No matter how far human imagination or technology goes, nature will always have its own way to boggle our minds.
Today, we have compiled a list of 7 natural wonders in India that are not taught in regular geography classes. Each of these destinations have their own remarkable story, making us dreamers believe that nature’s marvel is truly unsurpassable.
Want to find out what they are?
You can always go through the list now and start travelling once it is safe to do so again.
1. Barren Island, Andaman and Nicobar
Located at the cross of the seismically active Indian and Burmese plates, Barren island is uninhabited.
Considered 1.8 million years old, this island is an untouched surface that shows the reality of the planet building in our world. It is also a resting place for marine life like sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
The volcanic island has a narrow beach with deep purple-black hue that looks straight out of a fantasy novel. If you are a naturalist at heart and love to witness the wonders of nature, Barren island definitely deserves a visit!
2. Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh
While Alice’s Wonderland might have been fictional, Belum caves is as real as it gets.
Located 275 kms from Bangalore, the caves are situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
Formed by years of water erosion on limestone for several million years, Belum caves also has naturally formed sculptures inside like the Simhadwaram, Thousand Hoods and Voodalamari.
If you are still unsure about how fascinating these caves are, visit the Saptasvarala Guha; the stalactite formations here play the seven notes when hit with sticks or knuckles.
3. Mud Volcanoes, Andaman Islands
What would you say if volcanoes emitted mud instead of lava?
As surreal as it may sound, mud volcanoes in Baratang are a true natural marvel.
When the decaying organic matter underground is depressurized, the emission of pore water and natural gases lead to the creation of mud volcanoes. Called Jalkis by locals, these volcanoes have been sporadically erupting ever since an increase in seismic activity in the belt since 2004 (Indian Ocean Tsunami).
But to witness the earth oozing mud from volcanic craters is definitely a sight for the curious!
4. Reverse Waterfall, Maharashtra
The strong monsoon winds at Malshej Ghat, Sinhagad Fort are the reason why the waterfall is blown off its fall into the sky.
Just 25 kms away from Pune, this Western Ghat hotspot is the place to witness the anti-gravity phenomenon as the falling water is blown right at you by strong monsoon winds.
There is also plenty of lush greenery and scenic beauty to enjoy in this, almost fantasy novel location and a quick weekend getaway during monsoon season is all you need to witness this enthralling feat.
5. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh
The world is stranger than it seems, and Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is all the assurance you need.
14,000 feet above sea level and located in the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar National Highway, this hill is an optical illusion that makes a downhill road look like an uphill battle.
There are directions on the road to stop your car in neutral gear at the right spot and watch it move upwards on the road.
Road trips could not get more fascinating!
6. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
In 1930, British mountaineers discovered natural alpine blooms filling a valley in the Himalayas.
Today, it is known as the Valley of Flowers and located in Uttarakhand’s Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this valley is home to 500 different flower species – A beautiful example of how nature, when left untouched, will always fascinate us.
7. Sangetsar Lake, Arunachal Pradesh
Located 30 kms away from Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, Sangetsar lake was created by an earthquake in 1971.
Revered among Indian and Tibetan Buddhists, this lake has the offshoots of dead trunks from trees that lived before, standing tall on its surface.
The beautiful mystery that is Sangetsar Lake, can only be explored after getting a permit from the District Commissioner’s Office in Tawang.
These are the 7 unique natural wonders of our country that compel us to think whether we know the extent of what can be real!
If you think we missed any you have already visited, then share your pictures and stories with the community in the comments below!
If you enjoyed reading this blog, we also suggest you read 6 Hidden Indian Vacation Spots to visit when travelling resumes!