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15 of the World's Most Naturally Beautiful Countries

With incredible natural scenery, these are 15 of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What is the most beautiful country in the world? When it comes to the Earth's diverse destinations, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, but there are some countries that have the upper hand when it comes to their natural resources.

From the red rock formations of the American West to the Maldives' pristine white-sand beaches , there are so many incredible places to visit, so we've rounded up 15 of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world as a starting point for your next big adventure . With majestic mountains, lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls , abundant wildlife, gorgeous coastlines, and much more, these countries offer undeniably stunning scenery that will wow any traveler.

From massive waterfalls to black-sand beaches , this island country is packed with unbelievable natural beauty. And depending on the time of year you visit , you can experience unique natural phenomena; during the winter months, you can spot the elusive northern lights over frozen waterfalls and icy landscapes, and come summer, you can hike among the lush scenery and soak in hot springs under the midnight sun.

Between the snowy French Alps, glamorous Riviera , rolling vineyard- and lavender-covered hills of Provence, verdant Loire Valley , and rocky coast of Brittany, is it any surprise France is often considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world? Plus, those natural resources provide us with French wine, cheese, and more, so what's not to love?

Made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia has everything from green terraced rice fields to beautiful beaches, dense rain forests, and more. The island of Bali is popular among travelers seeking vistas of intricate temples against backdrops of crashing ocean waves or rolling hills with a volcano in the distance.

United States

From sea to shining sea, the United States offers a wide range of picturesque landscapes. With the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Florida Keys , the magnificent Grand Canyon , the snow-capped peaks of Alaska , and the postcard-worthy California coastline , it would take years to fully explore the country's most beautiful places.

When you picture the perfect beach paradise, clear, turquoise waters and bright white-sand beaches — like those you'd find in the Maldives — probably come to mind. Above the water, you can take in views of the palm trees lining the beach from a thatched-roof overwater bungalow , and under the surface, you can explore another world of coral reefs and sea life.

Italy is a dream destination for so many travelers — and once you visit the first time, you'll be so enchanted by the country's natural beauty (and delicious food, incredible architecture, and friendly people) that you'll be ready to plan your next trip. It's hard to choose from the Tuscan hills lined with vineyards, the wanderlust-worthy Amalfi Coast , and the soaring peaks of the Dolomites , so we recommend visiting them all.

Switzerland

The alpine landscapes of Switzerland — defined by the breathtaking mountains and sparkling lakes dotted with charming villages and ski resorts — make this country a must-visit destination, particularly for outdoorsy types who love to hike and ski. In the winter, the country looks like a living snow globe, and during the summer, the snow melts to reveal green mountains and wildflowers.

Bamboo forests, relaxing hot springs, iconic Mount Fuji, and tropical beaches — you'll find all this and more on a trip to Japan. Plan your getaway during cherry blossom season to see the country's famous blooms for yourself.

Everyone knows that Costa Rica has incredible biodiversity, so nature lovers have to add this country to their travel list. Pretty beaches, the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, volcanoes, waterfalls, and tons of wildlife are just a few of the reasons why this is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the world .

Eight of the world's 10 tallest mountains, including the famous Mount Everest, are located in Nepal. The Himalayas are a draw for adventurous travelers hoping to test their climbing skills and endurance, as well as for those who just want to admire these impressive mountains from a distance. Of course, there's plenty more to see here, including diverse wildlife like rhinos, tigers, and more.

Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure

The Amazon Rainforest and Andes Mountains — home to Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain — are reason enough to visit Peru (along with the ceviche and Pisco). Huacachina is another natural attraction — it's the only natural desert oasis in South America. Today, it's home to a village, but the surrounding desert adds another unique landscape to the mix.

United Kingdom

Cities like London , Edinburgh, and Manchester might overshadow the United Kingdom's natural beauty, but there's plenty to see outside the major cities. From the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway to the dreamy Scottish Highlands , there's plenty to get out and explore in the U.K.

South Africa

South Africa offers a truly impressive array of landscapes, from the vineyards of wine country to safari destinations like Kruger National Park to the mountainous coastline. This variety means there's something for every type of traveler, with scenic views to match.

Another popular safari travel destination, Tanzania is home to the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. The country has two very popular national parks — Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, home to the iconic volcano, and Serengeti National Park. Tanzania also has a beautiful coastline and stunning islands like Zanzibar.

New Zealand

Outdoor adventure abounds in New Zealand , where you can cruise around Milford Sound's fjords, ski on the North or South Island, check out geothermal phenomena like geysers and mud pools, and admire the country's ancient glaciers.

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Best Destinations for Nature Lovers in Europe

You are a nature lover and want to discover Europe’s most beautiful sceneries, most beautiful parks, waterfalls and walks? You want to relax or play sport in Europe? Find inspiration for the best nature holiday in Europe , in the mountains or at the beach or even  green city breaks in the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

  Madeira, Portugal

Paradise flowers and rare birds on a dream island.

  Dordogne Valley, France

Discover more than you have ever learnt from books.

  Lahti, Finland

A nature lover’s wonderland!

  Bergen, Norway

Bergen lies between the world’s most beautiful fjords.

  Azores, Portugal

Wilderness is not a luxury.

  Reykjavik, Iceland

  Capri, Italy

One of the most beautiful islands in Europe.

  Cavtat, croatia

Discover the beauty of simple pleasure!

  Krk, Croatia

Spring in Krk is nature's way of saying, 'Let's have a party!'

  Gothenburg, Sweden

One of the most refined plant collection in Europe.

  Aix-les-Bains, France

Earth laughs in flowers.

  Algarve, Portugal

Majestic natural sites along the Atlantic.

  Lucerne, Switzerland

The spectacular world of the Alps.

Discover the most beautiful landscapes in Europe

  amiens, France

A city in the countryside.

  Eger, Hungary

Hiking, biking, meteor watching... and a lot more!

  Bonifacio, France

The other garden of Eden

  Sibenik, Croatia

A piece of heaven.

  Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife is a real hiker's paradise!

  Menorca, Spain

You like nature? Menorca is made for you!

  Zadar, Croatia

Beauty and seduction.

  Monte Isola, Italy

A green mountain emerging at the centre of Iseo Lake

  Corfu, Greece

The climate is excellent throughout the year.

  Saalbach, Austria

So fresh so pure.

  Biarritz, France

Sandy beaches, waves and mountains

  Dubrovnik, Croatia

Where nature and history meet.

  Grenoble, France

Explore the European Green Capital 2022.

  Mullerthal, Luxembourg

Nature is your playground.

  Malta Island

Take a look through the Azure window in Gozo.

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  Stari Grad, Croatia

Sunshine, freedom and nature.

  Bolzano, Italy

The moutains are calling.

  Kotor, Montenegro

Extraordinary nature

  Mont St-Michel, France

Even dolphins go to Mont Saint-Michel.

  Montreux, Switzerland

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

  Kitzbühel, Austria

A never ending nature

  Alpe d'Huez, France

As beautiful in summer as in winter.

  La Plagne, France

In winter or in summer, mountains are waiting for you.

  Miskolc, Hungary

Green is the prime color of Miskolc.

  Innsbruck, Austria

The nature at the doors of one of the best destinations in Austria.

  Istria, Croatia

Colors are the smiles of nature in Istria.

  San Sebastian, Spain

Much more than a city, a green resort for nature lovers.

  Samobor, Croatia

Relaxation in intact nature.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Parks & Nature Attractions

Nature & parks in moscow.

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• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
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1. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)

2. Kuskovo Estate

3. Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

4. Sokolniki Park

5. Victory Park

6. Aleksandrovskiy Sad

7. Aptekarskiy Ogorod Botanical Garden

8. Patriarch's Pond

9. Neskuchny sad

10. Moskvarium

11. Izmailovsky Park

12. Hermitage Garden

13. Moscow Zoo

14. Oceanarium RIO

15. Crocus Oceanarium

16. Lilac Garden

17. Park Zaryadye

18. Central Botanical Garden

19. Zaycafe

20. Serebryanyi Bor Park

21. Filevskiy Park

22. Meshherskiy Park

23. Sad Baumana

24. Boulevard Ring

25. Yekaterininskiy Park

26. Ostankino Park

27. MGU Botanic Garden

28. Park Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo

29. Losiny Ostrov National Park

30. The Tallest Cylindrical Aquarium in the World

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14 best European destinations for nature lovers

Explore the most beautiful places in Europe for nature, from where to go to how to afford the adventure. Here are the perfect destinations for nature lovers in Europe.

Feb 09, 2023

If you ask the Average Joe what Europe has to offer, he'll probably tell you to go to Europe for the charming cities, storied histories, narrow alleyways, best-in-class museums, and more culture than you can appreciate in a lifetime. 

But Europe also boasts some of the most beautiful destinations for nature lovers in the world , if only you're willing to get off the busy tourist track.

Here are the best European destinations for nature lovers to get your wanderlust-fueled wheels spinning.

• Switzerland: Bernese Oberland Region
• Montenegro: Durmitor National Park
• Scotland: Isle of Skye
• Germany: Black Forest
• Portugal: Algarve Coast
• Ireland: Dingle and West Coast
• Italy: Tuscany and Umbrian Countryside
• France: Chamonix
• England: Cotswolds Region
• Norway: Svalbard
• Slovenia: Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj
• Spain: The Camino de Santiago
• Netherlands: Keukenhof Tulip Fields
• Croatia: Take Your Pick

1. Switzerland: Bernese Oberland Region

When you think "Swiss Alps", this is the region you're dreaming of. In a concentrated area south of the Swiss capital of Bern, you'll find snow capped mountains, alpine lakes, and charming mountain towns, all connected by a challenging but well-marked system of hiking paths and reliable trains.

While the area will certainly tug on your pursestrings, there are strategies you can use to save money while traveling and make exploring in the Bernese Oberland manageable. 

Purchase a train pass to make travel in the area less of a burden or hike between towns instead of taking the train when possible. Cook for yourself (or live off of PB & J sandwiches like I did) instead of paying exorbitant restaurant prices. Stay in inexpensive hostels (I personally adore this one ), camp, or find a work exchange in Switzerland through Worldpackers .

2. Montenegro: Durmitor National Park

Famous for being one of the best places to travel in Europe on a budget , this tiny country along the Dalmatian coast also packs a nature loving punch, so much so that I had a hard time deciding which region deserved to be called out as the most scenic places in Europe to visit .

When I think back on my time  backpacking the Balkans , it's the walk I took around the Black Lake in Durmitor National Park that sings to my nature-loving soul. The country is so small that Durmitor National Park is never more than a day trip away, no matter where you are in Montenegro.

Runner up is the Bay of Kotor, a dramatic fjord-like region of crystal clear water and charming old towns built into dramatically arranged mountains. This region is only second fiddle because it's frequently visited by cruise ships and tends to be overcrowded during the day. 

Worldpackers offers a fine selection of exchange projects in Montenegro . Work a few hours a day and spend the rest of your time exploring all that this stunning country has to offer!

Check out  The best things to do in Montenegro .

3. Scotland: Isle of Skye

Looking to connect with nature as you travel ? Look no further than Scotland...

The entire country of Scotland is really one of the best countries to visit for nature lovers , even the country's capital city of Edinburgh boasts a beautiful mountain day hike called Arthur's Seat.

The northernmost island in the Scottish highlands feels like stepping back in time, a time when nature ruled over our hearts and minds. It is a tricky place to get to as public transportation is basically non-existent, but plenty of companies offer multi-day tours from Edinburgh or Glasgow if you aren't confident enough to drive in a foreign country.

4. Germany: Black Forest

If you want to feel like you're hiking through a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, head to Germany's Black Forest. It effortlessly makes for one of the best European destinations for nature lovers .

As the name suggests, you'll explore dense evergreen forests. The area is also well-known for thermal spas, vineyards, and coo-coo clocks (I can't make this stuff up!).

Worldpackers has exchange projects all over Germany . Choose from opportunities to  work in holistic centers  and  hostel management , on farms , and more.

5. Portugal: Algarve Coast

This one is for the water babies out there. The Southern Coast of Portugal makes a great shoulder season destination for nature lovers as it stays warmer and sunnier than much of the rest of Europe.

You come to the Algarve to enjoy some of the best beaches in Europe , many of which are bordered by picturesque cliffs and connected by caves and water-worn cutouts. While you certainly won't tire of a few days of lazy sunbathing here, don't miss out on sea kayaking in the area either.

For an extra boost to the budget, consider choosing a Worldpackers experience in Portugal  instead of a more typical accommodation. There are dozens of opportunities!

6. Ireland: Dingle and West Coast

For my money, Ireland is one of the most approachable and scenic places in Europe to visit .

The west coast, which is Ireland's most naturally rugged side, is filled with vista upon vista of stunning natural beauty. It's also home to a quaint little seaside town called Dingle. Dingle feels like a place that has more pubs than people, and is also a great base for exploring Ireland's surprisingly sandy shores.

Of course, you'll also find the Cliffs of Moher and the 13 km walking path that follows it along the west coast of Ireland as well.

On a more personal note, this Irish coast is where my personal solo travel story begins. Ireland made for an ideal first international solo trip for me as a fellow nature lover because of the lack of language barrier, friendly locals, and easy access to beautiful, natural views.

Check out the Worldpackers Ireland travel guide  to learn more about traveling and volunteering in Ireland . 

7. Italy: Umbrian Countryside

I know you've heard of the Tuscan Countryside in Italy, where rolling hills and world class vineyards seem to be painted in a thousand colors of soft green, but have you heard of the neighboring region of Umbria?

Boasting many of the same traits as its northern neighbor, Umbria is a budget traveler's Tuscany . 

You'll find inexpensive hostels and hotels in less-busy locations. It's also much closer to Rome, making it an easier region to visit if you're short on time.

Worldpackers offers a huge diversity of exchange projects in Italy (over a hundred to choose from!). Check out the full list — and the Worldpackers Italy travel guide  — to plan your bucket list trip today!

