Best Natural Attractions To Visit
Many natural attractions around the world are worth visiting. Here are some of the best ones:
Uluru, Australia
Uluru, Australia: Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a world-famous tourist attraction in the Red Centre of Australia’s Northern Territory. Also, it is a large sandstone rock formation that rises 348 meters above the surrounding desert. There are many things to do around Uluru.
Here are the top 10 things to do around Uluru, according to Northern Territory’s official website:
- Take a walk around Uluru.
- Explore the Field of Light art installation.
- Walk the domes of Kata Tjuta.
- Indulge in the Sounds of Silence.
- Hike Kings Canyon.
- Dine ‘Under a Desert Moon’
- Connect with local Maruku artists.
- Ride, fly, Segway, or cycle.
The best time to visit Uluru is between May and September when the weather is cooler and there is less chance of rain.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls is a breathtaking tourist attraction on the Zambezi River, forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Also, it is known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” by the Kololo tribe living in the area, which means “The Smoke that Thunders” for the immense spray and incredible noise caused by the rushing water.
There are many things to do in Victoria Falls. Here are some of the top attractions that you might want to visit:
- Victoria Falls: This attraction is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls National Park: This park is located on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and offers breathtaking views of the falls. Also, you can see wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
- Victoria Falls Bridge: This bridge connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and offers stunning views of Victoria Falls. Also, you can do bungee jumping or zip-lining from this bridge.
- Victoria Falls Snake Park: This park is located on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and offers visitors an opportunity to see various species of snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles.
- Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist’s Village: This shopping center is located on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and offers visitors an opportunity to buy souvenirs such as African art, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a national forest park in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China. Also, it is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992. In addition, the park is known for its unique pillar-like rock formations, deep ravines, deep canyons, unusual peaks, caves, and dense forests.
The park covers an area of 397.5 square kilometers (153.5 square miles) and is home to over 3,000 species of plants and 500 species of animals. The park is also home to the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, which spans two cliffs in the park.
If you plan to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you can explore the Avatar mountains with a camera or enjoy the natural beauty around you. Lastly, the park is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO-listed site in Croatia with cascading lakes and waterfalls. Also, the park is open all year round daily, but the best time to visit is spring to September, when the vegetation and watercolors are most vibrant. In addition, the park has an entrance fee that varies by season. Also, visitors can explore the park by hiking on various trails or taking a boat included in the ticket. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the lakes.
You can reach by private car and driver from Zagreb. According to Visit Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. It is located roughly halfway between the capital city of Zagreb and Zadar on the coast.
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat in Bolivia. Also, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers spectacular views, amazing optical illusions, incredible salt hotels, and photo opportunities to last a lifetime.
Here are some of the top tourist attractions inside or near the Uyuni salt flat:
- Salar de Uyuni: The salt flat itself is a must-see attraction. Also, it is the largest salt flat in the world and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Isla Incahuasi: This hilly and rocky outcrop of land sits in the middle of Salar de Uyuni. Also, it is home to giant cacti and offers panoramic views of the salt flat.
- Cementerio de Trenes: This train cemetery is located just outside Uyuni and is home to abandoned trains from the early 20th century.
- Beautiful Sunsets, breathtaking stargazing, magical Sunrise: The sky over Salar de Uyuni is known for its stunning sunsets, stargazing opportunities, and magical sunrises.
- Visit planet Crait, the last stand of the Resistance: The Salar de Uyuni, was used as a filming location for Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. The planet Crait was created using footage from the salt flats.
- Dakar Monument: This monument commemorates the Dakar Rally, which used to pass through Salar de Uyuni.
- Eyes of the Salt Falt – Ojos del Salar: These small lagoons in the middle of Salar de Uyuni offer a unique photo opportunity.
- Perspective photos, mirror effect, white desert: The vast expanse of white salt flats offers unique photo opportunities that play with perspective and create mirror effects.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, Turkey: Pamukkale is a natural wonder in Denizli Province, Turkey. It is famous for its travertine terraces and hot springs. The terraces are made of white calcium carbonate and are formed by the accumulation of mineral deposits from the hot springs.
The most popular tourist attraction in Pamukkale is the Travertine- Pamukkale Thermal Pools Geological Formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pools are filled with warm, mineral-rich water that is believed to have healing properties.
Other popular tourist attractions in Pamukkale include:
- Pamukkale Natural Park: A beautiful park with stunning views of the travertine terraces and hot springs.
- Cleopatra Pools: A series of warm, mineral-rich pools believed to have been used by Cleopatra.
- Roman Amphitheatre Of Hierapolis: A well-preserved amphitheater that could seat up to 12,000 people.
- Antolia Cemetery: An ancient cemetery that dates back to the Hellenistic period.
- Kaklik Caves: A series of underground caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Byzantine Churches: A collection of ancient churches that date back to the Byzantine era.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA: Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in Arizona, USA. It was carved by water and sandstone over time. Also, the canyon is a sacred place for the Navajo people and can only be accessed with a Navajo guide.
The canyon has light beams that cast down into the Upper Canyon between May and September, especially between 11 am and 1 pm. Unfortunately, this is the peak season and the most crowded time to visit.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit between November and March, but you may not see the light beams.
There are two separate slot canyons in Antelope Canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon (also called “The Crack”) and Lower Antelope Canyon (also known as “The Corkscrew”). Also, the Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular among tourists because it is easier to access and has more dramatic light beams. On the other hand, lower Antelope Canyon is less crowded and requires more physical effort to explore.
If you are planning to visit Antelope Canyon, here are some things you should know:
- You must book a tour with a Navajo guide in advance.
- You should wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
- You should bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery.
These are just a few examples Best Natural Attractions To Visit. Also, there are many more natural attractions to visit around the world that you can explore. You can read part 1 of Best Natural Attractions To Visit here.