The Ali Sadr Cave (also spelled Ali Saadr or Ali Sard) is a world-renowned natural wonder located near the city of Hamedan in western Iran, specifically in the Ali Sadr village, Kabudarahang County.
It is famous for being one of the world’s largest and longest water caves navigable by boat, and its formation dates back to the Jurassic Period (about 130 to 190 million years ago).
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Located near the village of Ali Sadr, Kabudarahang County, Hamadan Province, Iran, about 75-100 km northwest of Hamadan city. |
| Geological Age | Dates back to the Jurassic period (190 to 136 million years ago), classifying it as a ""living cave."" |
| Water Feature | It is the world's largest water cave accessible by boat (canoeing). The water is supplied by underground springs and continuous dripping from the cave walls, possibly linked to the nearby Sarab Cave. |
| Water Depth & Clarity | The water is colorless, odorless, and its depth varies from about 0.5 to 14 meters. It is so transparent that the lake floor can be seen up to 10 meters deep with ordinary light. |
| Boating Route | Visitors take a guided boat tour (often via pedal boats). The ""extended"" tour involves an underground boat course of approximately 2,010 meters, described as the longest underground boat trip worldwide. The regular tour may be around 1,470 meters by boat. |
| Cave Dimensions | The known extent of the passages is approximately 11 to 12 kilometers, but only about 3-4 kilometers are accessible to visitors. The ceiling height above the water can reach up to 40-54 meters in large chambers like the ""Freedom Hall."" |
| Internal Conditions | The temperature inside the cave remains a constant, cool 12 to 14 degrees Celsius (around 54-57°F) year-round. The air is breathable due to natural cellular vents. |
| Formations & Artifacts | The cave is adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, with formations named after their shapes, such as ""Dragon's Claw,"" ""Stone Waterfall,"" and ""Lion's Head."" Archaeological findings suggest the cave was used by primitive man up to 12,000 years ago, and it was known during the reign of Darius I (521-485 BC). |
| Visitor Tips | Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket. Flash photography and smoking are prohibited. Mobile phone reception is unavailable inside. |
Ali Sadr Cave is one of Iran’s National Natural Monuments, registered as the twenty-third National Natural Monument. This cave is entirely natural, with no human factor involved in its formation.”
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