A logical stop if you’re making the long cross-desert drive between Mashhad and Kerman via the Kaluts, Birjand is the capital of South Khorasan province, known for saffron, barberries and especially annab (ju-jube fruit, considered a herbal remedy for coughs and colds). In winter, snow topped mountains give Birjand’s southern flank an impressive backdrop, while to the north, assorted ridges and triangular geological protuberances create a contrastingly desert feel.
The sprawling city hasn’t done a great job at preserving its once fascinating old mud-brick buildings, but the Qaleh Tarikhi fortress has been restored, and looks particularly impressive at night when glowing with the lights of the tea house restaurant that occupies its ground floor.
Birjand is also a possible launch-point for visits to Forg, Boshrooyeh and the towering sand dunes of Rigi Yalan (tour only).
Where to visit?
Akbarieh garden and complex:
Akbarieh Garden is a beautiful Iranian style gardens remained from Qajar dynasty and since 2011 is one of the nine Iranian gardens on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. There are also wildlife, archaeology and anthropology museums in the complex
Birjand Castle:
The castle is the oldest structure in the city and dates back to Safavids. There are traditional restaurant and tea house available in the castle and from there you will have beautiful view of the city, specially the old town
Kolah Farangi Ark:
This Qajar style building is the symbol of Birjand and currently in use as a governmental property.
Shokatiye School and Museum:
This beautiful Qajar style school was once Iran’s third modern school after Tehran’s Dar Al Fonun and Tabriz’s Roshdiyeh.
Chahardeh Waterfalls:
The place is located in 30 km south of Birjand and consists of 80 waterfalls on Bagheran mountain next to pure desert area.
Kal Jangal Parthian Fresco:
The stone carvings in 35 km south west of Birjand on Bagheran mountain date back to Parthian period.
Darreh Dam:
The beautiful mountainous Dam in the middle of Bagheran range in South of Birjand dates back to Ghajar Dynasty.
Points Of Interest
This village, at 1700m elevation and just north of the no-torious Evin Prison, is one of Tehran’s most pleasant urban escapes
At 370,000 sq km the Caspian (Darya-ye Khazar) is five times the size of Lake Superior.That makes it by far the world’s largest lake.
This popular in town escape stretches ever more steeply up the mountainside at Tehran’s northern edge