My initial reaction when I finally saw the inscribed properties under Persian Caravanserai was of wonder as to why the beautiful Aminoddoleh Timche in the grand bazaar of Kashan was not included. Its divine blue dome, an architectural marvel in its own right, could have easily been the poster photo of this batch. I managed to see three from this serial property: Bisotun, Kharanaq, and Meybod.  

The inscribed area of Bisotun has two caravanserais, one is older than the other. The Mongol-period one in ruins (basically just the foundations) is attached to the remains of the unfinished Sassanid palace, directly beside a lovely traditional cafe housed in the old hospital building. The Sheik Ali Khan caravanserai much farther away is the one that got inscribed and it now houses the Laleh International Hotel. I went inside to check how it was retrofitted for present-day use and I even had my second serving of tea there (after having an earlier one at the cafe). The courtyard opens to the view of the Farhad Tarash.  

Kharanaq is an old village along the Silk Roads that has a history of over 4,500 years. While the main attraction would be the crumbling mud citadel with an impressive mosque and shaking minaret, the caravanserai cannot be missed as it is the first monument to be seen upon entering the village. Travellers can arrange to stay overnight, which would be cheaper than staying at the one in Bisotun. It seems to appeal to backpackers and the 15-room complex is not at all bad. A 1850-year old qanat lies in front of it, which supplies the village its water requirements. 

Meybod is a major desert city in Iran, also along the Silk Roads. Its historic core appears in the T-list as well. The caravanserai was built in 1689 and is now a commercial complex comprising cafes and souvenirs shops. It stands close to the more interesting Ab Anbar (water reservoir), Yakhchal (ice house), and Chapar Khaneh that used be the postal service office when messages were still relayed on horses. Meybod's caravanserai is the smallest of the three, but the Chapar Khaneh and Ab Anbar are within the core zone too.

The present forms of the three caravanserais are from the Safavid period, all in square plans with a central courtyard and all nicknamed Shah Abassi caravanserais. The existence of the one in Kharanaq, however, dates deeper to the Sassanid period.