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The mesmerizing landscapes of Pandora, previously thought to be purely imaginative, are actually inspired by real-life locations on Earth.
Following the immense success of the first installment, the release of Avatar 2: The Way Of Water has garnered significant attention from avid moviegoers.
Whether it's the first film or its sequel, James Cameron's masterpiece leaves a lasting impression with its majestic scenery and otherworldly settings.
It's known that the primary filming locations for Avatar 2: The Way Of Water are in California and New Zealand. However, many fans speculate that Pandora's landscapes in the film are also inspired by incredibly famous real-world locations.
From the luminous caves of New Zealand to the tropical forests of Hawaii, these are the real-life destinations you should visit if you're a fan of the Avatar franchise.
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (China)
Since the first installment of the film, many fans have been mesmerized by the majestic mountain scenery in Pandora. According to USA Today, the main inspiration for this landscape is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China. With towering peaks piercing through the clouds filling the park, the scenery here completely overwhelms even the most discerning travelers.
2. Tropical Rainforest in Kauai (Hawaii)
Before filming began, the cast of Avatar and director James Cameron are said to have embarked on an 'adventure' in the forests of Kauai, Hawaii. Spending 'a few days' in Hawaii's tropical rainforest, the actors could experience firsthand what life in the wild mountains of Pandora would truly be like.
3. Waitomo Caves (New Zealand)
In addition to the majestic mountains, the most beautiful scenery in the world of Pandora is the bioluminescent glow emitted at night by its flora and fauna, making audiences feel as if they've stumbled into a fairyland.
In New Zealand, the famous Waitomo Caves also inspired Pandora. These caves are one of the world's most beloved destinations with their ability to emit a blue light. This phenomenon in Waitomo is attributed to the presence of thousands of glowworms scientifically known as Arachnocampa Luminosa, found only in New Zealand.
4. Waipoua Forest (New Zealand)
Waipoua Forest, believed to be another location that inspired Cameron when he created Pandora. Here, alongside the rugged ancient forest scenery, is the 'home' of Tāne Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in New Zealand. Many fans believe it to be the real-life version of the Tree of Souls in Avatar.
5. Luminous Lagoon (Jamaica)
Another surreal location that the blockbuster took inspiration from is the luminous lagoon in Jamaica. This body of water boasts a magical landscape thanks to tiny organisms that emit light underwater, reflecting the outlines of fish and other objects in the water.
Not only filmmakers, but this lagoon also attracts a large number of tourists as well as scientists and biologists who come here for research every year.
Source: Elite Daily
