Click it and Unblock the Notifications
India is home to many attractions all thanks to its varied history. It has seen the rise and fall of many empires and the many cultures that once thrived here have left behind their mark which till date holds us in awe.
Of the many attractions that the country boasts of there are many which have naturally formed over time. Be it the magnificent mountains or the stunning waterfalls, India has it all.
One of the lesser know attrations here includes the various unique rock structures that can be seen across the country. These structures are sure to leave you spellbound as the defy all laws made by man and sure makes you appreciate the artistic skill of God.
Here is a guide to the nine unique rock structure that are to be found in India which every traveller should atleast visit once.
Balancing Rock
The Balancing Rocks in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is a sheer geological marvel in the true sense. Located on the way to the Madan Mahal Fort, it is a rocky formation of uneven rocks which is said to have been created by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Balancing rocks can be seen from the top of the Madan Mahal Fort, along with a panoramic view of the whole city. A sheer delight for nature enthusiasts, a trip to Jabalpur is incomplete without visiting the famous Balancing Rocks.
Photo Courtesy: Mityrocks
Columnar Basaltic Rocks
St.Mary's Island in Karnataka, known more by the name Coconut Island is a small cluster of four islands located off Malpe sea coast in Udupi. The columnar basaltic lava formation is the most unique sight in the islands. Many tourists from far and wide come here to see these rock structures that stand in the sea. The island is one of the twenty-six declared Geological monuments in India.
Photo Courtesy: Arun Prabhu
Gilbert Hill
Gilbert Hillis a 61mmonolithcolumn of blackbasaltrock atAndheri, inMumbai. The rock has a sheer vertical face and was formed when molten lava was squeezed out of the Earth's clefts during theMesozoic Eraabout 66 million years ago.Gilbert Hill was declared aNational Parkin 1952 by theGovernment and in the year 2007 geologists have declared it a Grade II heritage structure. Atop the rock column are twoHindutemples, the Gaodevi and Durgamata temples which is set in a small garden and can be accessed by a steep staircase carved into the rock. The hill offers a panoramic view of suburban Mumbai.
Photo Courtesy: Oknitop
Marble Rocks
Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat is by far the most visited tourist place in Jabalpur. It would not be wrong to say that over the years Jabalpur and Marble Rocks have become synonymous with each other. The marble rocks stand tall around 100 ft on both sides of the River Narmada. Tranquility is what one would expect on a visit to marble rocks at Bhedaghat. As the sparking sunlight falls on the white and off white coloured marble rocks, it casts a shadow on the river water making it a breathtaking scene. Bhedaghat and its Marble Rocks are at their best when the beaming moonlight falls on the rocks and the river simultaneously, and a boat ride is a lifetime experience to say the least.
Photo Courtesy: Sandyadav080
Natural Arch
The Natural Arch in Tirumala hillsis a distinctive geological wonder. The arch measures 8mt in width and 3mt in height, and is naturally formed. The arch is one of the few natural arches or bridges inAsia.
Photo Courtesy: Tatiraju.rishabh
Phantom Rock
Phantom Rock is located in the picturesque town ofWayanad in Keralaand is a must see for all the tourists visiting the place. The rock is structured naturally in the form of a skull and people of all ages will enjoy watching this peculiarly shaped rock. Local people refer to the rock as ‘Cheengeri Mala'. It is located in a place that is ideal for trekking and camping. However, you must carry your own gear and know the routes of the trails.
Photo Courtesy: friedwater
Pillar Rocks
The Pillar Rocks is one of Kodaikanal's most popular tourist spots. The place gets its name because of the three granite boulders that stand vertically at this place. These pillars are 400 ft tall and offer a bird eye view of the beautiful landscape surrounding the area. The cleaves between the rocks are deep and dangerous and are called the Devil's Kitchen. The spot makes for a very picturesque view.
Photo Courtesy: Dhanil K
Toad Rock
The Toad Rock at Mount Abu is a massive rock resembling the shape of a toad. The rock is near the Nakki Lake and on the trekking route. It is one of the major crowd pullers in this region.
Photo Courtesy: Kondephy
Yana Rocks
Yanais a village located in forests of theUttara Kannadadistrict ofKarnataka and is known for the unusualrock formation here. Located in theSahyadrimountain range of theWestern Ghats these two unique rock structures are a major tourist attraction and is easily approachable by a small trek. These two massive rock outcrops are known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara and are composed of solid black, crystalline limestone. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 mt in height, while the Mohini Shikhara is 90 mt in height. Yana is also well known as a pilgrimage centre because of the cave temple below the BhairaveshwaraShikharawhere aSwayambhu Lingahas been formed. Water drips from the roof over the linga, adding to the sanctity of the place.
Photo Courtesy: Srinivas G
