Day two in Antalya started with a refreshing dip in the hotel pool. After that, Alena joined me, and we hopped in a taxi to the airport to pick up a rental car. Renting the car through an online app turned out to be a bit of a hassle – a long and drawn-out process. Next time, we definitely agreed to go straight through a car rental company for a smoother experience.
With wheels under us, we fueled up at a local restaurant before heading towards the mountains to visit Alena’s dog kennel. The drive was beautiful, and the fresh mountain air was a welcome change.
On the way back to the hotel, we couldn’t resist stopping at the Lower Düden Falls. The cascading water was truly majestic, especially in the golden light of the evening. We snapped some pictures to capture the moment before heading back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Lower Düden Falls: More Than Just a Pretty Plunge
The Lower Düden Falls are a showstopper in Antalya, but beyond their undeniable beauty, there’s a hidden wellspring of interesting facts waiting to be discovered. Here are a few to sprinkle into your blog post:
- A Dual Identity: The Lower Düden Falls also have a local nickname – Karpuzkaldıran Şelalesi, which translates to “Watermelon Lifter Waterfall.” The exact origin of the name remains a mystery, but some speculate it might be related to the historical use of the powerful water current to transport goods, including watermelons, upstream.
- Underground Adventures: The journey of the water cascading down the falls is quite the adventure. The source of the Düden River lies 40 kilometers away, where it disappears underground into a sinkhole. The water travels through a hidden network of caverns before resurfacing near the falls, making its final dramatic plunge into the Mediterranean Sea.
- A Natural Powerhouse: The sheer force of the Lower Düden Falls is impressive. The cascading water plunges a staggering 40 meters, creating a powerful current and a constant mist that creates a rainbow on sunny days. This mist also helps cool the surrounding area, making it a popular escape from the summer heat.
