Arjan Plain

The Arjan Plain is located in Fars Province, about 60 kilometres northwest of the city of Shiraz. This vast plain lies at an altitude of about 2,000 metres above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. This gives it its unique beauty and has made it well known among travellers and nature lovers. With its mild climate, beautiful scenery and rich biodiversity, the Arjan Plain is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to a number of Iran's historical and cultural attractions.

Lake Arjan lies 60 kilometres from Shiraz, next to the main Shiraz-Kazerun road, and is part of the Arjan and Parishan Protected Area. The lake is a habitat for migratory birds. This karst lake covers nearly two thousand hectares and is one of Iran's freshwater lakes. The Lake Arjan recreation area is especially important because it lies on the main Shiraz-Kazerun road, close to the historic site of Bishapur and Shapur Cave, and on the route linking Khuzestan and Bushehr provinces with Shiraz. The lake has a wetland in its midst, which has ecological value and is considered one of the world's biosphere reserves.

The Arjan Plain is very rich in flora and fauna. The vegetation of the area includes oak, hawthorn, almond, wild pistachio (bane), Montpellier maple (kikam), arjan (wild almond), fig and ash trees, as well as medicinal plants such as yarrow, chicory, marshmallow, borage and fumitory, and flowers such as narcissus, tulip, poppy and iris. Mammals include wild goat and ibex, mouflon (rams and ewes), gazelle, wild boar, wolf, jackal, fox and hare. Birds include chukar partridge, see-see partridge, quail, pigeon, falcon, eagle and kite. Reptiles include snakes, lizards and tortoises, and amphibians include frogs and toads. Because of its high biodiversity, the Arjan Plain has been registered as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The best seasons to visit the Arjan Plain are spring and autumn. In spring the plain is pleasant, lush green and full of flowers. The weather is mild and agreeable, ideal for walking and sightseeing. If you are looking for warm, sunny weather, spring or autumn is the best time to visit the plain. If you prefer cool, pleasant weather, autumn is the best time to visit. If you want lush green nature full of flowers, spring is the best time to visit.