One of the many reasons why we need to adhere strictly to the Stay home, Stay Safe directive is because we need this COVID-19 to be eradicated as quickly as possible. The earlier the pandemic is defeated, the earlier we can get back to traveling the world, visiting our favourite places, and exploring the vast beauty the world offers.
Mother Nature has blessed us with breathtaking scenic masterpieces. Some of these places are so unreal, much so that they look like alien landscapes.
Check out these twelve jaw-dropping images from around the world that will make you feel like you just visited another planet.
Dallol Volcano, Ethiopia
Dallol is a cinder cone volcano in the Danakil Depression, northeast of the Erta Ale Range in Ethopia. It has been formed by the intrusion of basaltic magma intp Miocene salt deposits and subsequent hydrothermal acticity. Phreatic eruptions took place here in 1926, forming Dallol Volcano; a number of eruption craters dot the salt flats nearby. An abundance of sulfur and andesite in the soil have created this colorful if smelly, landscape.
The River Of Five Colors, Colombia
Also known as the Liquid Rainbow or the River of Five Colors. Caño Cristales is the most spectacular natural wonder in the country. Found in the mountain range of Serranía de la Macarena, the river mesmerizes with amazing colors: vivacious yellow, green, blue, black and red shades quiver from the bottom. These colours are created by a unique species of plants that grow on both sides of the river.
Reflection Canyon, Utah, USA
Utah offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Reflection Canyon is one such gem. At 15.7 miles long, it’s a gorgeous landscape of colorful, sculpted canyons reflected in the pristine water. It also boasts one of the most dangerous tourist trails in the country. There are no roads, so access is only by boat or helicopter.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Located in the central part of Turkey, this magical place is the most popular tourist destination in the country. The Pamukkale baths form stunning terraced pools known for their therapeutic thermal waters. However, the Turkish government now struggles to save this natural wonder due to an influx of tourists.
Tree River, Iceland
Iceland is famous for its many natural wonders. The Tree River resembles massive branches pouring into the sea. This is caused by a special type of clay that turns brown and thick when dissolved into the water. Because this water is heavier than seawater, it forms stunning rivulets resembling a tree. While the picture appears to show a tree, it is actually a river running into several different streams.
New Croton Dam, USA
The New Croton Dam is also known as Cornell Dam. It is a dam forming the New Croton Reservoir. It stretches across the Croton River near Croton-on-Hudson, New York City. This dam may only be 22 miles away from New York, but few have ever seen the magical image of endless tumbling cascades tumbling into the mist. It opened in 1906, after 14 years of construction, and it is New York’s primary water supply.
Lake Sørvágsvatn, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Sørvágsvatn or Leitisvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands. It is situated on the island of Vágar between the municipalities of Sørvágur and Vágar. It can best be described as a stunning volcano lake perched above the sea, Lake Sørvágsvatn is a unique geological formation that looks like it stepped out of a fairy tale.
Fly Geyser, Nevada
Fly Geyser, also known as Fly Ranch Geyser is a small geothermal geyser located on private land in Washoe County, Nevada, about 20 miles (32 km) north of Gerlach. Fly Geyser is located near the edge of Fly Reservoir in the Hualapai Geothermal Flats. With its brilliant rainbow colors, this magnificent geyser looks like a surreal prop from a science fiction movie. Nothing has been touched except for the drilling and insertion of a water pump.
Underwater Waterfall, Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
Tourists at Mauritius frequently hire a helicopter to visit this jaw-dropping waterfall off the coast of the island. Currents flowing into the ocean abyss create the magical illusion of water flowing into the depths.
Ice Cave Near Mutnovsky Volcano, Russia
The combination of freezing temperatures and a warm volcanic base has created this surreal ice cap that resembles ocean waves. Turned a jewel-blue when sunlight strikes the ice, the cave could easily be the landscape of an alien world.
The Beachy Head Chalk Cliff, England
This magnificent natural chalk cliff is known for an ethereal appearance that seems to float among the clouds. It’s one of the most famous spots in England for photographers and tourists.
Hillier Lake, Australia
Australia is known for its striking landscape and formidable wildlife. One of its most striking natural features is Hillier Lake.
Lake Hillier is a saline lake on the edge of Middle Island, the largest of the islands and islets that make up the Recherche Archipelago in the Goldfields-Esperance region, off the south coast of Western Australia. It is particularly notable for its pink colour. A long and thin shore divides the Southern Ocean from the lake.
In 2016, scientists discovered a water plant that creates the lake’s unusual candy-pink color. The lake is also extremely salty but is a protected landmark.