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25 Natural Wonders Of The World Today - Photo: KnowInsiders.com

We have read and heard a lot about the seven wonders of the world. But other than those, there are natural wonders that deserve as much attention, if not more.

Here are 25 of the planet’s most spectacular sites you must visit once in your life, ranked by KnowInsiders.com (last updated March 2023).

1.The Sahara Desert, North Africa

Photo Genk
The Sahara Desert - Photo Genk

The Sahara is the world's largest desert (Arabic:, "desert"). It occupies almost all of northern Africa, stretches 3,320,000 square miles (8,600,000 square kilometers) in overall size (the actual extent varies as the desert expands and contracts over time), and is roughly 3,000 miles (4,800 km) long (east to west) and 800 to 1,200 miles (north to south).

The Sahara is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on its western side, the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea on its northern and eastern sides, the Red Sea on its eastern side, and the Sahel on its southern side. The Sahel is a semiarid region that serves as a transitional area between the Sahara to the north and the belt of humid savannas to the south.

2. Bay of Fundy, Canada

The Bay of Fundy, one of North America's seven natural wonders, is situated on Canada's wonderfully beautiful east coast about halfway between the equator and the North Pole. This specific bay is unique because it experiences the greatest tides on Earth, with a difference between high and low tide of almost 50 feet, which have carved out magnificent rocky outcrops, sea caves, and towering cliffs.

In addition, the region is well known for its rare minerals and gemstones, as well as dinosaur remains from the Triassic period. The bay draws a great deal of migratory seabirds and rare whales (whale watching cruises in the Aquarium Zone are particularly popular from May to October). The best way to discover this natural beauty is through kayak tours.

READ MORE: Top 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Canada

3. Dead Sea, Israel

Photo TripAdvisor
Photo TripAdvisor

The Dead Sea, sometimes referred to as the Salt Sea, is about an hour's drive from Jerusalem and is said to be roughly three million years old. It's a popular travel destination for good reason—floating in the Dead Sea is unlike anything else. Because of its high density, the salt water keeps swimmers afloat. As individuals can apply the mud to their bodies and the mineral-rich saltwater is supposed to offer therapeutic properties that are helpful for the skin, people with skin disorders are especially drawn to the area. Just be careful not to shave one to two days before your visit as the salt will burn any cuts, and avoid submerging your face in water as well.

The original "Seven Wonders of the World" were named about 2,000 years ago, by Greek traveler and mathematician Antipater of Sidon. The structures he chose were marvels of engineering or gardening, all within reach of the Mediterranean. Only one of the original seven (the Great Pyramid) still stands.

4. The Galapagos Islands

A collection of 19 sizable islands in Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands have a distinctive environment with a wide variety of native marine life and animals. The gigantic tortoise that gives the island its name, as well as sea iguanas, penguins, and sea lions, are all present. At the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, observe tortoises in their natural habitat, go snorkeling with marine life, or see unusual birds.

Check out a few of the lava trails close to the volcanoes for a tough on-land adventure. Probably the most recognizable and popular island is Bartolomé. Pinnacle Rock is seen from the peak, which is reached after climbing more than 300 steps.

5. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway is a region of approximately 40,000 neighboring basalt columns that were produced by a series of prehistoric volcanic eruptions, and it is situated in County Antrim on the picturesque north coast of Northern Island. These amazing "stepping stones" are unique because each and every one of them is symmetrical and interlocks with the others as if they were placed there with great care by a huge hand.

Before leaving to tour the site, you can learn more about the causeway's 60-million-year formation in the visitor center by watching an interactive video display there. You should wear supportive walking shoes because many of the stones have been polished to a smooth finish over thousands of years of natural erosion.

A Wonder of the World must embody a sense of magic and mystery. It should be a place that grows more intriguing with time - like a complex, beguiling character met on our travels. We should feel inspired by the relationship, and bid farewell with genuine regret.

6. Mud volcanoes, Gobustan, Azerbaijan

Photo India Times
Photo India Times

Located in central Azerbaijan, the mud volcanoes of Gobustan National Park gurgle with a combination of methane and mud. Occasionally, however, the methane builds up and the cones burst into flames.

7. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Photo Unsplash
Photo Unsplash

One of the greatest shows in history also happens to be one of the weakest. It's difficult to miss the immediate effects of climate change when viewing this world treasure from a helicopter or going scuba diving to get up up and personal with more than 1,500 species of tropical fish.

Due to farmed pollution and the huge quantity of coral bleaching brought on by warmer temperatures, starfish are now preying on the priceless coral. Within the next ten years, more than 90% of the living coral will dissolve if the damage follows its current course. Before it's too late, put this natural wonder of the world and seven other stunning locations that might soon perish on your bucket list.

8. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Photo Nhan Dan
Ha Long Bay

Vietnam's Quang Ninh Province is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, a well-liked tourist destination. Near the Chinese border in northern Vietnam is the stunning natural wonder known as Halong Bay. The Bay, which has a surface area of more than 1,500 sqkm, is dotted with 1,600 islands and islets made of limestone.

