Amirkelayeh Wetland

Amirkelayeh Wetland is one of the lesser-known attractions of Gilan Province: a freshwater wetland just one kilometre from the sea. Known in the local Gilaki language as "Sheikh Ali Kol" or "Shaleh Kol", Amirkelayeh Wetland is one of the sights of Gilan Province and one of the region's most beautiful wetlands. It is located in Shirjoopasht Rural District, Rudbaneh District, north of Lahijan County. The wetland covers an area of about 1,230 hectares. Outside the reed beds, the average water depth varies from 5.1 to 5.3 metres, and in parts of the southern section the maximum depth reaches 3.2 metres; however, most of the wetland is 1.8 metres deep. Amirkelayeh Wetland is 5.4 kilometres long from north to south, with an average width of about 73.2 kilometres.

Amirkelayeh Wetland consists of two separate parts. The eastern part is an aquatic ecosystem with a broad, open water surface, known in the local dialect as "Sal Hasan-Ali-deh". The western part is a large area covered with reeds and trees, known locally as "Shal Kul" (or "Sheikh Ali Kul"). Like other wetlands in Iran, it is home to many plant and animal species. Reeds make up most of the vegetation in the area. The "water chestnut" (known locally as "Sa'leh Bagholi") is among the wetland's most famous plants, and its fruit is the marsh tulip. This plant, which has a cap and green seeds, has many medicinal and therapeutic properties and is used in traditional medicine. Because of its unusual shape and healing properties, it also attracts the attention of tourists. The aquatic species in Amirkelayeh Wetland include carp, bream, Caspian roach (kutum relative), wild carp, rudd, loach, stickleback, pipefish, pike, small silver fish, Caspian shemaya, Haji Tarkhan perch, marbled goby, ninespine stickleback and gambusia. It is worth noting that Amirkelayeh Wetland is one of the most important reserves of the loach, a fish that is unique of its kind.

Any time is a good time to visit Gilan Province, and a trip to Amirkelayeh Wetland is no exception, because in every season of the year you will see different plant species and birds at this internationally important attraction. The best time to visit Amirkelayeh Wetland for recreation and picnics is from mid-spring to mid-summer, and in autumn. But if you are going to see the various plant and animal species and to watch migratory birds, winter is the best season. At this time, visitors will certainly enjoy seeing birds such as wild geese, ducks, swans, coots, avocets, pelicans, gulls and flamingos.