While planning a holiday we often make a list of places that we hear often about or see in television or social media platforms. The places to visit, being so famous, are often crowded, buzzing with tourists from all over the world. These places are undoubtedly ravishing but have you ever thought about visiting places that are not that renowned?
Which are peaceful and equally ravishing and have less number of people visiting as they are overshadowed?
Well, then you are in the right place to find out about ten such places to visit and plan your next getaway.
1. Haiku Stairs, Hawaii
Known as the “Stairway to Heaven”, the Haiku Stairs is 3992 steps span along the Ko’olau mountain range in the Oahu islands of Hawaii. These majestic stairs were constructed in 1942 when the U.S Navy had started the construction of a top secret facility, the Haiku Radio Station.
In order to gain the necessary height to place the antennas, they had stretched them across the Haiku Valley such that radio signals could be transmitted to the ships that were operating in the Pacific Ocean back then. The stairs were built as a mode to access these antennas across the ridges. It is surrounded by a beautiful and surreal view and is an idle place for hiking. All the other trails except the Kaulana’ahane trail are not available for hiking due to liability concerns.
2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Also known as Salar de Tunupa, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, stretching up to an area of 10,582 square kilometers and with an elevation of 3,656 meters above sea level.
A part of the giant prehistoric lake, Lake Minchin, Salar de Uyuni has been formed due to the transformation of several prehistoric lakes over time. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, this salt flat is a visual treat for travelers. After raining, the layer formed by the deposited water on the flat transforms it into the world’s largest mirror.
3. Monastery of Santa Maria dell’Isola, Italy
Standing on a cliff, the Monastery of Santa Maria dell’Isola was basically situated on its own island, which is now connected to the mainland by a strip of land formed due to the collection and build-up of silt. Dated back to the 4th century, this monastery is well maintained has been a secret vacation area for the Italians since people who live outside Italy do not know about it and it does not fall under the usual places that people visit while visiting Italy.
Surrounded by lovely blue water, this monastery should be your next destination for a getaway if you are a fan of places with historical significance, beautiful architecture, a beautiful view, and a beach of course.
4. Lake Natron , Tanzania
Located in East Africa, this lake will contradict your normal conception about a lake. Natron is a compound that comes from volcanic ashes and is composed mainly of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. This lake is fed by mineral-rich hot springs that make it highly alkaline with a pH of 10.5.
This pH level of the lake makes the skin of the animals that come in contact with the water burn. The high concentration of sodium bicarbonate turns the body of the animals into stones which remain in a well-preserved condition for the same. You might confuse them as statues but they were once real animals.
5.
The Initiation Wells at the Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal
The Initiation Well or the Inverted Tower is a part of the Quinta da Regaleira, a huge estate (
The tower was used to perform rituals related to Tarot and was designed keeping Tarot mysticism in mind. The tower connects to all the other entrances in the estate through underground walkways. It is said that the journey down the tower and through the labyrinths is like a rebirth through Mother Earth’s womb and thus symbolizes the concept of death and rebirth.
6.
Crooked Forest, Poland
Woodland of pine trees, the Crooked Forest is unique in its own way. The forest consists of 400 pine trees at present, all of which have a ninety-degree bend at their bases and the majority of which are bent towards the north. Many theories are attached as to why the trees grow in such an absurd manner but there aren’t any pieces of evidence to support those theories.
Some say that some technique was used once the trees had started growing so that it would be easier to cut them or to get naturally curved timber for boat and furniture building. Another theory suggests that heavy snow could have flattened the trees while they were just saplings for a prolonged period, resulting in them to grow like this. Read this article on iflscience to know about its creation.
7.
Socotra Island, Yemen
The Socotra Island is an archipelago located in between the Arabian Sea and Guardafui Channel. This isolated island is the home to unique species of trees and animals that you will never see anywhere else in the Earth. Some notable plant species include the Dragon’s blood tress and Adenium socotranum. The notable bird species include the Socotra Starling, Socotra Sunbird and Socotra Grosbeak. The natural beauty and uniqueness of the island is enough to make your visit memorable.
8.
Ruins of Volubilis, Morocco
Volubilis is a well-preserved Roman ruins, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is located on a fertile plain between the cities of Meknes and Fez and was considered as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauretania. The city of Volubilis had grown rapidly during the Roman era and it is believed that this 42 hectare city was once inhabited by 20,000 people. The area is an example of the advanced Roman art and architecture with the remains of Roman mosaics and the beautiful ruins of a basilica. Since the area has been isolated for a thousand of years, the authenticity of the ruins is remains intact.
9.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
Faroe Islands are a group of 18 self-governed volcanic islands situated halfway between Iceland and Norway, about 200 miles northwest of the United Kingdom. The population of the islands sum up to roughly 50,000 people and is not a renowned tourist spot so you won’t really have to worry about crowds. The islands have a cloudy, cool and windy climate and are the home to beautiful waterfalls, windswept mountains, and sharp coastlines with waves crashing against them, making them a visual paradise and an idle place for a peaceful vacation.
10.
Kampong Thom, Cambodia
Kampong Thom is the capital of the Kampong Thom, a province of Cambodia. It is situated halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Kampong Thom is surrounded by extensive grasslands. It is home to endangered species like the Bustard and Bengal Florican. The Phnom Santuk is one of the locations that you have to visit when in Kampong Thom. It is a pagoda situated on top of a mountain and in order to reach the place you will have to climb 807 steps. You can also visit the ruins of the pre-Angkorian capital city of the Chenla Kingdom, Sambor Prei Kuk, or take a boat trip on the Stung Sen river.
Do you know about more such secret places? Come on we want to know about them too. Share it with us in the comments section.