The property's great value is concentrated on the drowned limestone karst landforms, which exhibit impressive pillars together with a variety of coastal erosional features like arches and caves that create a magnificent natural scene.

A mature landscape of isolated towers and clusters of conical peaks has been created by the sea's repeated transgression and regression on the limestone karst over the course of geological time. This sea invasion altered the towers and islands of limestone, adding another element to the process of lateral undercutting.

9. Iguazu Falls, Brazil-Argentina

Split between Argentina and Brazil, these famous falls are all drama and all beauty, all the time. They’re located in Iguazú National Park, a subtropical rainforest that offers many different vantage points of the waterfalls. Book a boat ride and see them up close as you sail through the Lower Iguazú River, or walk through the park—but either way, but expect to get soaked!

Closer to home, you can check out the most gorgeous waterfalls in America.

10. Jeju Island, Korea

Photo Unsplash
Photo Unsplash

Jeju Island, a volcanic island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its exceptional natural resources, which include the world's best lava tube system. The island is home to Mount Hallasan, the tallest mountain in Korea, which contains waterfalls, woods, and a crater filled with a lake in addition to the amazing Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave, which has a variety of colorful carbonate roofs, floors, and lava walls.

You can spend a little more time on the island and visit Mount Halla National Park, where you can hike along a very gorgeous 9-mile shaded forest trail, or you can take a guided day tour from Seoul to learn everything there is to know about the amazing geology of the island.

11. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The largest mountain on the African continent, towering Mount Kilimanjaro towers majestically above the surrounding Tanzanian countryside. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanic summits, with Kibo peak rising to an astonishing height of more than 19,000 feet above sea level.

Visitors to the mountain come from all over the world to take on the challenge of climbing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the rim of the Kibo Crater, since it is a well-known trekking and mountaineering destination. Trekkers may encounter elephant, buffalo, and numerous other smaller species at lower elevations because the mountain is bordered by Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Many people who travel to Tanzania to see Mount Kilimanjaro also take part in a Big Five Safari in one or more of the local parks and reserves.

12. Mount Everest, Nepal

Photo The Conversation
Photo The Conversation

Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, towers over the Nepal-China border. This enormous Himalayan peak can be climbed, but few have attempted it and even fewer have succeeded.

In 1953, the first summit attempt was made, and by 2013, 4,042 successful climbers had accomplished the feat. Visit Everest Base Camp, the starting place for climbers, and take in the magnificent view of the mountain. The highest monastery in the world, Rongbuk Buddhist Monastery, is accessible via trek or eco-bus from Base Camp.

13. Grand Prismatic Spring, USA

The third-largest hot spring in the world is located in Wyoming, which is also home to many other well-known natural marvels of the world, such as Grand Teton National Park and Devils Tower National Monument. The magnificent Grand Prismatic is the park's single largest hot spring and is bigger than a football field, making it difficult to overlook. Yellowstone National Park

The rainbow-colored hot spring is a feast for the eyes, with an intense blue center and orange spider legs extending outward. By ascending the new trail to an overlook on a nearby slope, you may avoid the throng and enjoy the scenery for only 0.6 miles.

14.Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines

The Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is situated in a protected national park in Palawan, the Philippines, some 50 miles north of Puerto Princesa City. The national park is home to the most incredible limestone karst landscapes in the world, including an 8-km underground river and cave system that empties into the ocean. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can join an escorted Underground River Tour that will take you deep inside the cave system for the experience of a lifetime. After your Underground River Tour, some groups offer an optional zipline adventure.

15. Cano Cristales - The River of Five Colors, Colombia

Photo Zing News
Photo Zing News

The Cano Cristales River in Colombia's Serrania de la Macarena mountain range is without a doubt the most fascinating river you will ever witness. Visitors are mesmerized by the stunning display of vivid colors produced by a special fusion of natural forces at the River of Five Colors.

The Macarenia clavigera plant, which thrives in the riverbed, is responsible for the intense red color, and the black rocks, green algae, dazzling blue water, and bright yellow sand are responsible for the other colors. The river is a popular location for all nature enthusiasts because it has waterfalls, tunnels, and pools. Between July and November is the ideal time to travel.

16. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is among the most stunning of the country's several volcanoes. Arenal is a stratovolcano, which means that it maintains the classic symmetrical cone shape associated with volcanoes. At 5,437 feet, Arenal dominates the surrounding area with amazing height. Arenal suddenly erupted in 1968 after a protracted dormant period, engulfing a wide area of over 15 km in lava, boulders, and ash.

After this massive eruption, Arenal frequently lit up the sky with minor explosions for a number of years, and it rose to fame as a tourist destination. Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can go hiking in the rain forest, take canopy tours and go rappelling, or simply unwind in a natural geothermal hot spring, surrounds the spectacular volcano.

17. Table Mountain, South Africa

Photo World Top Top
Photo World Top Top

At Cape Town, near the southernmost tip of the African continent, the recognizable flat-topped Table Mountain keeps watch over one of the most fascinating and diversified landscapes in the entire world. Table Mountain National Park, which is home to the Cape Floral Area and one of the numerous species of endemic plants that are specific to the region, surrounds Table Mountain, which was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012.

