Sakura-Jima, Japan

The volcano on the island of Kyushu is casting regularly since 1955. It is located in a very heavily populated area of the country, and therefore is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world, it is even called ” Oriental Vesuvius”.  Kagoshima City, home to 700,000 residents, is located just a few kilometers from the mountain. That’s the main reason why the government designed a program with the help of which special shelters were built here, where people can shelter from the falling debris. Last eruption was in March 2009: at that time the ashes spread over a couple of kilometers.

Etna, Italy

This is the highest and most active volcano in the European territory. Potentially, it constitutes a serious threat to people living in villages and towns of the whole island of Sicily. Most terrible eruption occurred in 1669, when lava destroyed several villages in the vicinity and the “absorb” part of Catania – the ancient city on the eastern coast of Sicily. In 1992, two streams of lava threatened the whole municipality with a population of about 8000 people. And only a year ago the volcano started to cast even more intensively.

Vesuvius, Italy

On the beautiful coast of Naples lies a terrible volcano, which had once demonstrated all of its destructive force when destroying the whole population of the town. In the I century BC powerful eruption destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii and Herculaneum, killing about 25,000 people. Today, the giant is dangerous not only because 3 million Italians live in the vicinity of the volcano, but also because of the fact that it remains silent for too long already. And scientists believe that the more time it takes the rest, the stronger will be the imminent eruption. The historians even believe that during the last disasters the entire southern part of Europe was covered with ashes.

Merapi, Indonesia

This “mountain of fire”  is most dangerous volcano in Indonesia, erupting regularly, about once in ten years. Since the XVI century, it is constantly killing people, villagers in the vicinity. In close proximity to it is the city of Yogyakarta, and some villages are located even on its slopes – at a height of 1700 meters. In 2006, about 5000 people were killed and 200,000 were left homeless. It’s quite interesting why the villagers are staying so close to the mountain as the disaster abilities are obvious? While anyways this is not the most dangerous volcano for Indonesia.

Papandayan, Indonesia

This volcano located on the Indonesian island of Java represents a serious threat to a large amount of territory. In 1772, it has completely destroyed 40 villages, situated on its slopes, more than 3000 local residents were killed. The volcano is still considered very dangerous and settling in the vicinity of it is not recommended and even there are some charges for it. After all, emissions of smoke, earthquakes and minor eruptions occured in 1923 and 1942, and in 2002 recorded quite strong aftershocks.

Nyiragongo, Congo

This is probably the most hazardous of the African volcanoes. Nowhere else on earth the volcano appeared to have such huge lakes and rivers of lava. In 1977, the current lava killed 100 people, although, according to some sources, the number of victims has reached thousands. In 2002, another eruption of the giant has resulted in the city of Goma, at least 45 people died, 15% of buildings were destroyed and 120 000 residents were left homeless.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

A total of 70 km from Mexico City is hiding a born killer under a glacier. Rising to 5400 meters above the sea level, it represents a serious threat not only to the capital (where some 9 million people live), but also for numerous other towns and villages located nearby. This is the most ruthless of the 20 other huge volcanoes of Mexico. In 2000, tens of thousands of people were evacuated, and its eruption has caused even the melting of the glaciers. The locals believe that the volcano eruptions are the demonstration of the gods’ anger. Thus the only thing that can prevent volcano eruption is to behave properly.

Teide, Spain

The third largest volcano in the world is located in the paradise of Tenerife, on one of the Canary Islands. And although it is currently inactive, in the near future, the risk of eruption of this mountain is very high, and then its destructive power can be compared with Vesuvius. International Association of volcanologists called it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. When the main reasons for such a conclusion might be too scientific, still it’s consideration is in our legitimacy.

Sierra Negra, Galapagos Islands

One of the largest volcanoes in the Galapagos archipelago, Sierra Negra last erupted in 2005. The Galapagos Islands are considered by scientists of one of the most active volcanic regions of the world. Over the past 200 years there were recorded more than 50 eruptions. So this unique nature reserve is regularly under threat of destruction which leads to the idea that nothing can be judged by the first impression. It is especially true when talking about the natural beauties.

Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA

Although the last eruption of this volcano occurred about 640,000 years ago, the area of hydrothermal geysers that spit on the surface of the hot jet and the mud is considered potentially dangerous for the US. Volcanologists say that if the volcano will erupt, this will lead to the catastrophic consequences for a large part of the United States and Canada. However, experts predict that this will not happen even in 90000 years.

Let’s hope that no matter of such a huge amount of active volcanoes we will not face any great eruptions in near future.

Eiger (Switzerland), 3970m
Despite that the height of the peak doesn’t reach 4 km, it deserves to be in this list, even though the other 4 competitors are of its double height. It is because of the north side of the mountain, which, practically goes down upright. The precipice starts 100 meters lower than the top, and is almost 2 km. Nobody even tried to conquer this part of mountain for a long time. More or less serious attempts were made only in 1935, but the first successful one was in 1938. Before that all the expeditions were ended with the death of the participants. The first conquerors of the peak, who were Germans A. Chakmayera, L. Fierga and Austrians F. Kasparecka and G. Harrera, got a prize from Hitler’s hands.
A Jungfrau railway is built inside the mountain, and it extends from Kleine-Scheideg g, goes up to Eiger and Mench to the Jungfraujoch. You can admire the amazing beautiful views by getting higher and higher. The final station is situated on the Jungfraujoch Mountain at a height of 3454 m and is the highest station in the Europe. It is called “The roof of the world”.

Kanchenjunga (Nepal, India), 8586 m.
The third highest peak of the world
Despite the world’s decreasing tendency of deaths during mountaineering, the rule does not apply to the case of Kanchenjunga. Last years the quantity of tragic accidents grew by 22% and there is no sign of it decreasing. The mountain has five peaks, all higher than eight kilometers, which are often called “Five snowy treasures”. People of Nepal assert that the climb is mostly dangerous for women, because Kanchenjunga – is a woman who wants to outshine everything surrounding her with her beauty, and she does not bear any rivals on her slopes.
First time the Kanchenjunga peak yielded only in 1955 to the British: George Brand and Joe Brown, 50 years later after the first tragical attempt, which was undertaken in 1905. The main dangers during the mountaineer represent many avalanches and very unfavorable weather conditions.

Nanga Parbat (Pakistan), 8126 m
The ninth highest peak of the world
The first attempt to conquer the peak of “Naked Mountain” was yet in 1895; however, the alpinists succeeded only 58 years later. And only one person reached the peak, while the second participant of the expedition turned back from the height of 7300m. This peak competes in the matter of the climbing complexity with the Chogori, which is considered to be the most difficult one. The snowy mountainsides of Parabat come abruptly to an end from all the sides and its most famous wall Roupal, goes down for 4.5 km, and is the most extensive wall in the world. Paying tribute to the complexity of climbing the Roupal wall and to the number of those who lost their lives there, it is often called “people eater”.

Chogori/K2 (Pakistan, China), 8611m
The second highest peak of the world
The second highest peak of the world after Jomolungma is considered to be the first one by the difficulty of climbing it. Hidden in the Karakorum massif on the boarder with China, the mountain is surrounded with rather high peaks, which are difficult for climbing because of glaciers and, besides that, the alpinists, who wish to reach it, are in a constant danger of the avalanches. The death-rate is very high here: every forth courageous person dies without reaching the desired point, located on the 8611 m height. 160 people, altogether, reached the peak, and five of them are Russian.

Annapurna (Nepal), 8091 m
The tenth highest peak of the world
Only 130 people could climb this most dangerous mountain named after the goddess of fertility. The death rate among the climbers reaches 40%. However, the peak is the first eight thousand meters high peak, submitted to a human: French alpinists Moris Ertsog and Lui Lachenal climbed it on the 3rd of June, 1950. The main problems for alpinists are the frequent avalanches and unpredictable weather conditions. It was here in 1997, where the very famous Russian alpinist Anatoli Bukreev died, who conquered 11 eight thousand meters of the 14 high peaks existing on the planet.

For those who arrive by train, the acquaintance with the city starts from the railway station. When coming out, look around: it is a building of the beginning of last century – one of the most famous and recognizable works of Finnish architecture.

