Waterfalls are known for their profound beauty, which makes it understandable why some people would seek out the most beautiful waterfalls they can find.
Leading waterfall expert, Bryan Swan, explains why humans seem to have an innate attraction to these natural landmarks, “When we see and hear moving water like this, we can feel a very real, often profound connection to the raw primal power of nature. In addition to that, man has always had a bit of an obsession with quantification. We always want to measure and compare and catalog things. So naturally, the bigger waterfalls out there like Niagara or Yosemite, which most certainly are among the largest or tallest, have that added reverence that inspires further.
Thankfully,Travel and Leisure put together a guide to finding the best waterfalls out there.
Here are the top ten best waterfalls to see throughout the world:
One of the tallest waterfalls in the world, Angel Falls stands at 3,212 feet – approximately 15 times higher than Niagara Falls. This landmark was discovered in 1933 by James Crawford Angel and plummets off the Auyán-Tepuí plateau, also known as “Mountain of God of Evil”. About 400 miles southeast of Caracas, the journey to see the falls is a long one, with a crossing through the small village of Canaima, an upstream river tour, and an hour long hike.
2. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Be prepared to feel like you’re walking through a real-life fairytale when you see the Fairy Pools of Scotland. With crystal clear and cobalt pools surrounded by stone and a dreamy waterfall and mountain background, this landmark is located along the River Brittle on the Isle of Skye. Stay a while, and if it’s warm enough, take a quick dip in the pools.
3. Kuang Si Falls, Laos
Only a 45-minute tuk-tuk ride or short boat trip up the Mekong River, Kuang Si Falls features multiple cascading waterfalls until it reaches the calm turquoise pool at the bottom. If you want to venture to the top of the falls, you can, but be careful – reaching the highest fall can be quite tough.
4. Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, Vietnam & China
The Ban Gioc-Detian Falls is actually two converging falls, one known as Banyue Falls in Vietnam and the other known as Detian Falls on the Chinese side. Together, these falls make up one of the largest waterfalls in Asia.
5. Sekumpul Falls, Bali
A series of seven waterfalls, Sekumpul is known for being the most beautiful waterfall in Indonesia. You can reach your destination after a two-hour drive through lush jungle and rice terraces from Ubud.
6. Victoria Falls, Southern Africa
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunyan (which translates to “smoke that thunders”), these falls were named after Queen Victoria by David Livingston, a British explorer. Victoria Falls acts as the connector for Zambia Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River. Although it isn’t the tallest or widest waterfall, it’s considered to be one of the world’s largest waterfalls due to its 350-foot drop that measures 5,700 feet across.
7. Izvorul Bigăr, Romania
Located in a nature reserve in the southwestern Anina Mountains, Izvorul Bigăr isn’t your typical waterfall. Although it lacks the typical heavy drop, cascading waterfall, you’ll find the beautiful and relaxing site of calm water streaming gently over moss-covered rocks.
8. Niagara Falls, New York
One of the more well-known waterfall landmarks, Niagara Falls is made up of the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls bordering the U.S. and Canada. You can get up close and personal with a boat tour and walkway (bring a rain jacket because you will get wet) or keep your distance and admire from the balcony.
9. Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica
One of the more recognizable landmarks in Jamaica, make sure to see Dunn’s River Falls anytime you’re in Ocho Rios. You can make your way to the top with a 600-foot climb, usually accomplished by a guide-led human chain to make the treck easier.
10. Yosemite Falls, California
A total length of 2,425 feet from the top of the falls to the lower falls, Yosemite Falls is an American-landmark must-see. Consisting of three sections, the upper falls, middle cascade, and the lower falls, you can take an all-day hike on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, or settle to hike the one-mile trail that takes you to the bask of Lower Yosemite Fall.
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