There are several places on Earth that are so surreal or otherworldly in appearance that they almost seem like they belong in a fantasy world or on another planet. Here are seven such places.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, located in southwest Bolivia. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water covers the flat, creating a mirror-like effect that reflects the sky, making it seem as though you are walking on the sky itself.
Antelope Canyon, USA: Located in Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon known for its mesmerizing wave-like rock formations and vibrant colors. When sunlight filters through the narrow openings at the top of the canyon, it creates stunning light beams and patterns on the canyon walls.
Pamukkale, Turkey: Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural wonder consisting of terraces of white travertine cascading down a hillside. The travertine terraces are formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing from natural hot springs over thousands of years.
Mount Roraima, Venezuela/Brazil/Guyana: Mount Roraima is a flat-topped mountain located at the intersection of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. Its sheer cliffs and tabletop summit give it a surreal appearance, and it is often shrouded in mist and clouds, adding to its mystique.
The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan: The Door to Hell is a natural gas crater located in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. It was created when a Soviet drilling rig collapsed into an underground cavern, causing natural gas to escape and ignite. The crater has been burning continuously since 1971, creating a fiery spectacle in the desert.
The Wave, USA: The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in the Coyote Buttes area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the border between Arizona and Utah. Its undulating, swirling patterns and vibrant colors make it appear almost like a painting come to life.
Lake Hillier, Australia: Lake Hillier is a bright pink saline lake located on Middle Island in Western Australia. The vivid pink color of the lake is thought to be caused by the presence of algae and bacteria, though the exact reason is still not fully understood. Despite its unusual color, the lake is safe to swim in and is a popular tourist attraction.