This article explores 10 of the strangest and most unusual destinations in the world, perfect for those who love to explore offbeat places. From the Door to Hell in Turkmenistan, a natural gas field that has been burning for over 40 years, to the Island of the Dolls in Mexico, covered in dolls that were collected over 50 years, these locations are full of mystery and intrigue. Other destinations include the Catacombs of Paris, with an estimated six million human remains buried beneath the streets, and Socotra Island off the coast of Yemen, known for its otherworldly landscape and unique plant and animal species.
10 of the Strangest Places to Visit in the World
If you’re someone who loves to explore offbeat places and is always in search of things that are out of the ordinary, then this article is for you. From ancient ruins to bizarre natural formations, this world is full of mysterious and unusual destinations that are just waiting to be discovered. Here’s a list of 10 of the strangest places to visit in the world.
1. The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
The Door to Hell is a natural gas field in the middle of the Turkmenistan desert that has been burning continuously for over 40 years. A group of Soviet geologists accidentally discovered it in 1971 while drilling for natural gas. They set the crater on fire to prevent the spread of the methane gas, and it has been burning ever since. The boiling mud and bright orange flames in the middle of the desert make for a surreal experience.
2. The Island of the Dolls, Mexico
The Island of the Dolls, or La Isla de las Munecas, is a small island in the canals of Xochimico, south of Mexico City. The island is covered in dolls that hang from the trees, nailed to buildings, and scattered on the ground. The story goes that the island’s only resident, a man named Don Julian Santana, began collecting dolls over 50 years ago to ward off evil spirits that haunted him after he found a drowned girl in the canal. He continued collecting and displaying dolls until his death in 2001.
3. The Catacombs of Paris, France
The Catacombs of Paris is a network of tunnels and caves that extend over 200 miles beneath the streets of Paris. It is estimated that there are over six million human remains buried in the catacombs. The remains were moved there from overcrowded cemeteries in the late 18th century. The catacombs are open to the public, and guided tours take visitors through the underground maze, providing a haunting experience.
4. The Blood Falls, Antarctica
The Blood Falls is a natural wonder in the Taylor Glacier in Antarctica. The waterfall appears to be bleeding, with its water emerging as a deep red hue, which can be seen flowing into the ocean. It remains a mystery as to why the water appears red, but scientists suggest it could be due to the presence of iron oxide or other minerals.
5. Balanced Rock, Colorado, USA
Balanced Rock is a geological formation in Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs. The massive boulder appears to be balanced precariously on a rock base, defying logic and gravity. It is a popular destination for tourists and rock climbers, but it remains a mystery as to how the rock has been balanced so perfectly for thousands of years.
6. The Crooked Forest, Poland
The Crooked Forest, or Krzywy Las, is a forest in Poland that has over 400 pine trees that are bent at a 90-degree angle at their bases. The trees were planted in the early 1930s, and the reason behind their unusual shape remains a mystery. Theories range from human intervention to natural phenomena.
7. The Doorway to Hell, Derweze, Turkmenistan
The Doorway to Hell in Derweze, Turkmenistan, is another natural gas crater that has been burning for over 50 years. The crater is around 230 feet wide and 98 feet deep and was created by Soviet geologists when they accidentally drilled into a gas cavern in 1971. Fearing the release of toxic gases, they set the crater on fire. It has been burning ever since and is a popular tourist attraction for its otherworldly appearance.
8. The Fairy Pools, Scotland
The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools in the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The pools are said to be enchanted and are believed to be the homes of fairies in Scottish mythology. The pools have become a popular destination for hikers, swimmers, and those who want to experience the enchanting beauty of the hills.
9. The Petrifying Well, England
The Petrifying Well in Knaresborough, England, is a natural well that deposits a layer of mineral on objects placed under the falling water. This mineral layer gives the objects a stone-like appearance, hence the name Petrifying Well. The well has been a tourist attraction since medieval times, and visitors can even purchase petrified objects to take home with them.
10. Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra Island is a small island off the coast of Yemen that is known for its bizarre and otherworldly landscape. The island has over 700 species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth. The most striking of these are the Dragon’s Blood trees that look like giant mushrooms, and the cucumber tree that has a massive swollen trunk. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and those who want to experience something truly out of the ordinary.
Conclusion
The world is full of strange and mysterious places that are just waiting to be explored. These 10 destinations may be some of the most bizarre, but they are also the most fascinating. From fiery craters to enchanted wells, these places offer a unique and unforgettable experience that will be etched in your memory forever.