There are places on our planet whose splendor is breathtaking. Some of them were made by humans many thousands of years ago. There are also those that were formed under the influence of climate and natural factors.
Civilization changed our planet, but to this day there are places that have retained their original beauty. Crystal clear lakes and stunning landscapes, tropical islands and natural artifacts make you see the world in a new way and appreciate its splendor.
Antelope Canyon (USA)
It is located in the southwestern United States in the state of Arizona near the city of Page. It got its name from the reddish-red walls that resemble the skin of an antelope. The canyon belongs to the Navajo Indians and is a popular destination for photographers and tourists. Surprisingly, the blue tones of deep shadows can only be seen in photographs, the human eye simply does not perceive them.
Aogashima volcano (Japan)
The island of the same name appeared as a result of the activity of the volcano. It has not erupted since 1700, but is still considered active today. About 200 people live near the crater. To see all the beauty, you need to go to the very peak. You can get to the island only by water or air transport. During the eruptions in 1780 and 1785. formed two pyroclastic cones, which still exist.
Islands and Phi Phi (Thailand)
They are located between Phuket and the western coast of the Andaman Sea. The islands have huge beaches, warm water of amazingly bright turquoise color. They consist of two main and four miniature islands. Those who love "paradise vacation" come here. In addition to a beach holiday, tourists will enjoy entertainment such as:
- Thai fishing;
- diving;
- snorkeling.
Excursions to the neighboring islands of the archipelago are also popular.
Lake Baikal (Russia)
The cleanest and deepest lake on the planet. The oldest body of water is located in a reef depression. It has the shape of an elongated crescent, located in the very center of the mainland. It is surrounded by high peaks of mountain ranges, dense forest hills. Due to its low mineralization, water is equated to distilled water. It is especially transparent in spring. In summer, due to organic matter, it becomes a blue-green hue.
Niagara Falls (Canada, USA)
The waterfall consists of three large streams. It is not the highest, but it is recognized as very powerful. The volume of the falling water reaches 5700 cubic meters. m / s. The beauty of the waterfall attracts tourists from all over the world. The most colorful view is from the Canadian coast. A few hundred meters downstream, the Rainbow Bridge is thrown across Niagara. Hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of up to 4.4 gigawatts have been built under the reservoir.
Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia (China)
The rocks are painted in countless colors with a predominance of browns and reds. They are located in the Ganssu province and are part of the national park. The cliffs are composed of red sandstone and Cretaceous rocks. Scientists suggest that about 100 million years ago there was a huge body of water here. Under the influence of external factors, the giant pool dried up, but everything that accumulated at the bottom began to oxidize, turning into different colors.
Meteora Monasteries (Greece)
These are rocks composed of sandstone, detrital rock. They reach a height of 600 m above sea level. Known since the 10th century, they are considered the center of Orthodox monasticism in Greece. In 1988, the monasteries were included in the list of World Heritage Sites. Some of them have turned into ruins over the centuries, but six continue to operate. Among them:
- "Transfigurations";
- "Varlaam";
- "St. Nicholas Anapavsas";
- "Holy Trinity";
- "St. Stephen";
- "Rusanu".
The rocks themselves were formed about 60 million years ago, when a prehistoric sea was located instead of a plain.
Vaadhoo Island (Maldives)
The place becomes very beautiful and unique in the evening, when a unique species of plankton, glowing blue in the dark, becomes visible near the coast. The waves, running ashore, carry it away with them, which allows you to get the overflow of hundreds and thousands of sparkling lights.
Heavenly Gate (China)
It is the tallest cave, formed in 263 when a huge chunk of the mountain just fell off, forming a huge cavity. There are 999 steps leading to the bottom. According to the legend, which is often told to tourists, one can walk up the stairs and get closer to God. Not everyone can cope with such a task, so the world's longest funicular and the most open elevator were made. There is almost always a cloud of fog over the cave.
Jacob's Well (Texas)
Ideal for thrill seekers. An artesian spring with amazing clear water came to the surface in the city of Wimberley many centuries ago. Once upon a time there was a fountain on the site of a stagnant reservoir, which eventually dried up, revealing to people a reservoir filled with fascinating beauty and the illusion of an abyss.
Poseidon Undersea Resort (Fiji)
This is a hotel located at a depth of 13 meters in the heart of the lagoon. Each room is a separate capsule with an open view of the underwater world. Not everyone can afford to spend a vacation in this place, but it has everything you need for weddings or a good rest.
Valley of Fire (America)
This is one of the oldest parks located in the state of Nevada. In 1968 the reserve was organized. The valley got its name because of the frequent sandstorms, which in themselves create a feeling of power and beauty. Some rocks were formed 150 million years ago. It is in this valley that you can see drawings of ancient people.
Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
There are places that have retained their original appearance for thousands of years. These include the pyramids, recognized as the wonder of the world. The complex of ancient monuments is located in the suburbs of Cairo. It is guarded by the Great Sphinx, which is part of the city's necropolis. The pyramids were built during the reign of the Egyptian pharaohs of the 4th dynasty, which ruled in 2639-2506 BC. NS.
Easter Island (Chile)
It is the most remote inhabited island in the world. It is of volcanic origin, and together with the uninhabited island of Sala i Gomez forms a commune. There are no rivers on the island, the main sources of fresh water are lakes formed in the craters of the volcano. The island is considered the most mysterious on the planet.
Salar de Uni (Bolivia)
The "Mirror of God" is considered the largest salt marsh on earth, with an area of 10 square meters. km. This is a dried up salt lake, which is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the planet. The endless salt expanses sparkling in the sun change their color several times during the day. You can here:
- visit unique salt hotels;
- watch the oldest volcanoes;
- see flocks of pink flamingos.
Fairy Pools (Scotland)
They were created by a stream flowing down the Cullin Mountains, which formed steep rises and waterfalls. They are a cascade of waterfalls, winding stone formations. This gives the pools a magical touch. All lakes are crystal clear, surrounded by large rocky cliffs and walls.
Giant temple complex Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
The temple is considered the largest in the world. Its construction lasted 400 years. Its founder is the Hindu prince Jayavarman II. In 802, he declared himself general ruler. It was originally dedicated to the god Vishnu. It is a mountain temple. Depicted on the national flag and coat of arms of Cambodia.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
It is an ancient Inca city located in picturesque rainforests at an altitude of 2430 meters above sea level. It is considered the most amazing monument of the Inca empire. The walls and streets of the city were built by ancient craftsmen from carefully processed stone. It was built in the 15th century.
Great Wall of China (China)
In 1987, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She walks through deserts, meadows, mountains and plains. Its length is 8852 km, and its age is 2000 years. Despite the fact that part of the wall has been destroyed, it remains one of the most famous and popular.
Hot geysers (Iceland)
The road shrouded in eternal fog, the visible white steam floating above the ground, the seething water rising as a fountain under the sky create an unforgettable impression. The valley includes 250 groups of geyser fields, 7000 of them are thermal springs. They appeared in the 13th century after the earthquake, which significantly changed the seismic picture of the entire region.