Where is the lake of tears and evil spirits. Lakes of "tears" or lakes of "evil spirits" in Indonesia

The Kelimutu volcano is mystical place located on the island of Flores, lost in the ocean, which is rarely visited by tourists due to its remoteness and underdeveloped tourism infrastructure. Even in the sky, flying over Flores, you can see a bright turquoise spot that stands out sharply against the dark green that covers the island. This is one of the three Kelimutu crater lakes, with which legends and beliefs are closely intertwined. local residents.

The Kelimutu lakes are located in a volcano on the island of Flores (altitude 1639 m.), which belongs to the Indonesian Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. The volcano last erupted in 1968, after which it shows no signs of activity. After the eruption, depressions-calders were formed in the magma, in which water from atmospheric precipitation forms three lakes.

Why are Kelimutu lakes famous? Not even because they are multi-colored, but because the lakes are constantly changing color. For example, a black lake becomes turquoise after a few years, then red, and then green. This variability is explained by the presence of dissolved minerals of various nature in the water. Chemical reactions between them lead to the dynamic multicolored Kelimut. Green is sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, red is the result of the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with iron, although in recent years the water of the red lake has darkened, and now it has become almost black. As can be seen from the photographs, the two lakes are literally a few meters apart, and yet their depths contain different minerals, respectively, and they themselves are painted in different colors.

Representatives of the local Lio tribe tell the legend of Kelimutu. According to this legend, the souls of the dead go to the lakes. The souls of old people live in the red lake, the souls of those who died young live in the green lake, and the souls of children live in the white one. According to another version, sinners and murderers fall into the red lake, young people into the green one, old people and the righteous into the turquoise one. It is difficult for Europeans to understand the philosophy of the Lio tribe, although they themselves distribute souls without any problems and even claim that the color change indicates that the spirits living in the lakes are angry.

Official names lakes are as follows: in the west of the volcano (at a distance from others) - Tivu-Ata-Mbupu (lake of the elderly), the other two - Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai (lake of boys and girls) and Tivu-Ata-Polo (enchanted lake ).

The inhabitants of Flores believe that the souls of dead people end up in the lakes. The souls of the old people who have lived their lives with dignity go into the lake, which has a calm and deep dark green color, it is called the Lake of the Old People. The souls of innocent young people go into a lake of exciting bright turquoise color, which is called the Lake of Boys and Girls. And the souls of the villains go into the lake of dark brown color, which is called the Lake of Evil Souls. The Lake of Boys and Girls and the Lake of Evil Souls share a crater wall that symbolizes the fine line between innocence and evil. The Lake of the Old Men is somewhat aloof and symbolizes the wisdom that comes with age. Locals claim that if the living anger the souls of the dead, the lakes will change their color. Especially often the lake of Boys and Girls changes color, it is said that in the last twenty-five years the lake has changed its color twelve times.

Of course, scientists have their own explanation for the Kelimutu phenomenon, they argue that the lake is rich in special minerals that change their color depending on natural conditions and underground activity. But, the inhabitants of Flores still tend to stick to their point of view and most travelers who come here share the beliefs of the inhabitants. Here, indeed, there is a special mystical atmosphere and a feeling of absolute peace and silence, which makes you lower your voice, slow down and think about the eternal...

The best way to admire the magnificent views of the Kelimutu lakes is from the top of the Kelimutu volcano (1690 meters above sea level). The way to the top is not difficult and takes about 2 hours. The easiest way to get to the foot of Kelimutu is from the village of Moni, which is located just a few kilometers from the volcano. You can also go to Kelimut from Labuanbajo or Maumere. Such a trip will take the whole day and will cost at least $100, including transport, driver, guide and entrance fee to national park Kelimut.

Indonesia is a country of beauty and exotics. Even a person who has never been interested in this archipelago has probably heard of Komodo Park or the Buddhist temple of Borobudur, as if descended to people from the screen, from films about Indiana Jones. But here's what can even amaze the imagination seasoned tourist Indonesia - Mount Kelimutu + Lakes of Tears. Such a unique natural spectacle cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And what is most interesting is that this complex spontaneously changes over time.

