Red fairy chimneys lure tourists in eastern Turkey

The red fairy chimneys with their impressive and surreal structures near Erzurum city in eastern Turkey, have become vital destination for domestic tourists, a tour company official said on Thursday. The process of formation of impressive cluster of tall, cone-shaped rock formations called Narman Fairy Chimneys take millions of years in the making. Also known as the ''Land of the Red Fairies'', they impress visitors with its geological features and appearance. In terms of structure and color, they draw parallels with the Grand Canyon of the Colorado valley in the U.S. For holiday planners the tour companies have made visit to these chimneys part of their itinerary. In the 62-kilometer valley, encompassing these chimneys, there are nearly five lodging facilities. The bicycles, horses, quad bike safari and trekking trails are available for adventure tourists. Talking to Anadolu Agency, Harun Modoğlu, a tour company manager, said that Narman chimneys in Cappadocia region in central Nevşehir form a charming touristic hub. Added to the UNESCO list in 2012, the fairy chimneys were opened for tourists in 2010. 'We will arrange day trips and accommodation tours, once the hotels are built in the region,' Modoğlu said. After visiting the region for the first time a tourist Erdem Aslan, said that he found the fairy chimneys very beautiful. 'I recommend everyone to visit Narman fairy chimneys,' Aslan said. 'I have been to Cappadocia but have never seen such a colorful place. The red color adds a different character to the place,' Aslan added.