6 unknown Wonders of the World

The world is full of amazing places and hidden wonders, some so beautiful, you’d be forgiven for thinking they actually don’t exist. The more familiar ‘wonders of the world’ dominate the mainstream articles, but there are a few gems slip under the radar, untouched by mass tourism, making them even more special. Here’s 6 unknown wonders that you might not have heard of. ‘The Tunnel of Love’ – Kleven, Ukraine Magical, mysterious and intriguing are just some of the things used to describe the ‘Tunnel of Love’ in Kleven. Despite uncertain times in this part of the world, one bit of certainty that does exist, is how breath-taking the tunnel here is. Located around 7 miles from the centre of Kleven, the passing train has moulded the trees over many years, as it made its way to the wood-work factory. Legend has it that anyone who makes a wish, whilst walking this luscious green corridor, gets exactly what they wished for. Lake Hillier, Middle Island, Western Australia First spoken about in the journals of Matthew Flinders (Flinders Expedition 1802), where whilst climbing the highest peak of Middle Island, Flinders came across this striking pink lake. Unlike the other pink lakes of the world, like Senegal’s Lake Retba, which have had their reasons for existence confirmed (Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria known as halobacteri), Lake Hillier is still shrouded in mystery. Due to its protected nature the only way to view this wonder is by helicopter ride – well worth the trip! The Crystal Cave, Vatnajökull, Iceland Created as a result of the glacier meeting the Icelandic coastline, this big chunk of ice goes way back a few hundred years. The weight of the glacier has had its remnant air pressed out, and the result is the formation of brilliant blues, and turquoise ceilings. The access through a 20 foot entrance can be a little difficult, so you need to be physically fit. The best time to view the ice caves in all its glory is October to February – you never know you might also catch another phenomenon, the Northern Lights! The Great Blue Hole, Belize Declared as one of the best dive sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau (famous 20th century undersea explorer), the Great Blue Hole, is believed to be the largest submarine cave of its kind. The reefs around Belize are some of the best in the Caribbean, and have even gained a glowing reference from another great explorer, Charles Darwin. This dive spot isn’t for the faint hearted, it’s only recommended for advanced divers. Library of Celsus, Ephesus, Turkey Named after the city’s former governor Celsus, the library was constructed in the 2nd century and was a monumental tomb for over 12,000 scrolls. The building is one of the few remaining examples of ancient, Roman-influenced libraries. The library is located at the heart of the city, and is a perfect example of the magnificent architecture enjoyed under Emperor Hadrian (76-138 ). The original building had three entrances, with four statues to represent what Celsus stood for: Wisdom (Sophia), intelligence (Ennoia), knowledge (episteme) and virtue (Arete). A Gothic invasion damaged the library in the year 262, but was lovingly restored in the 4th century. If you love your history, then this is definitely worth a visit. Sigiriya (Lions Rock), Sri Lanka Nothing captures the imagination, quite like a huge lump of granite that rises out the earth. In Located in the central plains of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, may have a blood stained history, but it’s also full of mystery, frescos, and paintings dating back 15 centuries. It’s Asia’s oldest surviving landscape garden, and around 3 and a half hours from the popular tourist site of Colombo. An astonishing piece of history, that’s a wonder in its own right. Colin Matthews is the Managing Director at Travel Club Elite. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.