Beyond The Geography Textbooks: 12 Astounding Natural Wonders in India

It is one thing to enjoy gazing at the architectural delights that man has created on this planet. They are undoubtedly surreal and exciting to study. But the natural wonders? They are breathtaking creations that are beyond human understanding; a spectacle that has come to exist in a way we could never imagine! They are a result of millions of years of geological processing or one-time phenomena that left a lasting mark. And in some cases, you don’t know how, where, or when it came to life!

It is fascinating to know that India has several such astounding natural wonders. They never fail to evoke a sense of humility and remind us that a larger force of the Universe is at work here. We are part of an extravagant plan that nature has designed, and it is peaceful to let it run its course. If you are someone who is always intrigued by nature’s play, then you must visit these 12 Natural Wonders in India. It is an adventure that you must set out on!

You might also want to check out – WITNESS THE WONDERS OF INDIA AT THESE 17 BEST ADVENTUROUS PLACES

It is convenient to know that ourHotels are available close to these magnificent places, so you don’t have to worry about your affordable accommodation.

Without any further delay, let us get all the deets about some of the best unexplained yet mind-boggling natural wonders in the Indian subcontinent.

The Natural Wonders of India

1) Magnetic Hill – Leh

First and Foremost, the Magnetic Hill is a beautiful tourist hotspot in Leh, a place that falls close to Jammu and Kashmir. The snow-laden mountains overlook steep valleys that embrace silence like it were their long-lost friend. When you reach Magnetic Hill, you will be surrounded by the aloft mountains, the Indus River on one side, and silent breezes that caress your face. The Magnetic Hill is special because gravity seems to go ‘Kaput!’ here. When you park your car at the edge of the hill and move the gear to neutral, the automobile will move uphill instead of downhill. Though the car is in fact moving downward, the topographical design of the Hill will create this illusion. 

2) Aleya Ghost Lights – Sundarban

Now, this is where the natural wonders take a supernatural turn. The Aleya Ghost Lights, also called the Ghost Orbs are a famous phenomenon seen in the Sundarbans of the West Bengal region. These marsh lights are an integral part of the local folklore and mythological tales. They are found over the wet marshlands and people claim that the glow seems to follow boats and fishing groups. They believe them to be the spirits of dead fishermen. Scientists believe that the illuminating eerie brightness in the dark is a result of dinoflagellates that emit light. They appear as floating orbs because of the water currents. But no one can state the reason with 100% certainty. 

3) Chandipur Beach – Orissa

This beach plays ‘peek-a-boo’ with you! Chandipur Beach is one of the most serene and untouched beaches in Orissa. It is also adjacent to the Integrated Test Range (ITR) of the Indian Government so do not be surprised if you see some missiles across the sky! The fascinating thing about Chandipur-sea Beach is its disappearing shoreline. During the low tides twice a day, the sea recedes up to 5 kilometers and reveals the land that was previously submerged. This is the time when visitors can indulge in activities like horse riding on the sandy shore, beach volleyball, and swimming with the waves. It is one of the most sought-after natural wonders during the winter months!

4) Marble Rocks – Jabalpur

The Jabalpur rock formation is one of the natural wonders that will make you think how such a humongous marble structure came to be without a human’s contribution. The rocks extend up to a height of 100 meters and stretch across 8 km. Surrounded by the Narmada River, the towering marble structures leave a serene shadow on the waters. The specialty of this place is that these formations have a translucent nature. As the light from the morning rays falls on them, they glow impressively, and the grandeur is something you ought to witness. The interplay of light and the shadow that the rocks cast on each other enhance the beauty and allure of this tourist attraction.

5) Balancing Rock – Mahabalipuram (Krishna’s Butter Ball )

There are so many speculations as to how this balancing rock in Mahabalipuram was constructed or ‘if’ it was constructed. But most of the people out there, including scientists conclude that it is indeed a natural wonder. The balancing rock stands on a slope with a definite balance without rolling down. It is awe-inspiring to see how earthquakes, heavy downpours, or even elephants couldn’t move the rock at its place. It is close to impossible to achieve such precision and balance if you are constructing such a huge boulder. Also, mythological tales say that the rock is in fact Lord Krishna’s ball of butter that he dropped down in his childhood. 

6) Lonar Lake – Maharashtra

Lonar Lake is the natural wonder that the universe bestowed upon us 50,000 years ago. India’s only hyper velocity impact crater was formed in a ballistic rock when a 1.8 km diameter meteorite hit the Earth. It now stands as a green, saltwater lake that is also alkaline. It surprises scientists to see that the water body is home to some of the rarest microorganisms that are not found anywhere else in the world. The emerald surroundings and the mesmerizing weather make this place a must-visit when you go to the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.

