Dragon Blue Hole, China

Dragon Blue Hole is deepest blue hole in the world. It is 987 ft deep sinkhole, with a distinctive blue color water when seen from above. Almost 330 ft deeper than Dean’s Blue. This is located 25 KM from south of Discovery Reef in Paracel Islands.

It is famous as “eye” of the South China Sea. A stark contrast to the otherwise aqua waters that surround striking and beautiful formations of underwater entrances and extend below sea level, mirroring the appearance of a sinkhole.

Moreover, there are several fresh water sinkholes on planet earth, that are deeper than Dragon Hole. These include Mexico's Zacatón 1,099 ft, Pozzo del Merro in Italy 1,286 ft, and Hranice abyss in the Czech Republic 1,325 ft.

Dean’s Blue Hole, Bahamas

Bahamas, Dean’s Blue Hole is world’s deepest salt water blue hole. It is circular shape hole at the surface with a 82 to 115 meters diameter. After descending 66 ft, the blue hole widens into a cavern with a diameter of 330 ft. This blue hole located near Clarence Town on the coast of Long Island, The Bahamas. It is also one of best blue hole for best diving and snorkeling site. Dean’s Blue Hole formed due to underwater erosion dissolving limestone and chemical reaction. Many sea animals to be found inside Dean’s blue hole.

Snorkelers and divers may spot snapper fish, tarpons, turtles seahorses, rays and various colorful tropical fish. Dean’s blue hole is a different one in many ways, connected to the Atlantic through an inlet on one side and framed by cliffs and white sand beaches on the other.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

Most of you, may not know about Blue Holes? How they formed and what are most beautiful Blue Holes in the world. A Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole created with erosion of carbonate bedrock. Its appearance seems a dark blue circle of water on the ocean. It developed in a bank or island contain influenced fresh water, marine, or mixed chemistry. The Halocline point of blue holes meets the freshwater and saltwater. At this point, corrosive reaction takes place which eats away the rock and create side passages or horizontal arms from the vertical cave. 

Blue Holes once lying above the sea level thousand of years ago, but as the time passes it open to the surface and formed by composed of a carbonate bedrock “limestone, or coral reef”. The Blue holes are illustrious from cenotes in that the latter are inland voids normally holding fresh groundwater rather than seawater.

The process of dissolution of soluble rocks and intense karst activity created large vertical caves. When the ocean level rose up due to melting of glaciers these blue holes became submerged. Owing to their depth, the greater absorption of sunlight increases their depth, creates a dramatic contrast with the lighter blue of the shallows around them and forms a natural outline that can be easily seen from the surface. Many Blue Holes provide access to submerged cave passages. 

Great Blue Hole, Belize

On the coast of Belize, a small country on the eastern coast of Central America. This country has the famous Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole near the small atoll center of Lighthouse Belize City. A circular shape hole formed with quaternary glaciation when sea level was very low. It is 1,043 ft across and 407 ft deep.

Great Blue Hole is a World Heritage site a part of Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Great Blue Hole shows formation took place around 15,000 years ago. This hole is among the five best widespread spots for recreational scuba divers.

The divers enticed the opportunity of dive in crystal clear water with mesmerizing fishes, Caribbean reef shark, bull shark, hammerheads, and other juvenile fish. Discovery channel ranked Great Blue Hole is Top Spot in the list of Most Amazing Places on Earth. Different fossils existed in blue holes, such as crocodile and tortoise fossils.

Nambe Falls – New Mexico

In the Southwest Desert, you would expect arid area.  But there is unexpected waterfall surprise you on the northwestern part of New Mexico. That is called Name Falls or Nambé Falls located on the back of Sangre de Cristo mountains about 30 miles north of Santa Fe. The height of two tiers waterfall is 100ft and 75ft respectively.

Nambe Falls has massive potential to be one of biggest tourist attraction in this area. The falls alluring views looking downstream make it a special picnic place. Further, an imposing 150ft dam and spillway directly above the waterfall. Though, dam erode the scenic allure of waterfalls, but it serves the main purpose of providing water to Nambe People.

Nambe Falls also provide a chance to offset the desert heat in the seemingly reliably flowing rushing creek. Nambe Falls overlook down at the steepness and rough the scramble would be to get up to the bases of the upper two drops, a dangerous and not-so-easy scramble. 

This sedate place provides an opportunity to experience the true nature, enjoy the waterfalls, feel the breeze. Nambé Falls is a real pleasure that can be repeated once in your life. This spot is for all families with children, outdoor-recreation programs and large groups.

