Top 30 Underappreciated Wonders of the World

Top 30 Underappreciated Wonders of the World

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the natural and man-made sites around the world that deserve more admiration.

#30: Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Ethiopia

Hidden deep within the Ethiopian Highlands lies a truly wondrous sight: eleven churches carved entirely out of stone. It’s believed that they were constructed around the turn of the 13th century to emulate the city of Jerusalem. Over the course of twenty-four years, they were built from top to bottom using a reductive process, where they chipped away at the stone until it took the shape they wanted. This makes it a sheer marvel of ancient construction, giving us valuable insight into their methods. The churches are home to a variety of unique artifacts, from King Lalibela’s tomb to spectacular artwork. Now, it serves as an important site for those who wish to pray and those who simply want to know more about the religion’s rich history.

#29: Pamukkale

Turkey

We can guarantee that as soon as you see this site, you’ll be booking your tickets to visit it yourself. Pamukkale is a genuinely breathtaking site, with blinding white travertine terraces and pools of water so blue they look unreal. Both are formed from a hot spring running down the top of the mass, creating a picturesque landscape made for a greeting card. The accompanying town, Hierapolis, utilized the area as a hot spring dating as far back as 200 BCE. With only ruins remaining, Pamukkale is the largest remaining proof of the city’s prominence. Should you travel there yourself, you can enjoy any one of the seventeen springs, along with a view that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

#28: Adršpach-Teplice Rock Town

Czech Republic

Don’t be fooled by the name— this is unlike any town you’ve ever seen in your life. Other than a man-made gate and trails, the Adršpach-Teplice is known for having formed naturally. The various rock-faces take on the form and function of modern-day architecture, creating a maze-like structure complete with pillars and large crevices. For most of its existence, it was used as a way for people to flee from invaders, and was virtually unknown. It wasn’t until a forest fire occurred in 1824 that it revealed itself to the surrounding populations. Should you go there yourself, you can wander down the twisting paths of the trail and see all the gorgeous landscape has to offer.

#27: Shilin

China

When wandering through a forest, one usually finds themselves expecting lush trees or curious wildlife, rather than a vast site of limestone protruding high into the sky. Thought to be nearly 300 million years old, Shilin originally started out as a small ocean. Over time, sandstone and limestone deposits combined with the wind and the constant flowing water led to the pillars being formed into the magnificent structure they are today. The area has been divided up into several different zones for one to explore, with dozens of various species of plants, caves, an underground river, and plenty of other naturally-formed wonders that will make you want to extend your stay as long as possible.

#26: Tunnel of Love

Ukraine

Imagine going for a walk with the person you love and an endless view of breathtaking foliage. That is exactly the experience you’d get with the ultimate romantic destination, Ukraine’s Tunnel of Love. A train rolls through daily, maintaining an archway of trees that seemingly enclose the walker in another dimension. It originally began as a secret method of military transportation during the Cold War, and afterwards remained an Eastern European secret. It wasn’t until the site was posted online that the world at large learned about it, and since then it’s served as the perfect getaway to enjoy during all four seasons. It’s even believed that it grants a wish to visitors— but you’ll have to go there and try it for yourself.

#25: Sanctuary of Truth

Thailand

There are some sites that are so beautiful they’ll take your breath away in an instant. That’s exactly the case for the Sanctuary of Truth; a house of prayer built entirely out of various types of wood. Despite it seeming ancient, construction originally began in the 1980s and is still ongoing today. The structure is covered in engravings of various religious figures, elements, and planets, all coming together to create one celebration of Thai culture. It’s believed that once the temple is finished, it will last for six centuries before needing to be repaired. By then, a structure from our time will be considered as ancient as those as we’ve discovered, ensuring that the historical cycle will continue.

#24: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

New Zealand

Most natural sites are formed without help from other living species, but this wonder proves how beneficial they can be. Deep underground in New Zealand are the Waitomo Caves, which went unexplored until the late 19th-century. When surveyors Tane Tinorau and Fred Mace ventured inside on a raft, they were met with the spellbinding sight of limestone formations, long passages, and bright, cool-toned lights dotted along the ceiling. The latter is caused by the glowworm’s beginning stages of life, when they produce a bioluminescent glow. While there are other areas of the cave to explore, such as the Catacombs, the boat ride through Glowworm Grotto is guaranteed to be the visual experience of a lifetime.

