India is a land full of mysteries and natural wonders crafted by Mother Nature that can blow your mind away. All these destinations are waiting to get their share of light from explorers like yourself. If you want to be left in awe, these are India’s 10 best natural wonders to check out on your next adventure:
Everyone loves a waterfall. Waterfalls are stunning and clean water bodies that often flow downwards from a mountain. We are all used to seeing and admiring waterfalls flowing downwards and there is nothing surprising about them. What if we tell you that you could witness it flowing upwards? The reverse waterfall in Lonavala is where you can see the phenomenon take place because of the extremely strong winds.
The simplest way to reach the waterfall is by taking the train to Malavli station. After that, you will need to reach the Lohagadwadi Village, post that you will need to trek the rest of the way. The hike can take up to 4 hours and might not be the easiest but the view from the top certainly will be worth it!
Best Time To Visit: The phenomenon can only be witnessed during monsoons. So plan your visit here between June and September.
Also Read: Best Bike Trips To Take Near Mumbai In Monsoon
Andaman and Nicobar islands is among the one-of-a-kind places in India. With clean beaches and ample natural beauty, Andaman and Nicobar islands are the ideal pick for a peaceful getaway. If you think the islands are all about the beaches, we will request you to hold your assumptions for a bit. Sure the beauty of beaches is a wonder in itself but in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, you can also witness India’s only confirmed active volcano.
The natural wonder is located on Barren Island at a distance of 135 km from Port Blair. The island is spread about 3 km in diameter. The last volcano eruption happened in 1991 and then again in 1994-95. This isn’t a place you can actually visit because come on, it is an active volcano! It exists on the seismically active tectonic plates in the Andaman Sea. You certainly can witness this from a safe distance from a ship or a private jet.
You can witness smoke and outbursts of light in the sky, from about half a kilometer of your jet. If you take the cruise, it certainly is going to be a compelling experience as your ship will be crossing through the vast majestic sea. Just a heads up that you will need visiting permits from the forest department to take the ride. There are no humans inhabiting the island thus it is known as Barren Island. If you ask us, its barrenness can also be the prime reason that it has maintained its surreal paradise vibe.
Best Time To Visit: You can not exactly visit the island but the winter season especially the months of November to February is most ideal for the trip. The winters will be ideal for a beachy holiday.
Also Read:7 Fun Things To Do In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
In the list of natural wonders, Manikaran natural springs is one popular tourist attraction. You can witness this magical phenomenon at Gurudwara Manikaran Sahab. It is a beautiful place of worship for the Sikhs located in close proximity to the beautiful Parvati River. Many visitors visit the Gurudwara to get the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji who is believed to have visited Manikaran in 1594. He was the first guru of the Sikhs and holds very significant importance in the religion. Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib has rooms available for stay and offers a free stay to the visitors.
Other than being a popular and aesthetically stunning place of worship, Manikaran is also famous for its hot springs. The natural hot water comes from the earth's core and carries away a lot of minerals such as sulfur. Manikaran is the only place in India where this phenomenon can be witnessed and is located at an altitude of 1,829 meters. The Gurudwara is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh and is only 4 km away from the town of Kasol.
You can definitely soak into the beauty of this natural wonder when you plan a trip to Kullu Manali or even Kasol. You can also have the delicious food of the langar which is cooked using the hot water from the springs. Many visitors also take a bath in the hot water spring and believe that it cleanses their souls. Whether your soul has the possibility of being cleansed or not, you certainly can visit the place for its peaceful charm.
Best Time To Visit: The summer months which is between April to June is the most ideal time to visit Manikaran. You definitely should avoid winters where there can be landslides and extreme cold in the mountains.
Also Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh
The Northeast part of the country has many gems waiting to be discovered. The region is blessed with natural beauty and Lotak Lake is one of its best natural wonders. It is located in Moirang town in the state of Manipur. The lake is loved by many and often visited by tourists for its supreme natural beauty.
It is a large breathtaking lake that spreads across a surface area of 250 to 500 square kilometers, depending largely on the rains. It is not only a pretty lake but it also plays a major part in the economy of Manipur. The lake serves as a source of water for drinking water, hydropower generation, and irrigation. A huge part of the livelihood of rural fishermen also comes from the lake.