Trail to Nambe Falls

If you are hiker and love hiking, then it is highly recommended to take either option available here. First you must be directed to the dry or wet trail. Not more than mile trail will take you a gentle incline to an aerial view of two-tiered waterfall.  This fall is nestled into the Nambé Pueblo, hence you want to take more risk for challenging and refreshing hike.

Then brave to opt the quarter mile wet trail. But be sure to wear the proper water proof shoes, as the water is extremely cold. This is scenic trail will take you winding and crossing the river upstream for half of it. A worthful hike make your toe frozen, but reward is awesome.

You can sit around the falls, relaxing your mind and body with the sheer sound of waterfalls. By closing to nature, it is popular quote that “Nature heals your Mind and Body”. You may also feel the cold breeze and take selfies and photographs. You have enough time in the summer but be aware of limited hours in other seasons. Also, more water flow observes in early spring and summer season.

So, this trail is mainly used for walking, hiking, and nature trips. Some scatter vegetation obstructing the view of lower drop of Nambe Falls. Don’t take any risk for precarious scrambling exposure of deep drop off present. In the end, since you’re already wet, why not take a heart-pounding dip into each of the pools below each tier falls? Source: - CP

Mount Shuksan - Washington

Mount Shuksan is a glaciated massif on Canada-United States border. This is a jagged alpine peak rises in Whatcom County, Washington to the east of Mount Baker. Mount Shuksan name mean is “high peak” composed of greenchist, and oceanic basalt. Mount Shuksan is the highest point on the three sided peak known as Summit Pyramid. Mount Shuksan has no comparison in the range when one think the structural beauty of its four major faces and five ridges. Mt. Shuksan is one of the highest non-volcanic peaks 9,127 feet. A strikingly beautiful peak, it is the most frequently photographed mountain in the United States.

Almost 120 million years ago, Mount Shuksan was metamorphosed when the Easton terrane collided with the west coast of North America. It is an eroded leftover of a thrust plate formed by the Easton collision. On the West side view it is as seen from Artist Point. The nearby road allows visitors to take a closer view of the peak. Mount Shuksan is one of most photogenic mountain in Cascade Range. The majestic reflection of Mount Shuksan is seen close to Mount Baker Ski area.

The beautiful Sulphide Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, plunges off the southeastern flank of Mount Shuksan. There are four other tall waterfalls that spill off Mount Shuksan and neighboring Jagged Ridge and Seahpo Peak, mostly sourced from small snowfields and glaciers. Mount Shuksan has something to offer everyone. It has an approach through immaculate forests, reasonable glacier travel, and an exhilarating and airy summit. The surrounding views of North Cascade peaks can't be beat.

In the early of 19^th century, Asahel Curtis and W. Montelius was reported first ascent the Mount Shuksan. However, some critics reported that Joseph Morowits was the first ascent in 1897. He also attempted to climb the Mount Shuksan in 1903 but he had not been sure that it had already been climbed. The Shuksan is one of the finest mountaineering objectives by its reputation requiring a variety of alpine climbing techniques. It is surely deserved a wide variety of challenges can be encountered on this fairly complex mountain.

Mount Shuksan Climbing Route

All climbers must know the basic snow and glacier climbing skills. Depending upon the route, it is definiately a fun mix snow climbing, easy rock scrambling, and plentiful ledges.

1.       Sulphide Glacier Route is recommended for beginners.

2.       Fisher Chimneys Route is recommended for Intermediate level.

3.       North Face Route is recommended for advance level.

Tower Fall - Wyoming, United States

Tower Fall is one of the prettiest waterfalls on Tower Creek in the northeastern region of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in the United States. The fall is about 1,000 yards upstream from the creek's confluence with the Yellowstone River, plunges 132 feet (40 meters). Tower Fall name comes from the rock pinnacles at the top of the fall. The breathtaking waterfall plunges a water column crashes onto the rocks at its base.

In 1870, Samuel Hauser, the member of the Washburn party, notation the name in his diary. The Tower Falls and Creek Falls are located just three miles south of Roosevelt Junction on the Tower-Canyon road. This is more graceful and eye-catching waterfalls which formations looming over the canyon it was nestled in.

You would love to hear the rush of the water and the calls of wildlife at this tranquil and scenic natural area. Tower Fall has enchanted the imaginations of travelers, explorers, and even legislators for more than 140 years. Further, until 1986, visitors could see a large boulder perched on the edge of where the fall drops.