#23: Cave of the Crystals

Mexico

This marks the first site on our list that is unfortunately impossible to visit. Despite the siren call emitted by Mexico’s Cave of the Crystals' awe-inspiring interior, it’s extremely dangerous. Within the chamber lies countless crystals, some of which reach over three feet long. They formed over a period of at least 500,000 years thanks to water being heated by a chamber of magma. Some studies have been conducted with the help of special suits designed to withstand the intense temperatures within. The intense humidity makes the one-hundred-plus degree weather feel even worse, making it impossible to spend more than ten minutes inside. While it can only be admired from afar, it’s by far one of the most unique sites found around the globe.

#22: Caño Cristales

Colombia

It’s hard to believe such a sight wasn’t discovered until 1969. Most of the year, the Caño Cristales runs clear like most other bodies of water. In the late summer and autumn, something truly magical occurs. The various plants beneath the surface finally get enough sunlight to reproduce, causing the current to look multi-colored. It creates a beautiful natural gradient complete with vibrant pink and purple, bright green, yellow, and more. It’s the definition of picturesque, and is so gorgeous that it’s hard to believe it remained a secret for so long. Despite its undeniable beauty, freedom fighters near the site prevented tourists from visiting until 2009. Though it can now be appreciated to the fullest extent, it still doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

#21: Ellora Caves

India

If you’re looking for an architectural, historical, and religious feat, then there’s no need to search any further. The Ellora Caves are the perfect time capsule capturing some of the earliest days of Indian religious freedom and rock-cut construction. There are different groups of caves dedicated to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, each complete with tributes to their Gods, ancient mythology, and temples. There are several art pieces throughout the system dedicated to various deities, some of which date back to 600 AD. You may even get a chance to see ancient engravings created by Rashtrakuta Dantidurga and other pious individuals. It's so large and in-depth that it’s impossible to see in just one day, making it the perfect spot for a repeat trip.

#20: Cappadocia

Turkey

The Valle de la Luna in Chile deserves a mention here for its extraordinary geologic formations. But we can’t help but be enchanted by the characteristic fairy chimneys of this historical region. Stacked with geological marvels and fascinating structures, Cappadocia contains ancient churches, monasteries, and dwellings carved into rocks. Hot air balloons dot the sky as tourists explore the stunning area from above. But there’s even more to explore beneath the surface. That includes Derinkuyu, an underground city large enough to have housed 20,000 people. This place could warrant a spot on the list on its own, but the whole region is remarkable.

#19: Banaue Rice Terraces

Philippines

While they’ve been placed on an unofficial long list for the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Banaue Rice Terraces are not as widely known as many other world marvels. The remarkable terrain is 2,000 years in the making, with generations of Ifugao people tending to the intricately carved mountainside terraces.Although it’s been disputed exactly when these irrigated rice terraces were created, it’s generally thought that they were largely made by human hands — and without much equipment. The site is popular amongst tourists, but we’re hoping to cultivate some additional appreciation by adding it to our list.

#18: Borobudur Temple

Indonesia

This 8th or 9th-century Buddhist temple is the largest in the world. Located in Indonesia, the magnificent structure was a monument of the Sailendra Dynasty, which ruled the area for around five centuries. In the upper terraces of the temple, bell-shaped structures called stupas contain Buddhas and provide nice spaces for meditation. With a panoramic view of the trees down below, it’s an atmosphere like no other. And while the temple is a Buddhist pilgrimage site and popular tourist attraction within Indonesia, not everyone in other parts of the world is aware of this marvel.