8. France: Chamonix

If you can't decide between France, Switzerland, or Italy, the French region of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the answer. It makes a great year-round destination for nature lovers because of the great skiing it offers in the winter and the excellent multi-day trekking in offers in the summer.

While this area won't be found on any budget-friendly destinations list anytime soon, you'll find that the payout is worth it. You can apply many of the same tips I offered from the Switzerland entry here. Cook for yourself, use your feet instead of taking to cable cars, and plan carefully.

The opportunity to stay a while exploring France sounds too good to be true, right? Luckily, Worldpackers offers some very unique exchange opportunities in France to extend your time there... and really make your experience memorable.

9. England: Cotswolds Region

For nature lovers who don't consider themselves adrenaline seekers, the English region of the Cotswolds might be just the ticket. This small area is dotted with little villages, many of which are connected by easy walking paths. 

If you're looking for calming destinations for nature lovers in Europe , take a stroll through the Cotswolds Jane Austen style... or simply browse through the Worldpackers selection of work exchange experiences in England .

10. Norway: Svalbard

The remote, glacial archipelago in Norway is one of the most beautiful places in Europe during the summer (it stays light for so long!) or winter (one of the prime places to see the northern lights). 

It's also a fascinating glimpse at the perseverance and adaptability of the human species, as it is one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas of the world, settled between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

If you're interested in taking a trip to Europe's Nordic countries, Worldpackers has several great  exchange experiences on offer in Norway .

11. Slovenia: Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj

I'm not the first one to sing the praised of Slovenia as one of the best European destinations for nature lovers and I won't be the last, but I might be the first to choose Lake Bohinj over photo-ready Lake Bled.

Nearby Lake Bohinj is still a playground for local Slovenians. Because you'll need a car to reach it, Lake Bohinj takes all of the beauty of Lake Bled and makes it pure and less touristed again.

Nearby Vintgar Gorge is also an excellent stop for nature lovers. It adds diversity to a day spent road tripping around the area.

Worldpackers has some amazing exchange experiences in Slovenia . All opportunities guarantee free accommodation and a chance to explore Slovenia's dramatic landscapes, curious traditions, and great food!

Planning a trip to Slovenia? Don't miss out the Slovenia travel guide .

12. Spain: The Camino de Santiago

Some part of my heart will always be on the Camino de Santiago. This ancient walking path, which technically has thousands of routes throughout Europe but is most often a path walked from the French/Spanish border to Santiago, Spain, is a nature lover's dream .

It combines all of the best parts of backpacking — the routine, the accomplishment, the reflection — with the ease of European travel — easy, cheap accommodation and clear routes. 

Worldpackers offers some very unique exchange projects in Spain . With over forty top-rated hosts  to choose from, what are you waiting for? 

13. The Netherlands: Keukenhof Tulip Fields

Let's scale the level of difficulty down a few levels, shall we? 

One of the prettiest places in Europe for nature has to be the Netherlands in the spring. It's tricky to time your travels correctly, but the flat, flower-filled country has a lot to offer.

Do as the locals do and rent a bicycle to see the flower fields up close and personal. Be cognizant of local laws and be respectful of each farmers' rules as you take in the natural beauty. 

Take your trip to the next level and deepen your travel experience by doing a Worldpackers exchange in the Netherlands ! 

14. Croatia: Take Your Pick

There is so much natural beauty in the country of Croatia that I actually can't choose.

Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park for waterfalls up the wazoo. Run to Rovinj and the Istrian peninsula for an off-the-beaten-path place. Hop around the islands for a healthy mix of sun, sand (er, pebbles), and party.

If you choose to do a Worldpackers experience in Croatia  you'll have the freedom to explore as much of the country as you want or do as little as you choose... while soaking up the sun on a stunning beach. 

Sound good? Thought so!

I hope this list of the most beautiful places in Europe for nature has helped you to see Europe as much more than cities and culture. It's all of it, in a very charming little bundle.

If glamping is something you'd like to consider, read about it on  Glamping in Europe: why and how to do it

Wherever your hiking boots take you next, consider a  Worldpackers exchange experience in Europe  as a partner in your planning. Work exchange has put off-the-beaten path destinations on my radar and made expensive, well-known ones significantly more affordable.

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Allyson Dobberteen

Allyson quit her corporate marketing job in July 2018 and has been traveling the world through work exchange ever since. The highlight reel includes tutoring English while sailing in Greece and becoming a live-in nanny for a traveling family in New Zealand and Australia.

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Sep 28, 2022

Je veux aller en Europe pour faire du bénévolat et apprendre beaucoup de choses et mettre à l'épreuve mes compétences et mes capacités. Merci

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Spain's 10 natural wonders

Oct 26, 2020 • 5 min read

From the snow-capped mountains to subterranean lava tubes, Spain's natural wonders are a must-see © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

Spain itself is a natural wonder. The Pyrenees and Picos de Europa are as beautiful as any mountain range on the continent, while the snowcapped Sierra Nevada rises up improbably from the sun-baked plains of Andalucía. The wildly beautiful cliffs of Spain’s Atlantic northwest are offset by the charming coves of the Mediterranean. Here are Spain's top natural wonders. 

Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Playa de la Concha

Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta ) in San Sebastian  is easily among the best city beaches in Europe. Tanned and toned bodies spread across the sand throughout the long summer months, when a fiesta atmosphere prevails. The swimming is almost always safe. At night, the view of the bay's twinkling lights and illuminated monuments is magical.

Picos de Europa 

Jutting out in compact form, just back from the rugged and ever-changing coastline of Cantabria and Asturias, the Picos de Europa comprise three dramatic limestone massifs, unique in Spain but geologically similar to the Alps and jammed with inspiring trails.

These peaks and valleys form Spain’s second-largest national park, with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country – no small claim considering the presence of the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The Picos de Europa deservedly belong in such elite company.

Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido 

This is where the Spanish Pyrenees really take your breath away. The national park extends south from a dragon's back of limestone peaks along the French border and includes Monte Perdido (3355m/7398ft), the third-highest summit in the Pyrenees.

The wonderful scenery of plunging canyons, towering cliffs, thick forests, rivers, waterfalls, snow peaks, mountain lakes and high-level glaciers makes this the place to head for if you can manage only one destination in the Spanish Pyrenees. 

Chief among the valleys and canyons slicing down from the high ground are the Valle de Ordesa (west), Cañón de Añisclo (south), Valle de Escuaín (southeast) and Valle de Pineta (east). The main access towns are Torla for the Valle de Ordesa; Aínsa for Añisclo and Escuaín; and Bielsa for Pineta.

Cueva de Tito Bustillo 

Some of Spain’s finest cave art, including superb horse paintings, probably done around 15,000 to 10,000 BCE, is within this World Heritage–listed cave in East Coast Asturias. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so reservations (online or in person) are essential. 

Of the cave's 12 clusters of paintings, only the Panel Principal (Main Panel; mostly deer, horses, goats and bison) can be visited. The one-hour visit (guided, in Spanish) includes some slippery stretches, and children under seven are not admitted.

Acantilados de los Gigantes 

These astonishing, dark rock cliffs soar sublimely 600m (1969ft) from the ocean, forging a magnificent natural geological spectacle right on the edge of Los Gigantes. Try to stop by when the sun sets for an added wow factor. The best views of the cliffs are from out at sea (there’s no shortage of companies offering short cruises) and from Playa de los Gigantes. You can clamber up and along to the end of Calle Tabaiba to a natural lookout point for superb views.

La Geoda de Pulpí

In 2019, the world's second-largest geode opened to the public in northeastern Almería's Sierra del Aguilón. Measuring an astounding 8m (26ft) long by 2m (7ft) tall, this rare geological marvel was discovered by Madrid-based mineralogists in the abandoned Mina Rica, where iron, lead and silver were mined until the Spanish Civil War. Guided tours lead visitors 60m (197ft) underground down corridors and metal steps, culminating with a chance to clamber inside the geode and view its dazzling collection of translucent gypsum crystals.

Asturian Coast 

According to one count, the emerald-green northern Spanish region of Asturias boasts more than 600 beaches. While the coolness of the Atlantic may be a drawback for those planning on catching some sun and taking the plunge, the beauty of many of these frequently wild and unspoiled stretches is utterly breathtaking. Even better, the villages of the coast and hinterland are among the prettiest anywhere along the Spanish shoreline, and the food served in this part of the country is famous throughout Spain.

Sierra Nevada

Providing Granada’s dramatic backdrop, the wild snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada range are home to the highest point in mainland Spain (Mulhacén, 3479m/11414ft) and Europe’s most southerly ski resort at Pradollano. The Sierra Nevada extends about 75km (47mi) from west to east, with 15 peaks over 3000m (9843ft). The lower southern reaches, peppered with bucolic white villages, are collectively known as Las Alpujarras.

Some 862 sq km (333 sq mi) are encompassed by the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada, Spain’s largest national park, designated in 1999. This vast protected area is home to 2100 of Spain’s 7000 plant species, including unique types of crocus, narcissus, thistle, clover and poppy, as well as Andalucía’s largest ibex population (around 15,000). Bordering the national park at lower altitudes is the 864-sq-km Parque Natural Sierra Nevada (334 sq mi).

Cueva de los Verdes

A yawning, mile-long chasm, the Cueva de los Verdes, located in Malpais de la Corona in Northern Lanzarote, is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube (23ft) left behind by an eruption 5000 years ago. As the lava plowed down towards the sea, the top layers cooled and formed a roof, beneath which the liquid magma continued to slither until the eruption exhausted itself. Guided 50-minute tours, in Spanish and English, run every 30 minutes; you'll wander through two chambers, one below the other.

The ceiling is largely covered with what look like mini-stalactites, but in fact no water penetrates the cave: the odd pointy extrusions are where bubbles of air and lava were thrown up onto the ceiling by gases released while the boiling lava flowed, and, as they hit the ceiling, they hardened in the process of dripping back down.

Piscinas de Punta Mujeres 

One of the most magical swimming spots on Lanzarote , this cluster of glittering turquoise natural pools dots the coast in the tranquil whitewashed fishing village of Punta Mujeres, 2km (1.2mi) northeast of Arrieta. A few ladders provide access to the pools, overlooked by sun-soaking spots.

A wonderful tapas bar, La Piscina , overlooks one of the most popular pools.

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• Travel Guides

42 Stunning Places You Should Look Forward To Visiting

The world is full of natural and surreal sights that will take your breath away. From stunning waterfalls, colourful rock formations and wondrous caves, these are some beautiful natural places in the world   you absolutely must see (and we’re sure you will be able to soon). So many beautiful places to see, and so little time!

Also Read: 44 Of The Most Beautiful Places In The UK

Here Are Some Beautiful Natural Places In The World You Can Plan To Visit (Once The World Goes Back To Normal)

1 see the starry bioluminescent waves.

These beaches may look like the stars have fallen, but the light is actually generated by bioluminescent phytoplankton. When they’re washed ashore by the tides, their chemical energy becomes light energy creating this breathtaking sight. The most famous location to see this is on the Sea of Stars Beach on the Raa Atoll in the Maldives. This is one of the most well-known beautiful natural places in the world.

Where to see: the Maldives, Thailand, Puerto Rico and Japan

2 Check Out The Columns At Fingal’s Cave

This amazing sea cave full of basalt columns is located on the uninhabited island of Staffa. The columns form hexagonal pillars that create a walkway so visitors can explore the cave. It was the source of many ancient Irish and Scottish Celtic legends. The cave has been a popular tourist destination since Victorian times and has inspired many artists.

Where to see: the island of Staffa, Inner Hebrides of Scotland

3 See The Massive Pit Of Fire At The Darvaza Gas Crater

Often called the ‘Door-to-Hell,’ this gaseous crater is located in the arid Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. It was set on fire by geologists in 1971 to prevent the spread of its methane gas, and it has been burning ever since.

Where to see: the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan

4 Witness Swarms Of Fish Along The Sardine Run

Between May and July, billions of sardines swim north across the Agulhas Bank along the east coast of South Africa. Their massive numbers create a breathtaking sight and are one of the world’s most spectacular marine events.

Where to see: the east coast of South Africa

5 See The Grand Canyon – It’s Famous For A Reason

This steep-sided canyon was carved by the Colorado River in Arizona over millennia. It is over 400 kilometres long and almost 2,000 kilometres deep. The canyon and its caves are full of Native American settlements. It is the only one of these seven natural wonders that have been inhabited for centuries.

Where to see: Arizona, USA

Also Read: The Amazing Seven Natural Wonders of the World

6 The Majestic Avenue Of The Baobabs Will Make You Feel Dwarfed

The road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in Madagascar is lined with majestic baobab trees. Known as the “Avenue of the Baobabs,” these ancient trees were once part of a rich forest. They are best seen at sunset or at sunrise when the colours of the trunks change and create spectacular long shadows on the ground.

Where to see: the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of Madagascar

7 Check Out The Annual Red Crab Migration

Every year between October and November an estimated 43 million of the Christmas Island red crabs rush across the land. While they usually live in forests, they migrate to the coast to breed and lay their eggs in the ocean. This natural phenomenon can last at least a week before the adult crabs return to the forests. Don’t miss this beautiful natural wonder for anything.

Where to see: Christmas Island, Australia

8 A Truly Colourful Sight Are The Rainbow Hills Of China

In the northern foothills of China are a series of picturesque mountains in Zhangye National Geopark. The vibrant rainbow-coloured hills look like they were painted over. The extraordinarily colourful layers are created by deposits of sandstone and other minerals created over 24 million years.

Where to see: the Zhangye National Geopark in China

9 See The Serene White Landscape Of Salt Flats At Salar De Uyuni 

The mirror-like salt flats of Salar de Uyuni are actually prehistoric lakes that went dry, leaving behind the bright-white salt landscape we see today. Covering over 4,000 square miles, they are especially incredible in the wet season when the flats turn into an amazingly reflective lake. The stunning flats were used as the salt planet Crait in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi ‘ .

Where to see:  Bolivia

10 The Caño Cristales River Comes Alive With Colours Each Year

The “Crystal Channel” river in the Serrania de la Macarena National Park is also known as the River of Five Colours. Between the months of June and November, the river comes alive with yellow, blue, green, red and black colours. This is due to the presence of macarenia clavigera , a river weed.

