Top 10 Natural Wonders of India | Geological Wonders of India

Looking for some Adventure holidays or natural wonders of India? Here we are with amazing geological formations in India you absolutely must visit for an adventure holiday. Read on to know about 10 geographical wonders of India to spend some time with these natural creations.

#01Rama Setu (Adam's Bridge): Rameshwaram




Rama Setu is the remains of an ancient 50 km long bridge made up of limestone floats in water, which is one of the best natural wonders of India. It is built by Lord Rama and his Vanara Sena to reach Lanka to rescues his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. It broke in a cyclone in AD 1480 but still be seen between India and Sri Lanka from Rameshwaram. NASA satellite images show clear pictures of a broken bridge under the ocean floor. It is one of the extremely sacred structures to Hindus.

#02 Pillar Rocks: Kodaikanal




Pillar rocks are another incredible natural wonders of India, which is a set of three giant granite rock pillars of 122 metres (400 ft) high just 7 km from Kodai Lake. This property is managed by Tamil Nadu Forest Department. There is a cave between two pillars called Guna cave or Devil's Kitchen attracts lots of tourists. Nearby mini garden full of beautiful flowering plants is the popular picnic spot among tourists as well as locals to spend some relaxing and rejuvenating time with their loved ones. 

#03Pillow Lava Stones: Chitradurga, Karnataka



Pillow Lava Stones are nearly 2,600 million years old stone structure in Maradihalli a tiny village about 20 km from Chitradurga is lesser known among common people but very popular among geologists of the country. It is one of the best-preserved stone structure in the world and one of the top natural wonders of India. Pillow Lava rock was the result of sudden chilling of molten magma that takes the shape of a round pillow when the red-hot lava comes into contact with cold water. It was an ideal place for geologists to learn more about the formation of this rare rock. The government declared the entire hill as National Geographic Monument in 1976. Many geology students and tourists from various parts of India and neighboring countries visit the place to study the rock formation and to see the amazing geological wonder. 

#04 St. Mary's Island: Udupi, Karnataka



St. Mary's Islands also known as Coconut Island is a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka. They are popular for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava structures. These islands are perfect for a day trip, lush blue waters, sandy beaches and exotic looking rocks all makes the place a prime attraction tourists as well as locals. One can hire a ferry from Malpe beach to reach the location. The basalt on this island has formed by volcanic activity, a completely rare occurrence. 

#05 Natural Arch: Tirumala hills, Andhra Pradesh



Natural Arch is one of the natural wonders of India located 1km north of the Tirumala hills temple, near the Chakra Teertham in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is famous by the name of Silathoranam among locals. The arch measures 8m in width and 3m in height naturally formed to erosive forces. The arch is one of the few natural arches in Asia. There is a well-maintained garden in front of the arch where visitors can rest. Sunrise and Sunset are the good time to visit, as the arch looks even more magnificent in the light of the rising and setting sun. Seen in the light of a full moon the arch is said to be "ethereally beautiful. Geologists found this rare geological formation of the rock arch which has two dissimilar sets of rocks with a connecting thin link in the 1980s, during excavations for a geological fault in the Tirumala hills.

#06 Bhedaghat Marble Rocks: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh



Bhedaghat is a small town in Jabalpur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India located just 20 km from Jabalpur city on the banks of river Narmada. Bhedaghat is a most beautiful natural wonders of India, and famous for its 100 feet tall mountains of marble stand mightily on banks of Narmada River. These marble mountains look magnificent under the moonlight. To see these beautiful structures one can sail in the boat or enjoy the top-view of this beautiful gorge through a cable-car. Dhuandhar Falls and Chausath Yogini temple are also among the major attractions of Bhedaghat. The unmatched beauty of these marble rocks served as the canvas for many Bollywood films. 

#07 Yana Rocks: Karnataka



Yana is a famous geographical wonders of India, which is a small village located in forests of the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka best known for the unusual rock formations popular by the names of Yana rocks. Yana rocks are located in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats is a group of two massive rocks known as the Bhairaveshwara hill (120 metres) and the Mohini hill (90 metres) surrounded by thick forests and streams. Both the rocks composed of solid black, crystalline Karst limestone. There is a cave temple below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara where a Swayambhu linga has been formed. An annual car festival is also held here during the Shivaratri. 

