World’s Hidden Paradises That You Must Visit
Are you a frequent traveller who gets tired of seeing the same destinations over and again? So you want to make a change? There are secret places worldwide where you can find something new and exciting. The best way to find these hidden gems is to ask locals and explore on your own. So here are the top ten hidden paradises on the planet that you must visit.
Lencois Maranhenses
The Lençóis Maranhenses is a stunning natural sanctuary found in the Brazilian state of Maranhao, situated in the middle of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. It is renowned for its endless expanse of snow-white dunes and little rainwater lakes that change shape depending on the wind. The name, which translates as “sheets” in Portuguese, refers to the breathtaking scenery made up of kilometres of uniformly shaped, spotless dunes.
The dunes extend to 31 miles inland along 27 miles of virtually uninhabited shoreline. Lençóis Maranhenses has a distinctive topography because of the seasonal lagoons, which collect rainfall mainly in the first six months of the year. Visitors are also welcome to swim in the lagoons. Along with a variety of species, this park is home to 133 plant species, 112 bird species, and at least 42 reptile species, some of which are endangered. Furthermore, it is a popular location for ecotourists.
When it’s bright, and the lagoons are nearly full, May through September is the perfect time to explore this lovely park. This park receives 60,000 visitors each year. The list includes pursuits like “adventure tourism, primitive camping, surfing, canoeing, and horseback riding.” Visitors to Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are treated to a breathtaking sight each year during the rainy season.
Lake Retba
North of Senegal’s Cap Vert peninsula, around 30 kilometres northeast of Dakar, is where Lac Rose is located. It is called after the pink waters created by the algae Dunaliella salina and is notable for its high salt content, which may reach 40% in some areas. It is separated into four sections: Khar Yaala, Khoss, Virage, and Daradji.
The process of extracting salt requires a lot of labour. The lake’s high salinity environment favours the growth of harmless halophilic bacteria, which give the water its peculiar colour. During the dry season, the colour is most noticeable. The organism Dunaliella salina, which loves salt, is responsible for the pink colour. They generate a crimson pigment that turns the water pink by absorbing and using sunlight’s energy to make additional energy. The dry season, which runs from November to June, is when this pink tint is most noticeable.
The Dead Sea is the most salinized body of water, although Lake Retba ranks second in terms of salinity after the Dead Sea. But take care since the searing heat, and the excessively saline water can cause your skin to become quite dry. So plan a vacation to Lake Retba in Senegal, Africa’s only ‘pink lake,’ which is both fascinating and enchanting.
Zhangye Danxia
Zhangye was an important Silk Road town and is today a popular tourist destination, thanks partly to its lengthy history and cultural artefacts but largely to its stunning natural beauty. Because of the rainbow-like mountain, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is a must-see on vacation to Zhangye.
Zhangye Danxia is also dubbed “Zhangye’s eye candy.” It is a geological park and a geologically significant location in China’s Gansu province. It spans 116 to 197 square miles and comprises various formations of unique rainbow-coloured rock. They are the result of sandstone and other mineral formations that happened over the course of 24 million years.
The presence of different oxides causes the stunning red, brown, yellow, and green sandstones that fold over one another. The red sandstone includes iron oxide, yellow iron sulphide, green chlorite, and brown oxidised limonite. The minerals in the groundwater react with these chemical compounds, cementing the sandstone grains once the water has permeated and pierced them. The Danxia is stained, and the landscape is painted with colourful brushstrokes, resembling a painting, thanks to the trace minerals carried by this water. Since it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, it has become a popular tourist attraction for Chinese and foreign visitors.
Pamukkale Travertine Pools
On the slopes of the Denizli Province in southwest Turkey, you can find Pamukkale. It is well-known for its bright white travertine terraces, mild thermal springs, and the well-preserved ruins of the Greek-Roman city Hierapolis, which is home to one of the world’s oldest theatres. Additionally, it has an ancient Roman cemetery with about 2,708 identified Roman burials.
The major draw of Pamukkale is its hot waters, which run down white travertine terraces and are rich in minerals. The area’s claim to fame is a dazzling, white carbonate mineral left by the rushing water. It nearly resembles a snowy blanket. Pamukkale is more than 8,860 feet long by 1970 feet broad and 525 feet high; as a result, it may be seen from up to 20 miles away. Pamukkale, its Turkish name, translates to Cotton Castle. The Turkish name originates from the sparkling white surface of minerals that have been crystallising onto the surface and forming mineral terraces for years.
There, people used the water to treat ailments including kidney stones, stroke, high blood pressure, rheumatism, eye and skin disorders, circulation problems, digestive illnesses, nutritional problems, psychological and physical exhaustion, and chronic illnesses. Authorities classified Hierapolis and Pamukkale as World Heritage Sites. The walkway is the only area guests can access; the terraces are off-limits.
Panjin Red Beach
The magnificent Red Beach can be found near Panjin, which is part of the Liaoning province of China. But, contrary to its name, there is no sand here. The area is located in one of the largest marshes in the world, which miraculously transforms into a stunning crimson colour each fall. It becomes red because a kind of seepweed grows there and has a high salt absorption capacity. It becomes a scarlet colour as it absorbs the sea salt from the surroundings.
