You needn’t head to Mars or the Moon if you want a taste of the unknown and bizarre. All of that’s right here on Earth. From mysterious blue holes to some really freaky flora, Mother Nature has got a great sense of humour.

1. PAMUKKALE - TURKEY 

The Travertine Pools of Turkey are as gorgeous as they are strange. Thousands of years ago, earthquakes forced fractures to spring hot water rich in calcium carbonate. Eventually the water evaporated and all that was left were these strange terraced layers.

2. GREAT BLUE HOLE - BELIZE

Throughout the Bahamas and the waters of Belize are deep underground caves known as Blue Holes. They’re usually entrances to deep cae networks (some up to 14 kms in length). These places are magical. Divers have reported seeing animal life that’s still unknown to modern science. Within these caves, stalactites and stalagmites can be found, which only form in dry caves. This is proof that thousands of years ago, the sea level of the Bahamas was up to 150 metres lower than it is today.

3. SUQATRA ISLAND - YEMEN 

This little island is like something out of a science fiction novel. Isolated from the rest of the world, Soqatra is filled with strange-looking plants and weird trees. The most famous of Soqatra flora is the Dragon’s Blood Tree. Its sap can be used as a dye or some claim, an aphrodisiac.