The revolving cable-car may take you back to the foot of Table Mountain after you hike to the peak, which is a very popular hiking destination. Fantastic 360-degree views of the stunning Cape Peninsula may be had from the peak.

18. The Blue Grotto, Capri

In the Blue Grotto, Tiberius, a Roman emperor, constructed a marine temple (Grotto Azzura). The name of this sea cave, which is located on the Island of Capri off the coast of Sorrento, is derived from the water's particularly vivid blue color, which is caused by sunlight entering the cavern through an underwater aperture that is located directly above the cave entrance. It is best to witness this wonderful sight about midday on a sunny day.

It is a truly unique experience to suddenly find yourself submerged in the inner grotto's brilliant blue light while your rowing boat wanders towards the outer cavern's total darkness. Weather permitting, tours are offered every day, although around midday, demand is at its peak and lines are at their lengthest.

19. Great Belize Blue Hole, Belize

Due to its tremendous marine diversity, this enormous sinkhole, which is a component of the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the western hemisphere's most pristine reef ecosystems, is a favored destination for serious divers. Many shark species can be found there as well.

You won't want to miss it if you're an experienced diver, but it's not for the weak of heart. Make sure to visit Ambergris Caye, Belize's biggest island, while you're there.

20. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The world's largest salt flat, also referred to as the Salt Flats, is this unique site. It was created when prehistoric lakes dried up. The dry season, which lasts from June to August, attracts more visitors at this time. The best time to visit is from December to April, when it's less busy and stunning in a whole different way: when it rains, the salt flats take on a glass- or mirror-like appearance that makes for some really cool images.

If you go, be aware that the high-altitude flats are over 12,000 feet above sea level, so if you don't give yourself a few days to acclimate in town first, you can get altitude sickness.

21.Pamukkale-Hierapolis, Turkey

Photo Viator
Photo Viator

Pamukkale (Cotton Palace), a truly extraordinary natural marvel in Turkey, was created by calcite-rich waters from springs that were situated on a cliff wall, more than 600 feet above the lowlands. A sequence of sparkling white travertine terraces and basins with mild azure waters, petrified waterfalls, and unusual mineral forests were left behind as the waters made their way down the high cliffs.

A magnificently preserved man-made wonder, the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman spa town of Hierapolis, which include bathhouses, temples, colonnaded streets, and more, are located close to this stunning natural wonder. Come take a dip in the waters, which are rich in minerals from long ago, and marvel at the astounding levels of civilization that were in existence then.

22. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

Uluru (Ayers Rock), the most recognizable natural wonder in Australia, is a huge sandstone mountain adjacent to the town of Alice Springs in the country's arid Northern Territory. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also contains 36 more red rock domes that can be explored on foot along one of the park's many hiking trails or as part of a guided trip, protects the monolith.

Since Uluru is considered holy by the indigenous Australians, climbing on the rock is not permitted. Nonetheless, there are a number of other ways to take in the unique setting, such as from the air in a helicopter or plane. Watching a sunrise or sunset over the rock, touring the Cultural Center, or just taking in Uluru's stunning surroundings and meditative mood are all highlights of every visit.

23.Victoria Falls, Zambia-Zimbabwe

Photo India Times
Photo India Times

The world's greatest curtain of falling water creates the thunderous sound and a cloud of vapor that can be seen from kilometers away, earning Victoria Falls the nickname "Mosi oa Tunya" or "the smoke that thunders" among the natives. The falls are almost 300 feet tall and almost one and a quarter miles broad, dropping into a little canyon below. On the Zambezi River, between Zambia and Zimbabwe, are Victoria Falls, which are accessible from both sides of the border.

Visitors can try their hand at a variety of activities in the region around Victoria Falls, which is known as the Adventure Capital of Southern Africa. These activities range from bungee jumping and whitewater rafting to canopy experiences, canyoning, rappelling, and much more. Both sides of the border include magnificent national parks where you can go on a Big Five Safari excursion.

24. Zhangjiajie, China

Photo TripAdvisor
Photo TripAdvisor

Zhangjiajie, China's first national forest park, is renowned for its enormous peaks, precarious bridges, and deep tunnels. The fictitious Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron's blockbuster Avatar were inspired by its mountains.

Around 3,000 tree-topped quartzite sandstone pillars, some of which reach heights of 2,600 feet, can be found in the park, while below ground there are lush woods and sparkling streams just waiting to be explored.

25. Waitaki Whitestone Park, New Zealand

Picking only one New Zealand natural marvel is difficult, but Waitaki Whitestone Park comes in first. This park might be the most beautiful outdoor wonderland you've ever played in with its magnificent rolling green hills, beautiful bike pathways, and an abundance of wildlife. Look out for interesting rock formations as you stroll, ride a bike, or drive around the park.

UNESCO will be evaluating this New Zealand treasure this year, so it won't be flying under the radar for much longer.

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