get your dose of the weirdest and strangest places in the world with our dynamic list.
We all have flocked to beautiful and exciting destinations with green grasses, long cascades and sky-piercing buildings. But, it’s time we turn over the page and look at the other side of the world. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or freakish adventures, here we list down the most strange and bizarre places in the world that you haven’t heard about before.
1. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Spread at 10,582 km and consuming 11 billion tons of salt, Salar De Uyuni is the biggest salt flat in the world. This unique place is flocked by 80 species of birds and thousands of travellers every year. Admire yourself in the world’s largest natural mirror as the area gets covered by a film of clear water. After an exhausting day of explorations, you can wind down in the hot springs and take beautiful pictures of flamingoes.
2. Red Beach, China
We have seen beaches with some pretty crazy colours, but this mesmerising beach is unusually appealing. It is studded with a deep-red plant of Suaeda salsa of the family Chenopodiaceae. The flora fills the biggest wetland and reed marsh in the world to the brim — the landscape looks bewitching and unreal. Located on the Liaohe River Delta, about 20 miles southwest of Panjin City, this is a preserved ecosystem. The region is also home to 260 species of birds creating a stunning visual for the tourists.
3. Lake Hillier, Western Australia
Image Credit: hillierlake.com
Tucked on the largest islands of Recherche Archipelago, next to the Pacific Ocean, Lake Hillier is a strawberry-hued waterbody, discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802. The pink colour is mainly because of the specific species of Dunaliella salina microalgae. Another possible reason for this baby pink pigmentation is the presence of halophilic bacteria. Surrounded by a verdant environment, this one of the most strange locations in the world could be visited by helicopter rides or cruise ships.
4. Slope Point, New Zealand
The most southerly spot on South Island, Slope Point is another weird yet breathtaking place in the world that is blasted by a great gust of wind. Cold air swirls around the Antarctic Ocean and hurls at whatever comes in the way. As a result, you would stumble upon an array of tilted, windswept trees with leaves that look as if they are permanently flying. The sheep farmers have mostly planted trees to provide shelter to their herds. On days with sunshine, the rocky cliffs and lush fields look startling.
5. Al Madam, the UAE
Who hasn’t heard of Dubai and its cutting-edge engineering! On the other side of the UAE are year-old heritage and unusual places. One of the interesting places is an abandoned village in the middle of the desert. Located on the border of Dubai, Al Madam lies abandoned and half-buried in the sand for unknown reasons. It was probably built in the 1970s and was deserted soon after that. The two rows of white-painted houses blanketed by sand have been attracting explorers recently.
6. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
One of the forbidden places in the world, Svalbard Global Seed Vault holds an assortment of food crops and seeds for future safekeeping. Perfectly located for the purpose, Svalbard is the farthest north which can be accessed only through scheduled flights. It is well-guarded against all-natural calamities. Although you are not allowed inside, you can take selfies outside. It glitters during the night and looks ecstatic — especially with the Northern Lights twinkling in the backdrop.
7. Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
Sandwiched between Causeway Head and Benbane Head, Giant’s Causeway is a scenic splendour located along 4 miles of the northern coast of Northern Ireland. The iconic heritage site is dotted with a lot of legendary hexagonal basalt columns. When we say a lot, it means approx 40,000 of these interlocking stone pillars. This site has been formed over 50-60 million years ago, due to the content flow of lava that cooled near the shoreline.
8. Pamukkale, Turkey
One of the popular tourist attractions in Turkey (a country listed in the top 50 places of the world), Pamukkale is recognised by UNESCO World Heritage Site. Called the Cotton Palace, Pamukkale serves as an extraordinary sight where the water flows down the incredible white travertine terraces. The calcite-rich water drains from hot springs and forms these unique structures. It is also known for thermal pools which have healing properties.
9. Mt. Kelimutu, Indonesia
With a volcano, tricoloured lakes and cloud-covered views, Mount Kelimutu is beautifully haunting. The shifting colours of the lakes from red to green to blue to black is a naturally occurring phenomenon that will have you tongue-tied with wonder. It is one of the favourite hiking spots in the world, so get your sturdy shoes on if you want to go off the beaten path.
10. Jellyfish Lake, Palau
Picture yourself diving through serene water with jellyfishes swarming all over the place. Isn’t it exhilarating? Jellyfish Lake is perched in Palau, on an island in the South Pacific — like an isolated ecosystem. Snorkel your way through millions of Golden and Moon Jellyfishes floating around who have evolved without their stingers — that means no stung on your bodies. The lake is thousands of years old making it even a more fascinating trip.
11. The Catacombs, France
By an effort of over 12 years, Paris moved 6-7 million bodies from overflowing cemeteries to the final resting place, the city’s catacombs. Lying underneath the city, the Catacombs were installed in the labyrinth of tunnels of former quarries. Some of the notable names from the time of the Revolution who are resting here are Jean-Paul Marat and Maximilien de Robespierre. The systematic array in the 20-metres ossuary will take you on a timeless journey, you didn’t know you needed.
12. Dead Vlei, Namibia
Ever seen trees with roots above the ground? Deadvlei is one of the driest and strangest places in the world. What once was a marsh has transformed over the years into a white-bleached clay pan. The region is surrounded by mountains of sand, the highest reaching 300-400 meters. Hold your seatbelts, before we tell you, that the skeletons of trees date 900 years back.
ConclusionCreate once-in-a-lifetime experiences by ticking off these unique and strange places in the world. Plan your tour with Rayna Tours for a seamless journey.
