Latest news with #VidyaRavishanker
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Travel vlogger visits earth's hottest, driest and lowest place with alien-like terrain: ‘Smells like 1000 rotten eggs'
Travel vlogger Vidya Ravishanker shares her experience visiting a scorching, barren landscape that holds the record for being the hottest, driest, and lowest place on earth. It's a destination so extreme it can leave even seasoned explorers stunned. Let's take a closer look at what it's really like to visit such an unforgiving corner of the world. (Also read: 'Lots of animals everywhere': Travel vlogger shares 10 truths about India from her 6-week solo journey ) In her March 12 Instagram post, Vidya shares, 'People call me crazy because I wilingly spent my money to be in one of the hottest, lowest and dryest place on earth. A place that's home to sulphuric acid pools, endless stretch on salt deposits and an active volcano.' A post shared by Vidya Ravishanker • Travel (@explore_with_vids) The Danakil Depression lies at the junction of three tectonic plates, creating a hostile environment so intense that NASA scientists study it to understand how life might exist on Mars. But for Vidya, the severity of the conditions only made the journey more rewarding. "Despite its extreme conditions, it was one of my favourite travel adventures," she shared. She further shared some facts about the Danakil depression in the caption, describing the region as an otherworldly dreamscape, with "alien hot springs in every colour imaginable" and acidic pools that literally bubble from the earth. "Yes, actual acid!" she exclaimed. The overpowering stench, which she compared to "1,000 rotten eggs," was a small price to pay for the sheer spectacle. "You'll be too busy picking your jaw up off the floor to care," she added. For those hoping to witness this geothermal wonderland at its most magical, Vidya had one key tip: "Go at sunrise. The light hits differently and makes everything look even more unreal." But she was quick to clarify that Danakil is far from a luxury retreat. "This isn't your typical vacation spot," she warned. With daytime temperatures reaching a blistering 50°C (122°F), no cell service, rough, unpaved roads, and spartan camping conditions, the journey is not for the faint-hearted. "Sleeping under the stars with Mother Nature as your washroom" is part of the experience, she noted. The landscape was so dramatic and unusual that it felt like stepping onto another planet. Vidya recalled endless salt flats that looked like untouched snow, the rhythmic movement of camel caravans led by salt miners at dawn, and the heart-stopping moment of watching molten lava bubble up from the Erta Ale volcano. She also highlighted the incredible resilience of the Afar people, the native community that has adapted to life in this extreme environment. However, it was the Dallol region that left the most lasting impression. "Dallol though... that place lives rent-free in my head now. It's like Mother Nature went on a trip and created this massive natural art installation. The colours are so wild, my photos look edited (they're not!). Yellow, orange, green, red - all these toxic pools creating the most insane patterns I've ever seen," wrote Vidya. Finally, she offered a reality check for anyone inspired to follow in her footsteps. Expect to sweat in places you didn't know could sweat, live with the smell of sulfur clinging to everything you own, and endure what she dubbed an "adventurous" stay. But despite all of that, Vidya promised, "It's 100% worth it!"
NDTV
28-05-2025
- NDTV
Watch: All About Danakil Depression - "Hottest Place On Earth" With Sulphuric Pools
It is not often that you will find people willingly embarking on dangerous travel escapades. Only those driven by thrill and seeking wild adventures can truly venture into the unknown. Along similar lines, an Indian travel vlogger jetted off on a not-so-quintessential vacation in Ethiopia. While this East African country is known for its dramatic highlands, ancient rock-hewn churches, and cultural heritage, there's one particular spot that only bravehearts can explore. It's the Danakil Depression, situated in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia. In the clip, the vlogger is seen navigating through the tough landscapes of the region with zero cell service, highlighting why the place is considered one of the most extreme and otherworldly destinations. 'This place hits different! If you're into crazy landscapes and off-the-beaten-path adventures, buckle up because this is WILD,' read a part of her caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vidya Ravishanker • Travel (@explore_with_vids) All About Danakil Depression The Danakil Depression, dubbed the hottest place on the planet, was formed from the continental drift of the African and Asian tectonic plates. It sits between three tectonic plates at the triple junction. Considered as one of the lowest land destinations on Earth, the place records an average annual temperature between 35°C and 40°C. Nearly two million Afar people across Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea reside in Danakil. They make a living by exporting salt pans and relying on goats, camels and cattle for farming. Extending into Djibouti and Eritrea, the Depression is home to fascinating geological structures. Places To See In Ethiopia Erta Ale: Also known as Smoking Mountain, the Erta Ale is the most active volcano of Ethiopia. When the surface of the lava forms a thin crust, it's punctuated by glowing fissures. They are made by molten rock, creating a stunning display. The temperatures here can exceed 40°C, and hence, treks are usually conducted at night. Dallol: The Dallol hydrothermal field is characterised by vibrant, multi-coloured springs and geysers with an average temperature of 35°C. The sulfur-rich pools caused by chemical reactions between acidic fluids and minerals are an extraordinary natural wonder which comes in vivid hues of red, green and yellow. You can even see bubbles rising from them. PS: The stench, similar to rotten eggs, will, however, be hard to ignore. Salt Lakes: Lake Karum and Lake Afrera are the two hypersaline lakes found here. Lake Karum looks identical to the Arctic desert. A thick sheath of jet white salt crust spreads over the lake bed. They are divided into irregular contours, slowly submerging into Lake Karum's clear waters. Lake Afrera, surrounded by dormant volcanoes, is home to the world's lowest-lying island, Deset. Due to the lake's extreme salt concentration, mounds of salt often build up on the shores. You can even swim here as the lake's hypersaline nature allows you to float weightlessly. To wash off the salt, dip into freshwater hot springs and natural jacuzzis. How To Reach Danakil Depression And Best Time To Visit To reach the Danakil Depression, you will first have to visit the Tigrayan town of Mekele. From there, Land Cruisers will carry you into the desert. The best time to visit the Depression is between September to May.
