Sometimes, we see a picture of a landscape that just makes us scratch our heads in disbelief. We wonder how it's possible for it to be real, but then realize that the world is diverse enough for it to be possible. The 20 landscapes you're about to see below are just about the most surreal to be found anywhere on earth:
Click on images to enlarge
This lake has a deep red hue that comes from algae and other salt-loving organisms. It's a favorite with millions of flamingos that turn up on its shores between June and November each year.
2. Lencois Maranhenses Sand Dunes, Brazil
It's not usual to see sand dunes filled with water, but that doesn't apply to these found in northeastern Brazil. This is because their low-lying areas flood during the wet season. Fish even live in the pools that form.
3. Yunnan Rice Terraces, China
These paddies were actually made by the inhabitants of Yunyuang county, giving the landscape a beautiful, carved face that stretches for miles. The different types of vegetation give the terraces their many alternating hues.
4. Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain
Pictured is one of two salty and very pink lakes found near the Spanish city of Torrevieja. Algae that lives in the lakes secretes a red pigment under certain weather conditions, giving them their unique, red hue.
5. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand
Wai-o-Tapu is New Zealand's most colorful and diverse geothermal attraction. It features mud pools, mineral terraces and geysers that have been sculpted as a result of thousands of years of volcanic activity.
6. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
This landscape looks truly otherworldly, and features two active volcanoes, a bubbling lava lake, geysers, acid ponds and numerous mineral deposits. The Danakil Depression also happens to be one of the hottest places on the face of the planet, with temperatures reaching 145°F.
7. Rhone and Arve River Confluence, Switzerland
The beautiful Swiss city of Geneva boasts an amazing geographical feature - the confluence of two rivers, namely the Rhone and the Arve. While the Rhone begins at Lake Lehman, the Arve is fed by glaciers found in the Chamonix valley.
8. Crescent Lake, China
This so-called lake is actually a freshwater spring found in the Gobi desert. It is believed to have existed for some 2,000 years, however it has recently seen a decline in water levels. It's used as a base for desert activities such as dune surfing and camel riding.
9. Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
These expansive salt flats in Bolivia are covered by a thin layer of water during the wet season, allowing for surreal reflections of the sky to bounce off it.
10. Kelimutu Volcanic Lakes, Indonesia
On Indonesia's Flores island, you can find the stunning Mount Kelimutu, which is home to three volcanic lakes ranging in color from turquoise to a rich green. Their colors tend to change every few months, and this is believed to be due to ongoing chemical reactions from the dissolving mineral that they contain.
11. Antelope Canyon, USA
This beautiful geological feature has been eroded away by thousands of years of rainwater. Its beautiful colors make this canyon, which is located near Page, Arizona, the most photographed canyon in the American southwest.
12. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Located on Australia's Whitsunday island off the coast of Queensland, this stunning cove is home to a tidal phenomenon that shifts sands and waters together, creating a breathtakingly beautiful vista.
13. Dead Vlei, Namibia
The Dead Vlei, or Dead Marsh is surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world. The dead trees located in its center are more than 900 years old.
14. Hierapolis-Pamukkale Springs, Turkey
Dating back to the second century BC, these naturally-terraced thermal springs were formed by calcite found in the water, making the terraces look like stunning, white clouds.
15. The Wave, USA
This sandstone rock formation is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermillon Cliffs Wilderness near the Arizona-Utah border. It's quite a hike to get there, and you'll need to obtain permission to visit, but the stunning views to take in when you get there will be worth it.
16. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is world-famous for its incredible volcanic landscape dotted with colorful hot air balloons flying overhead. Cappadocia Valley is also home to many cave dwellings that are over 1,000 years old.
17. Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
The Door to Hell, also known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, was actually set alight by geologists in 1971 in order to prevent the spread of harmful methane gas. It has been burning ever since.
18. Namib Sand Sea, Namibia
The Namib Sand Sea is the only coastal desert in the world that contains sand dunes that are influenced by fog rolling off the sea. This unique environment is home to an array of wildlife.
19. White Sands National Monument, USA
Covering some 275 square miles in New Mexico, the White Sands National Monument is the world's largest gypsum dune field. It makes the whole area appear as if it's blanketed in snow.
20. Bryce Canyon National Park, USA
This national park is famous for the brightly-colored geological structures that were formed by many thousands of years of erosion. These geological formations are known as hoodoos, and the park has the largest collection of them in the entire world.
Content source
Image (including cover) by
Deposit Photos.
