10 - Ta Prohm , Cambodia
Though it’s not as well-known as Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm is still one of the most popular temples to visit at The Angkor Archaeological Park. The temple is renowned for the large trees that have grown around and through the ruins. This unique combination of man-made structures and nature is what has given the temple its nickname, the Jungle Temple.
The imposing temple was built in the late 12th century and was dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. It was also one of the most important monastic complexes in Cambodia, as it housed quarters for numerous Buddhist monks. Today, the temple appears almost liberated from its jungle embrace. Its mosses-covered stones, crooked roots, and collapsed buildings provoke an array of emotions.
The best time to visit the temple is during the morning. It’s when the site is least crowded and the lighting is perfect for photographers. While exploring the temple, look out for the beautiful tapestry patterns on the doorframes. They’re similar to those of Angkor Wat and can be seen on other ruins as well.
9 - The Town of San Juan Parangaricutiro , Mexico
One of the most desolate locations in the world is San Juan Parangaricutiro, a small village in Mexico that lies completely buried in lava after a volcanic eruption. The town was destroyed by the Paricutin volcano in February 1943, which spewed molten rock across the area for eight years. The only thing that survived the catastrophe was a church, which is now a popular tourist attraction and the destination of annual pilgrimages.
The church is half-buried in a river of solidified lava, and its towers rise above the engulfed town behind it. The church is now a shrine to God, and worshippers believe that he saved it from the volcano’s eruption.
The town is now known as Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro and is home to a population of just over 13,000 people. It is a remote location, and the residents spend their days hunting whales and polar bears for meat and furs. They also spend much of their time deciding what color to paint their houses. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, there’s no better destination than this desolate town.
8 - Ross Island Penal Colony , India
Located near Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, Ross Island Penal Colony is a sombre reminder of the British colonial era. During this period, this tiny speck of land was home to Indian freedom fighters who were sentenced to prison terms for rebelling against the British rule.
The prisoners were forced to clear the forests and construct buildings and roads on this secluded location. The living conditions were extremely harsh. Malaria, pneumonia and dysentery killed many of the inmates. The British also used this place to experiment on prisoners by testing medical medicines.
Despite being deserted by humans, Ross Island still has some of the original buildings from its penal settlement days. Today, the island is home to deer and peacocks. The best way to learn about the island's history is by taking part in a light and sound show. This enthralling presentation takes you back to the island's past, allowing you to understand the significant role it played during the penal settlement. It's an unforgettable experience!
7 - The Valley of Mills , Italy
When you think of the Amalfi Coast in Italy, it's likely that the first thing that comes to mind are its colorful houses and breathtaking scenery. However, not many people are aware of a hidden gem known as The Valley of Mills. Also called the 'Valle dei Mulini' or 'Valle delle Ferriere', this mysterious and beautiful place is the perfect example of both the wild beauty of the Amalfi Coast as well as its rich cultural history.
Located in Sorrento, Italy, the Valley of Mills is a series of abandoned brick buildings that were once a flour mill and public wash-house. The building were built into a deep crevasse which is fed by two streams, Casarlano-Cesarano and Saint Antonino.
Over time, as the mill remained unused, Mother Nature slowly began to take back over the Valley of Mills. The increased humidity created by the river allowed plants like ferns to grow in the area, giving the building a luscious coat of green. This unique sight hypnotizes and amazes everyone who sees it.
6 - The Fishing Village of Houtouwan , China
Located on one of the many islands that make up the Shengsi Archipelago, Houtouwan was once a bustling village. In the 1950s, it was home to more than 2,000 people, most of whom were fishermen. However, due to competition from larger fishing trawlers operating out of Shanghai, local fish supplies began to deplete. As a result, residents began to move away from the village in the 1990s.
As time passed, the buildings that were once inhabited became engulfed by ivy and other lush vegetation. Today, the village is visited by tourists who come to admire its otherworldly beauty.
Despite its popularity, the village’s remaining residents are cautious about visitors. They warn that the village could be dangerous. Tourists must pay a fee to view the village, and if they want to explore the ruins, they must hike around. The villagers that remain act as tour guides and sell drinking water to the visitors. They are also careful not to damage the buildings and make them look any more pristine than they already do.
5 - Carbide Willson Ruins , Canada
If you love hiking and photographing abandoned structures, this is the place to visit. Situated at the edge of a waterfall in the forest and overlooking Meech Lake, the ruins are a photographer’s dream. It is also one of Gatineau Park’s most popular destinations, although be warned you might encounter a nude sunbather or two.
Thomas Leopold “Carbide” Willson made a name for himself (and a fortune) in the 19th century after developing a process to produce calcium carbide that could be used to make acetylene gas. This allowed for cheaper production of light bulbs. He later moved on to creating fertilizers, but he died in 1915 while trying to raise venture capital in New York City.
Today, you can hike to the ruins on Trail 36 from the P11 parking lot in Gatineau Park. It is a family-friendly 3.25 km roundtrip and dogs are welcome in summer provided they are on leash. The hike includes a small waterfall and the ruins of a fertilizer plant. It’s a beautiful, but somewhat desolate area.
4 - The Ghost Village Of Kayakoy , Turkey
Located near Fethiye, Kayakoy is a haunting village where history lives in every stone. Previously known as Levissi, the village was once a bustling town with beautiful houses, schools, churches, cafes and shops. But when a population exchange occurred after the Greco-Turkish War in 1923, many residents were forcefully relocated to Greece.
They left behind their beautiful homes, Greek Orthodox churches, and gardens. They were replaced with Muslim farmers who found the land inhospitable and could not adapt to it. This resulted in the eerily abandoned town of Kayakoy.
Today, the ghost town attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its ruins and learn about the tragic events that led to it. In recent years, there has been a boom in boutique hotels and restaurants which gives the town a new lease of life.
But no matter how much the area transforms, its eerie nature will never leave Kayakoy. It will forever be a reminder of those who were uprooted from their homes and forced to start over.
3 - The New World Shopping Mall, Bangkok, Thailand
When you visit this abandoned mall, you'll see a ghostly reminder of the way things used to be in the once-bustling city of Bangkok. While most of the mall has been stripped and is falling apart, there are still some interesting relics from its past, including a giant Buddha statue. The best time to explore the mall is at night, when it's lit up and has a haunting atmosphere.
2 - Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
Many people think of the area surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear plant as a place of post-apocalyptic devastation, but scientists say that's not the case at all. In fact, the land around the plant has experienced a "rewilding" process and is now home to Eurasian lynx, European bison, and other species. Researchers believe that allowing these species to return to the former site of the worst nuclear accident in human history will help stabilize the ecosystem and reduce carbon dioxide levels in the air.
1 - The Town of Kolmanskop, Namibia
You'll have to get a permit to visit this diamond mining settlement in the Namib desert, but it's well worth it. The desert sand is slowly reclaiming the town, which was built by German colonists in 1908 and once contained an entire mining community. While most of the buildings have been torn down, a number of traditional Edwardian structures remain. The desert's arid climate is also preserving the unique architecture of the town, making it an ideal photo backdrop.
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