Varand Village

Varand village, one of the historic and beautiful villages of Mazandaran Province, is located in Kelijan Rostaq District of Sari County. The village lies in the highlands and, thanks to its geographical position, enjoys a cool and delightful climate. With a history of several hundred years, Varand was formerly known as "Varhand," which gradually changed to "Varand". The name of the village is made up of two words: "var," meaning beside, and "hand," meaning river. Some historians also believe that the word "Varandra" means "sultan" in Sanskrit, which points to the historical importance of the village in the past.

With a population of about 800 people in 150 households, Varand has a rural, friendly and lively character. The main occupations of the villagers are farming and animal husbandry, activities that not only reflect the traditional lifestyle of the people of the region but also show their deep connection with the fertile land and the surrounding natural resources. Among the tourist attractions of Varand village is Imamzadeh Ali. This imamzadeh, a descendant of Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him), stands in a green area with ancient trees. The historic tombs around the imamzadeh reflect the age and rich history of this region. Some of these tombs are decorated with Quranic inscriptions that record the date of death and the identity of those buried in them. The towering trees and peaceful atmosphere of this cemetery have also given the village a spiritual and historical touch.

To reach Varand village, you can take the Sari–Kiasar road and, after about 30 kilometres, turn onto a side road that leads to the village. This road is winding and passes through forest, and driving it is a special nature-tourism experience. The best time to visit Varand is spring and summer, when the weather is mild and nature is in full bloom. In these seasons, you can enjoy the natural scenery, the clean air and the tranquillity of the village. Visiting the shrine of Imamzadeh Ali and strolling around the village also offer travellers a spiritual and historical experience.