Kerman; The City of Stars in south of Iran

The 10th most populous city of Iran, Kerman is home to numerous historical mosques and Zoroastrian fire temples. This city borders the Lut Desert to the north and east, Bam and Jiroft to the south, and the cities of Ravar, Zarand, Rafsanjan, and Bardesir to the west.
Due to its closeness to the Lut Desert, Kerman experiences extreme summers and winters with sharply cold nights. Some of the surrounding mountains remain snow-capped throughout the year.

Kerman on Map

 There are various narratives about the city’s origins. In Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (Book of Kings), which recounts Iran’s mythical and historical heritage, the virtuous Kiani king Kay Khosrow (Keykhosro) granted this city to the legendary hero Rostam as a token of appreciation for his bravery. The Kianian are regarded as the second Aryan dynasty after the Pishdadian in Persian mythology.
Based on the remnants of several Sassanid (224–651 CE) structures—most notably Ardashir Castle and Dokhtar Castle, believed to have once served as a sanctuary dedicated to the Persian water goddess Anahita—it is thought that Ardashir I the Unifier (180–242 CE), the founder of the Sassanid Empire, established this city as a military garrison called Gavashir. Ardashir I is said to have developed this city into a prosperous city and appointed his son as its governor.
When Marco Polo visited the city in the 13th century, this city was a prominent trade hub connecting the Persian Gulf with Khorasan and Central Asia.
Kerman boasts a variety of attractions, including the lavish Qajar-era (1785–1925) Ghaffari and Aminian Houses, the Seljuq-era (1038–1118) Malek Mosque, the Muzaffarid-era (1314–1393) Jame Mosque, Harandi Garden, the Moshtaqieh Dome, and a Pahlavi-era (1925–1979) Fire Temple.
Perhaps the most iconic of Kerman’s landmarks is the Ganj-Ali Khan Complex, located next to the Kerman Grand Bazaar. This Safavid-era (1501–1736) complex features a square, bazaar, bathhouse, mosque, Ab-Anbar (water reservoir), and a historical monument.

Tripp Plans

• 1^st day in Kerman city: Ganj-Ali Khan Complex (Square, Bathhouse, Bazar, Caravanserai, Mosque and Mint)- Harandi Museum (Visit for: 4h)- Ibrahim-Khan Mosque and Bathhouse- Gonbad-e Jabalieh (Visit for: 30min) San’ati Contemporary Arts Museum (Visit for: 1h 30min)
• 2^nd day in Desert: Shazdeh Garden (Visit for: 2h)- Lut Desert to discover the hottest place on earth- Rayen Citadel- Shahdad Desert (Kalouts) (Visit for: 4h)- Rayen Castle (Visit for: 2h 30min)- Shah Ne’matollah Vali shrine (Visit for: 1h)
• 3^rd day in the Bam city: Drive to Bam city and visit the Bam citadel (The largest adobe construction in the world). See the palm tree of one of the best type of dates in the world- The Fahraj village- Naderi Tower in Fahraj-Hezar Mountain- Bakri Village (Deh Bakri) is an Summer Residing Place near Bam.

Top Hotels

 Ecolodge Houses (Eco-Accommodation)

• Ashing Ecolodge: Shahdad
• Meymand Ecolodge: Shahr-e Babak
• Shahdad Desert Camp: Shahdad

Top Restaurants

• Vakil Tea House: Café, Persian, Middle Eastern
• Key-khosro House: Middle Eastern, Persian, Vegetarian
• Pizza VITA: Fast-Food
• Zhobin: Italian