Never Knew Existed

Unknown Places You Never Knew Existed

Are you an explorer at heart who likes to seek out the unknown, hidden spots when you travel? Then read on for our list of the best unknown places in the world!

The best way to discover secret places is through locals and exploring on your own. At eDreams, we have over 50 nationalities in the office so we’ve asked around and gathered the very best tips from around the world, from locals.

Dive into the blue lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park (China)

Get a glimpse of this 1375-metre-long beautiful crystal blue lake in China. Tucked away in among the Min Mountains near the Tibetan Plateau, it’s a far cry from the bustling streets of Beijing! Deservedly, UNESCO turned the place into a World Heritage site in 1992.

Walk the Haiku Stairs in Oahu, Hawaii

Nothing quite comes closer to the ‘stairway to heaven’ than the Haiku Stairs in Oahu. These majestic stairs had a top secret purpose when they were built in 1942. Constructed by the Haiku Radio Station to transmit radio signals to Navy ships across the Pacific. Today you can walk the 3,922 steps. If you dare?

Swim in the Enchanting River in Surigao del Sur, Philippines

The Philippines is slowly showcasing its beauty one island after the other, with places like Boracay and Palawan becoming ever more popular. But, there are still many unknown spots to be discovered. Tucked in behind the rocky mountains of a small province called Surigao Del Sur lies this fairytale-like river. Dive into the caves of the enchanted river without being disturbed by crowds of people.

Explore the Crooked Forest in Szczecin, Poland

Discover the bizarre array of crooked trees that can be found near the town of Gryfino in Western Poland. Around 400 pine trees in the Crooked Forest grow at a 90-degree angle from the root. Some say that the reason behind the 90-degree bend of the trees is a gravitational pull within the area. Others have more sinister reasons. Make up your own mind!

Marvel at the Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, Himalayas

Considered as the most famous lake in India, this lake isn’t exactly a secret place, but it’s still relatively unvisited. Stretching out for about 160 kms, this saltwater lake contains the highest amount of salt water in the world.

Go to the Salar de Uyuni (Salar de Tunupa) in Bolivia

This salt flat that extends to 10,582 square kilometers is considered to be the world’s largest salt flat in the world. Tucked away in Potosi, southwest of Bolivia, this is one of the most beautiful unknown places in the world. Formed as a result of the prehistoric lakes within its surroundings.

Dare to look down “The Door to Hell” in Derweze, Turkmenistan

This natural gas field known as “The Door to Hell” or “The gateway to hell” is something out of the ordinary. This caverned collapsed in 1971, geologists then set it on fire to avoid the spread of methane gas and since then it just keeps burning continuously. Since then, it has become a unique place to visit. Dare to get near this crater for a good selfie?

Hideaway in a small oasis surrounded by dunes in Huacachina, Peru

In Southwestern Peru lies a small town surrounded by a small lake and surrounded by enormous sand dunes in the most infertile places on earth. This oasis only has 96 residents. This place offers you a good spot to catch the sunset and also explore the town’s rustic shops and be adventurous and try out sandboarding!

Walk up to the Monastery of Santa Maria dell’Isola in Tropea, Italy

Are you up for a secret getaway? Like literally, a secret getaway. Then pack your bags and head to Tropea, Italy.  Get a good view of this 12th century Norman cathedral Franciscan monastery.  This place is a best kept secret of Italians where they all go to for vacations. (Apologies to the Italians for sharing it with the world!) Not a lot of travellers know about this place yet. Not only do you get the scenic view of the castle but you can also enjoy an afternoon dip in its warm, turquoise clear water. How can you resist a dramatic coastal cliff view while you’re sunbathing?

Mooch around Montreal Botanical Garden, Canada

This 75 -hectare of fine greenery is known to be one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens.  Visitors often visit this botanical garden with some thirty thematic gardens and 10 exhibition greenhouses. This place is surely for all the nature lovers who enjoys a day to be one with nature.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to travel the road less travelled!

Sandeep Singh Kainth