2. Today’sTraveller•September2014
37
PRADIPNA LODH
Y
ou are a globetrotter and tired of age-old tourist
attractions like the beaches of Seychelles, bustling
shopping malls of Dubai, the amusement parks
of Disney or the mummies of Egypt. This season
take off to some unique spots that not only
promise breathtaking scenery, but also incredible vacation
experiences instead of the usual run-of-the mill escapades
on mediocre beaches and hotels.
Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
As you walk through the large embedded salt flat you will catch
your own image below. Salar De Uyuni was formed as a result
of the transformations of different prehistoric lakes. The place is
devoid of any vegetation and it has therefore taken the formation
of a mirror - like appearance. From strange islands in a sea of
blindingly bright salt to delicately coloured mineral lakes.
Trip tip: While going to Salar De Uyuni, tourists must make
sure that their vehicles have seat belts, radio transmitters
and all the necessary first aid equipment as the place is
known to be accident prone.
Do you know: During the rains, the salt desert is transformed
into an enormous salt lake.
SalarDeUyuni,Bolivia
3. 38
Today’sTraveller•September2014
Antelope Canyon, USA
Located at Arizona, USA, Antelope Canyon is a must-visit
place for the out-of-the-box traveller. Marvel at the grandeur
of monster-like rocky structures as you walk through the
stairs to the Upper Antelope Canyon, situated at an elevation
of 4,000 ft, with canyon walls that are as high as 120 ft. Walk
down through the spiral rock arches of the V-shaped lower
Antelope Canyon and get lost in the absolute tranquillity
and beauty of the place.
Triptip:It’sbesttovisitthelowerAntelopeeitherintheearlymorning
hours or late afternoon as lightning is better during these times.
Do you know: The rippled sandstone walls were carved out
by water rushing through them for a number of years.
Underwater waterfall, Mauritius
As the name suggests, the ‘Underwater Waterfall’ is really
a waterfall within a waterfall. Located on a remote island,
2000 km away from the Indian Ocean, this splendid natural
phenomenon on the south-western shore of Mauritius has
to make it to your bucket list. Now, here’s the twist ‘the
waterfall ‘ is a result of an optical illusion. Years of sand and
silt are responsible for creating this dramatic scenery. Hence,
this is a place which you must visit while in Mauritius.
Trip tip: A helicopter ride will give you the best view of the
Underwater waterfall.
Do you know: The optical illusion of the underwater waterfall
can even be seen from on Google Maps.
Underwaterwaterfall,Mauritius
AntelopeCanyon,USA
4. Today’sTraveller•September2014
39
MagneticHill,Ladakh
Zhangye Danxia Landform, China
The very first glance of Zhangye Danxia Landform will
take your breath away and give you the impression of a
picturesque mountain that has been painted by a child
with crayon pencils. Excess deposition of red sandstone and
mineral deposits for more than 24 million years have given
this valley and landform a really unique look. A number of
boardwalks and roads have been built across the landform
to help visitors take a tour of the place.
Trip tip: Danxia Landform Park is away from the Zhangye
city, so it is better to take a shuttle bus.
Do you know: There are four viewing platforms from where
you can have an exhilarating view of Zhangye Danxia Landform.
Magnetic Hill, LADAKH, india
Move your hands away from the steering wheel of your
car and your legs from the accelerator and watch your car
moving. That’s what you get to experience while driving
on Magnetic Hill. The reason ? Apparently, this is due to
the optical illusion that causes dissolution in the eye the
downhill slope as an uphill slope. Hand makes you perceive.
You can indulge in a number of activities such as yak safari,
mountain climbing and trekking.
Trip tip: Take appropriate rest at intervals on your way to the
Magnetic Hill as the altitude increases.
Do you know: Even Indian Air Force pilots avoid Magnetic Hill.
Apparently, bacause of the effect in airport.
ZhangyeDanxiaLandform,China
