Uncovered Treasures of yesterday,now Explored by Travelers: Strange Spots That Captivate
The Karni Mata Temple in India, famously known as the Rat Temple, is home to thousands of holy rats, believed to be reincarnations of the temple's devotees. Meanwhile, the Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois, USA, a half-scale replica of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, serves as a quirky roadside attraction.
However, it's the forgotten and abandoned tourist spots that are increasingly becoming popular must-see attractions for thrill-seekers and history buffs. These ghost towns and deserted villages offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and eerie beauty.
Recent examples include Varosha, Cyprus, once a glamorous beach resort abandoned after the Turkish invasion in 1974, parts of which have reopened for visitors to explore its sun-bleached hotels and empty streets. Kayaköy, Turkey, a Greek village abandoned after the 1923 population exchange, now an open-air museum set among pine forests, offers historical context and atmospheric ruins.
Pyramiden, Norway, a Soviet-era coal mining settlement in the Arctic, abandoned in 1998, remains remarkably preserved with cultural buildings intact and accessible under the midnight sun. Humberstone, Chile, a former nitrate mining town turned UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases rusting machinery and deserted theatres that tell Chile's mining history.
Craco, Italy, abandoned in the 1960s due to landslides, its medieval ruins have become a popular filming location and thrilling destination for visitors. Hashima Island, Japan, deserted since 1974 after coal mining decline, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 and reopened for tourism, attracting visitors fascinated by its industrial past.
These sites appeal due to their preserved states that offer immersive historical experiences and an aura of thrill stemming from their abandonment and mystery. The revival of interest in such places is partly driven by their cinematic appeal, UNESCO designations, and a growing global trend toward seeking unconventional travel experiences.
However, accessibility and safety can be issues, as some abandoned spots like Craco are restricted due to hazards. Despite this, the combination of history and adventure continues to draw tourists eager for unique and authentic encounters.
In the United States, The Winchester Mystery House in California, with its bizarre construction, is a popular tourist destination for fans of the paranormal. The Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) in the Czech Republic holds the remains of over 40,000 people, with bones artistically arranged to form chandeliers, wall decorations, and other sculptures.
Off the coast of Long Branch, New Jersey, two sunken train cars from the early 1900s are a rare find for adventurers and diving enthusiasts. Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California, is covered with thousands of chewed pieces of bubblegum.
For those seeking a more eerie adventure, The Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas) in Mexico, filled with hundreds of deteriorating dolls, attracts travelers. The Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas, USA, houses over 200 restored and preserved neon signs from Las Vegas casinos and hotels.
In conclusion, abandoned tourist spots are very likely to become the next must-see attractions for those interested in history and thrill-seeking, as evidenced by multiple sites worldwide turning their ghostly pasts into compelling destinations.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy. The author is Jennifer Garro.
Tips for trip success when exploring abandoned tourist spots: Embrace the lifestyle of an adventurer by delving into the history and mystery of these forsaken locations. Travel off the beaten path to discover unique entertainment and unconventional travel experiences.
