Maharloo Lake Lake

Address: Maharloo Lake (Lake Maharloo), Fars province, Iran (near Shiraz)

Maharloo Lake is a seasonal saline lake in Fars province of southern Iran, noted for occasional pink to reddish hues in its waters. The coloration results from salt-tolerant microorganisms and algae that proliferate when salinity and temperature are high.

The lake is primarily a natural salt pan and wetland that attracts photographers and local visitors when water is present and coloured. There are no large built facilities; viewing is usually from the surrounding road and shoreline where shallow flats expose salt crusts.

Maharloo is situated near the urban area of Shiraz in Fars province and lies on a relatively flat inland plain. The lake is accessed by local roads and sits within an arid to semi-arid landscape dominated by saline flats and sparse vegetation.

• Best time to view: Colour intensity varies seasonally and with salinity; warm, dry months typically show the most vivid pink tones.
• Conditions: The lake is saline and often shallow or dry at times, so access and appearance differ between years and seasons.

Maharloo (Maharlu) Lake lies outside Shiraz in Fars province. It is commonly reached by car from Shiraz - the lake is roughly a few dozen kilometres southeast of the city, a drive of roughly 30-60 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Visitors usually drive to roadside parking near the lake and then walk a short distance to the shoreline; follow local signage from Shiraz for Maharloo/Maharlu.

• Visit late afternoon toward sunset when the lake's salt flats and algae are most vividly highlighted - the water often shows its strongest pink hues in warm, low-angle light.
• Approach from Shiraz or nearby towns via the main access tracks and check local conditions first: the lake is seasonal and salt-crusts can be extensive, so plan your visit around current water levels.
• Most visitors concentrate on photos at the shoreline; walk a short distance along the flats where safe to see different color tones and textures that people photographing from the car park frequently miss.