Where to see: the Serrania de la Macarena National Park in Colombia

11 Visit The Diverse Flora And Fauna At The Forest of Knives 

On the western coast of Madagascar lies the needle-shaped limestone forest of knives, known as Tsingy de Bemaraha. Apart from the iconic sharp rocky outgrowths known as  tsingy  (or, “where one cannot walk barefoot”), the area is also home to diverse wildlife.

Where to see: Madagascar

12 Visit The Tunnel of Love With That Special Someone

A section of industrial railway running through the small western town of Klevan in Ukraine is surrounded by green leafy arches. It is a popular spot for couples to take walks, leading to it being called the “Tunnel of Love” (or Tunel Kokhannya ).

Where to see: the railway between Klevan and Orzhiv in Ukraine

13 See The Thousands Of Glow-Worms That Light Up Waitomo Glow Caves

The Glowworm Grotto of the Waitomo Caves is a surreal sight. The cave is naturally illuminated by thousands of glowworms that create a starry scene on the ceilings and walls. These caves in New Zealand are also full of adventure activities.

Where to see: the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand

14 Check Out The Stunning Curving Passages Of Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon in Arizona is full of spectacular curving passageways formed by eroded sandstone on Navajo land. There are two separate areas that you can visit, the Upper Canyon (or the Crack) and the Lower Canyon (also called the Corkscrew). The colourful undulations of the passageways are a truly breathtaking sight to see before you die.

Where to see: east of Page, Arizona in the USA

Also Read: 22 Incredible Rock Formations You Have To See

15 Largely Unexplored, The Cave of Crystals Would Be A Great Place To See

Almost 980 feet underneath the Chihuahua Desert in Naica, Mexico is a series of caves filled with massive crystals. The giant selenite crystals of the main cave are some of the largest natural crystals ever found on Earth. It remains largely unexplored due to the severe atmospheric conditions. Unfortunately, this cave cannot be crossed off your ‘most beautiful natural places in the world to see’ list just yet as it is presently closed to the public.

Where to see: the Chihuahua Desert in Naica, Mexico

16 The Subterranean Crystal Blue Vatnajökull Ice Caves Are A Stunning Sight

The Vatnajökull Glacier covers over 8100 square kilometres and is the largest glacier in Europe. Underneath it is a series of breathtaking seasonal subterranean crystal blue ice caves that are created by subterranean rivers melting each spring. However, despite being one of the most beautiful natural places in the world they can also be quite dangerous, so be sure to use a guide.

Where to see: Vatnajökull Region, Iceland

17 Check Out The Dark Hedges, You’ve Probably Already Seen Them On TV

Bregagh Road in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is popularly known as the Dark Hedges thanks to its fantasy-like avenue of beech trees. They were planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family. Fans of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ may also recognise it as the show’s “Kings Road”.

Where to see: County Antrim, Northern Ireland

18 Spectacular Victoria Falls Is Another Must-See

Roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls (at 350 feet), Victoria Falls possesses the world’s largest sheet of falling water.  It is formed by the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Also Read: 25 Famous Waterfalls You Absolutely Have To See

19 Don’t Miss The Eye Of the Sahara, A Rock Formation

This gigantic structure (also known as the “Richat Structure”) is located in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania. Scientists believe that it is the eroded remains of a giant rock. The coloured rings are visible from space, and it was in fact astronauts who saw that structure as it is otherwise difficult to see.

Where to see: the Sahara Desert in Mauritania

20 The Cascading Plitvice Lakes Are An Amazing Sight

The interconnected lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice in Croatia are arranged in cascades of distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue making it one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is also the perfect place for adventure enthusiasts to go kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and rafting.

Where to see: the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

21 These Chocolate Hills May Not Be Edible, But They’re Pretty Stunning

These unusual geological limestone mounds are scattered throughout the island of Bohol in the Philippines. There are almost 1,300 nearly symmetrical mounds, but geologists are still unsure of how they were formed. Normally covered in green grass, they turn chocolatey brown during the dry season.

Where to see: Bohol Island, the Philippines

Also Read: 8 reasons why you should visit the island of Bohol in the Phillippines

22 See The Great Geysir That Spouts Boiling Water High Up Into The Air

Located in the Haukadalur Valley in southern Iceland, this geyser spouts boiling water up to 70 metres into the air every few minutes! The Great Geysir was among the first known to modern Europeans. It even gave its name to the very word geyser and has been active for almost 10,000 years.

Where to see: the Haukadalur Valley in Iceland

23 These Flammable Ice Bubbles Are Trapped Beneath A Lake

Trapped underneath the surface of Lake Abraham lie frozen bubbles of methane that are highly flammable. They are formed by organic matter that collects at the bottom of the lake and decomposes, releasing the gas that collects and freezes in winter creating this natural phenomenon.

Where to see: Lake Abraham, Alberta, Canada

24 Don’t Miss The Unique Spherical Boulders

These strange spherical rocks (the Moeraki Boulders) look like giant turtle shells. They lie on Koekohe Beach in New Zealand. According to Maori legend, they are petrified baskets but were actually created by coastal erosion.

Where to see: Koekohe Beach in New Zealand

25 The Blue Lava Volcano ACTUALLY Spews Blue Lava

The Kawah Ijen volcano on the island of Java spews unusual radiant electric-blue “lava”. While this may look like it comes from volcanic lava (molten rock), the bright colour comes from the combustion of sulphuric gases with the lava at high temperatures. There is so much sulphur that it flows down the rock face making it look like the lava itself is blue. It makes for a truly unique and stunning sight among the most beautiful natural places in the world.

Where to see: the Ijen volcano in Java, Indonesia

26 This Lakes Freezes Each Year, Creating Turquoise Ice

The water in Lake Baikal in Russia is so clear that when it freezes during the winter, it appears to be bright turquoise in colour. The transparent ice shards appear this way due to the reflection of light. Lake Baikal is the oldest, and the largest freshwater lake in the world, holding about 20% of the Earth’s freshwater. If this isn’t a breathtaking sight to visit in your lifetime, we don’t know what is.

Where to see: Lake Baikal, Russia

Also Read: 6 Incredible Natural Landscapes To See In Russia

27 Go Scuba Diving To Explore The Great Blue Hole

Off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea is a massive hole, another spellbinding wonder among the many beautiful natural places in the world. Filled with underwater caves, it was created over 15,000 years ago. Its crystal clear waters are filled with a diverse range of marine life. This large submarine sinkhole is well over 300m across and over 400 feet deep and attracts scuba divers from all over the world.

Where to see: the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Belize

28 Visit The Massive Hexagonal Columns Of The Giant’s Causeway

On the north-eastern coast of Ireland are over 40,000 massive interlocking hexagonal-shaped black basalt columns known as the Giant’s Causeway. It was formed 50 to 60 million years ago by an ancient volcanic eruption in the region.

Where to see: north-eastern coast of Northern Ireland

29 These Sailing Stones LITERALLY Move Across The Desert Floor

In this geological natural phenomenon, rocks move across the valley floor with no human or animal intervention. It occurs due to the melting of ice that makes the stones slide across long distances due to decreased friction, inscribing long tracks along the valley floor.

Where to see: The Racetrack Dry Lake in Death Valley, USA

30 Don’t Miss Lake Natron And Its Stone Flamingos

This salt lake in Tanzania is fed by mineral-rich hot springs created by a nearby volcano. It can reach temperatures of 60°C and has such high levels of alkalinity that it is almost deserted except for hardy fish and microbes that make the waters look bright red. The lack of predators also means that it is one of the largest breeding grounds of lesser flamingos (a species of flamingo found in sub-Saharan Africa and India). Surprisingly, the birds that die in the lake become so covered in chemicals that they look like they’ve turned to stone.

Where to see: Lake Natron, in Tanzania

31 Snow Trees That Transform The Landscape Into A Winter Wonderland

At the Riisitunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland, each winter the snow covers everything in a layer of hard frost (known as tykky in Finnish). This transforms all the trees in the region into a series of stunning snow sculptures that look a bit like towers of foam or whipped cream.

Where to see: Riisitunturi National Park in Posio, southern Lapland, Finland

32 Check Out The Colourful Bark Of The Rainbow Eucalyptus

The rainbow eucalyptus (or rainbow gum) is another must-see natural wonder of the world. It is found in some regions of South East Asia. These trees shed patches of their outer bark at different times and darken to various shades of green, blue, purple, maroon, and orange tones. The colours deepen as the peeled bark ages and loses chlorophyll.

Where to see: the forests of the Philippines and Indonesia

Also Read: 22 of the Most Colourful Places Around the World

33 View The Dragon Blood Trees That Look Like Massive Umbrellas

These unusual umbrella-like tees ( dracaena cinnabari ) are often called dragon blood trees and are one of the world’s most breathtaking sights. They produce a red-coloured sap (known as dragon’s blood) that gives it its name.

Where to see: Yemen

34 See These Fairy-Tale-Like Snow Chimneys

Mount Erebus on Antarctica’s Ross Island is the southernmost active volcano on Earth. The sides of the volcano are full of ice caves and vents. Its “ice fumaroles,” or snow chimneys, are created when volcanic gases rise through these caves and escape through these vents, and ice towers are formed around them.

Where to see: Ross Island, Antarctica

35 Another Rainbow Mountain? Sign Me Up!

The spectacular and vibrant Rainbow Mountain in Peru (also known as Vinicunca ), is located near another of the country’s top attractions, Machu Picchu. Its colours are the result of layers of mineral deposits. The Rainbow Mountain’s trail lies at 17,060 feet high, almost as high as the Everest Base Camp. It has gained popularity over the years and is often considered one of the most breathtaking places to visit before you die.

Where to see: Cusco, Peru

Also Read: Top Things To See In Cusco, Peru

36 These Fairy Chimneys Are Over A Million Years Old!

The Cappadocia region of Turkey is home to these strange conical spires that were created over millions of years by rain and wind eroding the volcanic layers of ash and basalt in Love Valley. They are best viewed from the town of Göreme. Over the years, many of these “fairy chimneys” have been hollowed out to create dwellings.

Where to see: Cappadocia, Turkey

37 Bright Pink Lake Hillier Is Pretty Amazing Too

Located on Middle Island, off the coast of Western Australia, Lake Hiller is famous for its unusual pink colour. The pink colour is a result of the bacteria in the water and can also be seen in Lake Retba, Senegal. The saline lake lies just next to the Pacific Ocean, creating a truly striking contrast when seen from above.

Where to see:  Middle Island, off the coast of Western Australia

Read more: Visit these 6 pink lakes from around the world

38 The Acidic Water Of The Grand Prismatic Spring Is Equally Stunning

The bright rainbow colours of the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s largest hot spring, are one of the world’s most beautiful natural spots. It is the result of microbes and bacteria interacting with high temperatures, which make the water as acidic as the liquid in a car battery.

Where to see: Yellowstone National Park, United States

Also Read: 11 Must-Visit National Parks in the United States

39 The Trees In The Crooked Forest Are Truly Unique

This forest (Krzywy Las in Polish) in a small corner of western Poland is filled with hundreds of oddly shaped pine trees. The trees in this strange woodland, near the town of Gryfino, were planted in the 1930s. No one really knows what made the trees curve the way they do, but most think humans have something to do with it.

Where to see: outside Nowe Czarnowo near the town of Gryfino, West Pomerania, Poland

40 The Massive Iguazu Falls Will Seem Never-Ending When You Visit

Nearly 300 feet tall and more than 1.5 miles wide, the Iguazu Falls form the boundary between Argentina and Brazil. There are over 270 falls in total, the tallest of which is called Devil’s Throat. They were used in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ as Warrior Falls in the fictional African country of Wakanda .

Where to see: between Argentina and Brazil

41 See The Colourful Corals At The Iconic The Great Barrier Reef I

Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, this is the largest coral reef system in the world. It has over 2,900 individual reefs and stretches for over 2,300 kilometres. It is the biggest single structure made by living organisms, can even be seen from outer space, and is one of the world’s most breathtaking sights. However, this naturally beautiful place is under threat of coral bleaching, so make sure to visit responsibly.

Where to see: off the coast of Queensland, Australia

42 The Scenic Wulingyuan Rocky Forests Is Full Of Sandstone Pillars

This scenic destination in China’s Hunan province is known for its 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars. In ancient times it was considered remote and inaccessible. Apart from being one of the most beautiful natural places in the world, it is now a popular tourist spot, and the pillars are said to be similar to the floating mountains of Pandora in the film ‘Avatar ‘ .

Where to see: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the Hunan Province, China

So, How Many Of These Stunning Places Are You Planning To See In Your Lifetime?

It might not be possible to go places right now, but you can still dream and plan. This list of some of the most beautiful natural places in the world will help remind us that there is still a lot to look forward to. And they will be there for us to visit once we move past the current pandemic situation. So, why not fantasise about the places you’ll go? Let us know in the comment section, which of these beautiful natural wonders you’ll want to visit first once the opportunity arises.

Also Read: World Landmarks Before And After Coronavirus

Wow … these places are amazing !!!

Thank you for sharing it with us, and it brings me real joy to see that Arizona has its place among your natural phenomenon list.

I’ve been to Spotted Lake in Osoyoos, BC. It was really cool to see… the spots are actually hardened calcium and you can walk on them. When I was there, there was a native ceremony going on where they were performing baptisms on children. I also got some photos of a bear walking on the lake.

Lovely compilation of nature’s splendour! Thank you.

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Unveiling the wonders of culture and tradition!

Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with adventure, culture, tradition, and exciting attractions? Let your explorer's spirit soar and make unforgettable memories as you explore the beauty of our diverse world.

• A Guide To The Most...

A Guide to the Most Beautiful Green Spaces in Moscow

Home to more parks than any other city in Russia , Moscow offers a cornucopia of choice when it comes to green spaces. From innovative wild urbanism to 18th-century royal estates, here are the best places to escape from the city buzz in Russia’s capital.

