For the adventure-seekers out there, this list is for you. These are 10 of the most interesting places in the world that you probably didn’t even know existed. From a town made entirely of glass to an island that’s home to more than half a million monkeys, these places are sure to amaze you. So pack your bags and get ready for some unforgettable experiences.
1. Auroville, India
Auroville, a place of peace, is at the heart of Puducherry, a beautiful area in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it promotes human unity through art, ecology, education and spirituality. Here, you can find good-quality yoga and meditation classes, book a hotel room or inquire about volunteer opportunities. Visitors can also get a glimpse of the past at the local museum, which displays historic artifacts and photographs of the area.
2. The town of glass, Weihai, China
Here in China’s Shandong province, an entire city is made up of transparent and nearly weightless glass. It’s called Weihai, and it’s a fascinating place to visit. For example, you can walk on the Weihai Bay Bridge, which looks like any other bridge and connects the city’s two halves.
3. Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre are five coastal villages that have been linked by scenic footpaths. The towns of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, sit along rugged cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Over the years, these towns have become popular among tourists, who visit in search of picturesque views. But despite their popularity, there is a lot more to these towns than meets the eye.
4. Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj is a coastal town in Croatia, located between Istria and the islands of Ugljan, Lastovo and Mljet. An important center for seafaring trade for centuries, Rovinj has seen its fair share of wars and political change. During WWII it was a safe haven for Jews fleeing the Nazis, while today it is a popular spot for Croatian tourists.
5. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef and natural wonder. It stretches for more than 2,300 km along the coast of Queensland in Australia and is also found in the Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea. The World Heritage Site contains over 3000 individual reefs and 3000 individual islands, and it is home to an incredible diversity of marine life. In addition, the Great Barrier Reef is responsible for powering most of the world’s weather systems.
6. Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
Fingal’s Cave is an impressive limestone karst cave located on Staffa, an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The cave is near the town of Uist and has been a tourist attraction since the 18th century.
7. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its beaches, coffee plantations and the Mekong River, but it’s one of the world’s great travel secrets. Ha Long Bay was once considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is the best place to see the majestic limestone rocks and caves that give Vietnam such an exotic look and feel.
8. Na Pali Coast, Hawaii
The Na Pali Coast is a breathtaking stretch of coastline in Kauai, Hawaii. The area contains some of the most dramatic and majestic cliffs and waterfalls in the world. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet when you visit this place.
9. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, standing a vertiginous 679 m (2,196 ft) from its base to the top of its plunge. The waterfall straddles the border between Venezuela and Guyana and is best viewed from the Venezuelan side of the border, about 12 km east of the town of Cucuta. It’s located in the Paria National Park on the Venezuela-Colombia border.
10. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a vast network of lakes and waterfalls in the central part of Croatia. The most famous part of the park is undoubtedly the Plitvice Lakes, which are absolutely stunning. These multicolored lakes are filled with dramatic waterfalls, resembling a scene from a fairytale. Beyond the natural beauty of the park, there is also much to explore, including the underwater world that lies just below the surface of the water.
11. Valley of the Ten Thousand Smokes, Alaska
Valley of the Ten Thousand Smokes is a scenic area in Denali National Park, Alaska. This valley was formed by a volcanic eruption and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley is carpeted with thick forest, and it’s surrounded by high mountains that rise above the crackling sound of wildfires.
12. Great Blue Hole, Bahamas
The Great Blue Hole is a now-dissolved sinkhole located in the Bahamas. It’s a massive underwater cavern, created by a collapse in the limestone rock.
For the adventure-seekers out there, this list is for you. These are 10 of the most interesting places in the world that you probably didn’t even know existed. From a town made entirely of glass to an island that’s home to more than half a million monkeys, these places are sure to amaze you. So pack your bags and get ready for some unforgettable experiences.
