Places where rivers fly. Greatest Waterfalls on Earth

It’s impossible to resist the power of nature, as well as her beauty. Its harmonious creations have attracted the attention of a human since ancient times. Thousands of years ago people identified the power and perfection of the nature with the divine manifestation. Unique natural attractions do not remain without people's attention up till now and waterfalls remain one of the most attractive among them. The rapid flow of water that escape from a great height look just fascinating. Some waterfalls are very dangerous and forbidden to approach them while others, on the contrary, lure their harmonious and relaxing views. Travelers who are fascinated by the natural beauty should definitely visit the unique waterfalls presented in this report.

The expression "Niagara Falls" has long been considering a synonym to mighty and overpowering forces of nature. A unique complex of waterfalls located on the Niagara River is one of the largest in the world. The natural attraction straddle the border between the United States and Canada. The complex includes three waterfalls, the most famous among them is the “Horseshoe Fall”. Waterfalls the “American Falls” and the “Bridal Veil Falls” supplement it. This complex of waterfalls is the most powerful one in North America.

The height of waterfalls is relatively small and is about 53 meters, they are assured leaders of another indicator - the width. Waterfall the "Horseshoe" has a width of 792 meters, even the width of the “American Falls”, which is 323 meters, seems to be quite modest. According to scientists, the complex of waterfalls aged more than nine thousand years, the reason for its formation was the rapid melting of glaciers. Water washed a huge channel in soft sandstone. For thousands of years, rocks formed under sandstone make the "frame" for the waterfalls.

As it was established by researchers, Niagara Falls gradually climbs up the river. For its history the waterfall has made the way in no less than 11 kilometres. A set of waterfalls is shifted by about 13 cm annually. If the displacement continues at the same speed, the waterfall will reach Lake Erie and cease its existence in 50 000 years. Today Niagara Falls is one of the most famous and beautiful in the world. Excellent viewing platforms including the Rainbow Bridge are built for tourists next to the attraction. Next - Angel Falls

Angel Falls, Venezuela

It’s worth going to Venezuela in search of the highest waterfall in the world. It is here that a beautiful Angel Falls found its place. The waterfall originates at the top of the Auyán-tepui Mountain and is surrounded by impenetrable rainforests. Its height is 1054 meters. Currently the natural landmark of world importance is situated in a nature reserve of Canaima. Angel Falls has a very interesting history of its own discovery. Complete article

Kilt Falls, Scotland

There are some magnificent waterfalls in Scotland. Kilt Falls remains one of the most famous and visited among them. In comparison with the world waterfall leaders its height is very small and is about 90 meters. It is precisely the location that makes this natural landmark unique. Kilt Falls is located on the shore of the Isle of Skye and falls directly into the Atlantic Ocean from a high cliff. Complete article

Iguazu Falls, Argentina - Brazil

Iguazu National Park is well known to the visitors of Brazil and Argentina. This natural reserve is divided into two parts and lies on the territory of both countries. A complex of waterfalls of the same name is located in the heart of the reserve which is also considered the property of the two countries and is one of the natural attractions of world importance. The waterfall is about 82 meters high only while the total width of the complex is striking, it reaches 4000 meters. Complete article

Victoria Falls, Zambia - Zimbabwe

At the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia finds its place one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world - Victoria Falls. It is located on the Zambezi River and has a width of about 1 800 meters, the maximum height of the waterfall is 120 meters. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, is believed to have been the first European to view this unique natural attraction in 1855. It was he who named his discovery in honour of Queen Victoria. Complete article

Cascata do Caracol, Brazil

Caracol is a very interesting and attractive waterfall which is located amidst the scenic rainforests of Brazil. One of the main advantages of this waterfall is its easy accessibility. Even those travellers who do not have special physical training may explore the tropical forests. The height of the waterfall is 131 meters and it is a part of the river flow of the same name. Complete article

Brasstown Falls, United States

Among the numerous waterfalls represented on the territory of the United States a set of waterfalls named Brasstown Falls is worth of notice. Brasstown Falls is actually four distinct fabulously beautiful waterfalls located on the creek of the same name. It is where the creek Brasstown joins the river Chatuga. The waterfalls are surrounded by unbelievably beautiful rainforests that managed to keep their original splendour. Complete article

Gullfoss, Iceland

The real national symbol of Scotland is Gullfoss waterfall (“Golden Falls”) located on the river Hvita. This waterfall has a very unusual structure. It consists of two massive ‘’staircases’’ that have a height of 21 and 11 meters. No less interesting is the fact that the “staircases’’ are disposed at right angles to each other. Complete article

Rideau Falls, Canada

A significant part of the famous waterfalls is usually located outside the settlements, but this rule has an exception - the beautiful Rideau Falls. The twin waterfalls are located in Ottawa, where the Rideau River empties into the Ottawa River. The Falls are divided by Green Island - one of the most unusual sights of the city. There are also numerous objects of historical interest near there. Complete article

Duden Waterfalls, Turkey

In Turkey which is known for its desert landscapes there is an incredibly beautiful waterfall – Duden. It is located in the immediate neighbourhood of Antalya and formed by the rapid course of the Duden River. The waterfall is notable for its impressive height which is about 50 meters. An excursion to the waterfall can turn into an unforgettable adventure. Tourists are always offered a number of interesting attractions in addition to the standard admiring of the surrounding splendour of nature. Complete article

Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

Sutherland Falls is, of course, one of the New Zealand Must See Waterfalls. It is located in the South Island outside the country and is among the world’s mightiest waterfalls. The rapid flow of water falls from a height of 580 meters. Sutherland Falls is the highest waterfall on the territory of Oceania which is not easily accessible. The way to it is rather complicated and goes through dense tropical forests. The waterfall is located on the territory of the unique natural Fiordland reserve. Walks through the reserve are very popular among active travellers and the adherents of ecotourism. Complete article

Waterfall Zeygalan, Russia

Quite a number of waterfalls that deserve the attention of nature lovers and active travellers exist in Russia as well. Among the amazing mountain scenery of North Ossetia, in the valley of the Midagrabindon River there is a beautiful waterfall Zeygalan. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. The mountaintop where the waterfall originates from has a height of about 600 meters. Just a few minutes’ drive share this great attraction with a miniature mountain settlement Dzhimara. Complete article

Wallaman Falls, Australia

The biggest waterfall in Australia is the Wallaman Falls. Its height is about 300 meters. This attractive natural object finds its place in the extensive rainforest, a small river Stony Creek supply the waterfall. As far back, as 1958 the Wallaman Falls was recognized the landmark of the global value. Today it is one of the most visited natural objects of the country. Complete article

Waterfalls Tamarin, Mauritius

The complex of seven waterfalls of Tamarin (also known as The Tamarind Falls or seven cascades), located on the beautiful island of Mauritius, has been a popular tourist destination for a long time. Many viewing platforms have been constructed near the natural landmark. Some of them allow you to see the entire complex. The most beautiful waterfall is considered the one that located on the top of the complex. It has a pretty easy access, despite the seeming impregnability. Complete article

Waterfall Salto del Laja, Chile

In Chile, in the picturesque Bio-Bio province there is a beautiful waterfall Salto del Laja (or the Laja Falls). As compared with other famous waterfalls of the planet it seems to be very tiny just about 35 meters in height. However, this does not prevent Salto del Laja to be one of the main natural attractions not only in Chile, but also throughout the continent. Complete article