#17: Kuang Si Falls

Laos

There’s something inexplicably magical about a waterfall, both in its sound and sight. Very few waterfalls can measure up to the beauty of Kuang Si Falls in Laos. It features three tiers, with the main fall boasting a 200-foot drop. What lies below is arguably just as mesmerizing — stunning shallow turquoise pools connected by cascades, allowing water to flow from one pool to the next. Also worthy of mention here are a couple of other underrated and enchanting falls, like the Fairy Pools in Scotland and Kravica Waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

#16: Leshan Giant Buddha

China

Nestled within a cliff face at the junction of the Min and Dadu rivers in the Sichuan Province is a massive, eye-catching Buddha. The statue was expertly crafted during the Tang dynasty and is located within the Mount Emei Scenic Area. Crucial to the history of Buddhism, the Sichuan Province is also home to the first Buddhist temple in China. The towering Leshan Giant Buddha is actually the tallest Buddha sculpture in the world at 233 feet. Whether you admire it from the stairs, from a boat, or just in pictures, the Leshan Giant Buddha is striking.

#15: Leptis Magna

Libya

Remnants from the ancient city of Leptis have survived for thousands of years. Founded in the 7th century BCE, the city became an important part of the Roman Empire before being abandoned in the 7th century CE. However, many of its structures, buried under sand dunes for centuries, were unearthed in the 1920s. Among the recovered elements of the settlement are the ruins of an ancient amphitheater and marketplace. The Tetrapylon Arch is truly extraordinary. Also visible is the Severan Basilica, with its elaborate carvings and columns. As far as taking a stroll through history goes, Leptis Magna is a sight to behold.

#14: Tikal

Guatemala

Imagine roaming through a rainforest in Guatemala on a gorgeous, sunny day. And then boom, there it is — a 154-foot-high structure with a steep staircase. The structure is known as Tikal Temple I, and it’s one of the major components of a pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The city of Tikal is home to a collection of astonishing structures in its main plaza, now part of Tikal National Park. Researchers believe that Tikal was inhabited as early as the 6th century BC. In addition to the surviving architecture, the artistic remains at the site make for an astonishing trip back in time.

#13: Great Pyramid of Cholula

Mexico

You may have heard of Chichen Itza, which was part of the New 7 Wonders of the World campaign. However, it’s not the only remarkable archaeological site in Mexico. The Great Pyramid of Cholula is actually the largest pyramid by volume known to exist in the entire world. Believed to be constructed as a temple to the Aztec deity Quetzalcoatl, its history dates back to around 200 BC. The pyramid has not been fully excavated, because a historically significant church sits atop the temple. It’s believed that the structure accounts for just a portion of the entire archaeological site in which it resides.

#12: Salar de Uyuni

Bolivia

This is a wonder 40,000 years in the making. Prehistoric lakes evaporated, leaving polygonal formations of salt and other minerals in expansive, flat areas. The world’s largest example of the salt flat phenomenon is located in Bolivia. Salar de Uyuni covers approximately 4,086 square miles. And while you might typically try to avoid bad weather when going on a trip, the rainy season is actually the best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats. That’s when you can observe an unparalleled wonder — the largest natural mirror on Earth, right beneath your feet.

#11: Tsingy de Bemaraha

Madagascar

There’s something unusual, yet beautiful, about the shape, size, and abundance of limestone located at the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar. The word ‘tsingy’ can mean ‘where one cannot walk barefoot’ – a fitting name given the park's sharp, needle-like limestone pinnacles that form a maze-like landscape. While you wouldn’t want to forget your shoes, the region is an ideal place to take in one of nature’s many marvels. The steep slopes are home to a variety of rare species. Tsingy de Bemaraha offers spectacular views and a true sense of awe.

#10: Chartres Cathedral

France

A definite high point of French Gothic art and architecture, Chartres Cathedral is often overlooked, usually in favor of Paris’ more immediately famous Notre Dame. However, Chartres is an almost perfectly preserved example of its era. It boasts pristine stained glass, two complementary spires on its west end, and general architectural features that are largely unchanged since the early thirteenth century. It genuinely is the genuine article! Speaking of ‘genuine articles’, Chartres also houses the Sancta Camisa relic, which legend has it was clothing worn by the Virgin Mary when Christ was born!

#9: Angkor Wat

Cambodia

Often cited as the most significant place never to have received ‘Wonder of the World’ classification, Angkor Wat is one of our planet’s largest religious monuments. It’s also enormously popular, attracting more than two million tourists every year! A temple complex rather than one lone structure, it was built in the 12th century as a place for Hindu worship. By the end of the century, it was converted to Buddhist uses. One of the first Western visitors to Angkor Wat, António da Madalena, wrote, “it is like no other building in the world”… And he was right!

