Our world is a stunning and awe-inspiring place, filled with
natural beauty that takes our breath away. From the sparkling blue oceans to
the towering mountains, every corner of the planet is a wonder to behold. It's
easy to overlook the fact that these natural wonders not only sustain our lives
but also leave us spellbound with their sheer beauty. However, at the same
time, it's also fascinatingly strange.
These wonders are almost impossible to comprehend. Pink
lakes, black beaches, rainbow-colored mountains, and glowing caves are just a
few examples of the extraordinary phenomena that can be found in our collection
of the world's most bizarre places.
#1 Australian Jervis bay
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| Photo source Shutterstock |
Jervis Bay in Australia boasts the whitest sandy beach in
the world, but that's not the only reason visitors flock to this
102-square-kilometer oceanic bay. After dark, the magic happens as
bioluminescent plankton light up the water, creating a stunningly ethereal
look. These plankton, called noctiluca or "sea sparkle," emit light
through a chemical reaction that generates excitement and vibration. While
bioluminescence is typically seen in warmer months, Jervis Bay is one of the
few places on the planet where it can be observed year-round.
#2 Spottedd Lake in canada
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| Photo source: shutterstock.com |
Spotted Lake, also known as Kliluk by First Nations people,
is a surreal sight hidden in British Columbia, Canada. This small lake is rich
in various minerals such as calcium, sodium sulphates, silver, and titanium, resulting
in peculiar deposits left behind when the water evaporates during summer. These
deposits give the lake its distinct name. Visitors can walk around the deposits
in summer, but the otherworldly landscape might give them an eerie feeling that
something unexpected could happen at any moment.
#3 Ethiopian Danakil Depression
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| Photo source: shutterstock.com |
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is a strange and
fascinating wonder of nature that could be a perfect home for aliens, if they
exist on Earth. It's the result of three tectonic plates diverging, creating
lava lakes, acidic springs, and other peculiar formations. This place is
famously known as the "hottest place on the planet," and for a good
reason. In summer, geothermal activity causes temperatures to soar up to 55
degrees Celsius, making it a scorching hot destination.
#4 Zhangyee Danxia
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| Photo source: Shutterstock.com |
The Zhangye Danxia mountains in China are a mesmerizing
sight that could easily be mistaken for a painting. However, this breathtaking
landscape is very much real. The vibrant colors of the mountains are a result
of the natural movement of mineral deposits over thousands of years. Despite
its natural beauty, it took China quite a while to pay attention to this
wonder. Fortunately, several observation decks allow visitors to admire the
stunning views without causing any harm to the landscape, which is good news
for everyone.
#5 Giantt's Causeway
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| Photo source: Shutterstock.com |
Legend has it that the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
was built during the time of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a giant who had to protect his
land from the fearsome Benandonner. According to the story, Fionn constructed
the causeway to approach his adversary head-on, although the details of the
legend vary from there. Regardless of its origins, the sight of around 40,000
basalt columns stretching out into the North Atlantic Ocean is a truly
remarkable and one-of-a-kind spectacle, surrounded by imposing hills and the
calmly churning sea.
#6 Hillier Lake .jpg "Strange-places-in-the-world")
Photo source: Shutterstock.com
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| Photo source: Shutterstock.com |
While we're not exactly experts on the subject, we do know
enough about lakes to realize that they're not typically pink. Yet, that is
precisely the color of Lake Hillier, a saline lake situated on the outskirts of
Middle Island in Western Australia. This vivid bubblegum pink color is created
by algae, halobacteria, and other microorganisms, resulting in an astonishing
sight. While it would be safe to swim in, unfortunately, it's not possible to
get into the water. Despite its beauty, getting to the lake can be challenging,
with scenic flights being the best option.
#7 Tianzi Mountain
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| Photo source:Shutterstock.com |
The peaks of the Tianzi Mountains in China are anything but
ordinary. They seem to have been crafted by a dystopian fiction author, as if
taken from a post-apocalyptic world where the only goal is survival. These
stunning mountains can be found in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, and are a
source of dramatic inspiration for visitors. Although easily accessible from
Zhangjiajie, to fully appreciate their magnificence, you'd need to have the
ability to fly like a bird.
