Once Again Inhale the Peaceful Air of the Forests and Discover a Manifold of Beautiful Phenomena.

When we think of natural wonders, the Yard Canyon, the Great Bulwark Reef, Mount Everest and the Amazon Rainforest are the names that typically come to mind. Yet, at that place lies a treasure trove of strikingly scenic natural wonders a piddling closer to home besides.

One of the world'south most varied countries in terms of geographical diversity, Bharat has an astonishing array of natural wonders. Some are pretty well-known and undeniably spectacular, while others are less-discovered gems. Notwithstanding, they have ane affair in common — they will all take your breath abroad!

So if you are looking for some travel inspiration to reignite your wanderlust, here'south a roundup of twenty lesser-known natural wonders in India.

1. Lonar Lake

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Incredibly one-time at 50,000 years, the Lonar crater is the youngest and best preserved impact crater formed in basalt stone and is the but of its kind on earth. The crater was formed fifty-two chiliad years ago, when a gigantic meteor crashed into the earth at an estimated speed of 90,000 km per hr.

Over time, the jungle took over the deep depression, and a perennial stream transformed the crater into a tranquil, emerald green lake. Today, the wood-fringed lake (located in the Buldhana District of Maharashtra) is a wildlife sanctuary with a unique ecology that is vastly different from the surrounding flat landscape. Its water supports micro-organisms rarely found elsewhere on world while its environs are peppered with fragments of unique minerals like maskelynite.

two. Borra Caves

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Most people have never seen a real cave in their whole lives; still, those who do remain permanently fascinated by the astonishing display of natural forces. The rock formations at the Borra caves (located in the Ananthagiri hills of Andhra Pradesh's Araku Valley) are proof that wonderful things can appear when water meets limestone.

Amid the deepest caves of India, the Borra cave was created millions of years ago by the karstic activity of the Gosthani river and has some spectacular speleothems. The local tribals also associate several legends to the cave. Interestingly, the cave is as well highly valuable for anthropological inquiry, with excavations unearthing rock tools of middle Paleolithic culture (confirming man dwelling in the area dating dorsum to between 30,000 and 50,000 years ago)

three. Riverine Potholes of Nighoj

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Home to a basalt-rock river bed hollowed out by primeval potholes like a giant block of cheese, the village of Nighoj is a place that stays with you long after your visit is over. These pot-shaped craters (called kunds by locals) accept been carved out past the waters of river Kukdi over thousands of years.

Some of these potholes run 40 anxiety deep, with swifts building nesting colonies in their overhanging rocks. Winter or summer is a good time to visit Nighoj, most ii hours away from Pune, equally there is not much water in the river. A visit to this geological wonder can likewise be combined with a visit to the Morachi Chincholi, a unique village whose eco-friendly residents co-habit with hundreds of peacocks

4. Gandikota Canyon

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With striking grandeur reminiscent of U.s.a.'s majestic Thou Canyon, Gandikota is a 300-feet-deep valley located in Cuddapah commune of Andhra Pradesh. Believed to be more a thousand years old, the coulee is also known for the 13th-century Gandikota Fort – an intricately-carved citadel made of red sandstone.

Few sights in Republic of india can beat Gandikota in instilling stupefying awe. Peering over the edge of this behemothic hole in the ground is enough of a thrill for some, but to actually capeesh the coulee's grandeur, i tin can hike all the way up to the top of the gorge for unforgettable views of the river Pennar flowing through the forested canyon.

5. Loktak Lake

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The largest natural freshwater lake in northeastern Republic of india, Loktak Lake is home to unique ecosystems called 'Phumdi' (a Manipuri word meaning floating mats of soil, vegetation and organic affair). Resembling miniature islands, thesephumdis are found in various forms, floating on the picturesque freshwater lake that serves as a lifeline for the communities living around it.

What makes the Loktak Lake even more special is the Keibul Lamjao National Park located at the s western part of the lake. It is the world's only floating national park and is home to the endangered Manipuri brow-antlered deer, Sangai. The biodiversity hotspot is likewise abode to 233 species of aquatic plants, more than than 100 species of birds, and 425 species of animals!

6. Hogenakkal Falls

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It is not for aught that this breathtaking waterfall is called Hogenakkal ("smoking rocks" in Kannada) — after winding its fashion through a placid valley between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the river Cauvery cascades from a tiptop of 150ft, creating a spray so strong that feels more than like smoke than mist.

