Vaadhoo Island
Vaadhoo Island is one of the most
extraordinary Maldivian resort islands,
known for its captivating
bioluminescent beaches, that glow
like a million stars in the water.This
happens because a tiny
microorganism, a phytoplankton
called a “dinoflagellates”, reacts with
oxygen under the water and is
triggered to produce this blue glow
when it feels movement. It’s because
of this reason this island received the
name “Island of Stars”. This paradise is
part of the Raa Atoll and is among its
few inhabited islands (just over 500
people live here).
Die Rakotzbrück bridge
The Die Rakotzbrück bridge is
another stunning place and could
also be classified one of the weirdest in
the world. Constructed in the 19th
century is famed for its unique
construction accuracy, with the bridge
and its reflection merging into a
complete and perfect stone circle, no
matter where you see it from.
Numerous Devil’s Bridges were built
during medieval times. These bridges
are masonry bridges that are either so
spectacular or so challenging to build
that only the devil could have helped
with their construction. The legend
goes that the devil helps to build the
bridge in exchange for soul of the first
human who crosses the bridge. Each
bridge has its own unique folktale.
The Eternal Flame Falls
The Eternal Flame Falls is one of the
most thought-provoking and awe
striking places in the world. It is a
quaint waterfall located in Shale Creek
Preserve, which is a section of
Chestnut Ridge Park in Western New
York. A small item at the waterfall’s
base emits natural gas. Interestingly, it
can be lit to produce a flame. This
flame is visible all year round. It can be
extinguished and must occasionally
be re-lit. The flame is fueled by natural
gases and burns bright right under a
waterfall.
Location: New York, the US
Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach: Fly to New York and take
a train to Buffalo. From here, take a
train or bus to Orchard Park where the
falls are located.
Arashiyama bamboo grove
Located at the foot of the “Storm
Mountains” in the north of the city of
Kyoto, this world-famous, seemingly
endless forest of swaying bamboo
boughs is perfect for a relaxing retreat
to nature during a stay in Japan.
The Arashiyama bamboo grove is
open 24/7 and admission is free. The
surrounding Arashiyama district,
known for unique fishing methods
which involve using trained cormorant
birds, is also well worth a visit.