#8 Green Bridge of Whales
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| Photo source:Shutterstock.com |
Natural arches have a strange allure no matter where they
appear, from the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the massive arch at
Arches National Park in Utah. The Green Bridge of Wales, however, holds a
unique delicacy, which is further highlighted by the tranquil beauty of the
Pembrokeshire coast and the ineffable sense of lyricism that pervades this
small country. The arch lies in the Castlemartin military zone, so be sure to
check ahead to confirm access.
#9 Darvaza Gas Crater
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| Photo source: Shutterstock.com |
If you've been dreaming of visiting the Gates of Hell, now
is the time to go. Not the real Gates of Hell, of course - that will have to
wait until the afterlife. But the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, which has
been burning for decades and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth,
is set to close soon. Visitors from all over have been drawn to this fiery pit,
which creates an intense and mesmerizing spectacle that seems almost
otherworldly. Despite numerous theories, no one really knows for sure what
caused the fire - perhaps it was the work of Beelzebub himself!
#10 Colombian Rainbow River
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| Photo source: Shutterstock.com |
The Rainbow River in Colombia is aptly named, as it is a stunning display of vibrant colors that is hard to imagine without seeing it for yourself. Officially known as Caño Cristales, the river flows dramatically through Serranía de la Macarena National Park and is surrounded by red, yellow, purple, and green hues that change depending on the light. The riverbed is dominated by Macarenia clavigera plants, which create the red color that is most prominent. With numerous waterfalls adding to the already breathtaking view, this is a natural wonder that you don't want to miss.
#11 Peru's Rainbow Mountain
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| Photo source:shutterstock.com |
Continuing with the theme of rainbows and South America, we
have Peru's Rainbow Mountain, which looks like it came straight out of a trippy
dream. The distinct multi-colored marble appearance of Vinicunca is due to the
accumulation of sedimentary deposits over the years, and hiking up the mountain
provides an unforgettable experience. The ascent typically takes about four
hours, but that can vary depending on how often you stop to appreciate the
surreal scenery of climbing a mountain that looks like a rainbow.
#12 Chocolate Mountain
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Regrettably, these natural marvels are not made of
chocolate, although they may look like it. Rather, they are covered in grass
that turns brown during the dry season. Located in the Bohol province of the
Philippines, the Chocolate Hills are one of the country's most well-known
tourist destinations and undoubtedly its most peculiar. The exact number of
chocolate hills is unknown, with most estimates ranging from 1,200 to 1,800.
Nevertheless, their resemblance to chocolate is enough to make anyone crave a
sweet treat.
#13 Pamukkale Castle
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| Photo source: Shutterstock.com |
The name Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish, and it
is a fitting name for this stunning complex of hot springs located in western
Turkey. People have been visiting these natural thermal waters for centuries
seeking healing and rejuvenation, and in recent times the area has been
recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the nearby Hierapolis ruins
may not be as impressive, the Cotton Castle itself is a marvel to behold and
always leaves visitors in awe.
#14 China Red Beach
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China's Red Beach, located in Panjin, appears as if it's been heavily edited in a movie, with deep crimson replacing the typical marsh colors we're used to seeing. The Red Beach is part of the largest wetland in the world, which is already quite unusual. The red hue is due to the Suaeda salsa plant, one of the few species that can survive in highly alkaline soil. But forget about the science for a moment and simply appreciate the stunning beauty of the place.
#15 Fly Geyser
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A spectacular six-foot geyser continuously shooting water
into the air is located in the middle of the Nevada desert. Although some
people believe it was an accidental creation, it's hard to imagine something so
beautiful as unintentional. This natural wonder, known as the Fly Geyser, is a
testament to the creative genius behind the world we live in. To visit it,
you'll need to arrange a private tour with the Friends of Nevada Black Rock
High Rock.
#16 Badab e Surt
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In Iran's Mazandaran province lies the incredible
Badab-e-Surt, where an extraordinary amount of iron oxide has accumulated to
give it a unique orange hue that seems like it was lifted straight out of a
science fiction novel. Though its name translates to "fizzy water,"
it's probably not a good idea to drink from the copper-colored springs.
However, the waters are believed to have medicinal properties that can help
with rheumatism and certain skin conditions. Regardless, a visit to this
otherworldly site will leave you questioning reality.
We have come to associate beaches with light-colored sand.
But Bali's black sand beaches break that norm, creating an otherworldly sight.
Echo beach is one of the several black sand beaches in Bali, and wandering down
its jet-black shoreline while the turquoise waters lap at your feet is a
surreal experience. So, pack your bags and try to visit all of Bali's black
beaches.