Spread over a territory of almost 300 acres, Gorky Park is Moscow’s most popular green space. Opened in 1928, it was designed as ‘a city inside a city’ with its own telegraph, police unit and a doctor’s office. Some 90 years later, Gorky Park offers everything from segway rides to an open-air movie theatre, through to illuminating lectures and fantastic dining spots.

9 Krimsky Val, Moscow, Russia , +7 495 995 00 20

As the name implies, Muzeon is perfect for art lovers. The park plays host to art fairs, exhibitions, music festivals and video performances. But even if you don’t care for art, Muzeon has a lot to offer: from an elegant boardwalk to hip coffee shops to an in-ground fountain, where you can actually cool off in summer.

2 Krimsky Val, Moscow, Russia , +7 985 382 27 32

Hermitage Garden

Opened in 1894, the Hermitage garden is a lovely compact park, nestled between high rise buildings in Moscow center. Home to theaters New Opera, Hermitage and Sphera, the garden is predictably crowded, with theatre-goers along with office workers from the business centres in Tverskaya – all flock here for a green respite.

3 Karetnyy Ryad, Moscow, Russia , +7 495 699 04 32

Sokolniki Park

An open-air cinema, a rope course, amusement park, bike rentals and more – Sokolniki is 1,275 acres of fun. In winter the whole park turns into one of Moscow’s most famous skating rinks. Sokolniki gradually blends into Losiny Ostrov National Park – the world’s third largest forest in a city.

1 Sokol’nicheskiy Val, bld. 1, Moscow, Russia , +7 499 393 92 22

Izmailovsky Park

Moscow’s biggest park, Izmailovsky stretches for almost 3,800 acres. Particularly favored by hikers and cyclists, the forest-like park is a popular family spot, equipped with a ferris wheel, outdoor gyms and all kinds of places to eat.

7 Alleya Bol’shogo Kruga, Moscow, Russia , +7 499 166 61 19

Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno estate is a perfectly reconstructed specimen of 18th century architecture set amid a lush green forested area. The only park in Moscow that boasts a light and music fountain, Tsaritsyno draws crowds with spectacular night water shows.

1 Dol’skaya Ulitsa, Moscow, Russia , +7 499 725 72 87

Severnoye Tushino Park

Despite a rather remote location, this park is definitely worth a visit. A half-a-century old apple garden, serene views on Khimkinskoye reservoir and a dry-docked submarine housing a Museum of Submarine Navy will definitely make up for the ride from the city centre.

Ulitsa Svobody, Moscow, Russia , +7 495 640 73 55

Kolomenskoye

Kolomenskoye Park is not merely a tranquil green space, but a celebrated museum reserve, where nature and historically significant architecture blend together. Here you can see one of Moscow’s oldest churches Church of the Ascension and a former residence of the Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich Romanov, the father of Peter the Great. It’s also perfect for romantic walks along the Moskva river.

39 Andropova Ave, Moscow, Russia , +7 499 782 89 17

In this park you’re guaranteed to encounter some ducks, woodpeckers, squirrels, hares and urban wildlife. The park is also famous for its beautiful boardwalk, open-air cinema, ropes course Panda Park, gallery of retro cars and a variety of places to eat.

22/1 Ulitsa Bol’shaya Filevskaya, Moscow, Russia , +7 499 145 45 05

The former estate of the Sheremetev family, Kuskovo is a fascinating piece of 18th-century Russia. Home to 20 unique architectural monuments, it is Moscow’s only historical park with a French formal garden, decorated with green walkways, marble statue and state-of-the art pavilions.

44/2 3-Ya Muzeynaya Ulitsa, Moscow, Russia

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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What is nature tourism and why is it so popular?

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Nature tourism is a fantastic type of tourism and it is on the rise! But what is it and why is it so popular? Read on to learn more…

What is nature tourism?

Why is nature tourism important, what is the difference between nature tourism and ecotourism, types of nature tourism, bird watching, scuba diving, scenic driving, bush walking, visiting parks, fishing , cycling , nature tours, nature tourism- further reading.

Nature tourism is all about visiting natural areas and is closed aligned with the concept of rural tourism . Places that nature tourists might visit include might include beaches, forests or national parks. Activities focus on the natural environment rather than visiting man-mad features; think stargazing and hiking, for example. There are locations right across the globe which are perfect for nature tourism.

The CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) in the Netherlands define nature tourism as follows:

Nature tourism, also called nature-based tourism, is tourism based on the natural attractions of an area. It consists of responsible travel to experience natural areas and their landscape, flora and fauna, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of locals.

Nature tourism is important as it allows people to see and appreciate the beauty of our natural environment. Through this kind of tourism, we are able to escape the pollution and pressures of city life – it is good for our physical and mental wellbeing to be out in nature, breathing in fresh air and seeing lush greenery or sparkly blue seas. Nature tourism also encourages visitors to take an interest in the natural environment, which may then translate to them making a more conscious effort where environmental issues are concerned. With climate change being an ever-present and ongoing issue, this is definitely a good thing.

Following on from this, nature tourism gives land owners, local communities and local governments more reason to preserve and take care of natural areas. If they know people will come to visit, it is in their best interest to look after these places and is a great incentive for developing their sustainable tourism provision. Visiting tourists can do wonders for local community pride this way.

As with all tourism, nature tourism brings in money . This economic boost trickles down through a whole community; people need places to stay, and food to eat, and they want to buy souvenirs. Hikers may need to buy replacement walking boots, and weary explorers will always need somewhere to rest their heads at night. Jobs are created and economies are boosted through natural tourism, in the surrounding areas of the specific locations too.

Is nature tourism different from ecotourism? Put simply, yes. They are very similar, but ecotourism is perhaps a more specialised branch of nature tourism if we were looking to clearly define the difference in some way. Nature tourism is about visiting an area – responsibly, yes – rather than actively aiming to learn about the environment and participating in its protection. A nature tourist might visit a beach and admire its beauty, while an ecotourist might join in with a beach clean-up. The lines are blurred, of course, as they so often are when we try to differentiate between types of tourism .

There are different types of nature tourism. This is where we will see similarities with another kind of tourism: adventure tourism. You can read all about adventure tourism here if you’re interested! However, the similarity is that both can be split into two ‘types’: hard and soft.

Soft nature tourism might involve bird watching, visiting a beach to sunbathe, gentle walks through country parks and so on. Hard nature tourism is a bit more tough going: mountain climbing, bush walking and scuba diving, for example. Below I’ll go into some of these specific examples, so you can see how diverse nature tourism is!

Nature tourism examples

There are many examples of nature tourism to be found. Keep reading to see what they are, and whether they fall into the hard or soft category.

Bird watching is an example of soft nature tourism. People of all ages and abilities can do this, with or without a guide. You just need some background knowledge of bird species (or a book explaining them) and perhaps some binoculars. the Gambia is a hotspot for bird watching!

This is more of an example of hard nature tourism. It’s much more adventurous, and requires specialist equipment and a guide or a lot of training/experience. Head under the water to see what kind of nature is on display down there: coral, fish, shells and so much more. It’s subjective, but Barracuda Point in Malaysia is apparently the most beautiful place in the world to scuba dive… and I am a big fan of diving in Dahab , Egypt too!

This is another ‘soft’ activity in that it is low-risk and doesn’t require physical exertion. The North Coast 500 in Scotland is an example of a famous scenic drive – this is a great way to experience nature. From rolling hills to winding rivers, there is so much to see out of the window from the comfort of your car. Another fantastic example is the Kings Highway in Jordan , where you will see endless desert, canyons and incredible rock formations.

Camping is, again, an example of soft nature tourism. While it’s a little more ‘involved’ than scenic driving, for example, it is still relatively low risk and most of us are able to participate. Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to camp, with its green landscapes and snowy mountain scenery. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro gives you some fantastic camping opportunities too- just make sure you buy the best wild camping tent !

While controversial, hunting tourism is an example of nature tourism as it takes place in natural spaces. It is definitely one for the hard category, as you need special equipment to do so and it can obviously be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. It is also often a discussion point for ethical tourism .

For the most part, this is a very safe activity and therefore falls into the soft category again. Guided tours are available in all of the very best stargazing locations, such as El Teide National Park in Tenerife, and it has even spawned its own branch of tourism. This is known as dark sky tourism, and there are many examples of activities that fall within this. They include stargazing, of course, alongside seeing the Northern Lights, watching an eclipse, astronomy tours and staying in accommodations that offer a clear view of the night sky such as glass domes.

This can be dangerous in that it is all about going off the beaten track, and walking through bushes/on rough ground. Therefore we can categorise this as hard nature tourism; it is something you would do when hiking, and gives you a bit of an adrenaline kick!

One of the easiest and most common forms of nature tourism is simply visiting a park. Whether this is a UK national park or your local green space at home, visiting a park is a definite example of this type of tourism. You’ll see birds, insects, flowers, trees, grass and more. Have a leisurely stroll, cycle through or sit and eat a picnic surrounded by nature.

Fishing falls in the middle of the soft and hard categories. You do need specialist equipment, but with most types of fishing there is little to no risk to life involved. But you need to be in nature – by or even on a lake or river – to do it, so it definitely counts as a form of nature tourism. People have obviously been fishing for years as a source of food gathering, but it is also a recreational hobby enjoyed by many.

This is another middle of the road activity. Kayaking can be dangerous, although it usually isn’t – you’ll often have a guide with you, and of course specialist equipment (the kayak) is required. It’s a really fun activity that many people enjoy!

You can visit a beach and simply do… nothing! This is still an example of nature tourism, as beaches are natural environments. Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and tourists flock there to relax and soak up the sunshine. Beaches are also usually near to bars and restaurants, and you might find people doing beach yoga or watching the sunrise/sunset. Thailand even has all-night moonlight beach parties. They are versatile and beautiful locations!

Again, another activity that could be considered hard or soft. It depends where you go, really. A gentle bike ride along a specific cycle lane through a park is nothing like mountain biking in harsh terrains. It’s all about the level of ability you have and what risks you’re willing to take. But cycling is definitely a great way to get out and about in nature. It is also a low-cost and eco-friendly activity, which makes it a winner from many angles.

These tend to be a longer duration than many activities mentioned above, which you may do regularly but for a few hours at a time. Nature tours are days or even weeks-long trips, out into the wilderness with nature and wildlife experts. You might travel by air or train, or go on a cruise, and your guide will be on hand to point out every aspect of nature there is to see. These nature tours will take visitors to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth, such as trekking in Chiang Mai , Croatia, seeing the glaciers in Iceland and Alaska, and gazing at the best waterfalls in Finger Lakes . They’ll set you back a fair bit, but the memories you’ll make seeing bears and waterfalls and glorious sunsets will more than make up for it!

If you enjoyed this article, I am sure that you will love these too!

• Homestay tourism: What is a homestay?
• Cultural tourism explained: What, why and where
• Volunteer tourism: The reasons why people volunteer
• What is adventure tourism and why is it so big?
• Rural tourism explained: What, where and why

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Discover Denmark's most beautiful places

Denmark has a wide variety of landscapes and areas of natural beauty waiting to be explored. With inspiration from the Danish Nature Agency, we've gathered 13 of the most beautiful places in Denmark. So grab your camera and start crossing these natural wonders off your bucket list!

Thy National Park

Venture out into the untouched dunes, twisted forests and traditional seaside villages of Denmark's wildest national park. Explore the peaceful and windswept landscape of  Thy National Park , meet the local wildlife, from red deer to eagles soaring overhead or discover the tasty local treats. 

Møns Klint - nature's StairMaster!

The white cliffs of Møn are one of the most famous and beautiful places in Denmark. It is the only place in the country where you can experience high chalk cliffs and an abundance of unique flora and fauna associated with them. You’ll meet many rare plants on walks in the area and can hunt for fossils on the beaches below the cliffs. And the stairs to and from the beach will proof themselves quite the exercise.

Wander through the Danish desert, Råbjerg Mile

Råbjerg Mile is one of the largest migrating dunes in Europe. The 40 metre high sand dune forms a small desert of about one square kilometre and moves by an average of 15 meters per year to the northeast. Only one question remains to be answered. Where are the camels?

Visit Rubjerg Knude before it's too late

Close by Lønstrup you will find the massive and impressive Rubjerg Knude. It is located 90 meters above sea level and it is still growing in size. It is a very beautiful nature scenery where the ocean and sand is a very dramatic evidence to the fact that land is being eaten by the sea and several meters disappears every year.

Head to Jægersborg Deer Park (Dyrehaven)

Jægersborg Deer Park, 15 km north of Copenhagen, is one of the most visited natural sites in Denmark. Here you can get up close to around 2,000 deer, that are untroubled by human presence. The park also contains the world’s oldest amusement park, Bakken.

Watch the colliding seas at Grenen

A few hundred metres north of Skagen lies Grenen, where the two seas Skagerrak and Kattegat meet. This natural wonder of colliding seas, which you can only experience a few places in the world, creates a unique spectacle and allows you to get close to a natural force so strong that bathing actually is forbidden at Grenen. However, do feel free to dip your toes on shallow waters where the seas join.

Hunt for trolls in Rold Forest

Ok, the trolls left this area a few centuries (or fantasy novels) ago, but their old stomping ground, the creepy Troll Forest area with gnarled and crooked tree forms remains. Rold Forest also happens to be Denmark's second largest, covering and area of 80 km2, so there's plenty of space for you to hike through ancient pine trees and beech trees.

Hike in Svanninge Bakker on Fyn

The Svanninge Hills, just northeast of Faaborg, are epitomized by winding roads, hedgerows and charming half-timbered houses. From the hills, you have stunning views to the south west and across the South Funen Archipelago.

Experience the Wadden Sea and its world heritage

The Wadden Sea (Vadehavet) national park has more than 30 islands and is one of the world's most important habitats for waterfowl. Here you can witness starling murmurations, take an oyster safari  and visit the Wadden Sea Centre .

Explore North Bornholm and The Hammer

Bornholm and the Ertholmene Islands are the only places in Denmark where you can clamber over and see exposed granite formations. The Hammer, in the north of Bornholm, is a steep granite crag rising out of the Baltic. There are also great walks on the north of the island that take you through rift valleys and large lakes.