If you are still wondering what’s so special about this lake, it's also the fact that it has floating circular swamps, which are known as “phumdis” locally. It is also known as a 'floating lake' because of the plenty of phumdis or masses of vegetation floating around. It is also the only floating national park in the country and an ideal place to appreciate different species of birds. When you visit the lake, you can also enjoy boating and other water sports near it.
Best Time To Visit: Visit the lake from February to March which are the driest months. You will be able to enjoy the lake without worrying about any rainy hazards.
Also Read: 7 Unique Things To Do In Northeast India
While talking about the natural wonders in India, how can we resist the pull of “Magnetic Hill”. If you think gravity is universal, let this place knock your boots off because this is where the scene comes crumbling. The Magnetic Hill is located in the magnanimously beautiful Leh. We all are familiar with the rule that gravity attracts things towards the earth, i.e they fall downwards when let free. But, in the case of “Magnetic Hill” objects appear to be moving uphill when let free.
Interestingly, this place is not exactly a hill but a downhill road. The layout area and surrounding slopes create the optical illusion of a hill. Whether it's a road trip or a solo journey, you definitely should check the place out that challenged all our known notions of science.
Best Time To Visit: Visit the place during the months of May to October so you can enjoy the gravity-defying experience without freezing yourself in the cold.
Also Read: Things To Do In Ladakh
As we said, India is a land of mysteries and we all love to get some brain juice pondering over the unsolved mysteries of the world. In the list of unsolved mysteries that also make for a great tourist attraction, Krishna’s Butter Ball makes the cut. Krishna's Butterball is a tremendously big granite boulder that has been a subject of fascination among scientists and tourists alike.
Also known as the ‘Balancing Rock’, it is located in the historically significant and aesthetically stunning town of Mamallapuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. The rock is magnanimous! To be precise, it is 20 feet high and is 5-meter wide but what makes it a wonder is the fact that it stands on a pretty slippery slope of a hill at less than 4 feet base. It creates an illusion of falling but has been standing intact for years. The history part about the rock also adds to its appeal. The rock got its name as Krishna's butterball because butter is believed to be the favorite food of Lord Krishna and the rock looks like a big blob of butter.
The rock is also known as 'Vaanirai Kal' in Tamil which translates to 'Stone of the Sky God'. Krishna is worshipped greatly in the state hence the rock got its name as a memoir of the Lord’s love for the butter and is also believed to fall from heaven. There have been plenty of questions around this rock such as how and when did it get here and how it stands still. Over the years many attempts have been made to remove it but none of them succeeded and the rock still stands still, literally.
Best Time To Visit: Plan your trip between the months of November to February. Take two or three hours free to visit the rock and try to visit it during the evenings.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu Travel Guide
One of the prettiest natural wonders in the country, the Valley Of Flowers is a must-visit place. It is a natural park nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas. As the name suggests, the Valley of Flowers is a valley that is blessed with some of the rarest, eye-pleasing, and scenic flora and fauna of the world. It is an impeccable wonder which has been declared National Park in 1982.
The national park is located in Chamoli in the state of Uttarakhand. You will need to trek to reach the Valley of Flowers. Once you finish the trek and reach the peak, the astonishing beauty of the rarest flora and fauna will be awaiting you. There are over 600 species of flowers present in the valley and the path leading to it is gorgeous. It is a world heritage site that will offer you the most exquisite view your eyes will ever witness.
Best Time To Visit: August To September is the ideal time to visit the Valley of Flowers because of clear weather and amazing views.
Also Read: The Valley Of Flowers Trek In Uttarakhand
Another stunning lake on our list of India’s best natural wonders is Lonar Lake. The lake is also known as the Lonar Crater and is a national geo-heritage monument. What makes it into our list of natural wonders is the fact that it is believed to be created by the impact of either a comet or an asteroid. The lake is ancient and is believed to be as old as 52,000 years.
If you are one of the travelers who yearn to catch unique natural phenomena, definitely head to Lonar Lake which turns pink because of haloarchaea's microbes. The lake is situated in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra state. A pink lake will truly be a sight to witness. Because of its distinct properties and uniqueness, Lonar Lake has also been declared a Wildlife Sanctuary.
