PHOTO: The Chocolate Hills of the Phillipines. (courtesy Wiki Images)
Once again we at TravelPulse have scouted the globe in search of Mother Nature's weird behavior patterns. And what we have come across are some of the most bizarre landscapes that will require more than an eyeful to observe their unique beauty.
Whether you're in the midst of a pink lake or standing on the sky, their profound facades take their visitors on a wild journey to the past and beyond. So let's rediscover the following eight unusual landscapes of the world, which prove Mother Nature is one eccentric lady.
Philippines: Chocolate Hills
You must be salivating over the thought that mounds of dark chocolate could possibly create a mouthwatering attraction. But put your tongue back into your mouth because the Chocolate Hills are not something you'd want to take a huge bite out of (unless you enjoy the taste of grass). This strange discovery consists of about 1,260 30-50 meter-high lush hills which transform into the color of dark chocolate with each passing dry season. And of course an odd phenomenon like the Chocolate Hills comes with a fable that contributes to their mysterious existence.
As legends tell it, two rival giants were involved in a sand and stone throwing fight that lasted a couple of days. By the time the fight ended, large heaps of hills were created. And if you're more of a romantic, you might believe the story of a giant who falls in love with an ordinary girl. His love for her was so deep his uncontrollable sobbing created the peculiar hills. With such an indescribable appearance, there's no reason to think each of these fairytales aren't true.
Egypt: White Desert
Yes, Egypt is the ideal place to capture an eyeful of ancient pyramids and statues, but it is also a destination that houses one of the world's most dynamic deserts. By the weird rock formations rising out of its chalky terrain, the White Desert appears to be the private home of terrestrial beings. However, if the thought of intruding on their property doesn't scare you, this 2.8 million square kilometer landscape offers plenty of room to witness unearthly huge boulders twinkle in the rays of the sun and palely glimmer under the gloomy sky.
The more visitors delve into the White Desert's landscape its white demeanor becomes more striking. Even the rocks themselves appear to band together like an army as a scare tactic to keep their unwanted guests away. But you'll want to ignore those warnings if you want to brave the oddities of this natural marvel.
New Mexico: White Sands National Park
With no water in sight, the white gypsum sand dunes look as though they've been completely abandoned. In fact, they were left hanging by a lake that was once situated where the basin of the crystallized salt carpet remains. Due to its gypsum elements, the sand dunes are soluble as well as evaporable, which makes this landscape quite rare.
Nevertheless, the trails of sand stretch so far out it seems as though there is no end to its salted terrain. Even as mountains encompass the White Sands National Park, its sea-less surroundings offer a unique sight where you'll be obliged to build a white sand castle or ride its sandy hills.
Bolivia: Valley of the Moon
If you aren't thinking about boarding a rocket ship on a flight to the moon any time soon, the closest way to observe its bizarre features is by taking a trip to the Valley of the Moon. After all, it wasn't christened this name for nothing.
Adjacent to the city of La Paz, this breathtaking sea of towering cliffs was created after erosion caused a mountain to tear away. What remains now is a rainbow collection of spires intensified by the sunlight with each formation containing a symbolic meaning. By the drastic moonlike features laid across this landscape, you won't have to travel way up in the sky to walk on the moon.
Senegal: Lake Retba
Although Lake Retba is more of a waterscape, because of its pink color it definitely merits recognition. And as one of the world's rarest sightings to conjure up all types of emotions for every lover of pink, even haters of the color will be tempted by the thought of taking a candy-coated bath- which is resulted from the Dunaliella salina organism, minerals and direct hits from the sun.
But don't let the enticing cotton candy hue of Lake Retba fool you because your pink stained cheeks won't be blushing from splashing. That's because a mouthful of its water will have you gagging for air because of its salty flavor, which is in constant competition with the Dead Sea. And as its waves beckon you to come explore what lies beneath the surface, just keep in mind not everything comes up rosy when it's dipped in pink spew.
Japan: Hitachi Seaside Park
Once again we've ditched the typical pavements to walk on landscapes embodied by the unnatural. The only difference is the Hitachi Seaside Park's oddity comes from its most dominate bud, the nemophilas flower. Stretching over 3 hectares, there's no need to stop and smell the flowers here because their magical fragrances consume the entire atmosphere.
Hitachi Seaside Park is a tie-dye floral heaven that is not only draped in the nemophilas, but blooms with tulips and other flowers as well, creating a carpet so colorfully woven, it will take every bit of willpower from rolling around in them. After your nose becomes exhausted by flower sniffing, there's also a small amusement parks, which gravitates even its youngest visitors with its sweet-smelling décor.
Turkey: Pamukkale
This is one landscape where you'll be obliged to take a dip. Not just because of its interesting location in a valley, but because the pools of water here are known to have healing powers. Pamukkale which means "cotton castle," is comprised of thermal pools dating back to the second century BC.
So forget about heading to the spa or even swimming at the beach because once you're under the spell of these Turkish hot springs, you'll never want to take an ordinary bath again.
Bolivia: Salar de Uyuni
We're back in Bolivia to present another dynamic adventure. In fact, this landscape is so extraordinary you'll think you're walking on the sky. As the largest salt flat in the world, which measures about 12,000 square kilometers and sits over 11,980 feet is an exquisite marvel that takes visitors on a walk through the fascinating journey of salt.
From mounds of crystalized hills glimmering directly beneath the sky to its mirror-like grounds that seem as though they will crack open with any sudden movement, this might be the location where Mother Nature spends all her time looking at herself while she thinks about her next big marvel. But until she comes back, this salty treasure is so pristine that you might want to take a lick.
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