Düden Waterfall in Antalya - High Cliffs & Tufa Rocks

Monday, 09 December 2013 13:25
Written by Portal Editor

Düden Waterfalls – The charming locality of Düdenbaşı, home to the waterfall, is situated approximately 10 km inland and slightly east of Antalya; it can be reached via a main arterial road from Antalya using a *dolmuş* (shared taxi) or a rental vehicle.

Here, the Düden River plunges approximately 15 meters downward in a waterfall about 20 meters wide; over the centuries, it has eroded extensive deposits of calcareous tufa, within which large tufa caves are now found.

One kilometre before (or after) the town of Aksu, the national road D685 branches off from the coastal road D400, heading toward Isparta. After just over 9 km, turn right onto the road marked with a brown sign reading "Düden Şelalesi." From this point on, the route is well signposted.

The two headstreams of the Düden—the Kırkgözler and the Pınarbaşı—originate in the Taurus Mountains, located 30 km and 28 km from Antalya, respectively. After flowing a short distance, they merge to form the Düden River before disappearing into the karst terrain.

The water then continues its journey underground, eventually resurfacing at Düdenbaşı.

Some of these sinkholes—known as *dolines*—are capable of "swallowing" an entire river or lake.

In this region near Antalya, the large Suğla Doline (Konya) and the Bıyıklı Doline collectively yield 30 cubic meters of water per second (1,100 cu ft/s).

This volume, in turn, corresponds to the combined discharge of the Kırkgöz and Pınarbaşı springs during periods of high water or flooding.

The water that disappears into the Bıyıklı Doline flows underground for 14 km before re-emerging at the Varsak Doline.

After cascading over a very small waterfall, it disappears once again at the opposite end of the doline. Düden Waterfalls – Hydropower and an Artificial Waterfall

The water that disappears underground in Varsak travels 2 kilometres beneath the surface before emerging under pressure from a siphon at Düdenbaşı.

A regulator, constructed upstream of the Bıyıklı sinkhole, diverts water from Kırkgözler and Pınarbaşı into a canal leading to the Kepez Hydropower Plant; there, a penstock guides the water into a surge tank before sending it cascading down through the plant's turbines.

The water discharged from the power plant is channeled back to Düdenbaşı via a long canal, where it forms a series of artificial cascades. By this point, the volume of water is equivalent to that of a major river. Seven irrigation ditches distribute this water across the region northeast of Antalya. It is here—at the "Upper Düden Falls"—that the Düdenbaşı Picnic Area is located.

Visitors pay a small entrance fee to access a charming park featuring a botanical garden, water features, and an array of benches and tables that, on fine days, offer the perfect setting for a picnic.

The waters of the Düden River rush magnificently—a brilliant icy blue—through a ravine into which visitors can descend via a staircase to stroll along the riverbank.

As it flows along its course, the river receives additional water from several smaller springs. These minor springs, trickling down from the valley slopes, have also actively eroded and deposited calcareous tufa. One such miniature waterfall has even sculpted tufa formations resembling pseudo-stalagmites and stalactites—a sight that, naturally, makes any speleologist's heart skip a beat.

Düden Waterfall - Artificially Created, Yet a Beloved Recreational Spot

The highlight of any visit is, of course, the main waterfall itself—estimated to be 15 meters high and between 20 and 25 meters wide. The real attraction, however, is the walkway that leads behind the waterfall and directly into one of the tufa caves. These formations essentially consist of rock overhangs created by the continuous horizontal accretion of deposited calcareous tufa, causing the water to plunge down at a considerable distance from the cliff face.

The cave visited comprises several chambers connected by short passages. However, some of these passageways were evidently cut through artificially. From various openings in the passages, one can look out at the waterfall from behind—a truly captivating sight. Visitors exit the cave via an iron spiral staircase that leads back up to the upper section of this park near Antalya. The total length of the cave is estimated to be approximately 40 meters.

The Düden River continues to flow above ground for another 14 kilometres; after this distance, in the Lara district, it plunges thunderously into the sea as the "Lower Düden Waterfall"—also known as the "Lara Waterfall."

Drive along the road toward the airport, then turn left in the direction of Lara. Next, turn right toward Antalya city centre, following the truly spectacular coastal cliffs all the way to the waterfall. Here, massive volumes of water cascade into the sea with a tremendous roar.

You can get up close to the waterfall by taking an excursion boat from Antalya's idyllic harbour.

Other worthwhile destinations for your sightseeing tour include:

Please read as well:

Kursunlu Waterfall Antalya - worth visiting
Oldtown Kaleici Antalya - Life behind the doors

Düden Waterfall at Düdenbaşı Piknick Alanı