Valentine's Week Special: Famous heart-shaped destinations that are nature's marvels

Some destinations do not require mythical stories or advertising campaigns to capture people’s imagination, but they have it simply because of their shapes. Across the globe, there are several landscapes that feature unique heart shapes, but when viewed from above.

And for the obvious reason, these have come to be synonymous with love, harmony, and emotional connections.Heart-shaped destinations appeal not only to couples but also to solo travellers, photographers, and nature lovers. They remind us that travel isn’t just about movement; it’s about emotion. Whether carved by rivers, sculpted by vegetation, or shaped through centuries of human effort, these places have inspired travellers to look at the world—and love—from a higher perspective.

Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Heart Reef is one of the most famous naturally formed heart-shaped landmarks in the world. The Heart Reef is a part of the Whitsunday Islands, within the Great Barrier Reef. It is only visible from the air, thus qualifying as a must-do experience to spot the structure during a plane flight. Beyond its romantic appeal, Heart Reef highlights the delicate beauty of coral ecosystems. Snorkeling or diving is not allowed here, which helps preserve its fragile structure.

Tavarua Island, Fiji

Tavarua Island resembles a perfectly shaped heart from a bird’s eye view. Floating serenely on the azure waters of the South Pacific Ocean, this small island paradise is a coveted destination for beach lovers and high-end travellers. What seems to set Tavarua Island apart from other privately owned island resorts is its unique shape, which seems to complement its stunning surroundings.

Chembra Lake, Wayanad, Kerala, India

Chembra Lake is one of India's most iconic heart-shaped destinations.

This freshwater lake sits partway up Chembra Peak, high in the Western Ghats near Meppadi in Wayanad, retaining its heart-like shape throughout the year. Chembra Lake is especially inspiring not only for its accessibility but also for its great cultural presence. The trek to the lake is one of Kerala’s most popular hiking routes, drawing travellers, photographers, and nature lovers in large numbers.

Voh’s Heart Mangrove, New Caledonia

The Heart of Voh is the natural formation of a heart-shaped mangrove area, located in the west coast area of New Caledonia. Unlike other heart formations in nature, such as on coral reefs and islands, this is primarily made of mangrove forest, making it unique as a natural, evolutionary landscape. While the shape is visible only from the air, the mangrove heart is an ecological icon of profound environmental significance.