The World’s Most Spiritual Destinations

Traveling is one of the most significant moments in our lives. It can be the setting for a beautiful encounter, an escape after a tough year, or a way to discover the world. Some enjoy adventuring across the planet, while others prefer driving a few hours to reach their destination. Either way, one thing is certain: you’ll always find a destination that suits you. To go beyond lazy beach vacations or hiking trips, I’ve prepared a selection of spiritual destinations for you, combining exploration and elevation of the spirit. So, are you ready to take off?

 

Varanasi, India

When we think of spiritual destinations, India often comes to mind. Indeed, this country is the birthplace of yoga and meditation, so it’s natural to associate these practices with spirituality. However, the country is so vast that it can be hard to decide where to go. I’ve never been to India, but I’ve often heard about Varanasi in northern India.

Located in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in the 6th century BCE. It is part of the Sapta Puri, the seven holy cities of Hinduism. Moreover, it is undoubtedly India’s most spiritual city, as every Hindu is expected to make a pilgrimage there to purify themselves in the waters of the Ganges River. Varanasi, also known as Benares, stretches along the Ganges, where numerous religious rituals conclude. You might have heard of the Indian tradition of cremating bodies by the Ganges; this often takes place in Varanasi. Through cremation, Hindus aim to end the cycle of reincarnations and achieve spiritual freedom.

A tip: Varanasi can be disorienting. The city is noisy, the waters of the Ganges are polluted and undrinkable, and the traditions can be surprising. But that’s exactly why we travel! So, if you’re looking for a spiritual destination with awe-inspiring architecture, you now know where to go.

Mount Kailash, Tibet

Let’s stay in Asia to mention another spiritual destination: Mount Kailash! For Hindus, as well as Buddhists, Jains, and Bön followers, it is a pilgrimage site. In the heart of the Himalayas, a trek through monasteries, high plateaus, endless steppes, and wide valleys takes seasoned adventurers to this sacred mountain.

The pilgrimage begins in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. There, you can visit numerous temples, especially the 17th-century Potala Palace. Then, head to Shigatse, another city of temples and monasteries. Here, you’ll find the world’s largest copper statue of Buddha Maitreya. Next, purify yourself in Lake Manasarovar, the highest freshwater lake in the world and the cradle of Shiva. Finally, you’ll take on the ascent of Mount Kailash, which rises over 6,638 m (21,778 ft). Over more than 31 miles of walking, you’ll meet other pilgrims and can engage in spiritual introspection.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

Perhaps you’ve seen this red sandstone monolith without knowing it’s in Australia. Yet Mount Uluru is a sacred site for the Anangu people, who have lived on Australian soil for a very, very long time (you know what I mean).

Aboriginal tradition gives several origins to Mount Uluru. Paintings on the red lands bear witness to a period called the Dreamtime (Tjukurpa), during which beings shaped the world. Others say it was the site of a tribal war between two chiefs, during which evil took the form of a mud statue shaped like a dingo.

In any case, Mount Uluru is protected by the Aboriginal people, as it is said to be alive and capable of revenge. The Anangu elders received a message from the spirit of Uluru, indicating that it could no longer bear the climbers and noise from tourists. Since October 26, 2019, climbing the red rock has been prohibited. A true sanctuary to add to your list of spiritual destinations.

Glastonbury, England

You may know Glastonbury for its music festival, but did you know the area is home to mythical ruins? Located on the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury Abbey is steeped in Arthurian legends. While King Arthur and Guinevere were hugely popular, a fire destroyed the abbey, turning it into ruins. To attract visitors, the monks had a brilliant idea: claim they discovered the couple’s remains in the ruins. That was in 1191, and since then, the lands of Glastonbury have been associated with Arthur.

But this spiritual destination doesn’t stop there. You can discover the Chalice Well, often seen as a fountain of youth. With its high iron content, the reddish-brown water of this fountain is known for its healing properties. Some even say it’s linked to the blood of Christ. In the surrounding park, you’ll find ribbons and candles, adding a mystical touch to your walk.

Bonus: After exploring the ruins and garden, stroll through Glastonbury’s town center. The streets are filled with spiritual and esoteric shops where you can find books and tools for your divinatory practices.

Lourdes, France

Lourdes is one of the most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. It was here in 1858 that Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary. For this spiritual destination, I want to highlight three actions to perform, each connected to natural elements: stone, water, and fire.

• Touch the rock: The first thing to do in Lourdes is visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin appeared almost two centuries ago. The rock symbolizes the strength of faith and echoes the words of the Bible: “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18).
• Pass your hand through the water: As a symbol of purification, the water from Lourdes is known for its many miracles. Pilgrims collect water from the grotto’s spring, splash their faces with it, or drink it.
• Light a candle: After visiting Massabielle, pilgrims head to the Chapel of Light. The flame symbolizes God’s presence in the world, the light of truth revealed to humanity.

As with the other spiritual destinations I’ve mentioned, Lourdes is a place of worship that should be approached with respect.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Borobudur Temple is considered one of the most impressive Buddhist monuments in the world. Built in the 9th century on a hill, it features a stepped-pyramid structure with nine stacked platforms. At the top, a central stupa is surrounded by smaller stupas.

The temple is a dual spiritual destination. First, its design represents the Buddhist concept of the cosmos, with different levels leading to spiritual enlightenment. The top of the temple symbolizes Nirvana. Second, it remained preserved for centuries, hidden under volcanic ash, adding a layer of mystery to its sacred and mystical aura.

Konya, Turkey

Konya is Turkey’s holy city, known as the cradle of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. It became a pilgrimage site due to the presence of Rumi’s mausoleum, also known as Mevlana, who passed away in 1207 in Konya. Rumi was a Persian spiritual master who greatly contributed to the development of Sufism.

The city is deeply religious, and you might be surprised by its more than 3,000 mosques! Calls to prayer echo throughout the day, and the city’s religious fervor is palpable. This spiritual city is perfect if you follow Islam or wish to learn more about it.

Conclusion

To sum up, spirituality is diverse and multifaceted, and that’s what makes it wonderful! No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find a spiritual destination that matches your beliefs or introduces you to new horizons. So travel—and do so with respect!