Azadkhan Cave

Azadkhan Cave lies west of Mahallat County, north of the village of Sanjehbashi, and is one of the natural and historical attractions of Markazi Province. The cave is about 10 kilometres northwest of Mahallat, and its entrance sits at an altitude of roughly 2,169 metres above sea level. The Delijan–Khomein road passes south of the cave, and to reach it you need to take the side road through Sanjehbashi village. With its varied geography of mountains, valleys and rivers, Markazi Province has a great deal to offer visitors, and Azadkhan Cave is one of the province's outstanding examples of natural and historical attractions combined.

This ancient cave is formed of sedimentary rock and has a small, narrow entrance. Beyond it, you enter a large hall that takes up almost the whole interior of the cave. Around the main hall are several passages, and plentiful fresh water collects on the cave floor, dripping from the ceiling. The cave's stalagmites have been somewhat damaged by heavy foot traffic, but the dripping water from the ceiling creates a beautiful natural scene, and a small lake has formed at the far end of the hall. Azadkhan Cave has high archaeological value. According to historical accounts and local evidence, when an Afghan commander named Azadkhan attacked, the people of the village of Purkan (present-day Mahallat) took refuge inside the cave. Azadkhan's forces then blocked the entrance, and those sheltering inside died. Until recent years, the bones of these people and of some animals, such as sheep, remained in the cave, and a small number of bats can also be seen there.

To visit Azadkhan Cave, first travel to Mahallat and continue 10 kilometres northwest of the town towards Sanjehbashi village. After passing through the village and two travertine quarries and reaching the watershed management dam, the dirt track to the cave entrance is clearly marked. A 600-metre walk on a slope of about 20 degrees takes you to the cave entrance in 20 minutes. A visit usually takes about two to two and a half hours and requires no technical equipment, but suitable footwear, a helmet and a flashlight are recommended. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the mountain weather is pleasant and the access routes are safer. Practising responsible nature tourism and keeping the route clean will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.