Khaizuran RashidReady to set your travel plans ablaze? In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to five of the world’s most astonishing sites where fire is a permanent resident. From natural flames that have mesmerised travellers for centuries to blazing craters born of happy accidents, these destinations provide a fiery twist to your wanderlust. So, grab your cuppa and get ready to be dazzled by nature’s most unconventional light shows!
Also read: 5 Strangest Natural Wonders in the World You Might Not Have Heard About
1. Yanar Dağ, Azerbaijan
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Firstly, begin your adventure at Yanar Dağ in Azerbaijan – a hillside that has burned for decades. Interestingly, it’s not an isolated feature. Travellers from Marco Polo to Alexandre Dumas have reported similar mysterious flames for centuries. Large concentrations of natural gas under the Absheron Peninsula keep Yanar Dağ alight. Today, a 10-metre wall of fire lights up the night, creating a spectacular show. So, why not enjoy the spectacle with a cup of tea at a nearby teahouse? Legend says a shepherd’s discarded cigarette sparked the blaze in the 1950s, igniting a phenomenon that locals and visitors love today.
2. The Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan
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Secondly, check out The Gates of Hell, also known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, in Turkmenistan. Tucked in the Karakum Desert, this 70-metre-wide crater has allegedly burned since 1971, when a Soviet drilling mishap exposed a massive gas pocket. The Soviets tried to burn off the gas temporarily, but the inferno still rages and mesmerises visitors. Today, its hypnotic glow draws adventurers and wild campers who crave an otherworldly experience.
3. Eternal Flame Falls, USA
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Thirdly, in Orchard Park, New York, you’ll find a hidden gem at the Eternal Flame Falls in Chestnut Ridge Park. Imagine a waterfall with a twist – a flickering flame that survives the torrents of water! Fed by a gas leak, it stays lit because passers-by reignite it whenever it sputters. The surprising mix of fire and water creates a magical, almost surreal scene, inspiring tales of woodland spirits and enchanting legends.
4. Yanartaş, Turkey
Image credit: William Neuheisel via Wikimedia Commons
Fourthly, continue your tour of eternal embers at Yanartaş in Turkey. For more than 2,500 years, this rugged mountain has emitted natural flames from rocky crevices. Once a beacon for ancient mariners, these steady fires now fascinate hikers and history buffs alike. As you explore, you’ll sense whispers of myth and legend. Undoubtedly, they remind you of the fiery past that has sparked epic stories of heroism and mythical creatures.
5. Burning Mountain, Australia
Image credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service | Official Website
Finally, head to Burning Mountain in Wingen, Australia. Here, an underground coal fire has smouldered for an astounding 6,000 years. It creeps at about one metre per year, leaving a barren, almost surreal landscape in its path. Despite the stark scenery, the site attracts bold travellers eager to witness this ancient, slow-moving inferno – a testament to nature’s enduring, fiery spirit.
Somebody Call 911!
There you have it – five scorching spectacles that prove our planet never runs out of surprises. Each destination, with its own tale of eternal embers, invites you to explore a world where fire and folklore dance together. Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or a lover of the unusual, these blazing hotspots will ignite your next great escape. Happy travels, and keep the spark of curiosity alive!
Also read: 7 Spectacular Crater Lakes You Must See