#08 Lonar Crater Lake: Maharashtra



Lonar Crater Lake is a saline soda lake created by a meteor impact is located at Lonar in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, which is one of the incredible natural wonders of India It is the only known hypervelocity impact crater in basaltic rock anywhere on the earth. The water of this lake is both saline and alkaline in nature. It is the world's oldest and largest crater in India created about 52,000 years ago. It supports many micro-organisms which are rarely found elsewhere on Earth. The lake is surrounded by jungle spread with Teak trees and many other different species of trees. Winter (November to January) is the ideal time to visit Lonar Lake as the climate is pleasurable.

#09 Living Root Bridges: Meghalaya



Living root bridges is one of the most popular natural wonders of India and famous tourist destination situated at Cherrapunji in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. These bridges are handmade from the aerial roots of living banyan fig trees by the Khasi and War Jaintia people. Double-decker and single-decker root bridges are very popular among the tourists and are a sight to behold. The bridges are alive and still growing and gain strength over time. These bridges can support the weight of fifty or more people at a time. The trek from Cherrapunji to the living Root bridges requires a lot of stamina and courage to see these natural wonders of nature.

#10 Borra Caves: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh



The Borra Caves is one of the natural wonders of India, which is located on the East Coast of India in the Araku Valley of the Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh. These are one of the largest natural caves in the country situated at a height of about 800 m (2,624.7 ft.) to 1,300 m (4,265.1 ft.) at Ananthagiri hills range drained by the Gosthani River. One can find amazing Stalagmite and Stalactite formations in the caves made naturally believed to be 150 million years old. You may find here crystal white calcium stones in various forms. The total length of the Borra Caves is about 200 meters. William King, the British geologist discovered the cave in 1807.

25 countries Indians can visit without a visa.

When we think of going on a trip abroad, one of the first things that pop up in our mind is the expenses and formalities, especially getting a visa. But did you know there are several countries Indians can visit without much visa hassles. Many do not require a visa, while others offer visa on arrival. This means you can go many nations with just your passport in hand. Not only does this work for an impulse trip, it also saves you the money and time required to get the visa process sorted. We list 25 such countries Indians can visit.

01.Nepal 


This is one country where you do not even require your passport to enter. According to the Embassy of Nepal, Indians can enter Nepal either with their passport or any photo identity card issued by the government. You can also go to Nepal by road. Surely a holiday destination you shouldn’t miss.

02.Bhutan 


A country where the Gross National Happiness is valued higher than their Gross Domestic Product, Bhutan is also called the land of happiness. Lucky for Indians as we do not require a visa to visit this country. Take a short flight or hit the road and be mesmerised by the beauty you see en route Bhutan.

03.Hong Kong


Yes, Hong Kong too offers Indians entry without a visa. For up to 14 days, you can stay in Hong Kong visa-free. A global financial center, you will find several skyscrapers here. A shopper’s paradise, night markets, Disneyland and eclectic foods – there’s everything in Hong Kong.

04.Maldives


Honeymooners’ preferred destination, Maldives is a land of beaches, blue lagoons, and coral reefs. But the best part is, it grants free visa n arrival to Indians for up to 30 days. So all you need is your passport and a return ticket. The country boasts of some of the best beach resorts in the world. Make sure you enjoy your stay at one of them on your trip.

05.Mauritius


Indians can visit this beautiful country without the need of a prior visa. It offers visa on arrival for Indian nationals so all you need is your passport and a return ticket in hand. What’s more, you can stay here for up to 60 days. When in Mauritius, don’t forget to try their scrumptious seafood and go to some of the best beaches in the world.

06.Jordan


Home to over 10,000 Indians employed primarily in the textile sector, Jordan is a country that began granting Indian citizens visas on arrival. Visit the heritage site of Petra, float in the Dead Sea, or simply take in the beauty of the barren desert of Wadi Rum. There’s a lot you can do in Jordan. Booked your tickets yet?

07.Cambodia


Home to the world famous Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers Indian citizens visa on arrival for up to 30 days. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat is the country’s most popular tourist attraction and has only recently imposed a ban on revealing clothes and… wait for it… selfies.

08.Bolivia


Bolivia boasts of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more importantly being home to (a part of) the Amazon jungles. What’s more, it also grants a 30-day visa on arrival for holders of Indian passports.

09.Macau


One of the world’s richest countries, Macau allows Indians to enter its land without the need of a visa on their passport. Ruins of St Paul’s, Senado Square and Macau Tower are a few tourist attractions you must include in your itinerary.

