For those tired of the usual iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Great Wall of China, there are plenty of bizarre and offbeat tourist attractions waiting to be explored. These eccentric sites range from bone-carved chandeliers to doll-filled islands, offering travelers a chance to see some truly strange sights. Here are seven unusual locations that promise a one-of-a-kind experience.
1. Sedlec Ossuary – Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Nestled in the small Czech town of Kutná Hora, the Sedlec Ossuary, often referred to as the “Church of Bones,” is home to the skeletal remains of over 40,000 individuals. Though the church itself appears typical from the outside, its interior is a macabre wonderland where bones have been creatively arranged into intricate decorations. A local woodcarver crafted chandeliers, coats of arms, and pyramids, all from human bones. The crowning centerpiece is a chandelier said to incorporate every bone in the human body. Visitors can marvel at this eerie spectacle in one of Czechia’s 17 World Heritage sites.
2. Karni Mata Temple – Deshnoke, India
For those unafraid of rodents, the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke is a must-see. This 16th-century Hindu temple is home to over 20,000 rats, which are considered sacred. The legend behind the temple tells of Karni Mata, the goddess of power, whose stepson drowned and was reincarnated as a rat to be reborn as a human. The rats are cared for by temple staff, and visitors must walk barefoot inside the temple. A unique superstition holds that if a rat scurries across your feet, it is considered good luck. However, accidentally killing one requires replacing it with a silver or gold rat.
3. Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
In the heart of Nebraska, Carhenge offers a quirky twist on the prehistoric mystery of Stonehenge. Built in 1987 by Jim Reinders as a tribute to his late father, Carhenge features 39 vintage American cars arranged in a Stonehenge-like formation. The cars, painted gray, form a circle with a diameter of nearly 100 feet. The site also includes colorful car art sculptures, transforming the area into a bizarre “Car Art Reserve.” It’s a fun and whimsical stop for those intrigued by automotive artistry.
4. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá – Cundinamarca, Colombia
Beneath the surface, more than 600 feet into the earth, lies the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground Roman Catholic church carved out of a salt mine. Originally created by miners in 1932 as a place to pray for protection, the cathedral now features three main sections: the Stations of the Cross, the Dome, and the three naves. The site was renovated in the 1990s and remains a popular pilgrimage destination, hosting weekly Mass services. Visitors can explore this sacred space, which is a unique blend of spirituality and engineering.
5. Island of the Dolls – Xochimilco, Mexico
The Island of the Dolls, or Isla de las Muñecas, in Mexico is steeped in eerie legend. According to local lore, in the 1950s, a man named Don Julián Santana discovered the body of a young girl floating in the canals of Xochimilco. In an attempt to ward off her spirit, he began hanging dolls from the trees on his island. Over time, he collected hundreds of dolls, which now hang from the trees in various states of decay. Visitors can tour the island by boat, and many claim to hear the dolls whisper or even see their eyes move, adding to its unsettling atmosphere.
6. Mr. Toilet House – Suwon, South Korea
In Suwon, South Korea, the world’s first toilet-themed museum, known as the Haewoojae Museum, offers an odd but educational look at the history of toilets. Built by Sim Jae-duk, the former mayor and founder of the World Toilet Association, the museum is housed in a home designed to resemble a giant toilet. The museum includes exhibits on traditional Korean squat toilets, European bedpans, and other sanitation-related artifacts. The museum also features a children’s exhibit that explains the digestive process, making it both a strange and informative experience.
7. Wang Saen Suk – Chonburi, Thailand
For those seeking a more sinister tourist experience, the Wang Saen Suk Hell Garden in Thailand provides a glimpse into Buddhist depictions of the afterlife. The garden is filled with grotesque statues representing the torment and punishment of souls who have committed various sins. Larger-than-life figures of tortured souls and the Devil himself loom over the garden, and visitors are encouraged to reflect on the Buddhist belief in karma and reincarnation. The garden serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of moral misdeeds.
Conclusion
These attractions, ranging from the macabre to the bizarre, offer a truly unique way to explore the world beyond traditional tourist destinations. Whether you’re fascinated by eerie landmarks or quirky cultural tributes, these offbeat locations promise a memorable adventure.
