From the rich colors of Punjab, to the colorful favelas of Rio, there is little doubt that the world is blessed with vivid colors. However, there is also a collection of natural wonders which adorns the globe with simply irresistible colors. In our bid to pay homage to these breathtaking landscapes, feast your eyes and lenses to our pick of the top 10 most colorful natural wonders of the world!
1. Seven Colored Earths, Mauritius
These gorgeous sand dunes consists of seven distinct colors, red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. The colors were formed due to the tropical weather. Volcanic rock decomposed into clay and a mixture of soil and aluminum. Thus, resulting in the remains of reddish-black iron and aluminum oxides which cooled off into shades of blue, cyan and purple. The different compositions then settled into separate layers. Hence, forming one of the most intriguing natural wonders for photographers.
2. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
The colors of Laguna Colorada stands out immediately. The lake owes its deep orange-red hue to the red algae. The lagoon is also a popular spot among the endangered James Flamingo’s. These birds have flocked the area for centuries, adding to the appeal of the land. Combined with the rolling mountains and craggy rock shores, this lagoon offers photographers the opportunity to capture its raw beauty.
3. Morning Glory Pool, USA
Wyoming’s majestic Yellowstone National Park is home to the striking colors of the Morning Glory Pool. The delicate blue water is created by thermophilic bacteria, as the pool’s searing heat makes for ideal conditions. However, inconsiderate tourists have altered the colors of the pool. The trash has blocked the thermal vents, in turn, facilitating the growth of other bacteria. Therefore, causing the pool to turn from a royal blue to an illuminating, yellow ring around the center.
4. Zhangye Danxia Landforms, China
When in China, be sure to treat your lenses to the rainbow mountains of the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. The layered-cake like features were developed courtesy of the constant pressing and buckling of tectonic plates. Over the course of 24 million years, this has drastically altered the shape of the minerals and sandstone. Therefore, leading to a kaleidoscope of many red rocky outcrops, resembling weird and wonderful shapes of natural wonders as far as the eye can see.
5. Havasu Falls, USA
These falls would ring a bell or two for hikers trekking up the Havasupai trail in the Grand Canyon. What sets this fall apart is the bright turquoise waters. The reaction between calcium carbonate and magnesium is responsible for this. Meanwhile, the limestone riverbed only adds to the brightness and charm of the waterfall. Therefore, making it almost irresistible to simply leave your camera in the backpack.
6. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
This National Geographic dubbed the “Cruelest place on Earth”, is also one of the hottest places on the globe. Set in harsh conditions, this 100 meters below sea level landscape looks like a Breaking Bad experiment gone horribly wrong. Most noteworthy, this surreal setting witnesses the bubbling of volcanoes. Similarly, the formation of rather disturbing shapes of sulfurous mounds of yellow is bound to leave visitors flabbergasted. If you are in search of unpretentious and unforgiving natural wonders, then this must be right up on your bucket list.
7. Fly Geyser, USA
Situated on a patch of private land in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, the Fly Geyser is one of the state’s coolest attractions. In the early 1900s, this wonder was a mere man made well. Eventually, piping hot water began to sprout through the cracks. Consequently, the repetitive eruptions dissolved minerals and led to the growth of thermophilic algae in streaks of red and green. These bacteria thrive in the wet, hot conditions created by the geyser.
8. Spiaggia Rosa, Italy
This pink beach is an absolute paradise on the Italian island of Budelli. One of the few places on earth to have pink sand, the charming color comes from a mix of crushed fossils, crystals, coral, and dead marine creatures. Then concoction then tints the sand with a rosy blush. Unfortunately, the brilliant pink sands was highly sought and visitors began to steal it. Therefore, causing the government to restrict the access to the sands. As a result, travelers are now only allowed to admire this beach from a distance.
9. Grand Prismatic Spring, USA
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one Yellowstone’s National Park’s most remarkable natural wonders. This spring has bright bands of orange, yellow, and green surrounding the blue waters. The multi colored layers get their hues from different species of heat-loving bacteria living in the surrounding cooler water. Coupled with its enormous size, this is the most photographed feature in the serene Yellowstone National Park.
10. Kelimutu Volcano, Indonesia
Indonesia’s Mount Kelimutu is known for its three colored crater lakes. This volcano is every travelers dream, as the lakes are known to change color on multiple occasions. The colors alternate between brown, blue, green, red, black and even turquoise. This is probably down to the interaction of minerals with the volcanic gas. Alternatively, according to local folklore, the lakes are believed to be a resting place for the souls of the departed. And the colors represents different locations to which these souls are sent to. So beware of ending up on the God’s naughty or nice list.
So there you have it, 10 of the world’s most colorful natural wonders for truly spectacular photography. If you have your bags packed to shoot these stunning landscapes, check out three tips to sharpen your images in Photoshop before you depart.
Alternatively, if this month’s budget is a little tight to explore these destinations, read up on our Photoshop tutorial to create an eye-catching landscape of the Northern Lights. Finally, if you are in search of a one stop design solution to all your creative needs, check out our #designyourstory campaign on instagram!