The world around you has been in existence for millions of years. There are countless occurrences and incredible natural phenomena that are baffling to human beings even today. Some of these have been decrypted through detailed study and scientific research while there are several others that still remain intriguing mysteries. There are many unexplained occurrences, that you may have come across in several travel magazines or blogs, that are beyond our ken but awe-inspiring to the eyes. Highlighting the same, we bring forth our top 7 wonderful natural phenomena at known travel destinations around the world that remind us that how nature can be sometimes an entrapping enigma.

1. TURQUOISE ICE, LAKE BAIKAL, RUSSIA

Your eyes are used to contemplating a default image of an icy landscape in a boreal country. Be ready to get defied enchantingly the next time your next travel destination would be the renowned Lake Baikal in Russia’s Siberia. In winters, when the temperature plunges below zero degrees, the lake gets cloaked with thousands of ice hummocks studded with unique gem-like formations in a striking hue of turquoise. Almost replicating tanzanite gemstones, this incredible natural phenomenon attracts hordes of tourists from all over the globe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Baikal holds almost 20% of Earth’s freshwater.

2. CATATUMBO LIGHTNING, LAKE MARACAIBO, VENEZUELA

Lightning in the sky seems ordinary but fancy a string of 28 flashes in a minute fracturing the sky for almost 10 to 12 hours. Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo experiences this wonderful natural phenomenon for almost 300 days a year. The lake illuminates as phosphorescent pink glares pierce the rumbling sky. The locals have, thereby, named the Catatumbo River as the ‘river of fire’.

3. BIOLUMINESCENT BEACHES, MADHOO ISLAND, MALDIVES

Fancy a private dinner by the beach beneath a starry sky as well as by starry waves. The fantasy can come to life at Maadhoo Island (also called Vadhoo Island) in the Maldives. The sea waves light up due to a living marine organism. One of the wonderful phenomena in the world, this glow-in-the-dark beach has been flocking in tourists to this travel destination in the Maldives.

4. NORTHERN LIGHTS, TROMSO, NORWAY

One of nature’s incredible phenomena on the face of the planet is the Northern Lights. Also called Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are a whirl of phosphorescent lights in the hue of neon green, yellow, blue, and pink that dance in the night sky, particularly during winters. Covered in several travel magazines, the Northern Lights are visible from Nordic countries like Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Canada.

5. HILLIER LAKE, MIDDLE ISLAND, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Nestled amid lush forested regions and scenic azure waters, one will find a pop of bubblegum pink right at the core of the Middle Island located off the south coast of Western Australia. The region is recognized as one of the incredible natural phenomena due to its Hillier Lake. The saline lake is notable for its unique, bubblegum pink colour. The only living microorganisms in the lake is red algae that combine with the salt content to produce a red dye. The same causes the pink colour of Lake Hillier’s water.

6. SAILING STONES, DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Located on the border of Nevada and California, the Death Valley is recognized for a strange natural phenomenon. Apart from being infamous for being the hottest place in North America, the Racetrack Playa in the Death Valley experiences a unique occurrence in which the stones and rocks move and glide on their own sans any gravitational cause. Factually, no one has witnessed the movement of rocks but the change in their periodic positions and the tracks left behind by the rocks serve as proofs of their movement.

7. LIGHT PILLARS, FINLAND

One of the wonderful natural phenomena is the light pillars that are visible from several colder regions in the world. These beams of many-hued lights stretch into the sky and are visible only in extremely cold regions. Although seeming supernatural, this natural occurrence is the result of a simple atmospheric optical occurrence.   In extremely low temperatures, when ice crystals are formed in the atmosphere, they place themselves hexagonally to descend on the group. Their collective surfaces act like a giant mirror that reflects any form of light that falls on them.

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Italy is one of the few travel destinations in the world that is affixed to almost every wanderer’s bucket list. The country flocks in tourists from all over the globe due to several reasons like historic cathedrals, the towering, cragged cliffs of Amalfi Coast that are featured countless times in the best travel magazines of the world, marvelling at one of the wonders of the world, or the bustling streets of Milan spattered with swish boutiques and haute retail outlets of some of the leading fashion brands in the world.

Although the country treasures a rich architectural, art, and cultural heritage, one can leave the crowded streets of Rome and truly unplug by spending their time in the quaint countryside crowned with untouched farm landscapes coddled in the laps of imposing mountains. On your next vacay to Italy, ditch the most-visited museums and crowded queues for Colosseum and revel in the authentic rural hospitality offered by the best agriturismo in Italy.

1. TUSCANY

Tuscany is the first word that comes to mind when you contemplate basking in the valley views of rolling hills and vast stretches of scenic, country landscapes. Although frequented by tourists, Tuscany houses some of the best, renaissance style villas that make a romantic stay in the countryside. One of the most-visited travel destinations in the country, one can relish the best of Tuscany from Castellina in Chianti, which is located in this central region of Italy. Situated on a hill, one can pick this stay to witness the beautiful countryside sunsets right from your window and experience the best luxury agriturismo in Italy.

WHERE TO STAY: Castellina in Chianti

2. PUGLIA

Take a countryside vacation by the beach in Italy’s sleepy, sunny southern region of Apulia (Puglia). Located at the heels of the country, one can head to Puglia to soak up crystal-clear sea, sun, and the region’s rich culture. Defined by its history, the tropical travel destination of Puglia treasures some of the best, postcard-pretty beaches and vintage towns. One of the best stay options to experience modern and luxury agriturismo in Italy is Centostelle. One will be welcomed by wrought-iron gates followed by a palm-tree lined path that ends in a Mediterranean style garden at this luxury villa. Open-fireplace, exposed bricks, modern amenities, and an indoor pool are all you need to create an unforgettable staycation in the countryside.

WHERE TO STAY: Centostelle

3. PIEDMONT

Piedmont stands for the phrase ‘at the foot of the mountains’. Situated in Northern Italy, Piedmont is the region of the Alps and many scenic lakes. One can spot abandoned castles and forts of the Renaissance era at this travel destination in Italy. One of the most sought-after travel destinations for agriturismo in Italy, particularly for wine destinations, Piedmont is known for its vineyards and wine selections. Book your next wine-tasting trip to Piedmont at this countryside property – Casa di Langa. One can wake up to the breathtaking views of sweeping hills and lush vineyards from this luxury villa.

WHERE TO STAY: Casa di Langa

4. SICILY

The largest island in Italy rests on the top of everyone’s list of travel destinations for a reason. Sicily’s bustling, sunny region houses some of the pristine coastal lines, white sand beaches, and vintage architectural marvels. Revel in the best of countryside and sea at this picturesque property in Sicily. Situated at a distance of 2.5km away from the Blue Sea, the property ‘villa design’ is situated on a hill and surrounded by olive trees.

WHERE TO STAY: Villa Design

5. UMBRIA

Head to one of Italy’s untouched gems replete with verdant landscapes and fairytale-like towns in Umbria. The region houses historic cathedrals, 13-century castles, and several luxury stay options for guests who seek seclusion and tranquility. One such stay option is the luxury property in the Todi region of Umbria – Alla Fattoria. The two-acre property overlooks the Natural Park of Monte Peglia that can be witnessed from almost every suite. The property is also an ideal venue for weddings.

WHERE TO STAY: Alla Fattoria

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