Worlds Most Amazing Places

If you fancy yourself a world traveler, then for your next trip you should consider visiting one of these 8 most amazing places on Earth

8. The Dark Hedges – Northern Ireland

In the 18th century, the Stuart family of Northern Island planted beech trees along Bregagh Road, intending to impress visitors to their manor. Over the 300 years since the trees were introduced to the landscape, that same manor, Gracehill House, was turned into a golf course, but the greenery lives on, the tops of the trees intertwining, creating a tunnel of sorts. It’s not just beautiful, however; some tell the tale of the Grey Lady, a spector whose ethereal presence comes and goes on the roadside. Her phantom origins are as mysterious as she is, with some storytellers describing her as a maid from a nearby manor who died under questionable circumstances hundreds of years ago, and others simply describing her as a “lost spirit” from a nearby graveyard. Regardless of whether or not you believe in ghosts, though, one thing is for sure: the next time you’re in Ireland, visit The Dark Hedges.

7. Chittorgarh Fort, India
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning that it is globally considered to be of cultural and historical importance, Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest in India. It has been ruled by a variety of warring parties before finally being abandoned in 1567. Today, the fort is widely visited for its sprawling ruins, including a series of palaces, temples, gates, and two commemorative towers. It is also the site for the annual Jauhar Mela, the biggest Rajput festival, which takes place on the anniversary of one of the historical Jauhar’s, a phrase describing the suicide of female rulers when their palace has been overtaken and the other option is enslavement, rape, and torture. This historical practice is considered incredibly brave, so every year, in the shadow of the massive Indian fort, thousands gather to watch a procession and air their modern political concerns.

6. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Created by stream runoff from the Cuillin Mountains, the Scottish fairy pools are named for their crystal clear waters and magical off-the-beaten-path surroundings. A series of waterfalls lines the edges, and though they seem inviting, be warned: the temperature is very cold year-round, so while a swim might be tempting, it isn’t suggested, even in the summer. However, for the brave, the chilly waters have a lot to discover- natural arches create underwater paths, and in some places the pools are deep enough to dive in from the rocks above. Aside from the practical fun of an adventurous swim and hike, the Fairy Pools are just visually breathtaking from any angle.

5. Panjin Red Beach, China
Sometimes things aren’t quite what they sound like, and the Panjin Red Beach is no exception. Instead of warm sand, the ocean tide lapping up while tourists and locals stroll in the sun, this “beach” is actually covered with red sea weed called Sueda, which changes from green, to orange, to pink, to flame red like in most of the photos. Located in the largest wetland and reed marsh in the world, the red beach is home to 260 kinds of birds and 399 kinds of wild animals, making it also one of the most complete ecosystems in the world as well. Because of this, in 1988 it was given state-level protection, thus most of the area is off-limits for visitors. Don’t fret, though, as a small section of the incredible beach is still open for tourists.

4. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

Known for its massive glow worm population, these caves on the north island of New Zealand offer a wide variety of intense and one-of-a-kind sights. The name comes from Maori words wai, meaning water and tomo, meaning hole or shaft, because you can travel through on a boat via the “Glowworm Grotto,” as it’s called. Though beautiful and awe-inspiring, the glow worm’s management is much less magical: a scientific advisory board keeps close track of carbon dioxide levels, rock and air temperature, and humidity, and will often change the number of visitors allowed on given days and weeks to protect the cave’s inhabitants. Originally discovered by Māori Chief Tane Tinorau and an English surveyor, Fred Mace, their descendents remain involved to this day, comprising of many of the cave’s staff as well as receiving a percentage of the revenue.

3. Pamukkale and Hierapolis, Turkey
Within the ancient city of Hierapolis, meaning “holy city,” in Turkey, thousands of tourists a year wade in Cleopatra’s Pool, a natural thermal spring. Since its founding, Cleopatra’s Pool has been famous for its supposed health properties, with visitors flocking from all over the world to experience the year-round temperate climate. Scientists have found that the spring contains “bicarbonates, sulphates, iron and carbon dioxide,” all with their own health benefits for swimmers. Believed to have been founded in the 2nd century, this area isn’t just a great place to visit, but a famous place to come to die. The entire ancient city is filled with sarcophagi, with simpler graves for common folk and raised coffins and monuments for the richer classes, dating back to the late Hellenic and early Christian eras. In addition, the surrounding archeological site and other natural springs have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Li River, China
Spanning roughly 52 miles, it’s no wonder the Li River in China makes the list of the most amazing places on Earth. A four to five hour trip will take you the whole way, just enough time to take in the sights. One of the first will be Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural rock formation shaped like an elephant taking a drink from the river. Another will be the Forest of Oddly Shaped Peaks, named for its cluster of mountain peaks that some believe resemble thousands of swords or bamboo shoots.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

This castle is so amazing and picturesque that Disney used it as the inspiration for Cinderella’s castle, and that’s one of the least interesting things about it. Nestled in southwest Bavaria, Germany, this massive neogothic structure was originally intended as a refuge for the antisocial king Ludwig II of Bavaria, and after his death was opened up to the public, partially to pay for the construction debts accrued. During the second world war, a suborganization of the Nazi party used the castle to store and catalog stolen French artifacts, but this less-than-savory past doesn’t stop upwards of 1.3 million people from visiting each year.