‘Underground Pamukkale’ draws tourists with natural beauty

DENİZLİ

Visitors can closely observe the travertine formations thanks to walking paths and landscaping around the cave.

With its bubbling thermal pools and striking limestone formations, Kaklık Cave in the western province of Denizli has welcomed more than 1 million travelers over the last seven years, offering an underground mirror to famous Pamukkale travertines.

Located in Kaklık neighborhood of the Honaz district, the cave features travertines, thermal water pools, mosses in various shades of green and a constant temperature of around 32 degrees Celsius.

Its waters are believed to have healing properties and are particularly said to be beneficial for various skin conditions.

Visitors can closely observe the travertine formations thanks to walking paths and landscaping around the cave. The site has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Honaz Mayor Yüksel Kepenek told state-run Anadolu Agency that Kaklık Cave was one of the special areas offered by nature.

Kepenek said the municipality had carried out various projects, including maintaining the travertines, regulating the water flow and renovating walking paths.

“Over the past seven years, 1.15 million people have visited. When we include children, public officials, schools and elderly visitors, the number is close to 2 million. Our goal is actually to increase this figure to more than 1 million visitors annually. We are moving rapidly toward that goal,” he said.

Kepenek said media organizations, social media, scientific meetings and various events were being used to promote Kaklık Cave, adding that the region was remarkable for its industry, agriculture and natural attractions.

“Kaklık Cave is a place you can visit safely and one that attracts great interest from tourists. Tourists from the Far East visit almost every day, with 15 to 20 tour buses arriving, while visitors from European countries also come frequently,” he said.

Kepenek said areas had been created where visitors could spend time with their families and that a pool was also available outside for those who wanted to cool off.

“We want visitors to leave the cave happy. We want them to leave with beautiful memories and positive thoughts, not negative ones. This has become a complex facility. We have turned Kaklık Cave into a place that, hopefully, everyone passing through this region will want to visit,” he said.