Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
The Thar Desert stretches across northwestern India, with its largest Indian expanse lying in Rajasthan and extending toward the borders of Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana. It is a dry landscape of sand dunes, gravel plains, rocky ground, thorn scrub, and scattered grasslands rather than an entirely sandy wilderness. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner are among the best-known gateways to the desert, while smaller settlements reveal how people have adapted to scarce water and extreme temperatures. The
Gyumri is Armenia's second-largest city and the capital of Shirak Province, located on a high plateau in the country's northwestern region. The city is known for its distinctive black and red volcanic-stone architecture, broad streets, historic districts, and strong artistic traditions. Its setting near the Turkish border places it among open plains and volcanic landscapes, with Mount Aragats visible from parts of the surrounding region.
The Fann Mountains are a high mountain range in western Tajikistan, forming part of the Pamir-Alai system between the Zeravshan and Hisor ranges. The region is known for steep peaks, deep valleys, glaciers, alpine lakes, and juniper-covered slopes. Several summits rise above 5,000 meters, including Chimtarga, the highest peak in the Fann Mountains. The range is accessible from settlements such as Ayni and Panjakent and contains some of Tajikistan's most recognized mountain landscapes.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a large protected area spanning the border between South Africa and Botswana in the southern Kalahari. It combines red sand dunes, dry riverbeds, grass-covered plains, and scattered camel thorn trees across a semi-arid landscape. The park is managed cooperatively by the two countries, allowing wildlife to move across the international boundary without fences.
Sunlight enters through an opening above the weathered limestone formations inside the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.
Photo Credit: Wendy Harman
Rising from Fiji’s northern Yasawa Islands, Sawa-i-Lau is a striking limestone island surrounded by an otherwise volcanic island chain. Its rugged shoreline conceals a series of partially flooded caverns, including a spacious chamber where sunlight filters through an opening above and illuminates a clear saltwater pool. Adventurous swimmers can also enter a darker inner cave through a short underwater passage. Rich in local legend, Sawa-i-Lau offers a memorable blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and island adventure.