Flores Island, on which Mount Kelimutu (Indonesia) is located, is part of the group of the Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. The mountain itself is a volcano and a link in the Fiery volcanic ring. In total, the island has 14 volcanoes, and some of them are in “operational condition”, and therefore earthquakes are not uncommon here. Kelimutu is considered extinct, although the last eruption occurred in 1968, so it is still premature to draw such conclusions. especially high volcano you can’t name it: it does not reach one meter to the mark of 1640 m. At the same time, it is an object of active tourist interest. And it's all thanks to the Lakes of Tears.

The Kelimutu Volcano and its colored crater lakes are perhaps the most amazing natural phenomenon on the island of Flores in Indonesia. Apart from this, "Steaming Mountain" is the most famous "Tempat Angker" of the island, which means "House of Ghosts".

The shores are made up of hardened lava that erupted when the Kelimutu volcano was active.

Fog and the rays of the setting sun create a truly ghostly atmosphere.

The scientific explanation for this color of the lakes says that various chemical reactions take place in the waters between gases and minerals from the volcano. Iron and hydrogen can produce red colors, while hydrochloric and sulfuric acids produce more greenish hues.

Locals consider Kelimutu sacred place. If you ask a local why the lakes have such a color, then he will definitely have several myths and stories related to the origin of the reservoirs. For example, the inhabitants of the village of Moni believe that the Lakes of Tears are the last refuges of the souls of the dead, and the frequent change of color means the anger and disappointment of the ancestors from the actions of their descendants.

There is also a legend that by changing the color of the water, the ancestors warn of all kinds of disasters in Indonesia.

Other legends say that if you disturb, anger or offend the spirits living in the reservoirs with which Mount Kelimutu (Indonesia) is crowned, then the water in them will begin to change its color. Probably, someone has already touched the dead with something, since this phenomenon has happened more than once: now they have thick black, turquoise and green shades, but just a few years ago the range was different: burgundy - black - blue-green. Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai has changed shades a dozen times in a quarter of a century.

This photo clearly shows the location of the lakes and their color.

This photo was taken a year later. The colors of the two bodies of water have completely changed.
All three lakes have their own history and names:

Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (lake of souls of young boys and girls, translated from the local language) - located in the center, it changes the color of the water more often than others - once every couple of years.
Tiwu Ata Polo (lake of evil spirits) is located right next to it - the souls of people who have sinned greatly fall into it.
And 1.5 km to the west is the third - Tiwu Ata Mbupu (lake of the souls of old ancestors).

Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai. Those who did not have time to enjoy the life of the soul fell into it.

Tiwu Ata Polo. An enchanted estuary, a haven for villains.
The thin wall between the lake of villains and the young personifies that young people are subject to bad deeds and only a thin line keeps good from evil.

Tiwu Ata Mbupu. Here, according to legend, the souls of those who died of old age fall. It has become a symbol of experience and wisdom.

There are many collections of photographs of the most beautiful places on Earth, and it's worth admitting that it's really very difficult to choose which of these places you really want to visit. Such places can be both famous and visited, and untouched remote paradises. But the whole truth is that in this world there are an infinite number of paradises, but life is short and, unfortunately, we will not be able to visit them all.

This collection contains not only photographs of those places that seem “out of this world”, but also those that could not do without magic and that look like surreal, fabulous paintings or frames from science fiction films.

(Total 10 photos)

1. Aliens among us?

This is just a night beach in the Maldives (Vadhoo Island). You might think that this shot is taken from the movie Avatar or any other science fiction film, but you are wrong. This place is located on planet Earth and is quite real.

2. Purple rain? No, purple fields

Lavender fields in France. Perhaps the French are already used to them and are no longer impressed every time they see them. But for foreigners, the endless field of rich purple lavender remains in memory for a lifetime. And what's the flavor...

