Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, United States

The lonely giant. Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, United States

Somewhere in the wide prairies of northeastern Wyoming in the United States, stands Devils Tower, a stone formation that rises from the open plains. As you approach Devils Tower, every curve in the road unveils a new view—whether you're arriving from the highway, winding toward the visitor centre or following the Tower Trail on foot. The site's significance stretches far deeper than its dramatic geology. For centuries, numerous tribes from the Great Plains and Black Hills, including the Arapaho, Crow and Cheyenne, have been linked to this place. Each tribe preserves oral traditions about the Tower's creation. Though themes overlap, each community preserves its own unique version.

Half a world away, India's Savandurga echoes a similar interplay of nature, culture and awe. Rising more than 1,200 metres above sea level, this massive granite monolith—among the largest in Asia—draws both pilgrims and adventurers. Twin peaks crown its summit, while at its base stand the Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy temples. For those seeking thrills, its slopes offer trekking, climbing and biking trails, framed by lush forests and sweeping landscapes.