The never ending beaches on the West Coast

You can spend days exploring the wide, sandy beaches and expansive dunes of the West Jutland coast. The sea is rougher here than in other parts of Denmark, making these beaches excellent water sports areas. If you’re looking for more child-friendly and family areas for swimming, try the coastal area around Limfjord.

Island hop in the South Fyn Archipelago

A popular area for yachtsmen, the many islands within the archipelago are diverse and offer their own unique experiences but all are peaceful. Wander round their cosy villages and quaint harbours. You can reach the islands from Jutland and Fyn by small ferry boats.

The Lake District Søhøjlandet

Denmark's Lake District is a spectacular spread of nature. Visit the Gudenå, Denmark's only river, and all the interconnected lakes branching off it. Whether you'll be swimming, fishing or canoeing, or walking in the stunning forests around the lakes, you'll leave with a renewed sense of peace. Oh! And be sure to visit the Østre Søbad for a dip on Lake Almindsø, one of the cleanest lakes in Denmark. 

Continue your journey of wonders!

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The 50 Most Beautiful Places in Africa

By Caitlin Morton , Meredith Carey , and Sebastian Modak

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Bo-Kaap, South Africa

Rhumsiki Rock, Cameroon

Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Abu Simbel, Egypt

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Lake Abbe, Djibouti and Ethiopia

Giza, Egypt

Bandiagara, Mali

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Hoggar Mountains, Algeria

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Fontainhas, Cape Verde

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Ganvie, Benin

Namaqualand, South Africa

Tundavala Gap, Angola

Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire

Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Praslin, Seychelles

Table Mountain, South Africa

Lake Retba, Senegal

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana

Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho

Lake Malawi, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania

Tiébélé, Burkina Faso

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Franschhoek, South Africa

Dougga, Tunisia

Church of Saint George, Ethiopia

Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion

Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali

Fez, Morocco

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Nabiyotum Crater, Kenya

Nile River, Aswan, Egypt

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius

Bwindi Forest, Uganda

Johannesburg, South Africa

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Abuja National Mosque, Nigeria

Sudd, South Sudan

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Bureh Beach, Sierra Leone

Kakum National Park, Ghana

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16 Most Important Benefits of Nature Travel

Immersing yourself in nature is an ancient remedy to reduce stress, and restore strength, which are some of the main reasons most of us travel, right?

However, rolling hills and gushing waterfalls are rarely around the corner from modern cities filled with shops, art galleries and museums, so sometimes you have to decide between exploring a culturally-rich city or escaping to the outdoors.

Can't choose between a vacation in nature or a city? Spending time outdoors will improve your health, save money, and help you focus. Keep reading for more benefits of nature travel.

Both types of vacations can be rewarding, but nature travel offers distinct benefits, from incorporating exercise and soaking up vitamin D, to saving money and improving focus. By the time we've finished delving into the most important benefits of nature travel, you'll be dusting off your hiking boots and up setting your tent under the stars.

1. The Thrill of Discovery

Nature travel offers the thrill of discovering something new, or at the very least, something only a fraction of people have seen in person. Feel the delight of taking in scenic views from a crisp mountaintop while a doe silently wanders below with her fawn, or the excitement of snorkeling at an untouched coral reef.

There is something special about the opportunity to experience rare moments of nature in the flesh. I for one, relish the looks of envy from my friends when I recount experiences like swimming with whale sharks in the wild.

2. Nature is Beautiful

While larger cities may boast impressive skylines, there is nothing quite as beautiful as nature. It is hard not to be awestruck in the presence of an alpine meadow in full bloom, a golden seaside landscape at sunrise, or a sprawling red rock canyon.

Perhaps the captivating presence of nature stems from the fact that it is alive, powerful and ever changing. A glacier is spectacular because of the way it carves through stone and shapes valleys. Even when all seems dead in the thick of winter, renewal is taking place below the surface.

3. Physical Activity is Built-In

Most nature vacations involve some level of fitness . If you're on a multi-day trek, your vacation is also your exercise. A holiday spent at the cabin could involve kayaking on a nearby freshwater lake or putting in some miles on your mountain bike.

One exception to this trend could be a beach holiday, but even then, it's easy to incorporate some activity by opting to snorkel, scuba dive, surf, or paddleboard.

While including physical activity in your vacation can be difficult at times, what better way to stay in shape than while exploring the world and enjoying nature?

4. Improved Mood and Health

The benefits of nature travel don't stop at improving your fitness. Research has shown that being in the outdoors, even for just a short period, can improve your mood and reduce stress.

Immersion in nature can evoke pleasant feelings and reduce a negative mental state along with emotions of anger, hopelessness, anxiety and fear. In turn, positive changes to your mood can improve your physical health, specifically your endocrine, parasympathetic nervous and immune systems. If you are active during your nature vacation, you likely will have an endorphin rush which helps to relieve stress and anxiety even further.

Some of these benefits can be reaped after only half an hour in nature, so imagine how much better you will feel if your whole getaway is spent amongst the outdoors.

5. Nature is So Peaceful

One of the best parts of camping is waking up in the morning to nothing but the sound of birds chirping. There is no alarm clock telling you when to wake up, no mad rush to get to the office, no deafening noise from traffic and no crowds.

Things that tend to give us a proverbial (or sometimes a literal) headache, are just not present in nature. I don't know about you, but whenever I get out of the city and head to the beach or mountains, I instantly feel my stress melt away.

6. You'll Save Money

Depending on your destination, a nature vacation is likely much cheaper than a city vacation. This is especially true if you do not need flights or specialized gear - if you do need it, it's easy to borrow or rent relatively inexpensively.

Nature vacations are typically cheaper because you will likely cook your own meals, whether over a fire or in the kitchen of a cabin or beach house.

Entertainment and activities are often free as well - it doesn't cost anything to sit at a beach, walk in a forest or float down a river. If there is a fee associated, such as national park entrance fees or canoe rental, the cost is likely minimal. These free experiences will stay with you long after you return home. Who wouldn't remember the swapping of ghost stories around a campfire and jolting at any sound heard afterward in the surrounding woods?

Accommodation can even be free if you choose to camp in the backcountry. Backcountry camping is the ultimate immersive experience as it really is just you and nature.

All in all, there are lots of ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your vacation.

7. Nature Allows You to Focus

Without all of the distractions of the city, nature provides an opportunity for you to hear and reconnect with your thoughts.

In our day-to-day lives, there are a million distractions from your phone ringing and the 'ping' of your email inbox, to background noise from the TV or radio. It can feel impossible to concentrate on the task at hand when you are constantly being interrupted.

When surrounded by nature, all of those distractions disappear as the number of stimuli are reduced. You find yourself brought into the present moment and able to pay attention to the sights and scents in front of you. With this mindful attitude , it's much easier to process your thoughts and feelings and take the time to reflect.

8. Breath in Healthier Air

Air quality in large cities, like Thailand's Bangkok and India's Delhi, is known to suffer greatly from air pollution, which is linked to numerous health issues . Medical professionals even recommend sufferers of conditions like asthma could benefit from moving to the country where the air is cleaner.

Give your lungs a break and head into the countryside for your next vacation to breath in that fresh, clean air.

9. Get Some Vitamin D

Nature vacations mean spending a significant portion of time outdoors soaking up some rays. While it is true that UV rays can be harmful, it's also true that the sun causes our bodies to produce vitamin D which is crucial to function healthily . With modern lifestyles keeping most of us indoors, vitamin D deficiencies are becoming increasingly common.

UV rays are the most intense at midday when the sun is at its highest point, so you only need a few minutes in the sun at this time for your body to make sufficient vitamin D for the day.

It's important to balance time outdoors with sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, but try to remember that time in the sun is also doing your body some good.

10. Go at Your Own Pace

Modern lifestyles tend to be go-go-go. Getting away to nature is an opportunity to unplug, be present in the moment, and forget your to-do-list woes. Nature has no "hours of operation" (although some parks and campgrounds may close their gates during certain hours), so you can travel at your own pace. You can be as active as you want for as long as you want.

Nature encourages you to move slowly and listen to the natural rhythm of your body. Everything around you moves slowly. Wildlife migrates with the changing of the seasons; trees take years to tower above you and streams carve mountains over centuries.

When in nature, you are playing by a different set of rules, your own.

11. See the Real Sky

In the city, your view of the stars is hindered by immense light pollution from buildings, billboards, street lamps and cars. A top benefit of nature travel is being able to look up to the sky, see millions of stars, and try to spot the constellations.

Treasured are the nights I've spent out in the woods looking up at the stars. If you're patient, you might even be rewarded with a shooting star or two.

Similarly, in destinations like Norway, Iceland, and Canada, the Northern Lights can only be seen away from the cities. People travel from all over the world for a chance to see the aurora borealis light up the sky in streams of green and purple.

To this day, seeing the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories in Canada is one of my favorite experiences.

12. Spot Wildlife

Opportunities to see animals in cities are limited to a handful local species like squirrels, or a trip to the zoo. In recent years, the discourse around zoo sustainability and ethics has shifted, leaving experiences a little tainted.

Seeing animals in their natural habitat is a completely different experience. In the countryside, you might spot horned sheep, moose, bears or bison grazing on grass. On a beach vacation, opportunities to spot wildlife range from snorkeling or scuba diving among colorful fish to spotting dolphins, whales, stingrays or jellyfish.

It's possible, of course, to make spotting wildlife the main purpose of your nature vacation and visit somewhere like the Galapagos or take a safari in South Africa.

13. Nature Improves the Development of Children

Research has shown that being in nature increases creativity in children due to the reduced amount of structure found in the outdoors. Unlike a board game or playground, there is no one set way to interact with nature.

Experiences in nature will build confidence in your children as they can directly see the impact of their actions and the actions of others. An example is the motion on the surface of water when skipping rocks. Seeing these sorts of interactions teach children they have control over their own actions.

Nature also provides stimulation by engaging most of the senses. Teach your children to hear the loon call over the lake, smell the pine trees, see the salmon jump in the river and touch the wheat germ. Taking a nature vacation can help children think in new ways that can't be duplicated in the classroom or through a screen.

Finally, interacting with nature teaches a sense of responsibility and accountability. If a child mistreats a plant in the garden, it may take a long time for it to recover. Similarly, if a bug is squished underfoot, it will die. Seeing these direct actions and consequences teach children responsibility. If they want to see these living things thrive, they must learn to moderate their own actions.

14. Feel Alive and Connected

There is something invigorating about standing literally on top of the world after climbing a mountain. Or the feeling you have upon reaching your destination after several days of hiking. Nature gives a sense of achievement unparalleled by anything else. It's very similar to and no less addictive than the high runners feel after completing a marathon.

In nature, you also feel like you are part of something greater than yourself. It is hard not to feel small next to an old growth cedar. Witnessing the harmony present in every interaction evokes a sense of wonder.

It is so easy to become disconnected from ourselves and the world in our city-bound lives. Spending some time with Mother Nature is a quiet reminder that you're an important part of the cycle.

15. Challenge of Your Limits

Often during a nature trip, you will encounter a healthy challenge of your limits, whether mental or physical. You might overcome nervousness to try a new activity, like rock climbing, or find you have pushed yourself further than you've gone before by snowshoeing a more difficult route or beating a personal best time on a familiar trail.

City vacations also provide opportunities to challenge your limits, but you tend to need to seek them out, while they are ingrained around every corner of the outdoors.

I have definitely felt challenged trying to MacGyver a solution upon realizing I've forgotten gear at home. Usually, if something important was left behind, I'd simply turn around to retrieve it or purchase a replacement, but miles away from civilization, these are not viable options. I had to problem solve and make do with what I had. At the time I was beyond frustrated at my stupid mistake, but the feeling of achievement upon finding a solution was pretty incredible.

16. Bonding Opportunity with Your Four-Legged Friend

Dogs aren't welcome in many city destinations but in nature, they're free to roam beside you for quality bonding time. Devoting several days at the lake or hiking through the forest with owners is a dream come true for many dogs. It's also a chance to hang out without distractions or interruptions and maybe work on teaching a new game or trick.

Tip: Fetch by The Dodo pet insurance review ensures your adventurous companion stays protected during these bonding moments, covering everything from minor accidents to major emergencies, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories together.

It's so endearing to see your pet in its natural element. The look on my dog's face as he races past me on a walking trail is one of pure joy and, as cheesy as it sounds, it makes me happy to see him so happy.

Travel bucket lists are often full of big-ticket cities like Rome, Paris, and New York, but don't underestimate the value of a vacation in the midst of nature. And by "nature travel", I don't just mean The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, or Machu Pichu.

These 16 benefits of nature travel prove much can be gained from hiking along trails , relaxing in a cabin or beach house, or paddling down a river in your own country, or even your own state.

Where will your next nature vacation be?

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Moscow parks – leisure, nature and historical

Moscow is the most green megapolis in the world. There are over a hundred parks and green spaces like gardens, squares and boulevards. You will definitely bump into a few of them wherever you go. Whether you are interested in memorial, historic parks, parks of wildlife or you just want to have a calm break from the speedy city life – city parks have something special for everyone.

Moscow leisure parks

The leisure Moscow parks are undoubtedly the most popular and famous with the locals and travelers. Today such parks provide a great number of exciting entertainments for Muscovites and city guests, adults and children.

The Gorky Park

Gorky Park opened in 1928 and was the first holiday park in the Soviet Union with playgrounds, a sports stadium, exhibition halls and attractions for kids. Today it has a fresh, vibrant appearance. The park features bike rental stations, a comfortable business area with Wi-Fi, an outdoor movie theatre and a greenhouse where you can buy fresh greens such as basil and lettuce. To contemplate the sky and the stars, go to the observatory and look through the telescope while listening to fascinating stories from astronomers. Enjoy many sports in the park: volleyball, handball, football or a peaceful jog around the beautiful surroundings.

