Travels
Caves have attracted humans
since ancient times. Primitive people used them for housing; modern people are attracted to their beauty and secrets. Today, speleological tourism is very popular, the purpose of which is to travel through natural underground cavities.
We offer you a selection of fantastic caves that will inspire you on your next trip and become an unforgettable underground adventure. Or just enjoy watching.
Underworld
1. Longyu Grottoes China
In 1992, Shiyan Beikun, a resident of the Chinese village, based on his guesses, decided to pump water out of the pond. He believed that the pond was not bottomless and natural. After 17 days of pumping, the water level dropped enough to open a flooded entrance to the artificial cave. Today, these are 24 unconnected, man-made caves. The estimated construction time is 212 BC.
The total area of all the caves found is more than 30,000 square meters, and the height in some rooms is up to 30 meters. At the same time, the technology for carrying out these workings and for what purposes these caves were cut down remains unknown. All these facts make caves one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Currently, only 5 caves are open to tourists. The caves have stairs, pillars, and exquisitely carved figures. In addition to regular excursions, various cultural events are held here.
2. Son Dung Cave (Shendong) Vietnam
In addition to the fact that this is the largest cave in the world, it is also a separate world, with its own river, jungle and microclimate. The cave is located in Vietnam in Quang Binh Province, in Phong Nha Kebang National Park. This cave has been familiar to locals since 1991, and in April 2009 it was discovered by a group of British speleologists.
The cave is so huge that it can fit a 40-story house. The largest platform is 5 km in length, 200 meters in width and 150 meters in height.
Read also: 20 of the most unusual vacation spots on Earth
3. Puerto Princesa Underground River Philippines
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is officially recognized as the longest river on Earth and is located in the Philippines, on the island of Palawan. The cave is one of the largest in the world. The height of the cave dome is up to 65 meters and the width is up to 140 meters. The river is 8 km long and can be reached by boat 4 km from the sea.
However, river cruises are only allowed 1.2 km deep into the cave. The fact is that there is very little oxygen in the depths of the cave and this is not safe for tourists. But this is enough to admire stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoy a walk.
4. Ozark Missouri Cave
The Ozark is a large limestone plateau in the central part of the United States, also known as the country's special cultural and tourist center. The plateau is composed mainly of Paleozoic limestone and is subject to water and wind erosion, and therefore is heavily dissected by rivers.
The cave is located in a remote part of Lake Ozark Park. This is a short but fairly wide cave that has been open to visitors since 1952. You can admire helictites and stalagmites in the cave. It is home to four species of salamanders, four types of bats and 16 invertebrates.
5. Underground gardens in Fresno California
Forestiere's underground gardens are located in Fresno, California. They were organized by Baldasaro Forestiere, an emigrant from Sicily. He bought several acres of land with the money he saved while building a subway in New York and decided to grow a citrus orchard. When digging, it turned out that the land is not suitable for gardening – a solid stone. But the Italian did not give up. This is where the experience of building the subway came in handy. I decided to dig up catacombs – you can grow citrus fruits in pots, and you will live comfortably.
The gardens were created and developed over a period of 40 years, from 1906 to 1946. In addition to citrus fruits, Forestiera decided to plant roses, grapes, pomegranates, avocados, and date palms. Despite the fact that there is not much light at all, the trees still bear fruit regularly and look young and strong, and the whole garden is fragrant.
Salt cave
6. Turda Salt Mine Romania
The mine is located in the small town of Turda, 35 km from the largest city in Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca. Archaeological excavations show that salt mining in this area was carried out even before the arrival of the Romans. But salt mining, in the sense in which this concept is defined today, began here in the 11th and 13th centuries. Salt mining at the salt mine ceased in 1932 and reopened in 1992 as a health center and for tourists to visit.
In addition to wellness treatments, you can ride the Ferris wheel, play billiards and mini golf. The temperature in the mine stays at 10-12 degrees all year round, so it's also a good place to spend time hiding from the summer heat.
Read also: Underground human colonies on Mars
7. Reed Cave Flute China
One of the most luxurious caves in China is the reed flute cave. Carved out of karst limestone mountains over millions of years, this natural formation is one of Guilin's most famous landmarks. It was discovered in the forties of the last century by a group of refugees. The cave is over 180 million years old, 500 meters long and has 3 exits.
Inside the cave, there are many stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations that create amazing spaces inside the rock. In one of the cave halls there is a small lake, which is considered to be the most beautiful of the underground lakes. Walking across the suspension bridge, tourists can admire the unique forms of rock formations. Together with neon lighting, this creates a truly unforgettable sight.
8. Springbrook National Park Australia
The Natural Bridge, a natural arch that crosses Cave Creek (a tributary of the Nerang River), is the most amazing part of Springbrook Park. This amazing natural phenomenon was formed due to the impact of a waterfall, which literally carved a cave into the rock over thousands of years.
Swimming is not allowed here. Colonies of glowing worms (larvae of rare mushroom mosquitoes) were found in the cave Creek and, in order to preserve the population, the stream was closed for water treatments.
9. Waitomo Glowing Caves – Glormore New Zealand
In New Zealand, near Waitomo, there are karst caves that attract tourists from all over the world. These caves owe their popularity mainly to the colonies of fireflies that live in the caves. The Waitomo Caves are about 150 karst caves where you can see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
But it was the fireflies that create a bluish-green glow that made the caves a world attraction. Threads with droplets of adhesive, illuminated by larvae, look especially bizarre.
10. West Norwood Cemetery UK
Graveyard? Why not. Norwood Cemetery is a unique monument of Victorian ritual architecture. This is one of seven cemeteries commonly referred to as the Magic Seven. Lying under the city, with more than 95 vaults, the West Norwood Catacombs were consecrated in 1937.
Norwood Cemetery is located on the site of the oldest oak forest, from which the district's name is derived. Here you can see oaks dating back to the 16th-17th centuries. More than 200 people from the British “National Biographical Dictionary”, which contains information about prominent figures of the country, are buried in West Norwood.
11. The Enchanted Well Brazil
In Brazil, Chapada Diamontina Park has preserved a corner of pristine nature. The Enchanted Well, or Poco Encantado, isn't really a well. It's more of a giant pool filled with breathtakingly clear water. The well is 37 meters deep, but the water is so clear and clear that you can clearly see tree trunks that have been resting on the bottom for hundreds of years.
The magic begins around noon when the sun's rays penetrate the cave and reach the surface of the water. The whole cave is filled with gentle sapphire light, and the water turns from colorless to deep blue. This happens every year during the first summer months. Swimming is strictly prohibited. The Brazilian authorities are doing everything to preserve this pristine beauty. This is understandable.
You've probably heard that traveling changes people. But when you come back from Turkey or Egypt again, you don't feel any changes in yourself. Maybe you went to the wrong place. Try changing your usual
route to all-inclusive hotels to something different. Changes will not be long in coming.