Turkey can offer vacationers not only its pristine beaches, but also a lot of attractions, and some of them in ancient times were created by mother nature herself. Antalya is especially rich in such beauties. It is here that our compatriots most often come to rest. And almost every one of them takes the time to visit the Duden Waterfall, a photo of which is included in all the country's brochures. And tourists themselves consider this incredible place the most beautiful in Antalya. Let us also find out what Duden Falls is and why it is of such value to tourists and local residents.
Duden River: Waterfall Formation
Antalya is one of the rare resorts where, in addition to the beautiful sea, there are also rivers with a cascade of waterfalls. This allows tourists to enjoy not only a lazy beach holiday, but also sightseeing. Antalya itself is located on a high cliff above the Mediterranean Sea, and on the other side it is surrounded by Mount Taurus. All types of the resort are very picturesque, and Duden Falls can be safely called the Turkish pearl.
The cascade of waterfalls is formed by the Duden River, which originates from karst mountain springs. The river begins thirty kilometers from the city, where several sources merge into one stream, called Kirkgesler.
Surprisingly, the Duden River flows almost in the center of Antalya. Partially, it passes underground, sometimes the underwater channel stretches for thirteen kilometers. In the 60s of the last century, a hydroelectric power station was built in the resort area, and the river began to pass through specially laid underground channels. If you look at the river at its source, you can hardly imagine that this lazy stream can form a cascade of rapids and waterfalls, two of which are considered the most beautiful in the country. Literally a few tens of meters from the source, Duden accelerates and forms the first rapids. In the north-east of the center of Antalya, the river turns into a roaring stream, and tourists can see the first of the famous waterfalls - Upper Duden Waterfall. Tourists never refuse to visit him, moreover, this picturesque place is surrounded by coniferous forest, in which a national park with all the infrastructure is built.
On a fifty-meter cliff, where the river flows into the Mediterranean Sea, Lower Duden Waterfall is formed. It is considered one of the largest in Europe, and you can admire it both from land and from water.
Upper Duden Waterfall, Antalya: description
It is difficult to say which of nature's creations is the most beautiful on the Duden River, but tourists always respond with great enthusiasm about the Upper Duden Falls. You can examine it literally all day, because the creation of Mother Nature is represented not by a single water stream, but by a whole group of rapids, waterfalls and waterfalls. In the center of this beauty it is almost impossible to talk - everything is blocked by the noise of falling water. This incredible beauty can be seen from different sides, because a large number of bridges are laid across the river, and the most beautiful view is opened from the observation deck, which is often filled with water splashes so that tourists have to go barefoot.
If you are not afraid of caves and grottoes, you can explore the surrounding beauties, descending into the natural rocky halls with which the Duden Waterfall abounds.
Duden National Park: Characteristics
Local authorities have done everything to make tourists feel comfortable coming to the famous Duden Waterfall (Turkey). Built along the river, the national park allows vacationers not only to see a natural attraction, but also to dine in the shade of forest alleys. In the park there are quite a few cafes and cozy gazebos. Families with children like to buy ice cream at special kiosks, where traders can arrange for kids a real show with balls of cold treats.
Keep in mind that entrance to the national park is paid, but you can buy a ticket only for Turkish lira. Dollars and other currency are not accepted at the box office. By purchasing an entrance ticket, you can stay near the waterfall until the park closes, no one limits your time of presence in this beautiful natural reserve.
The Duden River is visible right from the entrance to the park, so, literally a few tens of meters along convenient asphalt paths, you will hear a growing rumble, and after a couple of minutes you will see an amazing sight - Upper Duden Waterfall (Antalya). Photos of this creation of nature are amazing with the angles from which they are made by tourists. This is easy to achieve thanks to the large number of bridges and viewing platforms. They allow you to get close to the sights and capture it on camera. If you wish, you can rent a boat in the park and swim to the water stream, enjoying the sea of spray and a magnificent rainbow. Almost everywhere in the park you can hear the noise of a waterfall, and light water dust settles on clothes and hair, giving coolness even on the hottest day.