3. Sky blue

Again, the Maldives invite you to go on an unforgettable walk between the sky and the ocean. And although there are many places with mirror-clear water, where even the depth is difficult to determine, but this place seems to be created in order to walk here along with the gods who created the sky and water.

4. Tortilla time!

Did you think that the essence of Mexico is the desert, big hats and spicy food? Not at all! To understand this, you should reconsider your travel plan and visit the underground river in Rio Secreto (Riviera Maya).

5. Calispera

The Arabian Nights have already gone down in history, but Greece also has something to brag about. Santorini at night looks like a painting, and the artist seems to have spared no paint.

6. Not only Eskimos

What immediately comes to your mind when you hear the word "Alaska"? Kilometers of snow, ice and oppressive white desert. Alaska is no place for jokes, but! if you don't mind the cold, you might enjoy the trip. This is Anchorage and what you see in the photo, you will see live if you decide to come there.

7. Huge king bed?

Love camping? Set up with a comfortable tent or sleeping bags around the fire? Or stay with other campers in a safe, modern campsite? So... it's Camping Tree in Elk, California, and if your significant other is already looking to book plane tickets, ask yourself what you'll do if you happen to be a sleepwalker. But, frankly, for the sake of such a holiday is worth the risk.

8. Computer graphics?

You might think this scene is from a very romantic movie, but it's just the shore of Cathedral Cove, New Zealand. What words can describe majestic appearance this place, and, moreover, how can you not fall in love with it the first time? This place seems so unnatural that when you see it for the first time, you should bow your head before the enchanting beauty of nature.

9. From Italy with love

Venice. It is a magical place that attracts millions of tourists every year. The whole point of Venice is that even if you think you've seen everything, this city can still surprise you with something. Faded colors, a calm atmosphere of both luxury and decadence, surrealism and quiet beauty - all this makes you come back here again and again.

10. Lakes of Tears

Or lakes of "evil spirits", Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia. They are considered resting places for the souls of the dead. But the most interesting thing about these lakes is that they change their color from blue to black, red or green. And each lake changes color independently of the other lakes.

They say that the souls of the dead live in the multi-colored reservoirs of Kelimutu. In the first lake, people of advanced age found peace, in the second - those who died young, in the third, sinners languish. And the foggy haze swirling in the mornings and the often changing color of chameleon ponds with intoxicating fumes seem to confirm this theory. Nevertheless, colored lakes still attract tourists.

Dormant half a century ago, the Kelimutu volcano, Indonesia is located in the south of the small island of Florence, between its major cities Ende and Maumere, and is one of the Pacific Ring of Fire volcanoes, which include more than three hundred active volcanoes(out of five hundred and forty known). Mount Kelimutu has a height of one and a half thousand meters above sea level, and the last eruption occurred more than half a century ago.

The mountain became famous thanks to its unique crater lakes, which have no analogues in the whole world. Kelimutu is the only mountain on Earth where you can see as many as three multi-colored reservoirs from one point, and where tourists come from all over the world. These are not just three lakes of different colors located almost right next to each other, but reservoirs that, like a chameleon, periodically change their color. No one (not even scientists) can predict exactly when this will happen. Each lake can be both turquoise and white, mustard, red, green, black and other tones.

The Kelimutu lakes are a kind of reservoirs: since they are located in the crater of a volcano, they are almost not fed by groundwater, but are filled with numerous precipitations that fall abundantly here during the rainy season, which lasts from November to March. The climate on the island of Florence in Indonesia is subcontinental maritime monsoon, and there is plenty of water here at this time.

According to one theory, it was these lakes that formed during the last volcanic eruption in 1968, after which depressions appeared in the cooled lava (in this case, as many as three). These reservoirs are extremely deep - according to unconfirmed reports, the depth of the crater exceeds 1.5 thousand meters (that is, the height is the size of a volcano). Judging by the myths of the Lio tribe, it is likely that there were also lakes of this type before the eruption.

The reservoirs are located quite deep below, the slopes of the volcano around them abruptly break down, so it is almost impossible to get close to them, and even deadly. So, a few years ago, a Danish tourist climbed over the fence to look at one of the reservoirs closer, slipped and fell down. His body was never found.