It is unlikely that someone bypasses the Senate Square, an architectural ensemble which was established when in 1812 Alexander I proclaimed Helsinki, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland and the city needed a new main ceremonial attire. To this end, was selected a solemn and majestic empire style, in which all the surrounding buildings are executed.

Turning to the side-street leading to the wharf, is like being transported into the past years: among the remaining houses in the century before, on an accurate pavement bridge there is an old phone booth.

Walking around the city assumes familiarity with the monuments. Sometimes very unusual, as this one, established in honor of the famous author of fairy tales Zacharias Topelius…

… Or with the indispensable seagulls on the head, this monument to Runeberg – a popular poet and author of the text of the Finnish national anthem.

Seabirds feel in the Finnish capital as full-right residents. They masterly saunter through the streets, and sometimes they manage even to out voice the city transport.

Helsinki is a port city. Huge terminals Viking Line and Silja Line are located almost in the center of the capital. Those who are not going to cross the sea on the giant ferry, it is worth to drop in to the shore at least to visit the small market at the pier. It smells like the sea, spices, sweets and has everything: vegetables, fruits, souvenirs, fresh fish, clothes, flowers …

And before Easter there also appear amusing bouquet-like ornaments of colored eggs.

Here with ordinary tickets for public transport, you can board on a tiny raft, floating to the island fortress of Suomenlinna, the journey to which takes only 15 minutes.

Now there is a residential area and several historical museums on the island. The very majestic castle with thick stone walls is a genuine monument of fortification technology.

And if you are on the island in a warm weather, you can swim and relax on a small beach marked as the other beaches of the Finnish capital, with a great funny duck on a pole.

If there is another day in the stock, why not to spend it, as do the inhabitants of Helsinki, going by bus for a walk in the park Seurasaari – an open-air museum?

Here you can see old wooden buildings – from ancient boats to old-age huts from all over Finland. At weekends, local residents are involved in Nordic walking, running; they stroll with children, dogs, feed birds, who immediately fly on crumbs, and those who are smaller, will even sit on your hand. And do not forget to grab along nuts! Squirrels are taking them directly out of the hands.

In the evening, returning to the city center, it is unlikely that you will want to go to bed immediately. To get started, dine in a restaurant: try a flavored soup with smoked salmon, a salad, lightly salted trout and other fish delicacies. Order local pies and drink cider – there is a tough combat against drunkenness in the country, and because of that this low-alcohol drink is very popular. And then you can not miss the acquaintance with the nightlife. In Helsinki, there are a lot of different bars and nightclubs, where you can easily find any of the popular musicians of Finnish groups (if you know them, of course, in person), and simply to have a good time. Only all people who still have at least a few years before retirement age, need to carry a passport. It will have to be regularly shown at the entrance to nightclubs and all other cafes where alcohol is served; alcohol can not be sold to persons under the age of 18, but the restaurants have the right to establish a higher age limit themselves.

KALPENI
The island belongs to the group of the Lakshadweep islands scattered in the Arabian Sea at a distance of 400 km from the south western part of India. The beach itself is in a lagoon surrounded by tiny islands, which have the names Thilakkam, Pitti and Cheriyam, and is surrounded by coral reefs.
This beach is not so popular, as Kavaratti and Bangaram, and all because there are no luxury hotels here, only small bungalows. Most local residents are not interested in tourists, but are still engaged in their traditional crafts – the cultivation of coconut palms and fishing.

Those who come here, mostly entertain themselves with water sports. Here you can go kayaking, rent a catamaran or sail on boat. If you use a boat with a transparent bottom, you can enjoy the sea turtles, of which there is a great multitude in the surrounding waters, and simply enjoy the spectacle of the rich underwater world of coral reefs.
Of the attractions on the island there is only a lighthouse and a banyan grove. Travellers usually buy cowry shells and various articles made of them as souvenirs. If you want to travel, it is worth to travel to the southernmost island of the archipelago – Minicoy. Here is one of the oldest lighthouses in India, built in 1885.
A separate visa is required to visit the islands, which is acquired during the day. The only airport of the archipelago is located on the island of Agatti, from which to get to Kalpeni is possible in one day. The climate on the islands is tropical, the temperature ranges from 28-35 degrees Celsius. The best time to for visit is from January to May.

