The Most Beautiful Plains in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the plains you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:15

The sheer expanse of plains across the globe hides a trove of aesthetic delights, yet their subtle allure often goes unnoticed compared to mountain peaks or ocean vistas. Ranking the most beautiful plains provides a spotlight to celebrate these tranquil landscapes, each narrating its own unique story through grass whispers and the dance of the horizon. It guides travelers and nature lovers to appreciate and journey through these underrated gems. Casting a vote on this list not only enhances the visibility of these beautiful plains but also enriches the collective appreciation of global natural beauty. Each vote contributes to a communal celebration of the Earth’s quieter wonders, encouraging preservation and deeper engagement with the natural world. This dynamic tally helps elevate the recognition of serene expanses that might otherwise remain hidden in plain sight.

What Are the Most Beautiful Plains in the World?

1

55
votes
Serengeti Plains, Tanzania

With its vast grasslands and abundant wildlife, the Serengeti is one of the most iconic plains in the world. It is home to the famous wildebeest migration and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Serengeti Plains, located in Tanzania, is a vast savannah ecosystem famous for its stunning wildlife, diverse habitats, and cultural significance. This region spans approximately 30,000 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of animal species, including lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and many others. The plains are an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance in the region.

Location: Tanzania, East Africa

Size: 30,000 sq km

Habitats: Grasslands, savanna, woodland, riverine forests

Weather: Hot and dry

Annual Rainfall: 300-900 mm
2

13
votes
Great Plains, United States

Various Native American tribes

Stretching across 18 states in the US, the Great Plains are known for their flat topography and sweeping vistas. They are home to important agricultural regions and offer stunning sunsets.
The Great Plains is a vast region of flat grassland that covers parts of the United States and Canada, stretching from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the Mississippi River in the east. It is home to unique and diverse flora and fauna such as prairie dogs, coyotes, and different species of grasses, its natural beauty and breathtaking views attract tourists from all over the world.

Location: Parts of the United States and Canada

Area Size: 1,125,000 square miles (2,900,000 square kilometers)

Climate: Varies from humid continental in the east to semi-arid in the west

Elevation: Between 600 and 5,000 feet (180 and 1,500 meters)

Landscape: Flat grasslands, rolling hills, and plateaus
3

19
votes
Javier Gabrielli · Public domain

Pampas, Argentina

The Pampas are a vast, fertile plain that covers much of Argentina and Uruguay. They are home to cattle ranches, gauchos, and a unique culture.
The Pampas is a vast fertile plain composed of grasslands and savannas that covers an area of over 750,000 km² in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. The region is characterized by its mild climate, low relief, and rich alluvial soil, which make it ideal for agriculture and livestock production. The Pampas is the most important agricultural region in Argentina, producing wheat, soybeans, corn, and beef. It is also home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including many species of grasses, birds, and mammals.

Location: Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil

Area: 750,000 km²

Climate: Mild

Topography: Low relief

Soil: Rich alluvial soil
4

18
votes
Canterbury Plains, New Zealand

Geological processes

Located on the South Island of New Zealand, the Canterbury Plains are a beautiful expanse of farmland, rivers, and mountains. They are home to many scenic drives and outdoor activities.
The Canterbury Plains, New Zealand is a vast, flat area located in the central-eastern part of the South Island of New Zealand, stretching over 200 kilometers from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. It is a largely rural region known for its fertile soils, as well as its diverse range of flora and fauna. The area is home to several rivers, including the Rakaia, Waimakariri, and Selwyn, which provide opportunities for fishing and other recreational activities.

Location: South Island, New Zealand

Size: Over 200 kilometers long

Features: Flat plains with fertile soils and diverse flora and fauna

Rivers: Rakaia River, Waimakariri River, Selwyn River

Recreational activities: Fishing and other outdoor activities
5

10
votes
Nullarbor Plain, Australia

The Nullarbor is a vast, treeless plain that stretches across southern Australia. It is home to unique wildlife and stunning geological formations, such as the Great Australian Bight.
Nullarbor Plain is a vast, treeless plain located in the southern part of Australia, stretching over 200,000 square km, and is regarded as one of the largest karst landscapes in the world. It is a limestone landscape, which is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. The plain is rich in history and is known for the vast Gothic-style limestone caves that can be found throughout the area.

