8 of the world’s strangest geological terraces, formed over millions of years-Travel

When seeing the scenery at these limestone terraces, everyone longs to visit once.

The Travertine Rice Terraces are one of the strangest geological formations on Earth. Travertine is a limestone commonly deposited by mineral springs through the rapid precipitation of carbonate minerals. It usually settles in a terraced pattern when the water of a mineral spring falls down a hill or cliff.

Here are 8 wonders of travertine rice terraces from around the world.

1. Pamukkale (Turkey)

Pamukkale is also known as “cotton castle” in Turkish. When coming here, you will be overwhelmed by a beautiful smooth white calcium mountain. The travertine steps are filled with milky blue water, cascading, the view is unbelievably breathtaking.

It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988. Pamukkale has 17 hot springs, waters filled with calcium carbonate that have deposited layers of sediment over the centuries.

2. Huang Long (China)

Huanglong valley in northwest Sichuan province, China is famous for its terraced lakes of many colors such as yellow and blue. This place cuts across the snow-covered Minshan Mountains and a dense primeval forest.

Hoang Long terraced fields are described by UNESCO as “unique in Asia”. There is an ancient Buddhist temple located right next to this rice terrace which adds to its charm.

3. Semuc Champey (Guatemala)

Tucked away in the lush alpine forest of Alta Verapaz are sprawling turquoise terraces. Semuc Champey also means “where the river hides underground”.

Semuc Champey is also surrounded by caves, waterfalls and very easy to move to this place.

4. Mammoth Hot Springs (Wyoming)

This place is dense with travertine steps, it covers a whole hill, has many different colors from bright white to bronze. Much of the place is covered with stalactites, siliceous rock formations, making them look like an inverted cave.

This place is also a hot spot of geothermal activities. If you come here, you will be surprised to pass by an area containing strange limestone formations.

5. Badab-e Surt (Iran)

Formed during the Pleistocene and Pliocene epochs by two hot pools bubbling on a cliff 1.8km above sea level, the geological wonder Badab-e Surt is claimed to be the second largest limestone terrace in the world. world second only to Pamukkale.

The stairs are stacked on a craggy mountain, emitting a strange fiery orange-red light, the water inside is like crystal, reflected in the sky, creating an indescribable attraction.

6. Bagni San Filippo (Italy)

Set among Tuscany’s famous olive groves and vineyards, Bagni San Filippo is an area known for its beautiful white terraces. This place is located on the extinct volcano Monte Amiata, in the hills of the Val d’Orcia, surrounded by the forest of Monte Amiata.

The beautiful location of this place makes many people come to take a dip in the cave. The pools are blue where the hot springs and cold waters of the river meet.

7. Egerszalok (Hungary)

Egerszalok is conveniently located in Hungary’s famous wine region – Eger. This place stands out for its orange and blue-toned limestone steps that spill over the hillsides.

Locals believe that soaking in these pools will cure many diseases. The water here is 27,000 years old.

8. Plitvice National Park (Croatia)

In Croatia’s Plitvice National Park, there are 16 lakes that cascade down travertine terraces creating a stunning setting. Thanks to moss, algae, bacteria clinging to the limestone, the water flow rate is reduced, flowing evenly through the steep cliffs, covered with green vegetation.