KARWAR
The beauty of local beaches inspired poets, it motivated the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore to write his first work. The total length of the sand shoreline, which is mostly shaded by palms growing almost near the water, is more than 300 kilometres. Privacy here is not to be looked for, as since the beginning of 2002, the Karnataka State Government allocated considerable resources for the development of tourism in the region.
From the beach of Karvar a boat can be taken to nearby islands. If you get tired of admiring the turquoise water surface, you can visit the fort on the hill of Sadashivgad, a temple dedicated to goddess Durga, the Octagonal church, temples Venkataraman and Naganatha or the amusement park Dandeli.

It is also worth visiting the island of Devbagh, the beach of which is so well protected from the wind that the water here is always calm. In here and there scattered restaurants, hidden in houses, standing on piles directly in the water, be sure to taste the traditional local seafood, which is however quite spicy.
Finally, be sure to get to Om beach. The contrast of black rocks and the dazzling white sand of the three bays similar in shape to a symbol of “Om” will leave a lasting impression.
The closest airport is in Goa. Best time to visit the state is from July to February. The most hot weather prevails here in April and May, when the temperature reaches up to the mark of 40 degrees.

MANDVI
The 6 kilometre beach of Ahmedpur Mandvi in Gujarat will please with the bright sun, dense white sand, suitable for long walks by rote, and the azure water, which is so pleasing to enjoy sitting in the lounge.
The beach is a paradise for lovers of water sports. You can rent scooters, go water-skiing and surfing or sit behind the wheel of speed motor boats and float away into the turquoise sea. In addition, the surrounding waters are good for catching fish, and the fishing and cooking on the coals on the beach can easily give meaning to the day. Or you can just walk to the nearby fishing village, and get acquainted with the friendly locals and share their meal.

Not far from the shore stands the majestic Vijay Vilas palace, whose forms combine Indian, European and Islamic cultures. From a viewing platform an impressive view is opening on the palace itself and the ocean.
The closest airport is 150 kilometres away, in Keshod, to where the planes fly out of Bombay. The best time to travel is from November to February.

MARARIKULAM
There are no souvenir shops, beach bars and crowds of holidaymakers here. And this is the best place to spend lazy weekends on the beaches of state of Kerala. Life here moves slowly at the same rate as a decade ago, and every morning the fishermen go to the sea to return in the afternoon to the beach with the usual bountiful catches. The blue water and yellow sand inspire poetic mood and it seems as if you can exist forever
in this slow rhythm. And yet, on the bank a hut can be rented equipped with all necessary amenities, made in the image of the fishing lodges. At dawn you can go fishing, like local residents, and during the day engage in windsurfing or parasailing.

Do not miss your chance to go at least once for Ayurvedic massage in Marari Beach Resort. Pleasant sensations during the procedure with a mixture of aromatic oils and a sense of renewal after it is guaranteed.
Perhaps the solitary life of the beach will not last long; selected tourist industry is already here. So it is virtually the last chance to enjoy the local tranquillity.
The beach is located 90 kilometres from Kochi, which in turn is well connected with many regions. You can come here at any time of the year, but summers can be too hot.

PALOLEM
This picturesque crescent-shaped bay, almost on the edge of the South Goa is a perfect place where you can escape from the bustle of traditional tourist-filled resorts. It is better to stop in one of the huts on the shore, where there is everything for the full comfort of the Europeans.
Perhaps the single special tourist entertainment provided here is a trip by boat in order to watch the dolphins play. Also, it can be arranged with the local fishermen to visit one of the islands visible in the sea. The main occupation of the local audience is lying on the beach with a book.

By leaving on time for a walk to the left edge of the beach and by going down to the rocks, you can get to the picturesque island of butterflies, surrounded from all sides by toothed peaks.
In the evening you can sit in one of the small coastal restaurants: enjoy the freshest fish with beer and live music. And, of course, do not refuse to taste the local alcoholic drink Feni, made of coconut or cashew. However, when using it, caution should be observed. Intoxication is rapid and quite strong.
The only airport in Goa is situated 65 km from the beach. Go to Goa at any time, but so that not to suffer from crowds of tourists, it is better to avoid the period from December to February.