Palang Khil Spring

In the southwest of Behshahr in Mazandaran Province, close to the historic Safiabad Palace complex, lies a natural spring called Palang Khil Spring, which is of particular historical and natural importance. The spring is about three kilometres from the centre of Behshahr. During the Safavid era, its water was channelled to Safiabad Palace through a special system; Safavid engineers took advantage of the difference in elevation between the spring and the palace, bringing the water into the palace through clay pipes (tanbusheh) to keep its surroundings cool.

The area around the spring is lush forest with good vegetation, creating a calm and pleasant setting for nature lovers. The volume of water flowing from the spring is smaller today than in the past, but you can still see the flowing water and its effect on the forest scenery. Besides its natural side, the spring also has a historical one; for example, its water was carried to the palace along clay channels and then directed to the lands downstream for agricultural irrigation. The remains of these historic structures in the heart of the forest add to the beauty and appeal of a visit.

To reach Palang Khil Spring, after arriving in Behshahr, turn onto Palang Khil Road from Shahid Hasheminejad Boulevard in the Ziravan neighbourhood, then follow the forest track that leads to the spring. The route is about 3 kilometres southwest of Behshahr, and parts of it may be unpaved. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the forest on the northern slopes of the Alborz range is full of life and the weather is mild. Responsible nature travel in this area means protecting the forest, not lighting fires outside permitted areas, taking your rubbish with you and following environmental rules, so that this heritage remains for future generations.