The most stunning spiritual locations on Earth

It has long been a type of spiritual practice to visit new places, whether they are man-made or natural. Travel not only renews and revitalizes our feeling of wonder, but it also fosters a stronger sense of self-care and connectedness to the land, other people, and oneself.

Some well-known spiritual locations have been built according to certain belief systems, and some are simply recognized as such based on energy and vibration.

That being said, many locations continue to hold great religious significance for some groups and have a long history. However, like with so many communities with stronger spiritual ties, the majority of spiritually significant locations accept those of all faiths who are courteous and dedicated to learning more.

You’ll be able to establish stronger ties with the environment, other people, and yourself by visiting one of these top six spiritual locations on the planet!

VARANASI, INDIA
Varanasi, the oldest city in the country and the “Spiritual Heart of India,” is a riot of color and mayhem that is situated directly on the banks of the Ganga River. Many people, including Buddhists and Hindus, travel to this historic city to pray on their daily basis. It is thought that this is where Buddhism is claimed to have its roots. In Varanasi, cows are allowed to roam freely, remains are publicly burnt in the river, and you will be forced to face your beliefs about life and death.

BOROBUDUR, INDONESIA
Borobudur, a two-million-stone block structure on the Indonesian island of Java that depicts a perfect world in the form of a mandala, was constructed against a backdrop of a luxuriant forest. The building is really a pyramid of stairs that believers climb around anticlockwise, with the center of the pyramid standing in for Nirvana. As you make the symbolic trip up the stairs at Borobudur, you’ll be overcome by the special spirit of the place. The views are also rather nice!

CAPE REINGA, NEW ZEALAND
The northernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island is where Cape Reinga, often referred to as Te Rerenga Wairua, is located. Cape Reinga is revered by the Maori people and known as the “leaping place of the spirits” because they think that the souls of recently departed Maori use the cape as a gateway to the afterlife. The setting at Cape Reinga is stunning and magical. The Tasman Sea joins the Pacific Ocean as waves crash over cliffs, and miles of unobstructed scenery may be seen. The Maori ask that you do not eat at Cape Reinga and that you keep the area untouched since it is a holy location.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN
A world-renowned hiking trail in Spain, the Camino de Santiago was originally used as a route for pilgrims to reach the city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where (it’s rumored) Saint James is buried.Millions of Christians thought that by traveling the path and arriving in Santiago de Compostela, they might avoid purgatory after death. This belief caused the route to becoming extremely wellknown, during the Middle Ages.

TEMPLE CIRCUIT, JAPAN
The Japanese island of Shikoku, which translates to “Four Provinces,” is circled by a 1,200-kilometer route known as the Temple Circuit. Temples 1 through 23 stand for awakening, temples 24 through 39 for austerity and discipline, temples 40 through 65 for achieving enlightenment, and temples 66 through 88 for attaining Nirvana, according to the beliefs of pilgrims who believe that traveling through these four provinces and visiting all 88 official Buddhist temples on the circuit is a path to enlightenment. Every year, around 10,000 pilgrims go by tour bus or on foot to the circuit and the temples. Although it was once a Buddhist project, now the circuit is finished for both spiritual and touristic purposes.

ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA
Angkor Wat, the biggest spiritual complex in the world and a historical collection of temples established in the 12th century, was initially created as a Hindu temple to house King Suryavarman II’s ashes. The building eventually underwent a transformation into a Buddhist temple and served as a gathering place for monks. The entire Angkor Wat complex is vibrant and thought-provoking, and it is one of humanity’s most incredible architectural achievements. People from various walks of life have been visiting the location for years in order to feel a stronger spirituality, healing, and vitality.