old village of Tis, this castle is a remnant of the Portuguese colonial presence in the Persian Gulf. It features four watchtowers that once served as both defensive points and lighthouses.
Ban Mesiti Threefold Caves
According to local legends, a noble lady once lived here. The name “Ban” refers to a pious person, and “Mesiti” means a place of worship. Archaeologists believe these caves were ancient places of worship or ritual.
The Jinns’ Cemetery (Cemetery of the Jinn)
Located in Tis at the foot of Mount Pilband, this spooky site features graves carved directly into the hard rock instead of the soil. Their unusual size and placement led locals to believe they were built by jinns. Local lore warns against visiting after sunset.
Tomb of Sayyid Gholam Rasool
This tomb is a pilgrimage site for Indian Muslims in Iran. There are conflicting stories about whether he was a mystic or a traveling entertainer. A unique festival is held here in the last week of Dhu al-Qi’dah, where people celebrate rather than mourn, commemorating his “wedding night” (as he passed away on his wedding day).
Khedr-e Nabi Footprint
Located in the Sepoozeh area, this is not a tomb but a shrine (Qadamgah) where locals believe the prophet Khidr once stood. People gather here for religious ceremonies and to light candles for their prayers.
Final Word
Chabahar is a land of paradoxes—where the desert meets the ocean and history meets mystery. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to the “India of Iran.”
AvayeTabiyat organizes annual domestic tours to help you explore these hidden gems in a safe and friendly environment.
Which of these attractions caught your eye the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Would you like me to provide a list of the best times of year to visit each of these specific locations?
