Hi! Today we will once again embark on a stroll through sunny Antalya to explore two interesting natural attractions known as the Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls. One of the significant advantages of these landmarks is their proximity to the city center; both waterfalls can be easily reached by public transport, and I managed to visit both places in a single day.
Upper Duden Waterfall: How to Get There
I reached the Upper Duden Waterfall by tram, and the Şelale station on the T3 line is conveniently located not far from it. The journey from the stop to the waterfall took about 20 minutes, passing through an area with small buildings where goats roam the streets, and chickens freely move about.
Apart from the tram, you can also take a bus to reach the waterfall, with the bus stop located at a similar distance.
Entrance to the waterfall complex is subject to an admission fee. As of May 2023, the ticket cost was 10 Turkish liras, which seemed quite modest to me after visiting the expensive museums in Istanbul. Payment for admission is accepted only in cash.
Exploring the Complex
The area around the waterfall is a small green park with a circular walking route. Part of the walk takes you through a low cave, providing a view of the opposite side of the water. A sign at the beginning of the trail promises that the view from here will "transport you to a virtual world of dreams."
Conveniently, throughout the entire route, the views of the waterfall change, allowing you to see it from both upper levels and platforms located on the lower terraces of the walking area.
Right at the entrance, there is a miniature model of the Yivli Minaret (also known as the Fluted Minaret) — one of the most recognizable landmarks in Antalya. The complex also houses souvenir shops and cafes. According to the information board, there is a small zoo here, although I didn't see it during my walk.
In the western part of the complex, there are two more interesting features — several ancient tombs and the ruins of an ancient workshop for olive oil production. If you continue walking, you can come across a cave with bats. They may not be visible, but their presence is quite audible. A sign near the cave indicates that it is their natural habitat and warns guests against entering.
My stroll through the complex took about 40 minutes. After exploring this attraction, I headed back to the tram to reach the Lower Duden Waterfall, and I'll share more about it in my next article.
Have a nice trip!