It is extremely difficult to predict the color of reservoirs, therefore, climbing Kelimuta, one can never say what color they will be. The same lake for several years (with a small frequency) can be black, green, brown, white, bottled, turquoise, red. Although, of course, forecasts are made about exactly when the color may change.

For example, a table hangs next to the reservoirs, which indicates exactly when they changed their color, so you can try to make some calculations. But this is far from always possible: you can come to look at this amazing natural phenomenon, and see that two of the three lakes at that time turned out to be almost the same shade (a rare phenomenon here, but it happens).

It is best to admire the lakes from a specially equipped platform, which is located on top of the volcano. It is advisable to walk along the lakes along specially designed trails, while on your feet you must wear shoes with non-slip soles (volcanic stone is extremely slippery, and therefore it is quite dangerous to walk on it ). Vapors coming from reservoirs can lead to fainting (unfortunately, there have been cases when tourists lost consciousness at the most inopportune moment - and fell down, which almost always ended in death for them).

It is advisable to come to this amazing place either early in the morning, at dawn, or during sunset. Here, such a time comes extremely quickly, and the lakes acquire extremely deep, bright and saturated tones.

It is especially beautiful here at dawn, when the lakes are still shrouded in morning fog and give the landscape a touch of mystery and mysticism. The sudden appearance of the Sun in the blink of an eye makes the sky extremely bright, itself turning from a bright red disk into a dazzling white star in a couple of seconds. It not only illuminates everything around, but also decisively disperses the fog swirling over the reservoirs, in some places it even forms a rainbow (in the form of a full oval).

There is nothing surprising in the fact that the local natives believe that it is here that the souls of dead people move, after which, having cleansed themselves, at dawn, according to one version, they rise to heaven. And color transitions, which often occur in reservoirs independently of each other (that is, lakes do not change color at the same time), only confirm their beliefs.

Legends of the Lio tribe

According to their beliefs, the Kelimutu Lakes are untouchable for local residents, a taboo. The natives of the Lio tribe are convinced that the souls of the deceased people find their peace in the reservoirs of Kelimutu. Until now, every year they organize special ceremonies with dances, etc., specially designed for these spirits.

According to their beliefs, each reservoir is intended for different categories of souls:

1. Tivu-Ata-Mbupu. The "Lake of the Old Men" is inhabited by the souls of people who not only died in advanced years, but also lived them with dignity. It is located at some distance from other reservoirs, which symbolizes the wisdom that comes to a person only over the years.
2. Tivu-Nua-Muri-Kooh-Tai. This reservoir is located between two other lakes. The souls of people who died at a young age settled here. It is interesting that it changes color most often - in a quarter of a century this has happened more than twelve times. Its name is translated as "Lake of Young Souls".
3. Tivu-Ata-Polo. Killers, sinners, scoundrels and criminals, that is, those who lived their years unworthily and committed a lot of evil, settled forever in the "Enchanted Lake of Evil Spirits". Moreover, it is noteworthy that it is separated from the central reservoir by a very narrow volcanic wall of the crater. Representatives of the Lio tribe are convinced that this symbolizes how thin and fragile the line between good and evil is.

Why do water bodies change color?

Why the lakes in this amazing place constantly change color has not yet been fully understood. But there are versions, different and very interesting.

Version number 1. The Lio Tribe Theory

The locals are sure that the reservoirs change their color when the souls are angry at something, so they must be appeased. To do this, they conduct appropriate rituals on the top of Kelimutu. At the same time, the natives are convinced that the ancestors answer them, because during the ceremonies (in their opinion) water boils in the reservoirs, and a blue mist appears over the smooth surface.

Another theory of theirs says that the color change signals the approach of major troubles (and not only for the island, but for the whole of Indonesia).

Version number 2. Hypotheses of scientists

Scientists explain the phenomenon amazing place in my own way. They argue that water bodies change their color depending on what kind of chemical reaction in this moment occurs in the bowels of the earth and even on climatic conditions.