Zaryadye Park

Opened in September 2017, Zaryadye is the youngest on our list. Located just a few minutes away from Red Square, it includes various activities like the floating bridge with its thin V-form extension, an ice cave, also concert hall and an amphitheater. The entire territory of the park was divided into four zones of Russia: forest, steppe, tundra, and the floodplains.

Neskuchny Sad

By walking along the Moskva River’s bank from the Gorky Park towards Vorobievy Gory (Sparrow Hills) you’ll reach Neskuchny Sad («Not Boring» garden), a wonderful place in the Moscow center, one of Moscow’s oldest parks, charming slice of wildlife. The park mostly consists of pristine forest, dotted with old summer pavilions, ponds and quaint little stone bridges. There are a lot of opportunities for different activities lots of children playground, a ping-pong and chess clubs, football fields and tennis courts, horse riding, tree climbing and having rest in one of the nice cafes.

Museon Park

Hermitage Garden

Hermitage Garden has always been known as an amusement, entertainment center with theatres, shows, cafes, summer pavilions, pergolas since 1830. Shalyapin, Sobinov, Nezhdanova – great Russian opera singers starred on the garden stage. Famous Russian composer Rakhmaninov conducted the orchestra. Sara Bernar, Maria Yermolova, outstanding actresses, played in the open air performances. Tolstoy and Lenin had a stroll in the garden. So lots of celebrities from different epoques liked it a lot and spent their time in Hermitage Garden. You can find here three theatres in the garden: Hermitage, Sphere and New Opera. During winter an ice rink works here and in summer a musical stage is assembled to host jazz and brass band festivals.

In Sokolniki Park visitors can play billiard, chess or draughts, table tennis, as well as go cycling, roller blading and swimming in the summer and ice skating or skiing in winter. Each season is highlighted by special memorable and bright events, for example, Summer Jazz Festival or Baby Fest (for future mums), open air beach disco parties, Ice Cream Day, International Clown Festival and many other shows and exhibitions. The park has an observatory, kids center and a co-working zone with free Wi-Fi which is really nice for spending high quality work time there.

Moscow nature parks

The nature parks are national reserves with the amazing forestry and incredible variety of animals and plants there. The breath of wildlife and the chance to be closer to the virgin nature excites both children and grownups. Hundreds of different species of animals can be found in Moscow nature parks. The richest woodlands with old and even ancient trees, like a 200 years pine-tree in the Elk Island National Nature Park, are the point of passionate interest for visitors.

Aptekarsky Ogorod

Aptekarsky Ogorod (Apothecary Garden)

Aptekarsky Ogorod (Apothecary Garden) is one of the oldest gardens in Moscow. It was founded in the XVIII century by Peter the First (great Russian emperor). A larch that he planted himself still grows in the garden, so it’s more than 250 years old. At the time of its foundation, it was a garden with herbs and medicinal plants and was used as an educational center for doctors. Today there are the orangery with its tropical palms, the carp pond, and the immense trees that dot the landscape and turn wonderful golden shades in the autumn. Several restaurants and cafes work here making it a very nice spot for relaxation no matter what season it is. You can book a special tour or join the guided excursion group.

Losiny Ostrov

Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island Park)

Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island Park) is located at the north of Moscow. It covers 22 km from the west to the east and 10 km from the north to the south and it’s one of the most beautiful national parks in Moscow. Two rivers, Yausa and Pechorka begin here. You can find lots of fields, ponds, meadows, streams in the park as well as elks. Here you can enjoy guided tours, available in English. You can choose a guided tour about flora and fauna of the area, you’ll learn why elks are there, which animals are their neighbors. Or enjoy another excursion, which is totally devoted to historical past of ancient tribes once lived there, you’ll know about old Russian mythology, rituals and traditions.

Serebyany Bor

Serebyany Bor (Silver Forest)

Serebyany Bor (Silver Forest) is a famous pine forest in the west of Moscow. The park has 230 forms of plant life, and is also home to watersports complex, providing a lot of activities for visitors. The layout of Serebryany Bor is unusual, as it is located on an artificial island between a meander in the Moscow River and a channel. There is an artificial lake, the Deep Gulf and picturesque Bezdonnoe (Bottomless) Lake in the depths of the forest. Serebryany Bor’s beaches are the cleanest in the city and very popular among Muscovites. On weekends it is difficult to find a free spot here, especially because a whole range of services are offered to visitors, from simple deckchairs to catamaran and yacht rides. Driving is prohibited on the territory of the island so be ready to use trolleybus to reach the entrance.

Botanichesky Sad

Greenhouse of Botanical Garden

Main Botanical Garden of The Russian Academy of Sciences is the largest and most famous is Moscow. The garden is a real museum of nature with a very rich (more than 18000 types) collection of plants. The park was founded in 1945 at the place of the 17th century Apothecaries’ Gardens. The garden’s collection is turned into botanical expositions, made with use of modern receptions of landscape architecture. Here you can see a tree nursery, a shadow garden, hothouse complex, collection of flowers, a rosary, exposition of coastal plants, garden of continuous blossoming, Japanese garden and expositions of cultural plants and natural flora plants. The biggest part of Garden is the Tree nursery occupying the space of 75 hectares. About 2 thousand wood plants grow here. Another big exposition of the Garden is nature Flora, divided into six botanic-geographical collections: European part of Russia, Caucuses, Central Asia, Siberia and Far East. Pride of the Main Botanical Garden is the collection of tropical, coastal and water plants, which is considered as the best in Europe. The Japanese garden, a great model of Japanese landscape gardening art has a 13-level stone pagoda of the 18th century, stone Japanese lamps, ponds, falls and streams, tea lodges and more than 100 species of the most character Japan plants. It is especially decorative in spring, during Oriental cherry blossoming and in fall, when foliage blazes in crimson colors.

Moscow historic parks

Historic nature parks and estates once were the mansions of the Moscow aristocracy. At that far times the estates were outside the Moscow city limits, but after the city expansion and urbanization, they became easily accessible.

Kolomenskoye

Kolomenskoye Museum and Park

The chief attraction of the park is undoubtedly the stone Church of the Ascension of the Lord. It was constructed in 1532 by order of Tsar Vasily III to commemorate the birth of his son and heir, Ivan the Terrible. But there is a lot more to see in the park: the pretty Church of the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan – with its bright azure domes and plenty of gold. Further into the park there is a charming Church of the Beheading of St John the Baptist, built by Ivan the Terrible to mark his coronation.

Kuskovo Park

Kuskovo Park is one of the oldest country estates in Moscow. It was given to General Sheremetev by Peter the Great in 1715, but was left to fall into neglect before being plundered by Napoleon’s troops in 1812. Nowadays the estate has been restored to its former glory and is a good example of Russian 18th Century imperial architecture. The palace is a fine and rare example of wooden neoclassicism. It was completed in 1775, and the rich interiors remain unchanged since 1779. It includes a room hung with exclusive exquisite Flemish tapestries, an abundance of silk wallpaper and an impressive collection of 18th century European and Russian paintings. The palace looks onto the lake, which is surrounded by smaller pavilions: pretty Italian, Dutch and Swiss Cottages, Blank’s Hermitage and the old Orangery, where the State Ceramics Museum is located now, an extensive and absorbing collection of porcelain from the 18th century to the present day. On the other side of the lake is a large wood popular with local cyclists and joggers.

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Travel To Your Nature

Nature Adventure Guides And World Travel Tips

The 14 Most Beautiful Nature Destinations In India (2023)

July 29, 2023 | Raihne Cosmopoulos Asia + Destinations + India

Looking for the most beautiful nature destinations in India? Here is a guide to 14 must-see nature places across India.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commision if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

It may surprise you to learn that India offers some of the most breathtaking nature in the world!

India is one of the largest countries on earth so it can be very overwhelming when planning your trip and deciding where to go.

That is why I have put together a list of the most elite nature destinations in the country.

Whether you love adventuring through the mountains, relaxing on tropical beaches or exploring fairytale landscapes, I have you covered.

Here are 14 of the most beautiful nature destinations from the south to the north of India.

BEAUTIFUL NATURE DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

With so many amazing nature spots in India, it can be difficult to know where to start planning your trip.

But as a fellow nature lover and explorer, you’ve come to the right place! This list covers the natural beauty of India for all kinds of nature seekers.

Some of the destinations are simple to reach by scooter or car, and others are for the more adventurous traveller.

If you are not comfortable with driving in India, I suggest hiring a taxi or a local guide to take you to and from your destination.

A few of these spots are also at higher altitudes. So make sure you take some days to acclimatize to the elevations. You can also carry altitude sickness pills with you just in case.

Keep reading to get detailed information about the most beautiful nature destinations in India.

1. PANGONG TSO

Picture driving into the heart of the Himalayas and turning the corner to see the most beautiful place on earth!

With a 360-degree view of snow peaked mountain ranges surrounding a massive crystal blue lake and colours painting the entire landscape as far as your eyes can see, Pangong Tso is truly a unique destination that not many people visit.

Pangong Tso is situated in the very north of India in the state of Ladakh. The lake is 160km long at 4350m elevation and is the highest salt water lake in the world.

To get to Pangong Tso, you first have to fly into Leh. From there, you can choose to do a very affordable tour that takes you to Pangong Tso as one of the destinations on their itinerary. Or you can do your own road-trip via car or motorbike either from Leh or Nubra Valley.

You can also road-trip into Leh from surrounding states of India. But this requires being an experienced driver who is comfortable with the roads in India.

I chose to do a motorbike road-trip all throughout Ladakh so I could fully enjoy the incredible views all along the way to Pangong Tso. You also need to be an experienced driver to do this as you drive over mountain passes, icy roads and waterfalls. The distances can also feel very long.

Whether you choose to drive from Leh or from Nubra Valley, the roads are mostly well paved and smooth. The only challenging part of the journey if you are driving from Leh is at the top of the Chang La pass where the road is not in such good condition.

From Leh to Pangong Tso is about 6 hours and from Nubra Valley it is about 8 hours. But you will definitely want to stop along the way to take pictures of the views. So give yourself some extra time on the road.

I highly recommend to always road-trip in a group when travelling Ladakh. This ensures there are people to assist you if you need help crossing certain roads, if you have a flat tire or need a rest from driving.

There is no entrance fee to visit Pangong Tso but you do require a Protected Area Permit to visit most places outside of the main city, Leh.

You can obtain this permit by visiting the District’s Magistrates Office in Leh when you arrive or through the official website of Leh administration. You can also have a registered travel agent apply for you.

The best season to visit any destinations in Ladakh is the warmer summer season between April and October. June to September is the best time but also the busier season for tourism.

Pangong Tso is such a special nature destination to visit in India so I would suggest spending at least 2 nights here.

You can stay in one of the glamping tents on the lake or in an authentic homestay in the Man-Pangong village.

Pangong Tso is not the first image you picture when you think of the Himalayas. But after you have visited this region it will be the number one memory you have of your nature trip to India.

2. NUBRA VALLEY

As you descend from the snowy Khardung-La pass, you cross an entire valley of sceneries that change around every corner.

Travelling to Nubra Valley by motorbike from Leh makes you feel like it is just you and the open road.

You pass the deepest valley views and canyons with towering Himalayan mountains all around you, massive waterfalls formed from melting snow and a vast cold desert of dunes. Making this one of the most dramatically beautiful nature destinations in India.

You can also see beautiful Tibetan Monasteries against the backdrop of the Himalayas, foxes crossing the desert and an incredible sunset from one of the view points along the road.

There are beautiful villages in Nubra Valley to stay in and visit for the day such as Diskit, Hundar and Turtuk.

If you love adding adventure to your trip you can ride on ATVs through the scenic desert and go rafting in the Zanskar River.

Nubra Valley is free of charge to explore unless you partake in extra activities. You will also need to obtain a permit to travel to Nubra Valley.

It is about a 5 hour drive from Leh over one of the highest motorable roads in the world, Khardung-La, which reaches an elevation of 5359m.

The best season to visit Nubra Valley is between April and June when the temperatures are warmer and the skies are blue.

September to October is also a great time to visit. This is when the tourism numbers are less but the temperatures are much cooler.

Nubra Valley is definitely a must-see highlight on your India trip!

3. VASHISHT, KULLU VALLEY, MANALI

Do you love valleys of waterfalls, fairytale villages and spectacular snow mountain views? Kullu Valley is a dream come true for all mountain lovers!

Kullu Valley is not only one of the most beautiful nature destinations in India, but also a very live-able and safe region of the country.

Situated in Manali, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is a beautiful valley abundant in the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

There are multiple options to get to Manali.

You can fly into Bhuntar airport, the closest airport to Manali. From there you can take a taxi or tuktuk to Manali.

You can also take a bus from Delhi to Manali. Or you can take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh station and then take a taxi or bus to Manali.

Once you’re in Manali, renting a scooter or a car to explore Kullu Valley is the best idea to get the most out of your time here. However, you can get a taxi to drive you all around the valley or do a tour for sightseeing and adventure.

You can find so many beautiful hotels to stay in all across the valley. Each town with their own incredible views.

If you would love to have an authentic Himalayan village experience, then Vashisht is the village to stay in.

Vashisht has magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, day hikes in and around the village, many restaurant options and a strong community vibe. You will also get to experience the Indian culture when staying here.

If you do not opt for doing tours, then venturing through Kullu Valley is free.

Driving through the valley from Vashisht towards the Atal Tunnel is one of the most beautiful drives in India. You will want to stop every few minutes to take in the beauty you’re seeing!

One of my favourite things about Kullu Valley is the way the nature transforms throughout the months.

If you love the cold and lots of snow, then you would love to visit Kullu Valley in winter from October to March.

From April to July it is much warmer which makes being outdoors more pleasant. In these months flowers blossom and their colours take over the mountains. There is also still snow on the peaks for that stunning contrast against the blue skies.

August to September is rainy season in the Himalayas. This is not a great time to be adventuring. Monsoon season can be rough in India and this restricts your adventures due to bad weather.

If you visit Kullu Valley and plan to stay in Vashisht, be sure to visit the Vashisht Waterfall and enjoy the free natural hot springs in the village.