Grottoes and cliffs of the national park
The main water stream, which is also called the waterfall of Alexander the Great, breaks down from a twenty-meter cliff. But you can examine it not only from the side of the forest with which it is surrounded. The fact is that the waterfall has one secret that allows you to penetrate into his heart: the rock behind the roaring stream has several caves and grottoes. Practically in each of them small observation platforms are arranged. Through narrow spiral staircases, tourists descend into cool rocky halls and admire the incredible sight that opens in front of them in all its glory. One interesting legend is associated with the caves of the park. The fact is that the viewing balcony has a very unusual stone coating. It resembles a meteorite to many, because the stone seems to consist of thin needles. Park workers say that if you tie a thread on one of these needles and make a wish, it will come true. But there is one secret - making a wish, you need to look at the cave arch, where you can see a piece of the sky. And do not believe it when they say that a waterfall does not fulfill a desire. It's just that not everyone manages to learn this special secret.
Having admired the waterfall, you can stroll around the park. Here, too, a lot of interesting things. For example, an ancient plane tree grows to the left of the channel, the age of which, according to some sources, has been around for seven hundred years. And lovers of historical monuments will be interested in burials dating back to the third century AD. Ancient sarcophagi decorated with beautiful carvings depicting lions.
Waterfall "Falling Watermelon"
Lower Duden Waterfall flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The rock with which it falls down is fifty meters high. In Europe, you will no longer find such an incredible sight. By the way, local residents claim that if you drink water from this waterfall, you can preserve beauty and health for a long time.
Lower Waterfall is often called the “Falling Watermelon”. On this score, there are two stories that claim to be true. According to one version, once the river overflowed the banks so much that it flooded melons with watermelons, which then broke from a great height into the Mediterranean Sea. Another story says that locals quite often rafted watermelons along the river, but did not always have time to catch them all in front of the waterfall. Therefore, many striped berries were torn off the cliff to the delight of onlookers. No one already remembers which of the stories gave its name to this beautiful waterfall, but the name still remains.
Description of Lower Duden Waterfall
Tourists usually come on their own to explore this natural attraction. They take great pleasure walking along the picturesque river along the equipped avenues where you can enjoy Turkish coffee in a cozy restaurant.
The noise of the waterfall can be heard many kilometers before it, many tourists say that on approaching Antalya they admired it from the porthole of the plane. Indeed, this miracle is best seen from above or from the sea. Therefore, quite often, tourists rent small sea vessels in order to take a closer look at the Lower Duden Waterfall. Surprisingly, splashes of water form a bright rainbow, which can be seen at almost any time of the day. Recently, the resort authorities updated the waterfall lights, and now at night it is a truly fantastic sight.
Where is the cascade of waterfalls?
Upper Waterfall is located fifteen kilometers from the center of Antalya and belongs to the Varsak district. Finding it is quite easy, but just in case, keep in mind that local residents will always be happy to tell the location of the national park.
Lower Duden Waterfall is located near the Old Town. In close proximity to this natural miracle, Lara beach stretches.
How to get to the waterfalls?
If you do not want to buy an excursion to Duden Waterfall, you can get here yourself. From the Kaleici district, a bus runs to the national park quite regularly. The stop is located near the famous clock tower. Tourists will travel about an hour. In high season, the park is open from eight in the morning until seven in the evening.
The Konyaalti - Lara bus will help you to get to the Lower Duden Waterfall. Already leaving the bus stop, you will hear a majestic waterfall rustling.
Duden Waterfall, Antalya: traveler reviews
As we have said, not a single tourist misses the opportunity to enjoy the views of the waterfall. Most often, vacationers head to the national park. But if you want to appreciate all the beauties of the Duden River, be sure to order an inspection of the Lower Falls from the water.
What do tourists say about this natural miracle? Their rave reviews are hard to put together in one article. But one thing is for sure: not one of the travelers regretted going to Duden Waterfall. So, this attraction is worth its unofficial title - the pearl of Turkey.