Karaj

From Halal Explorer

Karag-wikivoyage-banner.jpg

Karaj is a city of the Alborz Province in Iran.

Karaj Halal Travel Guide

Karaj (كرج‎ pronounced [kæˈɾædʒ]) is a city in and the capital of Karaj County, Alborz Province, Iran. In 2011, its population was estimayed to be about 1.6 million, making it the fifth-largest city in Iran. It is 20 kilometers (12 mi) west of Tehran, in the foothills of the Alborz mountains. The city is surrounded by mountains which give it great landscapes.

The history of Karaj dates back many centuries. The stone built Zoroastrian fire temple of Takht-e-Rostam from the Parthian perioid is a testament to this.

The Soleimanieh palace (currently housing a college of Agriculture) and the mausoleum of Shahzadeh Soleiman, Imamzadeh Rahman and Zeid Palang Abad-e-Eshtehard are other historical relics of the Karaj area.

During the Pahlavi dynasty era and the Morvarid Palace was constructed in nearby Mehrshahr neighborhood, designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

Especially after the Islamic Revolution thousands of people started to migrate to this pleasant small town making it one of the biggest cities of Iran in less then 3 decades. Karaj is the center of Alborz province west of Tehran. Alborz province is the youngest and smallest province of Iran. It is named after Alborz mountain range, in the north of Iran. It also provides a great share of water supply of Tehran because of its rich resources such as rivers and springs.

It is connected by freeway, railway to Tehran 40 kilometers east and Qazvin 100 kilometers northwest, and by commuter rail to Tehran subway system (Metro).

Karaj's climate is a bit cooler than Tehran and it receives 260 mm of rain annually. The economical base for Karaj is its proximity to Tehran, where transportation of products between the capital and the Caspian Sea is central. Chemicals, fertilizers and processed agricultural goods are also produced here. It possess importance in agriculture and industry. Many of the most important factories of Iran are located near it.

Karaj is a multicultural city, due to migrants from all around Iran, that is why Karaj is called as Little Iran.

Travel to Karaj

By train: Karaj is easily accessible using Metro system of Tehran. Line 5 takes passenger in less than an hour to city. There are 3 metro stations in Karaj at east, center and west. The trains are very comfortable.

By car: Karaj is connected by to Qazvin (80 kilometers) in the west and Tehran (35 kilometers) in the east. It takes less than an hour to drive from Tehran to Karaj. Since there are a lot of people who drive between these two cities every hour and there is a very high chance to do hitch-hiking as well. People are very nice to Foreign Muslims and most of them get very happy to drive you between the two cities. From Mazandaran province Karaj is connected to Chalous city, by the famous Chalous road. It is one of the most beautiful roads of Iran which runs between mountains. However it is not recommended in winter season because the road may become a little slippery because of feasible snow.

By taxi: There are many taxi routes between Tehran and Karaj most of which pass through Tehran-Karaj Highway. The most famous places where you can get Taxi to Karaj in Tehran are: Azadi Plaza, Vanak Plaza, Tajrish Plaza etc.

How to get around in Karaj

By metro: Karaj Metro is an efficient way to travel inside the city. One line connects west and east of the city (from Karaj Station to Golshahr Station). It continues eastward until Tehran. On its way to Tehran, it stops at Chitgar park and Azadi stadium. The second line of Karaj metro (north to south) is under construction.

What to see in Karaj

Karaj has a very pleasant climate in all four seasons. It is very famous for the natural attractions. The stunning Alborz Mountain Range provide a natural beauty to the landscape of Karaj. Karaj is also the starting point for a pleasant drive along spectacular Chalous Road forced north through the Alborz Mountain to the Caspian Sea.

