Earth is home to some really bizarre locations and landscapes that defy all norms. And if you are a stickler for these kinds of places, take a look at some of these most unusual places that truly give the word ‘bizarre’ a different meaning altogether!
1. Fly Geyser in Nevada
Although we cannot say that the extremely popular but closely guarded Fly Geyser in Nevada is wholly natural, we can say that the forces of nature made the geyser what it is today. The geyser was originally a well drilling site, until the operating well went defunct, thanks to a weak spot on the surface that became as escape pod of sorts for geothermal water.
The warm temperatures of the leaking water started dissolving the minerals present in the surroundings, which in turn created a riot of bright colors on the surface of the geyser. The sculpting and coloring process continues to this day, and the geyser (located in a fly ranch) is kept closely guarded behind locked doors and spiked walls to ward away prying eyes.
2. Lake Retba in Senegal
We have heard of certain portions of a lake or river becoming reddish in color owing to fungal or bacterial activity in the water. But an entire lake? That’s what you can expect to see at the Lake Retba, which is bright pink in color.
The pink coloration occurs due to the presence of algae called Dunaliella Salina present in the waters of the lake, with the coloration being more prominent during the dry season. The high saline content of the water present in Lake Retba also gives it a Dead Sea effect wherein individuals can float on the surface irrespective of the depth.
3. Derweze in Turkmenistan
Want to know what Hell looks like? You may get a fair idea if you happen to look into what is called ‘The Hell’s Door’ in the Karakum Desert in Derweze, Turkmenistan. The name of the village translates to ‘The Gate’ in the local language and rightly so. Peeking into this death hole would leave you gaping at nothing but fire and more fire!
The Hell’s Door was a result of a drilling accident that opened up a hole in the ground big enough to release natural gases into the atmosphere. The geologists decided to burn off the gases to prevent this from happening. However, the inferno remained unabated and kept burning to this day, thanks to the abundant supply of natural gases in the area.
4. Jiuzhaigou Valley in China
Welcome to the most beautiful, multicolored lakes you could have ever set your eyes on! The breathtaking lakes formed as a result of the water basins in the Jiuzhaigou Valley are so bright and clear that you can actually see the bottom of the lakes vividly. The lakes are shallow as well and complement the colorful surroundings beautifully.
5. Deadvlei in Namibia
Located in the midst of several vast, orange dunes is the clay pan of Deadvlei, a natural whitewonder that stands out in stark contrast to its colorful surroundings. The site is located at a distance of 2 kilometers or so from Sossusvlei, and was originally an oasis filled with acacia trees.
The transformation is said to have occurred when the river feeding the trees on the salt filled site changes its course, starving these trees and the land they grew in over a period of time. The trees are now dead, and the clay land is barren and cracked. The entire atmosphere looks eerily spooky, almost like showing off a place that was ignored by Mother Nature!
6. Ice Cave in Iceland
Located in Skaftafell, this extremely popular natural wonder is one of those places you need to visit right away, lest it all falls off and you don’t get to see it again. The cave was formed as a result of a glacial mill which made an intricate hole through a massive glacier.
According to geologists, the rain and melt water collected at the surface of the glacier formed small streams that flowed into the crevices present on it. With time, these streams started melting holes into the glacier and formed the so called ‘Ice Cave’, complete glacial walls and ceilings.
The crevices on the glacial surface allow little amounts of sunlight to enter the cave at odd times during the day, creating wonderful patterns on the frozen ice bubbles present in the walls and ceilings. The constant melting process also enables you to hear a really scary cracking sound at regular intervals, like as if the cave was cracking up and would fall down on you any instant!
7. Pamukkale in Turkey
Located in the Denizli Province in Turkey is the so called ‘Pammukale’ or ‘Cotton Castle’ (in Turkish). A natural wonder that occurred due to the steady flowing stream of water from hot springs, Pammukale consists of a series of snow white, step like terraces made of a sedimentary rock called travertine that is deposited by the hot spring water. The result is breathtakingly beautiful and several tourists to the site opt to soak in the hot water collected on the terraces for medicinal benefits.