Bounded by giant blackness granite rocks on either side, Hogenakkal is not 1 huge waterfall just a series of smaller falls that merge into a stream meandering towards the hills in the distance. A peaceful coracle ride on this stream takes yous to a makeshift market place of freshly fried fish while also letting you lot have a closer wait at the little caves dotting the craggy cliffs lining its shore.

seven. Living Root Bridges

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Centuries quondam living bridges over swift flowing streams provide a stable alternative to the easily destroyed wooden bridges in the fiesty rainy season of Meghalaya'south Cherrapunji. Some well-known examples are the 180-year-one-time Nongriat double decker bridge, the Ritymmen Root Bridge (the longest at 30 thou) and the Mawsaw Root Span (that has several natural swimming holes nearby).

Synthetic past the native Khasi tribe, these bridges have been built by tangling the naturally growing roots of Ficus Elastica rubber trees (native to the region) through hollow betel nut tree trunks to form a structure that grows stronger over the years. Once congenital, they don't demand maintenance, with thickening roots enhancing the solidity of the base and smaller vines growing into a protective railing.

8. Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat

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Perched on the banks of Narmada river, most 25 km abroad from Jabalpur, the marble rocks of Bhedaghat are emblematic of the region'southward ancient geology, characterized by marble-like limestone rocks, all lifted over eons into its present rugged relief. The white-grey of these rocks is due to the presence of a large amount of magnesium, which also lends it a soapstone-like texture.

At Bhedaghat, it's not just the height (nearly 100 feet) that impresses, but as well the stunning spectacle created by the massive rock cliffs rise upwardly perpendicularly from the placid blue-green waters of the river. One can take a rather rickety gunkhole ride through the iii km gorge that runs betwixt these canyon-like cliffs or make a brusque detour to soak in the imperial beauty of the nearby Dhuandhar waterfall.

9. Sangetsar Lake

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Formed as a result of an earthquake, Sangetsar Lake in Arunachal Pradesh is spellbinding in its beauty. This proper noun of high-altitude lake is actually pronounced as Sho-Nga-seir by locals, after the Shok-Tsen hamlet that was transformed into a lake due to an earthquake in 1971. It is too known every bit  Madhuri Lake, after the actress shot here for the movie Koyla, and is deeply revered by Buddhists in both India and Tibet.

Numerous dead tree trunks, which were in one case alive before the earthquake, emerge from the serene waters of the lake creating a hauntingly picturesque imagery before visitors. Exercise notation that a special permit from the District Commissioner's (DC) office at Tawang (nearly xxx kms abroad) is required to visit this lake.

x. Floral Blooms at Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand) and Kaas Plateau (Maharashtra)

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Ane of the about beautiful floral flower phenomena in the world, the Valley of Flowers is a spectacular natural testify of over 500 species of tall blossoms that takes place in the lush meadows of Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve between June and October. Now on UNESCO'southward Globe Heritage List, information technology was discovered by three British mountaineers in 1930.

The every bit stunning yet distinct floral blossom of Kaas plateau takes identify in Maharashtra's Satara district between September and early on October. The soil of this unique plateau is fabricated up of large quantities of basalt, which makes it ideal for the interesting and vibrantly coloured species of flowers that blossom here (like orchids and insectivorous plants).

So the next time yous're travelling to these two states, consider calculation some flower power to your trip!

11. Hide and Seek Beach

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The beautiful Chandipur beach, located in the Balasore district of Odisha, is a habitation to a miracle that is rarely seen in any other part of the globe. Every day, the body of water here recedes during ebb till information technology virtually seems to disappears and and then comes back later in order to make full up the massive void during high tide.

This hide-and-seek of the bounding main comes to play twice a mean solar day and is the reason why the beach is home to a host of unique species (like the horseshoe crab and the reddish crab). Its a surreal experience to watch the bounding main disappear before your eyes and walked on the exposed sea bed that extends for about five kilometres.

12. Magnetic Hill

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A mysterious spot where the laws of gravity seem not to apply, Ladakh'southward Magnetic Hill has been baffling visitors for years. Perched at a height of 14,000 feet above sea level, the colina is located on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar national highway, about 30 km from Leh. As one reaches the spot, a sign along the route invites y'all to stop your car over a white foursquare (marked on the route) before switching it off while in neutral gear.

If you follow these instructions, the car appears to roll uphill on its own at speeds of 10-xx km per hour. The reason for this strange occurrence is actually goose egg merely an optical illusion that the downhill road is actually an uphill route. Interestingly, a similar phenomenon tin be observed at the Kalo Dungar hills of Bhuj.

13. Yana Rocks

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The hitting blackness monoliths of Yana hamlet prevarication nestled among the primeval jungles and rolling hills of Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district. Fabricated of crystalline Karst limestone, the formation has two prominent rock outcrops (known equally Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara). At the base of the soaring rock giants lies a cavern temple that hosts an almanac festival during Maha Shivratri.