#8: Ajanta Caves

India

Considered one of the earliest examples of Buddhist art and architecture anywhere in the world, the Ajanta Caves deserve to be a big deal! By most estimates, many of the carvings date back as early as the second century BC. The caves are situated within dense jungle and were rediscovered in 1819 largely by accident, by a British officer while on a hunt. Described by the Archaeological Survey of India as “the finest surviving examples of Indian art,” the caves’ insides offer ancient depictions of Buddhist teachings and figures of the Buddha himself.

#7: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka

Also known as the Lion Rock of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is the country’s most visited historic site and a truly unique attraction. When King Kashyapa seized the throne, he made Sigiriya his new capital and fortress. The gigantic rock formation was decorated with distinctive artwork as well as a gateway adorned with a lion – thus the name Lion Rock. After Kashyapa’s death in 495 AD, the site became a Buddhist monastery and fulfilled this function until the 14th century. And now, it’s an archaeological melting pot, a geological peculiarity that offers a “once in a lifetime” panoramic view!

#6: Wave Rock

Australia

Name a world famous rock located in Australia. Most would only ever have one answer - Ayers Rock, otherwise known as Uluru! However, if you ever are Down Under, you could head to Perth, take a three/four-hour tour out to Hyden, and have yourself a geological experience that’s a little less mainstream! This rock, so named for obvious appearance-related reasons, is some 2.7 billion years in the making! Contrary to logical belief, the best waves in Australia aren’t always found on the coast!

#5: Ancient City of Bagan

Myanmar

The capital of the Kingdom of Pagan from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries, at its height Bagan was home to over 10,000 religious temples. Now those numbers have dwindled… But still there remain an unprecedented 2,200+ monuments, pagodas, temples and buildings within the city, scattered across 100 square kilometres! It was once an international center for alchemy, astrology, philosophy and medicine and, though it no longer thrives as in yesteryear, it remains one of the most magical places on Earth!

#4: Metéora Suspended Rock Monasteries

Greece

With a name meaning “suspended in air,” our next underappreciated place is incredible now, but was even more so when first created! TheMetéora complex is a series of monasteries carved into and built atop of unique sandstone pillars, rising out of the trees. Originally inhabited in the 9th century by religious recluses and monks, the buildings were deliberately difficult to access, via a frighteningly fragile rope and net pulley system. There are carved staircases now, but the original inhabitants were real hardcore hermits!

#3: The White Temple

Thailand

Today’s most modern wonder, the White Temple is a work in progress, not expected to be fully completed until 2070. Privately owned and constructed by Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, it is situated in Thailand’s Chiang Rai Province and, after falling into disrepair and being rebuilt by the artist, opened in 1997. The Temple is both a conventional place of Buddhist worship, and an unconventional house for modern art and ideas. The Ubosot is its central building, inside of which are murals dedicated not to tradition, but to contemporary events and idols… Michael Jackson features here, as does Freddy Kruger; there are images of the oil industry, and of terrorism. Because one day, this’ll all be ancient history too!

#2: Meenakshi Amman Temple

India

Considered as architecturally important to Southern India as the Taj Mahal is to the North, the Meenakshi Temple is six hectares of unrivalled art, culture, legend and history. Said to be the home of triple-breasted goddess Meenakshi, whose superfluous breast melted away upon marriage to Shiva, it houses an estimated 33,000 sculptures, and welcomes 15,000 visitors a day! Many of those visitors stick around until closing as well, for an important daily ritual in which an image of Shiva is carried to Meenakshi’s bedroom, to consummate their union.

#1: Angel Falls

Venezuela

At 3,212 feet tall, our winner is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall – and if that’s not wonder-worthy, then what is?! Angel Falls, named after the U.S. aviator who first flew over them, have a legendary spot within the history of exploration. Notoriously difficult to locate, and even harder to navigate once you’re actually there, they’ve become a sort of unofficial aim for any aspiring adventurer. Plus, they’re the inspiration for Paradise Falls in the Pixar film, “Up”!… Quite simply, they’re beautiful, they’re breath-taking, and they beat everything else out there!

Which of these gorgeous sites are getting added to your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!