The weed that begins to develop in April or May continues to be green throughout the summer. This weed becomes fiery red in the fall, giving the beach the appearance of being covered in an endless crimson carpet and creating a unique red sea panorama. The majority of the beach is a public nature reserve. Only a small, isolated area is accessible to travellers.
The location lies in the centre of 236 different bird species’ migration routes. On their way from Asia to Australia, they halt here. Visitors are welcome at Red Seabeach, but in particular, spots where they can stroll along specially constructed wooden walkways that spread out over the fragile ecology among the unique reeds.
Beppu Hot Springs
Beppu Onsen, also known as Beppu Hatto, is a collection of eight hot spring villages, each having its own distinct features and home to the world’s largest concentrations of hot springs. Each onsen resort features a variety of contemporary and well-equipped hot spring baths in addition to ryokan, where you can use the bathing facilities and spend the night as a guest.
In every part of Beppu, steam rises into the air. You can make use of both common hot spring amenities and uncommon hot springs like sand or mud baths in the city. The area has a long history that has been mentioned in manuscripts dating back to the early eighth century, and it is one of Japan’s three major hot spring sites.
Hot spring baths come in a variety of forms, including foot baths, indoor baths, steam baths, sand baths, and open-air outdoor spas. Apart from bathing, the most popular activity in Beppu is the “Hell Tour,” which is a tour of the rarest hot springs. Beppu is unquestionably worth a visit for everyone who likes nature’s dramatic side.
Spotted Lake
Spotted Lake, located west of Osoyoos, is a holy location of healing for the Okanagan Syilx people. One of the largest concentrations of Epsom salts, calcium, sodium sulphates, and other minerals have been identified in its several different pools, and the major draw of it is its peculiar appearance. The majority of the lake’s water evaporates in the summer, leaving behind several tiny, mineral-rich pools; the term comes from the fact that it resembles water patches. Due to the mineral makeup of the soil and water, many pools have different colours. During World War I, minerals from Spotted Lake Khiluk were used to make ammunition. Since 2001, the Canadian government and indigenous people have owned and maintained this protected lake.
Visitors who wish to take a glimpse of the lake cannot get too close. To safeguard the region, a fence was constructed, along with a plaque stating that it is culturally and environmentally significant. However, there are several excellent vantage points along the route to observe the lake’s famed polka dots.
Cano Cristales
A river named Cao Cristales that flows through the Serrana de la Macarena national park in Meta, Colombia, has been dubbed the most beautiful river in the world and the river that escaped from heaven because of the various indigenous plant species that surround the river and produce bright colours of green, yellow, blue, black, and red (The River of Five Colours). It is one of the most distinctive and intriguing tourist destinations in Colombia.
The Macarenia Clavigera, sometimes referred to as “La Mesita” (the little table), is the most remarkable plant in the area. It’s thin coating of green moss covers the rocks and the riverbed. This moss reflects every colour of the rainbow onto the clean water surface when the light shines at precisely the perfect angle, which is why the river is nicknamed the Rainbow River.
The cruise to Cao Cristales is not like other river tours. You will spend the entire day on this trip hiking through the rainforest, swimming in some of the most breathtaking waterways you have ever seen, and wading through the water. Expect to become messy and sweaty since you will be in close proximity to the natural world.
Kirkjufell Mountain
The most photographed peak in Iceland, one of the top ten most beautiful mountains in the world, and most well known as “Arrow Head Mountain” in Game of Thrones, Kirkjufell towers above the little fishing hamlet of Grundarfjörur. Kirkjufell, with a peak elevation of 463 metres (1519 feet), is a striking structure. The stunning slopes of Kirkjufell have served as a beacon for travellers and seamen for many years. In more recent times, it has drawn both amateur and expert photographers.
Every day, hundreds of people visit the mountain and the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. The dramatic slopes and narrow peaks of Kirkjufell give the hill a captivating appearance and a spectacular view of Grundarfjörur from the peak.
In the winter, the snow-capped peak becomes a snow-covered mountain. During the summer, Kirkjufell has vibrantly coloured green and red flora. It provides the most picturesque background for the Northern Lights, glittering in the noon light. This makes it one of the most stunning hidden paradises in the world, and it is well worth a visit.
Taylor Glacier Blood Falls
Waitomo, which is only 2.5 hours from Auckland, is well-known for its maze-like network of limestone grottos, subterranean corridors, and caverns. Some of these are lighted by millions of tiny glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand and one of the country’s finest natural attractions. The cave ceilings are transformed into starry underground evenings by these little organisms.
There are two levels to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves excursions. Lower level features stream passageways, glow worms, and the Cathedral, the cave’s highest chamber. The upper level is dry and embellished with beautiful, delicate cave formations.
At the underground cave, visitors can participate in boating and kayaking excursions. Spend the night floating beneath the glow worms and take in the dimly illuminated surroundings of the cave that are made intriguing by the luminous worms.