A visit to majestic Kani Gravan Spring
Kani Gravan Spring is one of the most beautiful attractions in Sardasht, West Azarbaijan Province, located just two kilometers from the city of Rabat and near a village called Kani Guiz. This spring bubbles from the earth and features unique attractions around it; the limestone hill is a natural formation that showcases the area’s beauty.
To visit Kani Gravan Spring, simply drive along the Sardasht-Mahabad road for about 30 to 35 minutes. After passing the town of Ravar, take a dirt road, navigating through wheat fields and oak forests as you head west, IRNA wrote.
The cold water of this spring is not drinkable due to its salinity; over time, the sedimentation of minerals has created a colorful limestone structure around it, enhancing the spring’s beauty. Additionally, the chemical interactions in the spring water have caused this structure to grow taller each year.
The healing properties of this spring are numerous, categorizing it among sparkling mineral springs widely used for beauty and skin care. The presence of natural minerals in the water has fostered the development of therapeutic tourism in the area, attracting many visitors each year seeking treatment for skin diseases, bone pain, and conditions like rheumatism and muscle pain.
As the water flows on the surface, it leaves behind materials that gradually form an interesting conical mass, resulting in a colorful hill. This hill, set against the lush nature of the region, creates a picturesque view with a beautiful spectrum of colors. The limestone structure from which the spring emerges stands about 20 meters high. The river flowing at the foot of this natural formation becomes abundant in the spring season, nourishing its surroundings and providing a delightful, green landscape filled with blooming meadows.
The water from this spring eventually flows into the Little Zab River. The origin of the spring’s name is unclear; many locals interpret it as a term in the Kurdish language. In Kurdish, Gravan means heavy water, possibly referring to the high mineral content in this spring’s water.
On the way to Kani Gravan Spring via the Mahabad road, you will encounter lush nature, pleasant weather, and beautiful scenery, especially in the spring when the wheat fields, oak forests, and flowing waterfalls create unparalleled beauty. The limestone hills, with their unique color contrasts, captivate every viewer and provide an appealing atmosphere for photography. You can set up a picnic in the meadows surrounding the spring and enjoy the splendor of this magnificent nature for hours.
The peak beauty of this region occurs in spring and summer when its rushing rivers, lush landscapes, and pleasant weather are on display. With the arrival of autumn and the onset of winter, the spring and surrounding nature transform into a different kind of beauty; the freezing and snow-capping of the limestone hill during these seasons present visitors and nature lovers with a unique and breathtaking sight.
Access to the spring is easy, making it suitable for people of all ages; on the way to the waterfall, you will encounter a stunning mountain road. When traveling to West Azarbaijan Province, be sure to include a visit to this spring in your itinerary, especially since it is considered the most famous tourist attraction in Sardasht after the Shalamash Waterfall.
Kani Gravan Spring was registered as a national heritage site in Iran on February 25, 2018, alongside the Shalamash Waterfall. The border city of Sardasht, which shares a border with northern Iraq, is one of the greenest and rainiest cities in the country, earning it the nickname “a piece of paradise."
The untouched forests of the Zagros Mountains and the lush, rich vegetation, combined with the high and misty passes, capture the attention of every traveler and tourist, leaving beautiful and lasting impressions in their hearts. Every year, as spring approaches and the Nowruz (Iranian New Year) holidays begin, the beautiful nature of Sardasht and its tourist attractions provide a suitable and memorable destination for visitors.