PHOTO: The dizzying descent into Majilis al Jinn cave is not for the faint of heart. Note the small speck in the middle. That's a climber. (Courtesy of Wikipedia. Click the link for the full image — trust us.)

Who says that you have to stay above ground to see the world’s most spectacular sites? 

There is an entire world that begs to be discovered, but you won’t find it in the air, on land or even in the sea.  You will have to look down — way beneath the earth’s surface to see glorious caves in their eerie, calming splendor.

For spelunking enthusiasts or those looking for a chnage in perspective, these six fascinating underground beauties that will make you think this is where Mother Nature has been hiding all of her most beautiful works of art.

Muscat, Oman: Majlis al Jinn Cave (Salma Plateau)

Sitting at 58 thousand square meters, stretching 310 meters long and 225 meters wide, Majlis Al Jinn Cave is the world’s second largest cave and accessible by descending its steep interior by rope. 

Although exploring the inside of this majestic marvel takes much physical strength, it is definitely worth the descent once you behold its dome-shaped ceilings and rocky, 50-million-years-old walls. Situated at the feet of the Al Hajar Mountains, it remains one of the world’s most breathtaking beauties, from inside and out.

Philippines:  Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Etched out of the jagged cliffs of the Saint Paul Mountain and karst forest, and hovering over a stream that empties into the sea, the cave of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most spectacular underground sites of its kind. 

Visitors are able to observe the inside of its eerie rock walls by boat, while the Philippines’ exotic hardwood wildlife echoes in the distance, filling this peculiar site with their boisterous sounds.  This geological phenomenon also allows locals and visitors alike to pay homage to the country’s natural heritage and remains a constant reminder of the importance of preserving its ecological beauty.

Barbados: Harrison’s Cave

‘De heart uh Barbados,’ Harrison’s Cave is one site you will have to see to believe.  At over 2 kilometers long, water gushes through its interior, stalagmites illuminate its dark spaces and various formations appear to grow before your very eyes. 

The cave is explored via tram, but visitors are also encouraged to get up close to its pebbly foundations to revel in all of its glory.  With a bit of the colorful Barbadian cultural combined with one of the most unique features of our planet, this extraordinary experience can only be witnessed from below the surface of the earth.

Capri: Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto)

As tranquil as it is surreal, the Blue Grotto gets its name from the otherworldly azure glow which is formed by the sun’s reflection through its crystal waters.  Although it feels as though you are floating in midair, as its waters peacefully guide you through its rocky 60-meter long interior, the cave is plagued by dark myths of Sirens and devils, which were believed to be dwelling in its silvery steams.

With a 10-minute boat ride, you will be able to witness this magical wonder on your own and listen to the acoustic socrery that vibrates from deep within. 

Mexico: the Cave of Crystals

Piercing the cave’s side at almost every angle, huge crystals make it impossible to take a simple walk through its interior.  You may think you have encountered another planet or stumbled across some extraterrestrial discovery as sharp gemstones brighten the Cave of Crystals with their dazzling glow.  

The scale of these geological wonders takes you on a journey some million of years ago as a  volcanic eruption caused anhydrite gypsum to dissolve in water and create this uncanny wonder. And a visit here will completely change your state of mind as beams of light protrude through its 950 feet landscape.

Vietnam: Mountain River Cave

As one of the world’s largest caves, the Mountain River Cave deserves much recognition.  It remains almost invisible to the naked eye from its main entrance because of the verdant trees of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park shading its path. 

However, once you have stepped inside its majesty you will not want to turn back.  Especially once you hear the peaceful trickle of water flowing down its walls and stagger upon the rainforest that his forced its way into the cave. Nourished by the odd ray of light creeping in through cracks in the rock, life has found a way in these caves, creating an inspiring atmosphere for exploration.