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7 must-see geological wonders in India

Last updated on: November 12, 2012 19:22 IST

TripAdvisor picks seven unique geological formations in India you absolutely must visit.

Travellers might want to keep some of these places in mind when they travel across the country. An adventure holiday or even a detour from a business trip could lead you to unravel some of these mysterious and unusual attractions.

Spiti Valley

Approximately 412 km from Shimla, Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley, which also qualifies for heaven on earth.

Separated from the Kulu Valley by the Rohtang pass, Spiti, which means 'the middle country' has beautiful snow capped mountains that reach out to the clear deep blue skies and the pretty Spiti River.

Getting there is not for the fainthearted but for those who brave the journey it is, as a TripAdvisor traveller puts it, "paradise on earth."

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Disclaimer: The photographs featured in this series are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for their originality.

7 must-see geological wonders in India

Last updated on: November 12, 2012 19:22 IST

Sand dunes of Sam

Situated at the outskirts of Jaisalmer, you can lose yourself in the 'Great Thar desert' at Sam.

With a sweeping stretch of the dunes for miles, it also makes for a gorgeous point to view the sunset and sunrise. So an overnight stay is highly recommended for travellers.

Disclaimer: The photographs featured in this series are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for their originality.

7 must-see geological wonders in India

Last updated on: November 12, 2012 19:22 IST

Balancing Rock of Mahabalipuram

Balancing Rock is 60 km from Chennai in Mahabalipuram. Often referred to as Krishna's Butter Ball, it is a huge boulder resting on a narrow rock base.

The rock is so precariously perched on a small surface area that as one TripAdvisor travellers says, "You almost don't want to stand in front of it." This is an excellent place for all the shutterbugs.

Disclaimer: The photographs featured in this series are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for their originality.

7 must-see geological wonders in India

Last updated on: November 12, 2012 19:22 IST

Tiffin Top

Also known as Dorothy's seat, Tiffin Top is approximately 4 kms from Nainital. The way to the Top is via Ayarpatta, Bara Pather, Sherwood College and Lands End. For a thrilling experience, travellers should walk it up however the fainthearted can take a pony ride from Bara Pather.

Close to Tiffin Top is a must visit unique attraction -- Deodar copse. Once you reach the top, it's amazing to see the incredible panorama of the snow capped Himalayas and Nainital.

Disclaimer: The photographs featured in this series are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for their originality.

7 must-see geological wonders in India

Last updated on: November 12, 2012 19:22 IST

Balancing rocks of Jabalpur

Located at the base of Madan Mahal Fort in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It's precariously hanging position has made it famous amongst the tourists. An eroded volcanic rock formation that is balancing on another rock.

Way back in the 15th century, the Queen of the area 'Rani Durgavati' lived here and according to a TripAdvisor traveller, "It is a Perfect example of weathering."

Disclaimer: The photographs featured in this series are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for their originality.

7 must-see geological wonders in India

Last updated on: November 12, 2012 19:22 IST

Nagphani or Duke's Nose

Nagphani or Duke's Nose is a cliff at Khandala, near Lonavala. The Cliff bears resemblance to a snake's head and hence, the name Nagphani.

One can find a small shrine at the top. The Nagaphani gives you spectacular views of the Mumbai-Pune road and rail corridors, as well as marvelous views of Khandala and the surrounding Sahyadri peaks.

Disclaimer: The photographs featured in this series are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for their originality.

7 must-see geological wonders in India

Last updated on: November 12, 2012 19:22 IST

Lonar Crater

Lonar Crater is the largest impact crater in basalt rock in the world. 50,000 years ago, a 2 million-ton meteorite hit the earth to create a big space approximately 1.83 kilometers in diameter and 150 meters deep where lies a saline soda lake.

You will be totally in awe of its unusual flora and fauna. The crater is abode to hundreds of Indian as well as many species of migrant birds as well.

Disclaimer: The photographs featured in this series are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for their originality.