The strangest wonders of the world’s deserts; From the well of Hell to the legendary palaces

Deserts are often imagined as vast, empty and barren lands; Landscapes where there may be no sign of life for hundreds of kilometers; But even in the most remote and inhospitable parts of the world, amazing and inspiring places are hidden. From natural structures like sand sculptures and hidden springs to luxury hotels and famous special accommodations, this article looks at some of the strangest attractions located in the heart of the world’s uninhabitable deserts. (Love Exploring)

“Barhut Well” is a huge sinkhole in the remote deserts of eastern Yemen, which has a special place in local beliefs. This place, which is also known as “Hell Well” or “Hell Pit”, is the focus of many legends; Among the narrations that consider it to be the prison of devils. It is estimated that the mouth of this well is about 30 meters in diameter and 250 meters deep. So far, no one has reached its bottom; But a local geological group was able to go down to a depth of about 52 meters. Members of this group have reported very unpleasant odors, lack of oxygen and lack of air flow.

Photographer: unknown / loveexploring

The millions of circular spots that cover the surface of the Namibian desert have puzzled researchers and the public for years, hypothesizing whether these shapes are the work of gods, aliens, or even termites. Among these hypotheses, the role of termites is the most logical explanation that scientists have provided. This phenomenon, called “fairy circles”, can only be seen in Namibia and parts of Australia. However, there is still no official and definitive explanation for their formation, and research continues.

Photographer: Felix Lipov / loveexploring

In the heart of a deep valley in the Eastern region of Oman, there is a hidden oasis with clear waters and lush vegetation. Wadi Shab is one of Oman’s most popular nature tourism destinations and has three spectacular natural swimming pools connected by a hiking trail. One of the most beautiful parts of this valley is a waterfall hidden inside a cave. Access to this waterfall is only possible by swimming through a narrow gap in the rocks, and for this reason, it is only recommended for experienced swimmers.

Photographer: Jürgen Feuerer / loveexploring

Petra is the most valuable treasure of Jordan and one of the wonders of the world. This city was carved into the rocks more than 2,000 years ago and became the capital of the wealthy trading empire of the Nabataeans. Treasury, columned street, royal tombs and stone theater are some of its most prominent parts. After the decline of the Nabataeans, Petra was captured by the Romans. New excavations with the help of satellite images have identified a huge platform near the treasury, which may have had a religious or public use, and shows that Petra still has many unknowns.

Photographer: Alex Vasey / loveexploring

Saint Catherine’s Monastery is considered the most important religious place in the Sinai Peninsula. This monastery was founded in the 6th century; Where, according to the narration of the Old Testament, Prophet Moses received the 10 commandments. The geographical location of the monastery in the Sinai Peninsula made it an unsafe destination for tourists. Many governments have warned their citizens not to travel to the region due to terrorist threats and frequent attacks.

Photographer: Leonid Andronov / loveexploring

Tataouine, a desert city in southern Tunisia, is famous for its cave-like architecture typical of the Berbers of the region. Visitors usually come to this city to see the historical fortifications; But there is another reason for its popularity. This city is one of the locations of the “Star Wars” movie series, and it has a colorful role, especially in the first part. In these films, Tataween was used instead of the fictional planet Tatooine, the birthplace of Anakin Skywalker, who would later become Darth Vader.

Photographer: Leonid Andronov / loveexploring

“Scotty’s Castle” is built in the heart of Death Valley on the border of California and Nevada, one of the hottest places on earth, and this location makes it amazing. This building was built in the 1920s by a millionaire from Chicago and named after his friend Walter Scott. This castle became the property of Death Valley National Park in 1970; But after serious damage in the flood of 2015, it has remained closed to the public.

Photographer: Nadia Yong / loveexploring

The “Richat Structure”, which is also known as the “Eye of the African Sahara”, has attracted the attention of astronauts since the first days of man’s presence in space. This circular structure with a diameter of about 48 km is seen from the International Space Station, similar to a sable or a snail shell. For years, it was thought that this phenomenon is the result of a meteorite impact; But today, geologists believe that Rishat was originally a geological dome that eroded over time and left this impressive feature on the surface of the desert.

Photographer: Unknown / Science HowStuffWorks

“Qasr Al-Sarab Residence” is like a legendary castle in the heart of the desert and near the border of Saudi Arabia. Its beige facade blends with the surrounding sand dunes and creates a sense of separation from the outside world. Indoors, the complex becomes a green oasis with palm trees and water pools. Qasr Al Sarab is located on the edge of the “Ruba’ Al Khali”, the largest continuous stretch of sand in the world, and is an ideal destination for desert adventure experiences such as camel riding, horse riding, yoga and outdoor activities.

Photographer: Hamdan Yoshida / loveexploring

The Atacama Desert, which stretches for 97 km along the Pacific coast of Chile and is one of the driest places on earth, is the only desert whose rainfall is estimated to be lower than even the polar deserts. In the early 1980s, a Chilean artist decided to build a huge “Desert Hand” sculpture in the heart of this absolute land; A giant hand that has come out of the sand and has become a shocking symbol of the loneliness and vulnerability of man and his relationship with nature.

Photographer: Ksenia Ragozina / loveexploring

Which of these desert wonders have you seen up close or would you like to see? In your opinion, which desert has hidden the most unexpected wonder in its heart? Please let Kajaro and its users know your valuable opinion.

Cover photo: Petra, Jordan; Photo Source: National Geographic, Photographer Name: Unknown