If you, like many people, spent pandemic lockdown time dreaming of escaping on a holiday, you probably now have a travel bucket list that is miles and miles long.
Some destinations are all about the sea, sand and sunshine.
There are also places that offer a soul lifting and spiritually enlightening experience.
Check out our alphabetically ordered list of must-visit spiritual destinations, if you need some travel inspiration for your next trip…
Adam’s Peak – Sri Lanka
Looming large over Sri Lanka’s lush tea country is the sacred site of ‘Sri Pada’ or Adam’s Peak. Follow the trail that has been walked by millions of visitors seeking a spiritual connection with the Earth. At the 2,244m summit you can enjoy a spectacular panorama, and a sense of personal achievement.
Angkor Wat – Cambodia
Covering an impressive 402 acres, the iconic temple of Angkor Wat is the best-preserved architectural site of the Khmer Empire, and also the largest spiritual complex in the world. Built in the 12th century, it’s the spiritual home of the Hindu god Vishnu, and is UNESCO protected. The architectural layout features vast monuments and water reservoirs that were constructed to align with the Cosmos.
Chichén Itzá – Mexico
In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula you won’t be able to miss the massive Mayan-built complex of Chichén Itzá. Known as El Castillo (or the Temple of Kukulcan), the massive stepped pyramid dominates the city of ruins that is over 1500 years old. There are three natural cenotes (underground pools) and many sacred sites of sacrifices. If you time your visit right, you may even spot the shadow, cast by the sun, that represents the Mayan serpent god Kulkukan.
Machu Picchu – Peru
Located 7,000+ feet above sea level are the remains of the ancient Inca civilisation. Machu Picchu is Peru’s premier tourist attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. To reach the peak of the impossibly remote sacred site takes 4 days of hiking on the Inca trail. But you can always take the sort cut that starts at the train line. The reward for your efforts is awe inspiring panoramic views of a spiritual complex containing shrines and temples that are oriented to astronomical events.
Mount Kailash – Tibet, China
Revered as the place where Heaven meets Earth, Tibet’s Mount Kailash is the sacred spot that unites Buddhists, Bons, Jains and Hindus. Before embarking on the ‘kora’ circular pilgrimage that winds around the mountain, you can visit the meditation caves and monasteries. As Buddhists believe that the completion of one ‘kora’ clears a lifetime of bad karma, you’ll need to complete 108 if you want to achieve ultimate spiritual enlightenment!
Mount Koya – Japan
If you want to find the perfect spot for some quiet contemplation, you can join the monks at the temple settlement of Wakayama Prefecture, on Mount Koya – the spiritual home of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. At the Rengejoin temple, there’s daily meditation practice that can enhance your spiritual connection to the Universe and Self.
Santiago de Compostela – Spain
Situated in Galicia, in the far north west of Spain, the Camino de Santiago is an iconic Christian walking pilgrimage route that attracts soul-searching hikers from all over the globe. The ‘camino’ meanders through picturesque farmland, monasteries and villages, and can take several weeks or months to reach the Cathedral of St James, located at the top of Monte do Gozo.
Sedona – USA
The desert town of Sedona, in Arizona, has long attracted a New Age crowd, due to the intense energy that emanates from within the walls created by steep canyons, red rocks and pine forests. It’s definitely the place to visit if you want to commune with nature and spirit, whilst enjoying breathtaking vistas.
Stonehenge – UK
Surprisingly, you don’t have to travel outside of the UK to visit a monumental sacred spiritual site. In Wiltshire’s beautiful Salisbury Plain, you’ll find the ancient and mysterious Neolithic ceremonial site of Stonehenge. The stone circle was erected circa 2600 BC. Of the original 30 upright stones, that each weighs around 25 tons, only 17 still stand. It’s the largest man-made mound in Europe, and of course, the UK’s most famous prehistoric attraction.
If you’re not sure which travel bucket list place to visit first, you can always consult with one of Chat2Psychic‘s psychic readers who can enlighten you with insights on the destination of your spiritual home.