The Batu Caves in Malaysia is home to one of the most popular Tamil shrines outside of India. It was built in honor of Lord Murugan (a Tamil God), which makes it also a focal point of Hindu festivals.
The Batu Caves have been used by both English and Chinese settlers, and the indigenous Temuan people. This historic cave is filled with statues and is always open for visitors.
Ancient life in a Strange Cave
Scientists have discovered a new range in Naica, Mexico in which life itself can subsist. Unlike the habitats of many other caves and subterranean areas, where bacterial colonies grow on mossy walls and soil with little or no sunlight at all, scientists discovered that the microbes in Naica have been embedded within giant crystals. By and large, what they found here were single-celled bacteria.
They estimate that life has been flourishing here, in these strange conditions, for around 50,000 years. What’s more, this form of bacteria feeds itself by digesting minerals like iron and magnesium, which are abundant within the crystal formations. Now, the scientists have moved their focus to figure out just how life is able to thrive in such an extreme habitat.
Not Your Average Cavern
Another famous sea cave on our list. but not less impressive is the Fingal's Cave in Staffa, Scotland. It's very distinctive cubic structure is formed from hexagonal basalt pillars that formed together. in a Paleocene lava flow. What's even more interesting about this cave it that its size, shape, and naturally-arched roof combine with the waves to make mystic sounds that enhance its already cathedral-like atmosphere.
The origin of the Cave's name surrounds around Finn MacCumhaill, or Fingal (250 AD) - a Celtic parallel to King Arthur. The legend say that Fingal was the father of Ossian, the traditional bard of the Gaels. When Gaels migrated from Ireland into Scotland the stories of Fingal came across too, thus he soon became revered in Scotland as well.
The Spectacular Shades of Blue
The Blue Lake Cave, in Brazil is famous its eerie natural formations, but even more so for it's mesmerizing deep cerulean lake. While there are other lakes in the surrounding areas this natural colored lake is the most impressive on by far.
The stunning underground blue body of water plunges to a depth of 200 ft. Some believe that this lake is fed by an underground river that has yet to be discovered.
Marvel at St. Michael's Cave
St. Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar dates back thousands of years. This cave seems to posses a magical allure that can’t keep visitors away, as its exquisite formations, massive chambers, and rich history attract over 1,000,000 visitors a year.
In the early 1800's, two soldiers went down to explore this vast cave, but mysteriously vanish within its limestone halls, with their remains never to be found.