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Are you an adventure advocate? Someone who thrives in nature? Or maybe you’re seeking that next destination to venture off to for some soul-searching? Visiting a spiritual destination can help revive your inner soul and connect to a higher power. Feel inspired and add these seven spiritual places to your travel bucket list.
Koyasan in Wakayama, Japan
Located deep in the misty mountains of Wakayama, there is no doubt that Mount Koya is one of the most recognized spiritual sites in Japan.
This region was established as a spiritual destination in the 9th century by the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi, according to The Official Wakayama Travel Guide. Situated between eight mountains, this small town has numerous shukunos, temples, that Buddhist monks call home.
With its ancient cedar forests protecting it from the stresses of modern life, this Koyasan Buddhist sanctuary remains a place for study and contemplation while also inviting visitors to indulge in meditation and mantras.
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Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona, Arizona
The spirituality of Sedona comes as no surprise since it has the world's most powerful energy vortexes; a place to grant clarity and give a greater sense of purpose. Having both masculine and feminine energy, Boynton Canyon is considered a "balanced" vortex according to Visit Sedona, the official ebsite of the Sedona chamber of commerce. One can achieve a spiritual balance by traveling to this destination.
The sheer beauty of Sedona consists of red-rock canyons, beautiful forests, and even a few stunning waterfalls for natural healing experiences. Many believe that the entire canyon is filled with enlightenment, making it a perfect place for meditation. Spas, healing centers, yoga studios, and other spiritual businesses thrive in Sedona, inviting you to reconnect with yourself and the earth.
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The Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland
An island infused with myths and magic, Ireland is a spiritual destination that will captivate the mind, body, and soul. Turn back the hands of time to 4000 B.C, when spirituality and mythological traditions began to flourish in Ireland.
The Sacred Land organization shared that at this time,The Hill of Tara was home to priestess training and shamanic rituals, making it a holy site. The stone of destiny may help you find your path in life.
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The Dead Sea in Israel
In between Jordan and Israel lies the Dead Sea, which is a lake despite its name. World-renowned for its natural healing powers, the Dead Sea attracts visitors from all over. With a depth of 429 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth.
So what makes this space so spiritual? According to The Culture Trip, the hyper-saline water makes it unique. As a result of its dry, salty environment, the Dead Sea can’t support any forms of life. It does, however, provide incredible nourishment for the body.
Abundant with salts and minerals, these tranquil waters offer healing qualities. You can enjoy nature’s finest elements that may even treat health conditions, including skin issues, arthritis, and respiratory disorders in Mother Nature’s very own spa!.
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Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County, California
Known as the meeting place of heaven and earth, Mount Shasta has drawn spiritual seekers from around the world for decades. Located in Northern California, this double-peaked extinct volcano rises to 14,162 feet (4317 meters) and is considered a sacred place for natural healing, according to NPR.
Besides the stunning views, visitors to the mountain come to find healing and transcendence. It’s world-renowned as a place to discover enlightenment and spiritual growth. Mount Shasta is sacred to many tribal groups, including the Wintu, Karuk, Okwanuchu, and Modoc Indians, according to the website Sacred Sites.
For centuries, Shasta has served as an education and training ground for medicine men and women, a place for spiritual vision quests, and a place for healing and guidance for these tribes. Still to this day, ceremonial plants grow in the forests of Mount Shasta.
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Snfellsjökull Glacier, Iceland
Long believed to be a source of mysticism, energy, and mystery, Snfellsjökull glacier is still a spiritual hot spot today for soul-searchers, according to the Iceland Travel Guide.
Located in the west of Iceland, this glacier is considered one of the world's biggest cosmic and energetic centers. Known as an oasis of natural beauty, Iceland has plenty of surprises for those who enjoy relishing the beauty of the outdoors.
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The Ganges River in Varanasi, India
No list of spiritual places to visit would be complete without India, would it? As the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is attributed to Shiva, the god of creation and destruction. With over 23,300 temples across the city, it’s no wonder this destination radiates spiritual energy.
The Times of India reported that Hindus travel from all over the country to spread their relatives’ ashes on the Ganges. They do so to help their souls travel to heaven, as they believe that death in Varanasi liberates one from the cycle of rebirth and death.
It is here that devotees take spiritual baths and perform chanting rituals. Visitors are welcome to release floating flowers and candles into the river to promote natural healing.
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