According to them, there are cracks at the bottom of the lakes through which volcanic gases rise, which, once in water bodies, enter into a chemical reaction with minerals dissolved in it. In each lake, the minerals that are on the bottom and walls of the volcano are different.

The presence of carbon dioxide contributes to the rise to the surface of lakes of deep waters, which are also enriched with minerals. The same process contributes to the retraction of water down, which also affects the constant change in the color of the lakes.

Lakes of Young Souls and Old Men

In the central reservoir (it is in it that the color change most often occurs) there is a solfatara - when fumes of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrochloric acid and other substances are emitted from the cracks in the walls and bottom of the crater.

The temperature of the solfatara usually ranges from 100°C to 300°C, therefore it is a constantly smoking crack.

Once on the surface, hydrogen sulfide reacts with air and turns into sulfuric acid. In this reservoir, as well as in Starikov Lake, an extremely high concentration of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids is observed, which give them mainly green tones. Their shades change periodically - they can be bright green, turquoise, and dark green, deep blue, burgundy, white and black.

Lake of Evil Souls

Previously, the Lake of Evil Souls was a gorgeous bright scarlet hue (quite possibly because of this it got its name). Now every year it gets darker and darker. Now it's almost black. Such an unusual color was caused by a high concentration of iron in the reservoir, as well as a higher level of acidity than in the reservoirs located near it. There are periods when it acquires more traditional lake shades, for example, turquoise or green.

Trip to Flores

On the island of Flores, Indonesia, it is worth visiting not only to look at the colorful lakes, but also to other attractions that are located quite compactly to each other: the island itself is small in size - about 350 km long and 70 km wide .

For example, it will be interesting for travelers all over the world to know that on this island they found the skeleton of a very small man (he was nicknamed the hobbit), whose age exceeds 18 thousand years and belongs to the “House of Reason”.

It is home to 19 species of animals that are unique to this area. To see them, you will have to climb into the impenetrable jungle, but on the way to the reservoirs you can often see small monkeys living on the island, and on observation deck they even run out to people for handouts on their own.

On the way to unique reservoirs, you can admire flowering trees, beautiful mountain landscapes and landscapes. The colorful Kelimutu lakes themselves are surrounded by a small jungle (4.5 hectares), in which mahogany, pines, casuarina grow, and edelweiss decorate the grass cover. There is also a protected forest, waterfalls and caves with stalactites and stalagmites.

In a word, if there is an opportunity, then near Kelimutu, Indonesia is definitely worth a visit. You should not put off the trip on the back burner: the volcano, although it is considered extinct, there are no guarantees that it will not wake up, in principle. And after the eruption, it is not a fact that the reservoirs will remain in the same place or will exist. Indeed, in recent years, the activity of the Ring of Fire volcanoes has increased significantly.

Two inseparable and incomparable beauty lakes are located on Mount Kelimutu in Indonesia. This is the most unusual and mystical place with two lakes of different colors. There are a lot of such extraordinary creatures of nature in the world that delight simply by their existence. One of the lakes is called Tiu Ata Mbulu, which means "lake of the souls of the ancestors" in translation.

The second lake is located next to Tiu Ata Mbulu and is called Tiu Nuva Muri Koo Fai, translated as "lake of the souls of young people", it is usually a different color.

The uniqueness and mysticism of these reservoirs lies in the fact that the color of the water is constantly changing from turquoise to blue, from blue to blue, it can become red, green or even black.

Each lake lives its own life, so the color of the water changes for each individually. Local residents who live not far from the lake believe that the color of the water changes due to the souls of dead people and they react differently to each soul of the lake, either angry or happy. Others believe that the color of the water does not change as a result of the wrath of the lake, but as a result of the wrath of the souls themselves. In any case, lakes are a place for dead souls. So the lakes of "Tears" or as they are also called the lakes of "evil spirits" in Indonesia will be a mystery and mystical place for humanity for a long time to come.