Trail of Tower Falls

It is an easy little trail, as many people walking it in flip flops. Tower Fall Trail passes through a lovely pine forest and is well maintained. Some visitor gets the better view to have a hike down a paved steep ¼ mile trail. Every year thousands of visitors putting pressure on the unstable streambank undercutting the paved path.

It is highly recommended to safely pass the trail when dry, but better not to try during icy wet and slippery. The Tower Falls is eerie-shaped minarets or towers sculpted from rhyolitic basalt. The trail is still restoring, but after washouts, so you can only go about a quarter mile beyond the upper viewing platform for the falls.

Also, see the rainbow arched across the mist of Tower Falls, adding the majestic beauty. In 2004, the last part of the trail was washed out by rock and mudslides, and the trail to the base of the waterfall remains closed. Also, sadly the park has yet to reopen trail to creekside view, it’s been decades now.

When to Go to Tower Falls

Well, even from the viewing area at the top, you get a sense of how breathtaking the waterfalls in Yellowstone can be. This is particularly to visit in May and June. When the snow melts and rain produced some fabulous water flowing in the rivers and over the falls.

The major drawback in those months is incredibly busy and you must wait your turn for top view and take photographs. Many people don’t wait a lot and pushing you, that ultimately distract your focus on taking photos. Hence, to come early to avoid the rush.

Nearby Attraction

The nearby viewing point of Calcite Springs also offers scenic vistas of the zone, including the rare hexagonal basalt pillars, were created by lava flow the cracked as it cooled. Also note, that during the winter months, the entire tower waterfall is encased in an ice dome and the frozen falls are accessible via cross country skies. Moreover, many other marvelous sights and waterfalls in the area.

A Sign Board at the overlook explains how Tower Fall was Formed?

“Like many of Yellowstone’s waterfalls, Tower Fall began as a low ledge at the junction of two different bedrocks. Rock at the brink and underlying the fall is a tough, volcanic breccia; the weaker downstream rock erodes faster. Where Tower Creek drops into space, imagine the missing streambed—a channel of softer rock long since worn away. Just downstream from the base of the Fall, the Yellowstone River enters a narrow, swift-running gorge. Tower Creek cannot downcut fast enough to keep pace—and is left hanging high above the river.” Source: CP

Pattan Minara, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

Patan Minara is an ancient Buddhist monastery in Rahim Yar Khan Pakistan. The 2,000 years old monastery situated 8 KM from Rahim Yar Khan City a single burnt sienna column remains. It is very little known information about single column minara. However, it was believed to be built during Hakrra valley civilization during Mauryan period approximately 250BC. 

The archeologists believe the Patan Minara was built by Alexander the Great during his visit to the military expedition to Hind (India). The Pattan Minara means the “Tower on the Ford”. It is named after Pattan Pur, once a lush green city situated on the bank of the River Ghagra, an offshoot of the River Indus.

Alexander the Great established a cantonment under Greek Governor. Therefore, The Patan Minara served for keeping a watchful eye on the local tribes. Some mystical stories are associated with the history of Patan Minara. Some believe that hidden treasure was buried under the tower. A Sanskrit written brick was discovered at the start of 18^th century when it was demolished. A fort, mosque, and tunnels still remain in that area. Some historians believe, Alexander also conquered the state and stayed in the ancient city.

Colonel Minchin the Ex-Bhawalpur the state passed an order to excavate the ruins of Patan Minara. He had heard that hidden treasure was buried in tunnels that were part of the Sienna column remains. Unfortunately, a worker came across a semi-liquid swarmed flies killed him at the spot. So, the digging process was stopped due to this disaster. 

In the 18^th century Fazal Elahi Khan Halani the chief of Daupauta used its remains to build the Baghla & Dingar Forte. The local government even though officially declared heritage site. The unplanned housing is creeping up in the surrounding area and the construction industry is for reti-bajri or sand around the ruins. The nomadic peoples are living life in the surrounding area mainly depends upon their stock lives of camel feed.

Although Pattan Minara has lost its prime, local people are trying to save this site by pledging to bring back coins they found. Maybe someone has already been discovered the hidden treasure, no one exactly knows. The sole remnant of the civilization and its remains is eroding with the passage of time, and it seems like it wouldn’t stand in future. However, in recent times some restoration and beautifying work is done by the local government. 

If the department of Archaeology and the government pay some attention to this minara, it can reveal it's true to discover the likes of another Harappa or Mohenjo Daro. If you are a photography lover, then you should visit Patan Minara in the evening. It is the ideal time for photography when the sun is perfectly placed opposite of Minara. Source: CP