Sputnicktatorship's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Loading map...
Hatgal, Mongolia

Abandoned Petroleum Distribution Center

Traces of the thriving lake trade that once linked the Soviet Union with Mongolia.
Ulaankhus, Mongolia

Petroglyphs of Tsagaan Salaa-Baga Oigor

These ancient pecked images are among the oldest and best-preserved in Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Mongolian Railway History Museum

A collection of old steam and diesel locomotives sitting in a fenced-off garden.
Kharkhorin, Mongolia

Kharkhorin Rock

A mysterious phallic rock on the grounds of a Buddhist monastery.
Kharkhorin, Mongolia

Imperial Map Monument

History, geography, and shamanism meet in this eye-catching monument to the greatness of three empires.
Shammar, Mongolia

The Mother Tree

This spiritual landmark for practicers of Shamanism is drenched in milk and vodka and covered in blue scarves.
Kharkhorin, Mongolia

Erdene Zuu

The oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia has survived centuries of invasions, political shifts, and religious purges.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The Zaisan Memorial

A huge communist-era propaganda monument and mural that offers stunning views of the Mongolian capital.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Enormous statue of the Emperor of the Mongols.
Mongolia

Khustain Nuruu National Park

The grassy landscape is home to the world's last truly wild horses.
Puthukkudiyiruppu, Sri Lanka

Sea Tigers Submarine Yard

Remains of military submarines built in secret jungle factories by the Tamil guerrillas' naval wing.
Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Tsunami Memorial at Yala National Park

Only the foundation remains of the rest stop building that was hit by three large tsunami waves, killing 47 visitors.
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sambodhi Chaithya

This space rocket-like Buddhist stupa sits atop two giant arches and can be seen from out at sea.
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kayman’s Gate Bell Tower

A neglected bell tower in modern Colombo is a symbol of the city's colonial past.
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka

Rajagiriya Marsh

This Colombo wetland is an unlikely wildlife haven just outside the capital city.
Galabedda, Sri Lanka

Biso Pokuna

This enigmatic stone pool is all that remains of an ancient palace.
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Mackwoods Tea Plantation Sign

A Sri Lankan tea factory's ironic take on the Los Angeles landmark.
Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka

Kilinochchi Water Tower

A massive fallen water tank bombed by the Tamil Tigers in the final stages of the long Sri Lankan Civil War.
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

This Sri Lankan cemetery is the final resting place of sci-fi legend Sir Arthur C. Clarke.
Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

This ancient cave temple complex is the largest and best-preserved temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Unawatuna Peace Pagoda

This peaceful, round shrine in the middle of the Sri Lankan jungle acts as a beacon of peace.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

This sacred fig tree with a link to the Buddha is one of the oldest human-planted trees in the world.
Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Old Kachcheri

These abandoned ruins in the middle of Jaffna have withstood centuries of tumultuous power struggles.
Nanuoya, Sri Lanka

The Main Line

Known as the most scenic route in Sri Lanka, this train line is steeped in history and offers an unparalleled view of the country.