36

Toda

y’s

Trav

elle

r •

Sept

embe

r 20

14

ESCAPEOFF BEAT TRAVEL

It’s Really WHackyTechnicoloured mountains, underwater waterfalls and strange islands are just a few of the world’s bizzare destinations. Today’s Traveller takes you to some of the earth’s places that still surprise

Toda

y’s

Trav

elle

r •

Sept

embe

r 20

14

37

PRADIPNA LODH

You 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.

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

38

Toda

y’s

Trav

elle

r •

Sept

embe

r 20

14

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.Trip tip: It’s best to visit the lower Antelope either in the early morning 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.

Underwater waterfall, Mauritius

Antelope Canyon, USA

Toda

y’s

Trav

elle

r •

Sept

embe

r 20

14

39

Magnetic Hill, Ladakh

ZhAngyE DAnxiA lAnDforM, ChinAThe 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, inDiAMove 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.

Zhangye Danxia Landform, China