Bard-e Delak Wetland

Bard-e Delak Wetland is located 14 kilometres east of Shiraz, near the village of Kaftarak, in Fars Province. The wetland is formed at the foot of a mountain by the overflow of a spring of the same name, which emerges from a crack in the rock. Dense reed beds surround the wetland and create a charming landscape.

Above the Bard-e Delak Wetland, three reliefs, close to one another yet separate, are carved into the mountain and date back to the Sassanid period. In one of them, Bahram II is shown presenting a water lily to his wife, Shapurdokhtak. It is the only known depiction of a Sassanid queen in Iranian rock relief art. Besides their historical value, these rock carvings add to the tourist appeal of the area.

To reach Bard-e Delak Wetland, take the road east of Shiraz toward Qasr-e Abu Nasr and continue for about 14 kilometres until you reach the area. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the wetland is at its most beautiful and full of water. When visiting, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as not leaving any litter and keeping quiet so as not to frighten the birds or damage the historical monuments.