When the majority of us look at beautiful fairy-tale like photographs, the cynics in us start thinking that the pictures must be photo-shopped. After all, nowadays you can make anything look good, just look at the various magazine stands, which have flawless women and impossibly perfect bodies paraded on the covers.

Despite our jaded outlooks, there are some stunningly beautiful scenery photographs from around the world, which haven’t received a makeover. Keep reading to discover these magical places:

The Lower Antelope Canyon looks like rippled fabric in the light. By Alaskan Dude (Flickr)1.  Antelope Canyon, Arizona

This magical canyon is split into two sections. The upper section is called Tsé bighánílíní in the Navajo Nations language, meaning “the place where water runs through rocks”, while the lower section is called Hazdistazí, which translated means “spiral rock arches”. You’ll need to watch out for flash floods during the monsoon season, which can occur even in instances of very little rainfall. The flash floods over the centuries helped to form the incredible shapes in the sandstone rock, which when photographed, make the entire canyon take on the appearance of rippling fabric.

Some of the rocky outcrops within the Valley of Desolation. By andy_carter (Flickr)2.  Valley of Desolation, South Africa

Situated within the arid Karoo landscape, the Valley of Desolation is just outside of the mini-oasis town of Graaf-Reinet. Here you will marvel as rocky spires reach to the heavens, and impossibly balanced rock formations tower high above your head. If you climb some of the more accessible trails, you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views of the area. The entire landscape has a very alien feel to it, so if you’re hoping to shoot a sci-fi movie this is a good starting point.

The incredible Pamukkale pools. By Son of Groucho (Flickr)3.  Pamukkale, Turkey

The Turkish name Pamukkale translates into ‘cotton castle’, and once you’ve glimpsed the almost snow-white terraces, you’ll understand why they’ve got this name. Over thousands of years, the minerals from the natural hot springs calcified to create travertine layers around each pool. The resulting ledges and outcrops blend together beautifully with the landscape, and despite its snowy appearance, the area has a fair climate.  Nearby is the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum, which was built incorporating the site of an ancient Roman bathing complex.

One of the watefalls within the Plitvice Lakes National Park. By PableBM (Flickr)4.  Pitvice Lakes National Park

Akin to something from the “Lost World”, Croatia’s largest National Park has a lush jungle covering, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls and waterways on earth. Formed over the centuries, the limestone topography has been shaped by the water winding through it, and today, you can marvel at this incredible natural phenomenon. The origin of the name “Pitvice” is still disputed today, but the most widely accepted translation is “shallow basins”, from the Croatian word ‘plitko’.

Travelling up the Yuangshuo river. By magical-world (Flickr)5.  Yuangshuo, China

The small county of Yangshuo is within the Guangxi province and has the good fortune of having a river surrounded by mountain peaks. The local 20 Yuan note depicts a small boat floating in the midst of the Li River surrounded by towering peaks, and quite literally, what you see is what you get. It is a popular area for tourists who enjoy rock-climbing, and for visitors who are interested in observing the local culture, you can pay for calligraphy classes or experience a variety of tea ceremonies. While here, definitely rent a boat and experience the serenity and beauty for yourself.

Let us know what fantastic landscapes you’ve seen recently!

Main image couresty of AFresh1 (Flickr).