17 Magical Destinations You Won’t Believe Exist!
Being a die-hard Harry Potter fan, I spend most of my time day-dreaming about the castle, the enchanted forest, the beautiful lakes, and how magical life would be at these mesmerising locations. It’s like the Universe heard my dream. Quite literally. ‘Cause, there’d be really no other reason for me to discover these places otherwise. So even if life isn’t a fairy tale, these destinations definitely are. Or look right out of one. Sometimes, we just overlook how completely beautiful Mother Earth can be. So if you consider man-made structures to be wow, then take a look at these places to change your perception. Your bucket list is getting a wee bit longer now!
So, while I wait for my Hogwarts letter, you can scroll down and plan your next trip to any of these wonderlands.
1. Uluru, Australia
Filled with sand dunes in the central Australian desert, Uluru is magnificent, to say the least. And as the sun sets for you to witness the milky way every night, you know you’re in heaven!
2. Caño Cristales, Colombia
Found in the mountain range of Serranía de la Macarena, this river has not one or two, but five colours when it flows. Macarena is a sea plant that emits a red colour, black comes from the rocks, green from algae, yellow from the sand, and blue from the water. You can experience this spectacular rainbow-like phenomenon from July to November.
3. Avenue of Baobabs, Madagascar
These 800-year-old giant trees might make you look small, but once you really see them, they win you over with sheer beauty and magnificence. Part of many folklores, each tree is different from the other. The magic really begins when the sun goes down and the stars come out. But plan a trip soon as these trees are fast disappearing. Blame global warming.
4. Sentinels Of Arctic, Arctic
Almost as if they are guarding the North Pole, aren’t these trees magical? When the temperature decreases drastically, trees in the Arctic region get fully covered with snow, looking like this. Unbelievably exquisite.
5. Northern Lights, Iceland
My dream destination, Iceland, is one place where you can witness the aurora effect in all its glory. White snow carpets the ground, while the sky is lit up with the green lights with stars to accompany. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can see the lights from Finland, Russia and some other places, including Canada, but the best view is from Iceland.
6. Red Beach, China
This famous beach in Panjin, China, attracts a lot of people. Instead of sand, the beach is covered with green weed. Before your minds go all ewww, this green colour turns into bright red once autumn sets in. I don’t know about you, but place is definitely up on my #BucketList.
7. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
You have to visit this beach to see how gorgeous it is in reality! There is no fine boundary between the land and the sea, they sort of blend into each other at intervals. The clear emerald colour of the water produces a soothing effect when it mingles with the sand. Also, it is quite famous for its raves, just in case you’re a party person!
8. Deadvlei, Namibia
Before you accuse me of suggesting a place that looks straight out of a horror flick, hear me out. This is the most stunning desert with the highest sand dunes in the world. The red dunes reach sky high and a trek is a must when you’re there.
9. Wisteria Flower Tunnel, Japan
Wisteria is a plant that you can find almost everywhere in Japan. But in Kawachi Fujien in Kitakyushu City, there is a tunnel covered top to bottom with them. Imagine walking hand-in-hand with your partner through this tunnel. Priceless.
10. Sea Of Stars, Maldives
In the Vaadhoo island of Maldives, phytoplanktons reside. These emit light when it is dark and the effect it has is as if there are stars in the water! When the waves move, these form intricate patterns that are so so beautiful, it can almost transport you to a different world altogether.
11. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
The largest salt plan in the world, this place is bound to leave you speechless. So pretty, you will not be able to figure out the sky from the the ground. Also called the largest mirror, you HAVE to take a trip to Bolivia to believe that such a place actually exists in this world!
12. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
You will feel like you are in a natural maze once you are inside this canyon. This natural beauty is the perfect place for photographers to go crazy with the shutterbugs as the sunlight directly penetrates and lightens up the bright colours of the canyon.
13. Black Forest, Germany
Germany is known for its forests. This one in particular is the longest and the deepest in the country. It is exactly how we have read in our old school books–tall trees, flowing rivers, brilliant flora and fauna, along with campers of course. It gets its name because of the pitch darkness that sets in when night falls. You cannot see a thing and only if you’re a true braveheart, would you venture at this hour.
14. Zhangye Danxia Landform, China
No, this is not a painting. This marvel is made out of mineral deposits that have been settling down since ages to give it these shades. A true work of art by God, you really need to plan a trip to China soon!
15. Swing At The End Of The World, Ecuador
You cannot beat the view you get when you swing on the highest swing of the world and see the active volcano, Mt. Tungurahua, below you and limitless sky above. Sure, your heart will be in your mouth for a few seconds, but the feeling and experience–unforgettable!
16. Mendenhall Caves, Alaska
Ice caves in Alaska melt and form right in front of your eyes! Yes, quite spectacular. These caves have waterfalls inside them making the walk inside even more magical. PS: You feel as if it’s raining inside as water droplets constantly fall on you. So have waterproof attire on you, please, whenever you do decide to visit.
17. Glowworm caves, New Zealand
In Waitomo, there is a cave where you find glowworms hanging from the ceiling. The place can make you believe you’re in a sci-fi movie. This one promises to be a fun ride!
Images Source: Flickr