Though not one of the easiest places to reach, the surrounding view from it is so worth it. There are plenty of temples and monuments around the lake so you will have a lot of things to explore. Plenty of guided tours are arranged in Maharashtra that can easily take you to the lake, so you can certainly check those out.
Best Time To Visit: Winters is an ideal time to visit the lake so plan your trip around November to January.
When you visit the state of Andhra Pradesh and think there can not be anything better than the mountains and stretched plantations, head to Gandikota Canyon to have your mind pleasantly blown. Gandikota is a small village located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Gandikota canyon is also known as the Grand Canyon of India which is a stunning gorge.
The canyon is a magnificent wonder that is believed to be constructed by the waters of the famous river Pennar that flows from the beautiful Erramala hills. Gandikota Fort is also located at the top of the canyon and you will need to do a small trek in order to reach there but the view from the top will be something you will never forget.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit the canyon is anytime when it is not too hot. Plan your trip around September to February to experience the beauty at its best.
If you want to lose yourself in the natural beauty and prefer a peaceful vacation, head to the gorgeous forests on Meghalaya. Here, you will witness the natural wonders of Living Root Bridges. A living root bridge, as obvious by the name, is a pedestrian bridge made of the roots of living trees. These bridges are mainly used for crossing rivers and helping folks to reach otherwise remote places.
If you enjoy knowing a bit of the history behind a natural wonder, you will be pleased to know that these bridges are made by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes. They are known to be the masters of the art of wrapping thick roots together to form a structure. These bridges have a capacity to hold more than 50 people and you will be astonished to know that Meghalaya has approximately 100 known living root bridges. So, whenever you plan your trip to the beauty of Meghalaya, make sure to check out these wonders.
Best Time To Visit: Viisigting Meghalayas during winters is the best thing you can do. June to October is when the state experience heavy rainfalls and the views are straight from a fairytale.
Summing Up
Traveling can open many doors for you and help you learn new things. The phenomenons that challenge our notions are certainly worth knowing and exploring. Luckily for you, In India, you will never run out of things to get awestruck by. We are certain that our list of India’s 10 best natural wonders will motivate you to keep your excitement alive in this otherwise mundane world.
Which Is The Eighth Wonder Of India?
The Statue Of Unity is the world’s tallest statue. Located in Kevadia, Gujrat, the statue was made as a tribute to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. It has been submitted to be considered the eighth wonder of India.
Which Natural Wonder Of India Is Situated In Uttarakhand?
Valley of Flowers is a stunning natural wonder of India that is situated in the beautiful Uttarakhand. The place has the most eye-pleasing flora and fauna and the trek to the valley is beauty in itself.
Is Taj Mahal Still A Wonder Of The World?
Yes, the Taj Mahal is a monument located in Agra and is one of the seven wonders of the world. The monument got its place on the list because of its impeccable architecture, beauty, and historical significance.
Is Lonavala Worth Visiting?
Lonavala ios home to a lot of nature spots, historical sites, and amusement parks. All of that, added with the pleasant weather of the hill station make it a treat to visit.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Andaman And Nicobar?
The best tie to visit Andaman and Nicobar islands is between October and May. This is when the eather is most pleasant and you can actually explore the islands to your heart's content.
How Is The Water In Manikaran Hot Springs So Hot?
Like any other hot spring, the water in Manikaran gets its heat from the deep cores if the planet.
Why Is Loktak Lake Famous?
Loktak Lake is famous for its beautiful floating swamps that are circular in shape. They are called Phumdis In the local language and essentially small masses of soil with flora grown all over.
What Happens On Magnetic Hill in Ladakh?
While the name has the word 'magnetic' in it, the hills aren't actually magnetic. They form an optical illusion that makes it look like the hills are going upwards, while they actually go downwards.
What Is Unique About Krishna's Butterball?
Krishna's Butterball is a 20 feet high and 5 meter wide rock that sits on a slippery slope of a hill. It gets it's name based on Krishna's favourite food, which happens to be butter!
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Valley Of Flowers In Uttarakhand?
The best time to visit the Valley Of Flowers is between July and mid-August, as that is when the flowers are in full bloom.