10.Jamaica


Grab your passport and fly to Jamaica as this country too doesn’t require a visa for Indian nationals. The birthplace of Reggae music and the country that gave us Bob Marley, Jamaica is a land full of culture and history. Relax on its sandy beaches or go for adventure sports like zip-lining and jeep safari, there’s plenty of things to keep you busy here.

11.Fiji


If you love the sun, sand, beaches and a relaxing holiday, plan a trip to Fiji. With over 300 islands, this country boasts itself as a place where you are sure to find happiness. Luckily, Indians do not require a visa to visit Fiji.

12.Haiti


This Caribbean country is another one on the list of places Indians can visit without a visa. All you need is your passport that is valid for at least six months. You can stay for as long as three months without a visa, following which you will have to apply for one. When here, do visit Citadelle la Ferriere which is a mountain-top fortress.

13.British Virgin Islands


For up to a month you can enjoy a stay at any of the British Virgin Islands after acquiring a visitor bona fide at the port of entry. There’s a lot to do here such as sailing, fishing, visiting national parks and museums or going for water sports.

14.Micronesia


A nation made of 607 islands, the Federated States of Micronesia is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Since it is remote, you can expect untouched, natural beauty surrounding these islands. Indians can visit this place without a tourist visa for a stay of up to 30 days.

15.Saint Kitts & Nevis


A two-island country in West Indies, it has tropical rainforests, mountains, rivers, sea and a population less than 50,000. India is one of the countries that is exempt from visa formalities for this country. All you need is a valid passport.

16.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines


Another Caribbean nation, SVG is a cluster of 32 islands with coral reefs, lagoons, beaches and tropical rainforests. You can indulge in yachting, scuba diving and staying in luxurious rooms at these islands. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter the country but will be issued a visitors’ permit on arrival which is valid for a one month stay.

17.Republic of Trinidad and Tobago


Known for its carnival and diverse flora and fauna, this twin island country welcomes Indians without the need of a visa. For as long as three months you can enjoy your stay here.

18.Commonwealth of Dominica


Indians can visit this island country without a visa and stay there for up to six months! This is surely one reason to plan a trip to this place. Also called the Nature Isle of the Caribbean for its natural beauty, Dominica is home to rare flora and fauna, rainforests, mountains and sisserou, a parrot only found here.

19.Vanuatu


Looking for an adventurous holiday? Head to Vanuatu. A nation made of roughly 80 islands, it offers hiking trails, active volcanoes, deep-sea fishing, kayaking and underwater caverns and wrecks. Indians can visit this country without a visa requirement and stay for a period of 30 days.

20.Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus


A vibrant nightlife, shopping areas, entertainment facilities and beaches, TRNC is a holiday destination for those looking to have a good time. Not just this, you can also go cycling and birdwatching here. Indians do not require a visa to visit Northern Cyprus and can stay here up to three months. But you certainly need your passport, a return ticket and a few other documents at the port of entry.

21.Turks and Caicos Islands


If luxury resorts, great beaches, shops and scuba diving interest you, head to the Turks and Caicos Islands. A group of 40 islands, these make for a great holiday abroad. The islands have a 14 mile long barrier reef at one of its scuba diving sites, and an underwater wall too. Indians do not need a visa to enter the islands.

22.Kish Island


Ranked among the 10 beautiful islands of the world, Kish Island is a shopper’s paradise with several centers and tourist attractions to look forward to. You do not require any visa to visit this island which attracts over a million tourists every year.

23.Cook Islands


You can book your tickets to Cook Islands without any visa hassles as it does not need visitors to get a visa if they don’t intend to stay beyond 31 days. Its blue lagoons and reefs make it the perfect scuba diving destination. Don’t miss going to Avarua for their Saturday market which has live performances as well.

24.Pitcairn Islands


If going away from the crowd to a secluded, peaceful place is what you like on holidays, you should visit Pitcairn Islands. It has a population of just 50 people and does not require you to have a visa as long as your stay is no longer than 14 days. The untouched islands boast of a thriving flora and fauna and a host of thrilling adventure activities.

25.Montserrat


Have a passport? You are eligible to go to this island without a visa stamp in your passport. When there, do go for the volcano adventure which will show you the amount of destruction the Soufriere Hills volcano has caused in the island. Usually there is a helicopter and boat ride available for the tour.