Dizzying descents: The world's most incredible stairways

DON'T look down, these are some seriously dizzying views! Here are eight amazing structures from around the world that could be the real-life stairways to heaven.

Chand Baori in Rajasthan is spectacular. Picture: Rolando000, Flickr

YOU'LL feel like you're climbing the real-life stairways to heaven at these remarkable sites.

And one thing's for sure, you'll want to be fit before tackling them! With inspiration from travel site TheWorldGeography.com and Huffington Post, here are eight of our favourite stairways from around the world. The dizzying descents include the mesmerisingly intricate stairways of Rajasthan, India and the death-defying trek to get to the top of Wayna Picchu in Peru. 1. Rajasthan, India It's easy to see why the Chand Baori stairway in Rajasthan is popular. A jaw-dropping work of art, it was built in 800 CE. It features 3500 steps over 13 storeys, extending 30 metres and making it one of India's deepest stepwells. Angkor Wat, Cambodia The steps at Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat temple are quite a challenge. They are so steep that many have to pull themselves up with their hands, or manoeuvre using the handrail. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain This tiny island dedicated to John the Baptist has a stunning, weaving stairway by the sea. Once you make it to the top, tradition says you should ring the church bell three times. Tianmen Mountain, China There's a reason Tianmen Mountain was the inspiration for the setting of the film Avatar. Pictured is the natural arch leading to the mountain, which includes a temple at the summit. It's also home to the 'longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world', with 98 cable cars and a length of 7455m. Magic Mountain, Germany It's like a roller-coaster, but one that tourists can walk around. The 21m high sculpture walkway, named Tiger and Turtle - Magic Mountain, is located on top of a hill in Duisburg, Germany. Haiku Stairs, Hawaii Better hold on, you're in for one dizzying view! It's easy to see why the Haiku Stairs on the island of O'ahu is also known as the 'Stairway to Heaven'. It's currently technically illegal to climb them, due to liability concerns. But the rule is reportedly not strictly enforced and many travellers have snapped photos from the top. Montagne de Bueren, Belgium While it isn't really a mountain, it's easy to see why locals would call it that! With nearly 400 steps, this Belgium stairway has become known as the Bueren Mountain (Montagne de Bueren). Get your walking shoes on! Universe Cascade, Scotland This stairway isn't quite as extreme, but it's definitely an artwork! The Universe Cascade is located at the Cosmic Speculation in Dumfries, Scotland, and rises up from a large pond before crisscrossing across the steep hillside. The public are allowed to visit once a year. Wayna Picchu, Peru Wayna Picchu rises above its more famous neighbouring mountain of Machu Picchu. Its peak is about 2720m above seat level, with stairs weaving around the edge. So it's little wonder some travellers have called it the 'hike of death'.