4. BEAS KUND

Beas Kund is everything you need to see in the Himalayas and so much more! The deeper you walk into the valley, the more unbelievable the scenery becomes.

If you love trekking, then this is the perfect place for you to explore the Himalayas with spectacular views of the three biggest mountains in Manali.

Beas Kund is famous for leading you to the emerald lake which is where the Beas river emerges from. This is the river that flows through the valley and supplies water to the towns and settlements.

On the trek, you pass through lush green lands surrounded by majestic snowy summits. If you visit Beas Kund during May to June, there are so many flowers along the way that add to the beauty of the scenery.

This trek can be done by beginners as it is an easy to moderate trek. It is important to keep the climb in elevation in mind as you trek from 2840m to 3892m over 3 days.

If you don’t want to do the full trek or have little time, you can park at the start of the trek and walk for a few hours up into the valley before returning back to start. Even though you won’t make it all the way to the lake, just a few hours into the trek you will arrive at the most breathtaking 360 degree view of the Beas Kund mountains.

You can visit Beas Kund on your own, with a tour guide or a trekking group. All of these options are great, it just depends if you have your own camping gear and prefer to trek with a group or not.

Beas Kund is very safe for trekking without a group and you can rent all your camping gear from one of the travel agencies in Vashisht or Manali.

From the get-go Beas Kund is a real life wonderland of every nature lover’s dream scenery.

5. LAHAUL VALLEY

Lahaul Valley is definitely one of the most beautiful nature destinations in India. Once you have laid eyes on the valley you will understand why.

Located in Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul Valley stretches across the Manali-Leh route.

From Manali you drive towards the Atal Tunnel. The Atal tunnel is built under the Rohtang Pass with a length of 9.02km, making it the highest highway single-tube tunnel above 3048m elevation.

As you exit the other side of the tunnel and enter into Lahaul valley, it is a moment that completely takes your breath away!

Lahaul is a landscape of scenic mountains, high summits, massive glaciers, rivers and stunning passes that overlook the valley views.

There is also a rich culture of Buddhism here with several monasteries and many villages along the hillsides.

Depending on when you visit Lahaul, you may experience a difference in the scenery. The best months to visit are between March and June.

If you visit closer to March, April, and May, you will see most of the valley covered in white snow that makes you feel like you’re in a white wonderland.

The later you go in the summer months, the less snow is on the mountains. But the more comfortable temperatures are great for trekking, camping and river rafting.

Crossing through the Atal Tunnel to visit Lahaul Valley is free for nationals and foreigners.

The best thing about Lahaul is that most of the places are motorable. So you can easily and comfortably access some of the most stunning views of the great Himalayas without doing a trek.

6. SPITI VALLEY

Spiti Valley is a heaven on earth and the perfect place to disconnect from the world.

Known as “the cold desert mountain valley” and “Little Tibet”, Spiti Valley is a gem in Himachal Pradesh that you just never want to leave.

Between the unbelievable nature and wildlife, adventure activities and Buddhist Monasteries, there is so much to do in Spiti Valley.

If you visit Spiti Valley in the winter months, October to February, you will experience a snow covered landscape unlike anything else! Lakes and waterfalls freeze during these months and if you are lucky, you can spot the elusive snow-leopard.

It is not easy to visit here in winter as the extreme weather causes roads to be blocked. The only way to access Spiti Valley in winter is from the Shimla Side. This is no easy road to navigate in winter.

The summer months make it much easier to visit this beautiful nature destination in India.

From March to June the roads are more accessible as the snow starts to melt. The valley transforms from a blanket of soft white snow to a colourful and magical scenery. You can see magnificent glacier lakes surrounded by the Himalayas with pleasant weather to explore the land.

The shorter route to Spiti Valley via Manali only opens in June. This is also the busiest month for tourism. So if you go before June to avoid the crowds, you can expect very slippery and challenging roads along the Shimla-Spiti route.

To explore the entire valley, you need 8-9 days. It takes 8-9 hours to reach Kaza from Manali and 2 days to reach Kaza from Shimla.

There is no permit needed to visit Spiti Valley up until Reckong Peo. Only if you plan to visit the stretch between Kaza and Reckong Peo then you need to obtain a Protected Area Permit.

This is very easily done at the DM office in Shimla or Reckong Peo. If you are coming from Manali you can obtain the permit from the DC office in Keylong.

Spiti Valley is definitely a full power adventure with an abundance of beauty to offer. Which makes it the perfect nature destination for those who want to get the full experience of the Himalayas.

Kashmir is a picturesque scenery with deep, lush green valleys and unique mountain formations of The Great Himalayas that surround the most brilliant lakes.

As you wander through Kashmir it will feel as though you are in a real-life painting. This is why it is also known as the “Indian Switzerland”.

Not only is this land a real natural beauty to admire, but there is also a rich culture in Kashmir to experience.

The array of landscapes that Kashmir has to offer comes with so many activities to enjoy when visiting here. Whether you love adventure or tranquillity, there is something for every traveller. It is one of the nature destinations in India that truly has it all.

Kashmir is everything from mesmerizing snow mountains, alpine meadows, fields of flowers, crystal clear rivers, glacier lakes and significant Hindu temples.

You can visit the Kishtwar National park for wildlife, drive along the scenic vistas and trek through some gems of the Himalayas.

The best season to visit Kashmir is during summer from March to October.

The easiest way to reach Kashmir is to fly into the Srinagar airport which is only 15km away. From there, you can rent a car or motorbike to explore Kashmir on your own. Or you can go on tours that take you to all the best spots.

This region of India should be at the top of every nature enthusiast list to visit. Exploring Kashmir will leave you feeling so enriched and refreshed for life.

With two thirds of the state dominated by enormous snow-covered mountains and two fifths covered by forests, Sikkim is a natural beauty you have to visit on your trip to India!

Sikkim is panoramic basin tucked away in the northeastern part of India. It is separated from Nepal and Tibet by the Singalila Range. From Sikkim you can see India’s highest mountain and third highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga.

There are many view points in Sikkim to enjoy the astonishing views of Kanchenjunga. Amongst many other reasons, I think that this one of the main attractions of what makes Sikkim such a special place to visit.

On your trip through Sikkim, you can visit distant villages inhabited by Tibetan tribes and rich national parks flourishing in flowers, dense forests and indigenous wildlife.

Trekking in Sikkim will guide you over mountain passes that are a treat to your eyes, turquoise blue lakes and lush forests.

The best way to reach Sikkim is to fly into Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. From there you can hire a car or take a taxi to the main city, Gangtok.

It’s important to note that Sikkim has certain entry restrictions. All foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit to enter any part of Sikkim. You need to have a valid passport and a visa for India. The process is very simple to obtain the permit and free of charge.

Even though there is extra planning to be able to visit Sikkim, it is one of the most beautiful nature destinations in India to tick off your list.

The best time to visit Sikkim is between March and May or October to mid-December. If you want to see clearer views of the Himalayan range, then the latter is the time to be there.

The land of Sikkim is the essence of dramatic landscapes meets fairytale scenery. Escaping into nature and enjoying the serenity of breathtaking views is what Sikkim is all about.

9. KHEERGANGA, PARVATI VALLEY

In the heart of Parvati Valley, in Himachal Pradesh, lies the beautiful meadow of Kheerganga against mighty lush green mountains. If you are a lover of natural hot springs with divine views, then Kheerganga is a paradise you have to visit.

Nature shows off its beauty with the impressive grey-green mountains that surround Kheerganga. You cannot help but marvel at the presence of these breathtaking peaks.

Kheerganga is an easy to moderate trek with scenic views all along the route. Your legs will be so happy to relax in the hot springs once you reach the end.

There is a separate hot spring for men and women. The men’s hot spring is open with a full view of the mountains. The women’s hot spring is enclosed in respect to the culture of India.

You can also explore the enchanting forest that is often abundant in unique and colourful mushrooms.

The best time to visit Kheerganga is between March and June when the weather is warmer and you have more chance to see the views. If you love a snowy trek then you should visit in January or February.

The trek is about 12-13km long and takes 2 days to complete. It should take you anywhere between 4 and 6 hours to reach Kheerganga. I personally love having one full day to enjoy the nature and hot springs, so I always stay an extra night before heading back down.

There are 3 villages that you can start the trek from. The Nathkan route is the most popular and the quickest, making it the busiest route to take. The second route is from Kalga Village where you cross through dense earthy forests. The third route is from Tosh Village which merges onto the Nathkan route.

It is possible to do this trek on your own or with a guide if you are a first-time trekker. The hot springs are free of charge to use at your pleasure.

Kheerganga is a famous trek in the Himalayas that will leave you feeling in awe of nature and invigorated by its natural beauty and relaxing hot springs.

10. SNOWLINE, TRIUND

Snowline offers the unique experience of getting up close and personal with dramatic elevated Himalayan mountains.

The entire trek allows you to be witness to the inspiring beauty of this region. Offering you scenic views of the surrounding landscapes, waterfalls and forest walks.

Because you come face to face with some of the most dramatic mountains in the Himalayas, the textures and details of the peaks add so much character to the majestic views. Visiting the most beautiful nature destinations in India would not be complete without seeing the majesty of the Himalayas right in front of you.

The Snowline trek starts in Mcleod Ganj and takes you to your first stop at Triund.

Triund is a flat meadow at the top of a ridge. From here you can enjoy the views of the Dhauladhar mountain range.

Most people will say that this trek is easy, and it might be true for experienced hikers. But for first-time trekkers it could be more challenging, but it is very do-able. The last stretch when reaching Triund is steep.

You can choose to camp at Triund for a night or trek to snowline in the same day. Snowline is only 3km from Triund with a 2km ascent. The trek to snowline can also be challenging for some but very rewarding! I promise that all your hard work pays off for what you get to experience.

Snowline is a camper’s paradise. As you walk over the final ascent, you find yourself in the centre of a Himalayan heaven. It is also quieter here with less people and, in my opinion, even more amazing views than Triund.

Depending on which time of year you go, Snowline can be covered in a blanket of snow or lush green hills at the foot of massive summits.

The best time to visit snowline is between April and June, and October to December. It is best to avoid visiting this region during monsoon season as it restricts your ability to go on adventures.

Once you are at snowline, you can explore the entire landscape that is scattered with different viewpoints and grazing livestock from the shepherds. Hiking up into the mountain brings you even closer to the majestic views, you can visit a glacier and walk down to the crystal blue waters that flow through the valley.

Snowline is very do-able on your own if you are comfortable with trekking. Otherwise, it is possible to go with a guide or trekking group.

There is a Dabbah at Snowline from where you can rent a tent and bedding for the night. They also cook food and have necessities you can buy if need be.

You would be missing out on the full experience of Snowline if you do not choose to camp for at least one night.

Sunsets at Snowline are absolutely magical. And if you are lucky to have clear skies you can see brilliant stars at night.

11. SOUTH GOA

Most travellers find themselves visiting the popular places in North Goa like Arambol, Ashwem and Mandrem. But let me tell you a secret. There is a tropical paradise in South Goa that is every beach lover’s dream come true!

Not only are the beaches in South Goa undiscovered by tourists, they are a natural beauty that will sweep you off your feet.

Cabo De Rama, Palolem, Agonda Beach and Cola Beach are the best beaches in South Goa that offer peace and solitude. Not to mention the ocean is an absolute dream to swim in.

Cabo De Rama has spectacular views of the coastline from the Portuguese Fort. With a scenery of palm trees, you will get all the tropical feels for your beach vacation.

Palolem Beach is known as a honeymoon destination. You can enjoy sunset walks along the beach as the sky shows off its transition into peaceful evenings in paradise.

Agonda Beach has a relaxing atmosphere to just sit back and relax in one of the most pristine beaches in India.

If you do not have Cola Beach on your list of places to visit in South Goa, then this is your sign! Not only can you enjoy the swaying palm trees and turquoise beaches, but there is a stunning blue lagoon to spend the day kayaking and swimming in its calm waters.

All of these destinations are just a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from North Goa. When you fly into the Goa Airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car or motorbike to explore South Goa.

Even though I mentioned these 4 beaches as must-see destinations, there are so many more beautiful beaches along the coast of South Goa that are definitely worth visiting.

The best season to travel to South Goa is mid-November to mid-February. During these months the weather is so comfortable for the outdoors. If you visit after February, be prepared for very high temperatures that could affect your desire to fully explore this region.

With South Goa’s serene atmosphere, you can fully relax and embrace the exotic surroundings. The landscapes of South Goa are truly an idyllic paradise to experience.

12. THE KERALA BACKWATERS

Known as, “The Venice Of The East”, the backwaters of Kerala are a peaceful escape from the busy city that surrounds it.

When you ask people what the most beautiful nature destinations in India are, many people’s answers will be Kerala.

Exploring the backwaters of Kerala is not only a memorable nature experience, but also a cultural one. As you move through the canals of the lagoon on a traditional vallam boat, you can enjoy the finest views of the backwaters and see the ways of the people who live here.

Taking a cruise through the canals and lagoons is on everyone’s bucket list for South India.

Your eyes will be blessed with towering palm trees, pretty pink lilies decorating the routes and stunning reflections of traditional boat houses in the water.

The Allepey backwaters is the most flourishing scenery of greenery and is great for bird watching.

For the most unspoiled backwater’s experience in Kerala, you should visit the Kozhikode region.

The nearest airport to fly into Kerala is Kochi Airport. Allepey is just a 2-hour drive from the airport. You can also travel to Kerala via train. The railway trains always stop in Allepey at the Aluva (Alwaye) Station which is nearby the airport.

Renting your own transport is not necessary if you are only visiting the backwaters. You can get there by taxi or tuktuk from your accommodation. But if you plan to explore more of Kerala’s beauty then having your own transport is a real plus.

There are so many affordable tours that take you through the most beautiful parts of the backwaters. You can ask your accommodation hosts for one of their tour recommendations, or book with one of the travel agencies in the city.

The best season to visit Kerala is in the winter, from October to February. This is when the temperatures are lower than the scorching summer months.

