Cappadocia is a very unique place in the world, with its desert type landscape, fairy chimneys, volcanic land formations, underground cities. It is nothing compared to whole of Turkey, in fact, the entire world.

The chimney houses/ cave houses are something which one doesn’t see anywhere else. In fact, one has to see to believe it. Similarly, the early morning sunrises dotted with hot air balloons a sight to see and behold.

There is so much to do and see in Cappadocia that putting together everything in 2 to 3 days is not easy. However, if one knows what to see and where to stay then it is not much of a problem.

In case pressed for time, it is advisable to take a guided tour, at least it covers everything within the limited time span.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

This is the most famous activity to do in Cappadocia. The balloon ride over the unique landscape is something to look forward too.

The rides usually takes place early in the morning since the wind conditions are favourable for balloons only early morning. At one point this is good also as one is back to the hotel in time for breakfast.

One needs to book the ride in advance with the agent and reach the balloon ride station really really like 5 am.

The pricing of the ride depends on the season. Its pretty high during the holidays like between June to October reaching upto USD 300 per person while during off shoulder months it is as low as USD 80-120,

But one thing should be kept in mind.

It is not guaranteed that the balloon will fly. Meaning that all depends on the wind condition on that particular day. The balloons do not fly in case the wind is high or it is raining or snowing.

Sometimes the ride is cancelled in the morning when you are at the waiting station. The money is refunded in that case or you may reschedule in case you are around next day too.

And sometimes you are informed in advance that the ride is cancelled for the next day due to bad weather and the money is refunded or again you may reschedule.

The ride is usually for an hour and there are many agents who offer the rides. Please read the reviews before booking.

In case booking trough a travel agency like Expedia, getyourguide, viator then a car will take you from the hotel and drop back.

The scenery from the top in warm orange/ yellow sunlight looks so magical. This is an adventure never to forget. TRULY BUCKET LIST.

Watching hot Air Balloons

Riding hot air balloon is a must- it’s a bucket list experience. However, to see them during early morning is another experience altogether. They are visible from everywhere and you can even see them from your hotel.

To see so many hot air balloons in the early morning sunlight is a different feeling.

Things to do and see in Cappadocia

Groeme Open Air Museum

It is one of the oldest settlements in the region. Currently it is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are lot of Cave Dwelling, churches with few of them having some faint pictures of Christianity on the wall. This place was actually a monastery and these caves were used as dining hall, kitchen, church for the monks.

There are a number of places where one needs to climb up and down. The entrances are small. since the caves are not very big so few people at a time are allowed inside. The climbing is a bit tiring for older people and those with walking difficulties.

A very distinct place…very different from anything that you have ever seen before.

Uchisar Castle

This was built to protect the region from roman invasion. The castle is located at one of the highest points and comprises of a number of caves where soldiers used to stay or hide.

Again one has to climb a bit to go the higher areas of the castle. Not easy for those with walking difficulties.

Please wear shoes as the rocks can get slippery during rains.

Pasabag Monks Valley

This place is huge and full of fairy chimneys with mushrooms like rock formation on top, very unique land formation. Since these chimneys were inhabited by monks hence the name Monks Valley.

Now no one resides there and one can explore the rooms, living places etc. However, few of them are pretty high up in the chimney and requires climbing.

As informed by our guides there rocks are volcanic rocks and were under sea long long time ago hence the mushrooms where the sea water eroded them. (not sure about the facts though)

Avanos Pottery Workshop

Avanos is a small town famous for pottery. The Turkish pottery dates back to as early as 2000BC. The pottery made here is very different from anywhere in the world. The plates, mugs, wine holder, figures like cats, birds etc are painted and decorated in vivid colours.

I haven’t seen anything like this before. Plus the pieces are very expensive. The negotiation does happen but still I find then very expensive.

Imagination Valley

As the name suggests, one can imagine the shape of various fairy chimneys and name them as per their own imagination. Over the years the chimneys/ rocks have taken shape of various animals due to their erosion and now look like different animals, hence the name Imagination Valley. These rocks have taken various shapes like camel, giraffe etc.

The ground is not easy for the elderly or the people with walking difficulties to walk on. One needs to be careful.

Underground City

Cappadocia is a city full of mysteries and one of the most fascinating things to see in Cappadocia is the underground city. It is believed that there are 200 underground cities and they were built to protect the city from invaders.

Many of them have not yet been discovered and the excavation is still going on. The ones which have been discovered are about 8 stories below the ground which is about 60 feet!!!

The entire city consist of rooms, chambers, cooking place, storages for grains meat, water etc, They alleys to reach various areas are very narrow and small.

You may need to bend down to reach the areas. One interesting fact is that they had huge stones to block the entrance and stop the invaders in case they enter the city.

It is advisable for people for breathing difficulties not to go too much below. There is no light and air below and one can currently go down only 3-4 stories.

Pigeon Valley

As the name suggests this valley is a dwelling place for pigeons. The farmers during the earlier times used pigeon poop as fertiliser in farming. The small boys and girls below 12 years old were used to collect the pigeon poop since their body was thin and agile to climb the pigeon holes and collect poop.

The valley is huge and one cannot imagine the vastness and sheer size of the valley till one actually looks at it.

Places to stay

The cave hotels are the most famous hotels to stay in Cappadocia. It’s a very unique kind of stay, the experience being very different from normal hotels.

Here, the old caves are converted into rooms but then everything is located at various levels. The rooms are all up and down, similarly the dining room, reception etc.

Eating options

 The town has a number of eating places, there is no dearth of them. Almost all the cuisines are available however the most famous being the kebabs.