If you are fascinated by lakes, then you will definitely want to read this blog – 10 MOST SPECTACULAR LAKES IN INDIA TO EXPLORE NOW!

7) Manikaran Hot Water Springs – Parvati Valley’s Natural Wonder

Manikaran is a significant religious pilgrim site both for the Hindus and the Sikhs. The natural hot water springs are a result of vigorous geothermal and volcanic activity beneath the Earth’s surface. The warmth is the reason these waters are high in activated minerals that benefit our health. People dip and bathe in the pools of sulfur-rich moisture to get rid of underlying medical issues or wash away microorganisms. It is also believed that Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati blessed these lands to be prosperous and holy. Despite the chilling cold weather of the Himalayan mountains, these hot springs retain their high temperatures in all seasons. 

8) Reverse Waterfall – Lonavala

You will find this natural wonder at the Tiger’s Point of Lonavala. So, fetch your warm clothes and raincoats because you can see this spectacle more vividly only during the monsoon months. When there is a heavy downpour in the region, the water flows down the hills and cliffs surrounding Tiger Point. However, due to the unique topography and wind patterns, the water appears to defy gravity and flow upwards, resembling a reverse waterfall. This phenomenon happens because the wind carries the tiny droplets of water and moves upward, creating an impression as if the waterfall is moving toward the sky. 

9) Twin Root Bridges – Meghalaya

Ficus elastica is a plant that is famous for its elaborate roots that can extend infinitely if they do not find a spot to intervene and connect. In the heavenly state of Meghalaya, you will come across the twin root bridges that are formed by the strong Ficus elastica branches that grew and intervened to form natural bridges. They are so strong that humans use them as their only source to cross the river and get to the other side. Each day, these thick roots are only growing plumper, adding more sturdy roots to the pack and do not require constant maintenance like the conventional bridges. People consider this phenomenon to be mother nature’s gracious gift to the tribes. Now, it is astonishing to know that the twin bridges have been intact for more than 500 years!

10) Amarnath Linga – Jammu and Kashmir

The Amarnath cave is at an altitude of 12,756 feet and remains to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Shaivites. In these caves is the ice linga that has a breathtaking form even without the craftsmanship of a human being. The dripping drops of cold water freeze to form ice and create a Shiva linga. As the moon changes shape and goes from a full round to a diminished arc, the linga also changes. With the waxing and waning of the moon, the ice linga decreases and increases in size. This natural wonder is something no one could explain, and people believe this to be the place Lord Shiva told his consort, Parvati, about his immortality and worldly responsibilities. 

11) Needle Hole Point – Mahabaleshwar

It is hard to believe that this marvel is completely natural and no human fiddled with its formation. The Needle Hole Point or the Elephant Head Point in Mahabaleshwar is a viewpoint that offers panoramic glimpses of the surrounding valley. Adding to that joyful experience is seeing a rock formation that resembles the head of an elephant and a long trunk that extends forward. If you look keenly, it is easy to spot the details – the big ears and open eyes overlooking the emerald-green valley. The vantage point attracts a large number of tourists and photographers every year. It is one of the most sought-after sunset points in Mahabaleshwar, where the golden hues illuminate the place in sheer grandeur. 

12) Belum Caves – Andhra Pradesh

The Belum Caves are not man-made and stand as one of the deepest and lengthiest natural wonders in the country. It has a depth of 150 meters and a length of over 3 kilometers. The natural wonder was formed because of the extensive groundwater flow for millions of years, coupled with limestone erosion. The cave system showcases a variety of stunning rock formations, including stalactites (hanging formations from the ceiling), stalagmites (upward-growing rocks from the ground), and pillars formed by the fusion of stalactites and stalagmites. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has worked hard in the past to make Belum Caves one of the finest tourist destinations in the state. It has arranged for museums and information centers near the caves. Also, there are restrooms available for tourists, seeing how you have to travel far to spot one.

At the end of the day, when we think we’ve seen everything, nature has another surprise down its sleeve! It always entertains curious minds and introduces splendid things that we would otherwise not hear about. These are only the 12 best natural wonders that every travel enthusiast must check out. If you dig deeper, you can find several such places that will definitely ignite a fire of mystery and thrill in people. 

Have you been to any natural wonder that was as bewildering yet gorgeous as the ones we mentioned? Let us know in the comments section below!