Reachable through a 3 km trek, Yana rocks too find some interesting mentions in local folklore, which the temple'due south priest is only too happy to narrate. Interestingly, Yana'south monoliths were relatively unknown spot until a few years ago when they shot to fame after beingness shown in the Kannada motion-picture show,Nammoora Mandara Hoove!

14. Krem Liat Prah Cave

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The southern slopes of the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya take more than a chiliad caves and crevices, and non all of them have been explored yet. Among these is the longest cavern in India, Krem Liat Prah Cave, that was discovered in 2006. It is considered to exist around 34 km long, however its length may extend manifold if nearby cave systems turn out to be connected.

A fantastic spot for spelunking, or caving, Krem Liat Prah Cavern greets y'all with rugged rock formations, breathtaking stalactites, narrow passages, shallow pools and spooky reflections. Exploring this cave is a thrilling experience y'all volition not forget presently — expect to climb,  squeeze, duck and fifty-fifty crawl as you Indiana Jones your way through information technology!

15. Opposite Waterfall at Sinhagad

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Located on the crest of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Malshej Ghat falls along the only motorable road between Kalyan and Ahmednagar. Perched along this scenic ghat lies Sinhagad Fort, a favourite weekend getaway of Punekars (the city lies about 25 km away). Every monsoon, the mountainside forth this stretch undergoes a makeover, with lush greenery and gurgling streams breathing life into the dusty dark-brown earth.

It is only during this season that one can see a reverse waterfall about the Sinhagad fort. A rare gravity-defying miracle, reverse waterfalls are formed during heavy monsoon when h2o starts flowing upward due to the high pressure of the winds. Other than a gorgeous trek and photo-ops, a visit here too provides the uniquely enjoyable experience of standing at the elevation of a waterfall (backside a guarded railing) and getting drenched in its reverse-flowing water!

16. Mud Volcanoes

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A rare geological phenomena, mud volcanoes are formed by emission of depressurized pore water and natural gases from decaying organic matter underground, accompanied by loud explosions and fire flares. This gradually forms a miniature volcano with rich, creamy mud crater at the height.

As per available records, the first observed mud volcano explosion on Baratang isle was observed in March 1983 in Nilambur hamlet. Called jalkis by the locals, these mud volcanoes take been sporadically erupting since and so. In 2004-05, the mud volcano eruptions witnessed a spurt due to increased seismic activity in the region (associated with the 2004 Indian Bounding main convulsion)

17. Umngot River

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A fiddling-known gem, river Umngot flows through Dawki, a pocket-size but busy town in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district that is a mere 95 km away from the capital Shillong. The site of a boat race held in March-April every year, the river (that extends into the plains of Bangladesh) is famed for the incredible clarity of its waters that makes it almost completely transparent.

Thus, one to clearly see both the river'southward thriving aquatic life and its rock-strewn river bed from the boats of the local fishermen (or the unmarried-bridge intermission bridge hanging over the river). At times, the water is and so clear that, when seen from a altitude, it appears equally if boats dotting the river's emerald-green surface are floating in mid-air!

18. St Mary's Isle

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Also known as Coconut Isle or Thonsepar, St Mary's Island lies off the coast of Malpe in Karnataka. Renown for its unique hexagonal columns of basaltic lava, this pristine little island is believed to have been a halt for Vasco Da Gama during his journey to Kerala. In 1979, it was declared a national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India.

Interestingly, while ane half of the island are dotted by these rock pillars, the other half is a shellfish haven, with all kinds of seashells and pebbles (broken shells smoothed by years of relentless wave activity) carpet the beach.

nineteen. Belum Caves

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Approximately 275 kms from Bangalore, in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, sit the longest caves on the plains of Bharat – the Belum caves.These caves, which go their name from the Sanskrit wordbilum (pigsty), were formed by the action of h2o flowing on limestone deposits over millions of years, forming stalactites, stalagmites, siphons, sink holes, and water galleries.

Intricate formations and sculptures — such equally Simhadwaram, Voodalamari and G Hoods —created past nature add immensely to the attraction of the Belum caves. 1 of the most interesting features here is theSaptasvarala Guha ( the chamber of seven notes) where the stalactite formations produce musical sounds when struck with a wooden stick or knuckles.

twenty. Barren Isle

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Surrounded by nothing merely h2o for miles, Barren Island in the Andaman Sea provides glimpses of nature at its most primordial. Situated at the cross of the seismically agile Indian and Burmese plates, the uninhabited isle is 1.8 one thousand thousand years old and provides a place of residual for big marine creatures like turtles, manta rays and reef sharks on their migrations.

The sand on the island's narrow beaches has a deep purple-black hue. At places where the shrub-covered slopes reach the sea, steam rises in swirling spirals equally if reaching for the heaven. A identify where one can literally witness planet-building in action, a visit to Barren Isle promises to be an electrifying feel.

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