Location: Southern Australia

Area: Over 200,000 square km

Type: Karst landscape

Flora and fauna: Hundreds of species

Ecoregion: Arid and semi-arid
6

16
votes
Mongolian Steppe, Mongolia

The Mongolian Steppe is a vast, grassy plain that covers much of central and eastern Mongolia. It is home to nomadic herders and unique wildlife, such as the wild horse known as the takhi.
The Mongolian Steppe is a vast plain in Mongolia that stretches for thousands of kilometers, dominating the country's landscape. It is a beautiful and unique ecosystem consisting of grassland, shrubland, and desert that is home to rare wildlife species like the snow leopard, Przewalski's horse, and the Gobi bear. The steppe is also home to many nomadic tribes that have lived in the region for centuries, making it an important cultural landmark.

Location: Mongolia

Size: Approximately 1.3 million square kilometers

Ecosystem: Consists of grassland, shrubland, and desert

Wildlife: Home to rare species like the snow leopard, Przewalski's horse, and the Gobi bear

Cultural Importance: Home to many nomadic tribes that have lived in the region for centuries
7

11
votes
Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara is a wildlife reserve in Kenya that features open plains, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. It is home to the Maasai people and is a popular destination for safari tours.
Masai Mara is a wildlife reserve in southwestern Kenya, known for its wildebeest migrations and big cat sightings. It is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa and offers breathtaking scenery with a mix of open grasslands, rolling hills and acacia woodlands.

Location: Southwestern Kenya

Area: 1,510 square kilometers

Wildlife: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and many more

Bird Species: Over 500 species

Great Migration: World-famous phenomenon where over a million wildebeest and other grazers move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of water and greener pastures. The best time to witness the migration in Masai Mara is between July to October
8

7
votes

La Puna, Argentina

La Puna is a high-altitude plain in northern Argentina that features unique geological formations and stunning vistas. It is home to many indigenous communities and is a popular destination for adventure tourism.
9

9
votes

The Camargue, France

The Camargue is a wetland region in southern France that features vast plains, salt pans, and unique wildlife, such as the Camargue horse and pink flamingos. It is a popular destination for birdwatching and outdoor activities.
10

0
votes

Gabriele Delhey · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Outback, Australia

The Outback is a vast, remote region that covers much of inland Australia. It features unique landscapes, such as Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, and is home to many indigenous communities.

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Ranking factors for beautiful plains

Scenery and Landscape

The overall visual appeal and attractiveness of the landscape, including the natural features such as grasslands, rivers, hills, and other geological formations that create a picturesque scene.
Biodiversity

The richness and variety of plant and animal species present in the plain, contributing to its ecological value and providing unique opportunities for tourists to view rare and endemic species.
Cultural and Historical Significance

The cultural and historical importance of the plain, including the presence of historical monuments, archaeological sites, and cultural significance for local or indigenous communities.
Recreational Opportunities

The availability and variety of recreational activities that can be enjoyed by visitors, including hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, and more.
Accessibility and Tourism Infrastructure

The ease of reaching the plain and the availability of infrastructure for tourists, such as accommodations, trails, visitor centers, and transportation options.
Climate and Weather

The overall climate and weather conditions in the area, which can impact the overall experience of visitors and the accessibility of the plains.
Conservation Status

The state of protection and management of the area to maintain its ecological health, protect its biodiversity, and ensure its long-term sustainability for future generations.
Size and Scale

The overall size and scale of the plain, which can influence its visual impact and the diversity of landscapes and experiences it offers.
Uniqueness

The unique characteristics that set the plain apart from others, such as a specific geological feature, unusual plant or animal species, or interesting cultural or historical elements.
Popularity and Reputation

The overall reputation and popularity of the plain among tourists, travel experts, and the general public, which can be an indicator of its overall appeal and beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful plains in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Plain is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2198 views
151 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Plain once every 24 hours. The rank of each Plain is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful plains in the world

The world is home to some of the most stunning landscapes, and among them are the beautiful plains. These vast stretches of land with their gently rolling hills and lush greenery are a sight to behold. Plains can be found in different parts of the world, from the African savannah to the American prairies. They offer a sense of tranquility and natural beauty that is hard to come by in the bustling cities. The vastness of these plains is awe-inspiring, and they provide a canvas for some of the most breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Whether you're a nature lover or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the world around us, the plains are a must-visit destination. In this article, we'll explore some of the most beautiful plains in the world and what makes them so special.