All Aboard! First-Ever ‘Kerman to Rayen’ Tourist Train Launches Adventure Journey
The launch of the first tourist train from Kerman to Rayen represents a significant milestone in enhancing travel infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism in southeastern Iran. This new service not only offers a unique travel experience but also showcases the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. The inaugural journey took place on Thursday, attended by key officials, tourism advocates, and students from Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman.
The train’s route features a variety of historical and natural attractions in Rayen, including:
- Rayen Citadel
- Scenic waterfalls
- Distinctive landscapes of the Kerman province
Morteza Nikrou, Head of the Kerman Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “The departure of the first tourist train from Kerman to Rayen is a clear sign of the province’s new approach to developing tourism based on clean and sustainable transportation.”
He added, “Our effort is to strengthen the tourism infrastructure in a way that makes travel in Kerman province easier, safer, and more attractive for domestic and foreign tourists.”
Rayen is recognized as one of the most important tourist destinations within Kerman province. The launch of this train service aims to enhance the visibility of the city’s cultural, historical, and natural assets. Nikrou expressed hope that the continuation of this train route would lead to:
- Growth of tourism businesses
- Increased visitor stays
- Balanced distribution of travel throughout the province
Furthermore, Nikrou praised the collaboration between the railway and various executive agencies in bringing this plan to fruition, noting that it represents a practical step towards sustainable tourism development in Kerman. He stated, “We are trying to turn this rail route into one of the most attractive travel experiences in Kerman by planning various events and travel packages.”
According to reports, the inaugural Kerman to Rayen tourist train journey was supported by Kerman Railways and Shahid Bahonar University, with over 250 students participating in this memorable experience.
Rayen, located on the slopes of Hezar Mountain and just 100 kilometers from Kerman, is a historical city that attracts many tourists. It is celebrated for its pleasant summer climate, making it an ideal getaway for those looking to explore the beauty of Kerman province.
Kerman province is situated in southeastern Iran and is bordered by several provinces, including:
- Fars to the west
- Yazd to the north
- South Khorasan to the northeast
- Sistan-Baluchestan to the east
- Hormozgan to the south
This province encompasses part of the central Iranian desert, including the Lut Desert, and covers an area of over 180,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest provinces in Iran. Kerman experiences a diverse range of climates, from warm and semi-dry to extremely dry and cold.
The inhabitants of Kerman are known for their resilience, gracefully handling the challenges posed by their desert environment. The region’s monuments reflect the historical richness of its people, transforming Kerman into a living museum that tells the story of various periods in Iranian history.
Archaeological findings in Kerman reveal a civilization that dates back to the 5th millennium BC, evidenced by numerous stone and pottery artifacts discovered throughout the hills and plains of the area.
Kerman is home to a wealth of historical sites, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking landscapes, including:
- Bazaar-e Sartasari
- Vakil Bath
- Fath Abad Garden
- Shahzadeh Garden
- Kaluts of Lut Desert
- Bam Citadel
This exciting new tourist train service not only enhances accessibility to Rayen’s attractions but also plays a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism practices in the region. The impact of this initiative is expected to reverberate throughout Kerman province, encouraging both locals and visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
