World’s most interesting places
Huanglong Valley, China
There are more than 100 places in the world with beautiful travertine formations in diverse colors. The most impressive most likely is Huanglong Valley in Sichuan, China.
Huanglong travertine formations are very long: 3.63 km, the height difference is 530 m.
Currently described 574 landmarks
7 Most Recent Landmarks
Modjadji cycad forest, South Africa
There are not many pure stands of cycads in the world. One of the most impressive ones is Modjadji cycad forest in South Africa – beautiful monument of natural and human history.
Kelimutu crater lakes, Indonesia
There are many interesting crater lakes around the world and many are exciting natural wonders. Some of the most surprising are the three Kelimutu crater lakes in Flores island, Indonesia.
Liang Bua, Indonesia
There happen unusual discoveries but few have been as weird as the sensational finds in the sediments of Liang Bua cave in 2003. Turns out – some 50 thousand years ago in Flores island lived minuscule, dwarf people (Homo floresiensis) who hunted dwarf elephants and may be were endangered by giant storks!
Abanda Caves, Gabon
Group of caves in the rainforest of eastern Gabon – Abanda Caves – has a very special secret. Here, in eternal darkness lives a group of crocodiles which seem to be turning into a new species.
Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania
There is only one volcano in the world which is erupting carbonatite lava: Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania. This is not just another dry fact for nerdy scientists: this volcano is very unusual place without analogues in the world.
Patomskiy Crater, Russia
Local people have superstitious fear of Patomskiy Crater. This unique natural formation is unusual indeed and up to this time it is not clear how it formed. There are many exotic theories, some involving fallen UFO with nuclear engine. Currently it is considered that this mysterious crater is unique type of volcano.
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Hot books
AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
In 2003, software engineer David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Miller’s account of this thru-hike along the entire 2,172 miles from Georgia to Maine. On page after page, readers are treated to rich descriptions of the valleys and mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the life-changing moments that can only be experienced when dreams are pursued.
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places
NatGeo takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organization’s world-class photographers. These images, coupled with evocative text, feature a plethora of visual wonders: ancient monoliths, scenic islands, stunning artwork, electric cityscapes, white-sand seashores, rain forests, ancient cobbled streets, and both classic and innovative architecture.
10 most popular landmarks, August 2018
- 1. Slovenia: Vrtiglavica cave – cave with 400 – 440 m tall underground waterfall
- 2. Solomon Islands: Kakamora Caves – mystery of the dwarf people
- 3. Russia: Denisova Cave
- 4. India: Ajanta Caves – rock cut Buddhist caves
- 5. Georgia: Krubera Cave (Voronya Cave) – the deepest cave in the world
- 6. India: Jogimara Cave, Sita Bengra Cave
- 7. India: Ellora Caves, Kailasanatha Temple – wonder of Ancient India
- 8. India: Bhimbetka cave shelters
- 9. Philippines: Balete tree in Maria Aurora (Millenium Tree)
- 10. Russia: Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow
Latest articles
Rock formations
Here is presented unique list of more than 60 most unusual and interesting rock formations of the world: most impressive canyons and cliffs, natural arches, improbable balancing rocks and similar landmarks.
Early human finds
In this category have been included most important and unusual places where have been found remains and other traces of activities by early humans (several species of them!) and other hominins.
Top 10 tallest trees in the world