  • The stony fire-temple of Takht-e-Rostam belong to Parthian and Sassanian eras,
  • Shams Palace also called as Pearl palace remained from Pahlavi dynasty. It is located in Mehrshahr neighborhood. It was built on 1966 for Shams and the twin sister of Mohammad Reza Shah. The whole complex is around 50,000 square ft. There is an artificial lake surrounding the main building.
  • Soleimanieh Palace (which is part of the Agriculture Faculty of University of Tehran),
  • Shah Abbasi Caravanserai (from Safavid Era),
  • Pre-Islamic bridge
  • Mausoleum of Shahzadeh Soleiman are among Karaj's cutural legacy.
  • Imamzadeh Hasan a mosque and tomb to one of Shiaa Imamzadehs (Saints).
  • Taleghan town an amazing old town beside Karaj with stunning landscapes of lakes and mountains. Beside that, Taleqan is quite rich in culture and history. There are numerous pre Islamic and medieval fortresses. The most famous are Arjang qale, Qale Keiqobad, Qale Mansoor, Qale Dokhtar and so on. There is a graveyard which dates back to Iron age and several tombs around the town. A glacier is located near Khodkavand Village beside Taleqan. The town itself has a very old structure, in which most of buildings are from several centuries ago.
  • Gachsar on Chalus road. It is very famous for its Annual Tulip Festival. The mountains and the road which runs through the forests makes it one of the most beautiful roads of Iran. There are a lot of different types of traditional restaurants (Sofre khane, Kababi, and so on) on its way which let you enjoy various types of Iranian foods or Smoking Qalian (Hubble bubble) beside Cahlous river in the forest.
  • Urs Tree a 2500-year-old tree located at Shahrestunak, a beautiful village near Karaj. It is 17 meters high.
  • Baraghan is a small village near Karaj with a fascinating nature. It is surrounded by a forest with a lot trees which possess different colors from green, yellow, orange and red. The village which has a very long history, is preserved well. The people are extremely warm and welcoming.
  • Apple Garden a huge garden located at Mehrshahr. It makes stunning landscapes in spring and summer. It is 400 hectares near Shams Palace.
  • Yakhmorad cave a very interesting cave in Gachsar area. It is located 2640 m above the sea level. The best time of the year to visit it is February-April and it is characterized by amazing icicles. The other unique feature of this cave is that it is consists of different floors. The fossils of molluscs at its entrance suggest that the cave used to be beneath the seas 50 million years ago.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Karaj

  • Hiking Azimie Mountain is very fun activity. On Fridays a lot of people come there for picnic and spending the weekend from the early morning. The mountain is easy to climb but gives opportunity to meet a lot of people. Climbing takes 2 to 3 hours to first peak. There are different routes for coming back. The nearest one ends in a spring with a pleasant water drink which is in a small park with some of facilities for exercise, relaxing as well as tea houses. The other route continues to Chalous Road which has stunning nature during spring and fall but it needs probably half a day to come back to city.
  • Amir Kabir Dam Lake in the road of Chalus. This area is used for sports such as canoeing, fishing, water skiing, swimming and gliding. The lake behind the dam makes a stunning view to enjoy your time.
  • Skiing Karaj surrounded by mountains provides an amazing spot for skiing. There are a lot of resorts around it. Dizin Ski Resort is one of the oldest and the longest route in whole middle east and one of the longest in the world. The other resorts are Khur Ski Resort and so on. All of them provide all services including cable cars, equipment rental, etc. The extremely affordable price beside its great quality makes skiing one of the best attractions of Karaj for Iranian and foreign tourists.
  • Khanevadeh Park - biking roads.
  • Road to Chaloos which is the most beautiful road in Iran.
  • Varian Village; the only means of accessibility to the village of Varian is by canoe from the lake of the dam.
  • Yakh Morad Cave and the cave is situated in the neighborhood of Gachsar. Low temperature within the cave is as such that even till the months of May/June icicles can be still observed here.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Karaj

  1. There are several shopping centers in Azadegan Sq.
  2. Gohardasht Main Street.
  3. Qazvin Street
  4. Derakhti Street - Forty-five (45) meters Street
  5. Mahestan Shopping Center (Nabovat Plaza)
  6. Parsian Shopping Center (Mulla Sadra Boulevard - east side of the Nabovat Parks)
  7. Amut Tower (Taleghani)
  8. Mulla Sadra Shopping Center (Rajai Shahr, Motahari Ave, Maleshahr Crossroads)
  9. From Taleghani to Shahada Plaza

Halal Food & Restaurants

  1. Five Star Diako International Restaurant (Karaj , Derakhti Street)
  2. International Restaurant (Azadegan Plaza, Roof Tower of Milad Tower)
  3. Traditional and international restaurant Safahan (Mulla Sadra Boulevard, Mullah Sadra and Jomhoori intersection)
  4. Orkideh Restaurant (Nabovat Plaza)
  5. Arya Restaurant (Jahanshahr , Sepah Plaza)
  6. Fish and Chips Restaurant

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Karaj

Karaj - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Karaj, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Karaj. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Karaj and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Karaj. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Karaj. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKaraj: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Karaj.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Karaj: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Karaj, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Karaj.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Karaj, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Karaj, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Karaj and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Karaj, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Karaj, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Karaj without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Karaj is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Karaj.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Karaj is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Karaj, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Karaj Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Karaj

eHalal Group Karaj is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Karaj. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Karaj.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Karaj ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Karaj. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Karaj, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Karaj are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

  • Hotel Amir Kabir
  • Hotel Saman 2-star hotel that was established in 1977 and reconstructed in 2008.
  • Mar Mar Hotel

Telecommunications in Karaj

Karaj Area Code is 026

Stay safe

At late nights and when the streets are not crowded and full of people, it's better to avoid going out or to go out with a local partner.

Emergency services

  • Police: 110
  • Fire department: 125
  • EMS: 115
  • Road EMS: 115 or 112

News & References Karaj


Travel Next

To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.