Are you bitten by wanderlust? Is there an unflinching desire to explore the magnificence of the world around you? Fortunately, the earth is full of glorious places that are calling out to you. It is teaming with natural wonders and adventure-packed destinations. From the surreal colorful Rainbow Mountain of Peru to the unbelievably beautiful Mendenhall Ice Caves to Norway’s Pulpit Rock – there are plenty of places that are you’ll want to explore right now. They are not just indescribably pretty but also geologically relevant to the destinations. Soak up the wilderness and untamed natural appeal of these attractions, while you plunge into adventure and exploration. Here is a list of 10 incredible places that you will want to leave everything and visit right now.
1. MendenHall Ice Caves, Alaska
Mendenhall Glacier is a spectacular 12 mile stretch of glacier, nestled about 10 minutes from central Juneau. It is protected as Mendenhall’s Glacier Recreation Area, which is a component of the Tongass National Forest. Located in the interiors of the glacier, it is within easy reach for those who wish to go kayaking and ice climbing. Owing to global warming, heating sea and soaring temperature, the glacier is rapidly retreating. Ice, adventure and cast-away lands make for an exciting combination.
2Grand Prismatic Spring, USA
Located in Yellowstone’s Midway Geyser Basin, this eye-catching rhapsody of colors pays homage to the earth’s natural beauty. United States of America’s biggest hot spring is a bundle of dazzling and enormous hues, which is caused by a special kind of bacteria (turns water into colorful shades). Hot water moves 121 feet from an opening within the earth to gush from its surface, which makes the spring lower than a 10 storey structure. Grand Prismatic Spring features vivid bands of green, orange, deep blue and yellow. There’s a deep sapphire center that reflects stellar hues back into your wanderlust eyes. If you want to see a riot of wondrous colors panning on rocks, this is the place to be!
3Pulpit Rock, Norway
Pulpit Rock is a dramatic cliff hanging right above Lysefjord, and offers sweeping views of dramatically beautiful Norwegian landscape. The once in a lifetime kind of place can be experienced on a fjord cruise or guided night tour (both spectacular). You may also find tours that combine motorbikes and cruises, which make for a heady adventure. For avoiding a huge surge of tourists at Preikstolen, begin walking at night and you’ll witness the surreal sunrise at daybreak.
4Klaksvik, Faroe Islands
Klaskavik is a busy fishing port encircled by lush natural surroundings housed in the second largest Faroe Islands housing 4,800 inhabitants. The ambiance of the open boats that sail in the sea is worth experiencing. You can also get to know local fisherman up, close and personal. Spot archeological excavations dating back to the Viking era. Learn more about the region’s illustrious past through its museum and old worldly structures. Set out on a walk down the path to Geroabour and the twin avalanche memorial. There’s a lot of keep history and mystery buffs busy!
5The Wave, USA
The breathtaking swirling sandstone is an iconic destination on the Coyote Buttes slopes. It has a surreal Mars type terrain that is made essentially of sandstone rock. This Arizona attraction is photogenic, varied and huge. The best time to take pictures here is during mid-day and later afternoon for minimizing shadows. Apply for a permit, and go camping, driving or hiking within The Waves massive and exciting trails. The best time to visit is from April to May and September to October. Though permits can be tough to obtain, the South Buttes and White Pocket are worth visiting. There’s never a dull moment here if you are fortunate to lay your hands on the pass.