Visiting the backwaters of Kerala is a relaxing adventure that will fulfill every nature lover’s spirit.

13. VATTAKANAL

The moment you walk into the beautiful village of Vattakanal, you feel a warm welcome and a sense of home in the atmosphere.

Vattakanal is known as a hippie haven, a true hidden gem in the hills. Everything about being here feels like a mystical wilderness.

I would recommend finding an accommodation with a view of the valley because one of the most beautiful things about Vattakanal are the sunrises and sunsets. They are a magnificent sight to behold.

There are so many stunning forest walks, adventurous treks and wonderful vistas to revel in. Going for a walk in Vattakanal will lead you to the majestic Vattakanal Waterfall that attracts all admiring visitors.

Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks and Guna Caves, Dolphin Nose and Echo Point are all incredible and easy viewpoints to access. Pillar Rock will definitely be a memorable highlight on your trip here.

Vattakanal is a great destination to visit all year round. But the most pleasant months are between April and September when the nature is flourishing.

The positive to visiting during monsoon season is that the waterfalls and rivers are overflowing with abundance. But the roads may be tricky to navigate with all the rainfall.

The winter months can get extremely cold so pack all your warmest layers if you choose to visit between November and February.

You reach Vattakanal from the nearest city called Kodaikanal which is only 5km away. You can hike from Kodaikanal to Vattakanal or you can take a taxi. There are so many cabs in the centre of Kodaikanal ready to take you where you need to be.

Vattakanal is the perfect combination of unwinding in nature and adventure. The setting of these landscapes are enchanting and rich in biodiversity, like a breath of fresh air.

You will find it difficult to tear yourself away from all of the beauty in front of you.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk through the Shire in Lord Of The Rings? Well, Munnar is a real-life Lord Of The Rings fairytale landscape that will enchant any nature lover.

Nestled in the western ghats mountains of Kerala, lies the enchanting rolling hills of Munnar.

Munnar is a destination for all travellers because it is easy to navigate to the most beautiful views by foot and by motor.

You cannot help but feel the romance and scenic charm of its natural beauty.

Munnar is known for its expansive tea plantations, rolling hills and mountain streams. There is truly so much beauty to explore here.

Echo Point is a famous spot to visit in Munnar where people love to call out and hear the reverberation from the hills. It is also a peaceful scene of the lake surrounded by green slopes and forests that you can wander through.

The best way to explore Munnar is by scooter or motorbike so you can enjoy the scenic routes and fresh aromas of the tea and spice plantations.

If you are a tea lover, be sure to support the local farmers by purchasing teas to enjoy the delicious flavours of the land.

The best time to visit Munnar is between October and March once the rainy season is over.

Munnar is accessible by air, train and road. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Munnar, but you still have to drive 125km to reach Munnar. By train, you can reach the Kochi railway station and take a bus or taxi to Munnar. You can also drive to Munnar either with your own transport or by public transport buses.

There is an exciting assortment of activities to do in Munnar from camping, trekking, wildlife spotting, fishing and boating. But simply road tripping through the winding roads is free. You will definitely want more than one day to really appreciate this green paradise.

Munnar is the essence of a real-life painting that will have your camera filled with pictures of the one of the most beautiful nature destinations in India.

Now that we have covered the 14 most beautiful nature destinations in India, you have everything you need to start planning the most memorable trip of a lifetime!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which is the best state for nature in india.

With 28 states in India and such a diverse range of landscapes across the country, everyone will have their own opinion on which is the best state for nature in India.

Having travelled all throughout India, I believe the best state for nature is Ladakh. It is some of the most untouched and beautiful nature in the world, with ever-changing landscapes around every corner.

Ladakh is the definition of dramatic landscapes! With 360 degree views of snowy Himalayan mountain peaks, desert dunes, colourful glacier lakes and unique mountains that you can see all the way into the distance of Tibet.

But with so many states in India that are incredibly abundant in rich nature, there is a state for every kind of landscape that you prefer to experience.

I can not go without saying that Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala are at the top of the list when deciding where to visit the natural beauty of India.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE MOST BEAUTIFUL NATURE DESTINATION IN INDIA?

Out of all the most beautiful nature destinations in India that we have listed, Pangong Tso is definitely at the top of my list!

After years of full time travelling to some of the world’s most amazing nature spots, Pangong Tso is still the most unbelievable nature place I have ever seen.

On a sunny day, the reflections on the lake are absolutely breathtaking!

It is a challenge getting to Pangong Tso, but it is a very rewarding journey to be so deep in the heart of the Himalayas.

It is so difficult not to mention the majestic Himalayan views of Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh amongst the most beautiful nature destinations in India. As well as the fairytale landscapes of southern India. But if I had to choose only one place to visit in India it would be Pangong Tso in Ladakh.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

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• THE BEST TIME TO VISIT INDIA (2023)
• 12 STUNNING NATURE DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN SOUTH INDIA (2023)
• 16 OF THE MOST DIVERSE SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA

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A United Vision for Nature - 'Nature Positive' Report Marks New Collaborative Era in Travel & Tourism

• All Regions
• 22 Apr 2024

WTTC, UN Tourism and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support Nature Positive Tourism

The leading players of Travel & Tourism globally have published a landmark joint report setting out their joint plan to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Launched on Earth Day 2024, "Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action" is the creation of the high-level 'Nature Positive Tourism Partnership, made up of the World Travel & Tourism Council ( WTTC ), the World Tourism Organization ( UN Tourism ) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance ( the Alliance ).

For years, UN Tourism has been at the forefront of integrating tourism into the broader UN biodiversity agenda, including supporting the work of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Developed in collaboration with specialist consultancy ANIMONDIAL, the report is the sector's pledge to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the UN's Biodiversity Plan.

It presents more than 30 case studies of inspiring and progressive actions from around the world involving large and small businesses, national and local government agencies, civil society groups, and inter-sectoral partnerships.

By offering actionable guidance and insights, this report not only highlights the intrinsic link between biodiversity and tourism's resilience, but also empowers businesses to become stewards of nature.

Historic partnership for nature

Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO , said: "This historic partnership with Travel & Tourism heavyweights is a significant step in our collective journey towards a more sustainable and responsible sector. This report is not merely a publication but a movement towards integrating environmental stewardship into the core of travel experiences. As we celebrate Earth Day, let us heed the call to nurture and protect our destinations. Our sector's reliance on nature, coupled with our expertise in creating inspiring and memorable experiences, means we are ideally placed to be guardians of nature."

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism , said: "For years, UN Tourism has been at the forefront of integrating tourism into the broader UN biodiversity agenda, including supporting the work of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This pivotal new collaboration among key global players sets a robust framework for sustainable practices that not only drive significant impact but also exemplify the power of united efforts in conserving biodiversity. This report is a testimony to what we can achieve together for nature's preservation, inspiring a global movement towards more sustainable and resilient tourism."

Mr. Glenn Mandziuk, Sustainable Hotel Alliance CEO , said: "This report is a milestone for Travel and Tourism, representing our commitment as an industry to protect and conserve nature. The Alliance is proud to contribute to and collaborate on this insightful and action-orientated report which will bring tangible change to destinations around the world, supporting biodiversity.  Nature underpins our society, economies and indeed our very existence. The hospitality industry is today a leader amongst industries in its Nature Positive approach and this report signifies how much our industry understands the true value of nature."  

Expert-led coalition

Recognising that the sector has a critical role to play in protecting and conserving biodiversity, the Nature Positive Tourism approach is designed to be a touchstone for actionable change. It focuses on equipping the sector with the tools and insights needed to nurture and protect destinations upon which it depends.

The commitment of the Partnership to work towards "net positive for nature" draws on extensive consultation with experts from business, government, academia and civil society, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

The report, which follows the 2022 WTTC report "Nature Positive Travel & Tourism", includes practical frameworks and real-world examples that encourage both travel providers and travellers to embark on journeys that contribute to the conservation of our natural treasures.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• Report “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism”
• UN Tourism Biodiversity
• Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

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Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

California’s 35 Must See Natural Wonders

As the third largest state by land area in the country, California is sure to have a vast collection of beautiful natural things to see. When I started traveling, I was blown away by how much there truly was to explore. I could create a list of 100 things for you to see with no problem, but I tried to at least break it down into the 35 best natural wonders in the state )that I have personally explored). These things have to be natural, so you won’t see the Golden Gate Bridge or anything like that on this list. Also, I have tried to pick specific things instead of areas like Yosemite, Sequoia, etc. If you haven’t seen those areas then, of course, you should. Let me know what I left off in the comments and click the images to learn more.

Southern California

Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater is the remainder of an old volcano out on historic Route 66 . You can even hike to the top of it.

Artists Palette

Oxidation of different metals in the soil causes this unique landscape of colors on a hill in Death Valley.

The lowest point in North America, Badwater is famous for its salt flats that stretch as far as you can see.

A 70-square-mile dome that rises out of the northeast side of the Mojave Desert, formed over millions of years.

Inspiration Point – Channel Islands

This viewpoint on the closest Channel Island (Anacapa) stretches over the other islands and is one of the most fantastic views in all of California.

Joshua Trees

It’s hard to pick a particular spot in Joshua Tree National Park, so I just chose the trees themselves. If you are not from California, seeing these trees will remind you of some sparse Martian landscape.

Lava Tube in the Mojave Desert

The famous lava tube in Mojave National Preserve has a fantastic light beam that shines through it during certain parts of the day; it is a paradise for photographers.

The rocks that move on their own in Death Valley are accessed   by a 28 mile, four-wheel-drive dirt road and are worth all the effort.

Slot Canyon

As one of the best desert slot canyons in Southern California, this short hike in Anza Borrego will take you into a canyon so narrow; you have to turn sideways to get through at some points.

Vasquez Rocks

These rocks that have been part of many Hollywood movie backdrops are just as unique to see in real life.

Central California

Bear Gulch Cave

In California’s newest national park, Bear Gulch Cave is a perfect place to get a feel for the unique landscape there. This cave is also a spot where you can often see bats during certain times of the year, if you are into that.

Big Sur Coastline

I would be remiss if I didn’t include the entire Big Sur Coast on this list. I broke out a few of my favorite Big Sur spots below, but you need to drive the whole coastline to get a good feel for it.

Bishop Creek

Bishop Creek is stunning. I couldn’t pick just one view in this area, I would recommend camping and taking a few days to just explore, especially during fall.

Crystal Cave

Sequoia National Park’s famous cave, Crystal Cave is one of the best caves you can easily explore in California. The tour takes you through a few massive rooms with all sorts of unique formations.

Devils Postpile

This hard to describe spot near Mammoth is a great place to explore and just gawk at. It looks like the pillars of rocks were pushed up from underneath the ground, not something you have seen before, I am sure.

Fossil Falls

Right off Highway 395, this stark landscape of smooth black rocks is one of those spots that you have to see with your own eyes. It used to be a waterfall thousands of years ago, but even without water, it is still unique.

General Grant

The Nations Christmas Tree and the second largest tree in the world, you can’t leave California without seeing this one and General Sherman.

General Sherman

General Sherman is the largest tree in the entire world; I probably don’t need to say anything else to make it worth visiting.

McWay Falls

McWay Falls is the waterfall that falls directly onto the beach. I am sure you have seen it in all your friend’s Instagram photos, but McWay Waterfall is more impressive in real life.

Mobius Arch

This arch is in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, but what makes it so cool is that it perfectly frames Mt Whitney, which is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States.

Morro Rock is located along Pacific Coast Highway, and it is one of the craziest natural wonders you can see on the entire coastal drive. This rock stands alone out near the beach, and it is enormous.

Pfieffer Beach

My favorite beach along the Big Sur coast, Pfieffer Beach has purple sand after it rains and also an iconic rock with a small arch out in the water.

Northern California

Bumpass Hell

In Lassen National Park sits California’s Yellowstone, known as Bumpass Hell. This geothermal area is an excellent yet stinky spot. The way the colors come out of the rocks is crazy, and the steam that escapes has a strong methane smell.

McArthur-Burney Falls

I think this is the best waterfall in all of California and I highly recommend you see it. Burney Falls is one of those places you would see in a dream of heaven.

Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay is my favorite spot in Lake Tahoe. The way the bay has green-blue water and the unique island that sits out in the middle of it keeps me coming back again and again to see it.

Fern Canyon

Located in Redwoods National Park on the California coast, Fern Canyon was the backdrop for a few scenes in Jurassic Park: The Lost World. It looks like something from a fairy tale, and it is a fantastic spot you must visit.

Founders Grove

My favorite grove along the Avenue of the Giants, Founders Grove is an excellent way to get introduced to these magical trees.

Glass Beach

While this one technically has human interaction, it is still amazing what nature did. This beach is where the glass was thrown into the ocean, and decades later, the beach is now composed of smooth little glass pieces you walk on. It is actually quite beautiful.

There is probably no natural wonder more famous in California than Half Dome. This iconic rock in Yosemite National Park is something you could see a thousand times, and it never is less awe-inspiring.

At the end of the Tioga Pass Road, Mono Lake and its tuffas are a crazy natural wonder that you need to see at sunset.

While not the tallest mountain in California, it is undoubtedly one of the most prominent. It is often covered in clouds, but if you go when it is clear, you will be shocked by how impressive this mountain is.

Petrified Forest

Trees that have been turned into rock over millions of years, who wouldn’t want to see that? The Petrified Forest in Calistoga is something you cannot see anywhere else in the state, so it is a natural addition to this list. I have to admit that they are often anticlimactic for some, but you can’t deny them as a natural wonder.

Subway Cave

One of the longest subway caves in all of California, this spot is relatively easy to access yet still an incredibly cool experience.

Whiskeytown Falls

One of my favorite waterfalls in Northern California, and one that was unknown until only 15 years ago. A 3-mile trail accesses Whiskeytown Falls, but the payoff is awe-inspiring.

Yosemite Falls

I couldn’t finish this list without a waterfall in Yosemite. Naturally, all of Yosemite should be on this list, but this is my favorite waterfall in the park since it is just so massive and powerful.

How many have you seen, and what did I leave off this list? Let me know in the comments!

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