göbekli tepe spritiual destinations

World’s 11 Best Spiritual Destinations

[:en]Some places on Earth are sacred, and they soothe your soul. If you are looking for a more enlightened self and life, the best spiritual destinations might help you find what you are looking for. From the temples in South America to the steppes of Central Asia, these spiritual destinations might provide the guidance you crave for in life.


1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat

Anyone must have come across a photo of this mighty silhouette of this amazing temple somewhere in life. If you ever happen to find yourself in Southeast Asia, do not miss the opportunity to visit this world’s largest temple.

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in that part of the world and its second-biggest city, Siem Reap is hosting one of the most important sites for humanity. Angkor Wat’s site is about 400 km, which makes it the greatest spiritual temple in the whole world. It was built during the Khmer Empire. So many people from different religions are flocking in there to visit this almighty temple with the hope of breathing its spiritual air.


2. Machu Pichhu, Peru

machu-picchu spiritual destinations

Certainly one of the most popular spiritual destinations, Machu Picchu amazes visitors. Not only the architectural perfection but also the spiritual ease which gives is addictive for people.

People who visited the temple say that they spiritually felt great ease when they were on the site. This place was once within great Inca Empire. Now many people from all around the world visit this place to have a gaze at what great Incas have managed to achieve. You will lose yourself in the spirituality of it.


3. The Himalayas of Nepal

Nepal-Himalayas

Have you seen the movie with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson that tells the story of two fellows trying to finish up their to-dos before they pass away? The magnificence of the Himalayas have inspired many and continues to give inspiration. Those majestic mountains will make you feel that you are a tiny being in the world and which may even help you ease your mind.

Sometimes people tend to overthink and see their issues bigger than they are, so having a trip to the mighty Himalayas will make you realize those seemingly huge problems of yours are nothing. The Himalayas are one of the most spiritual destinations and will continue to be one.


4. Bodh Gaya, India

bodh-gaya-india

India is like the home for spirituality in general. However, where Prince Siddharta is considered to have meditated for three nights then finally have enlightened, is the most spiritual destination where one can find the answers to many questions.

Bodh Gaya is the absolute most spiritual centre in India where the basics of new teachings were founded. Many people have been visiting the site to become pilgrims. UNESCO is also protecting the site as one of the World Heritage Sites. For an actual experience of spirituality, find yourself under the tree and imagine Buddha meditating and about to change his and many of his believers’ lives.


5. Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

göbekli tepe spritiual destinations

German excavator Klaus Schmidt has recently discovered this archaeological site in 1994. It is located in the Southeast part of Turkey where the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates meet. In other words, the area is the cradle of civilizations; Mesopotamia.

This region is also considered to have been home to the first settled humans. Moreover, the recent discovery of Gobekli Tepe has brought the question of whether the humans came up with the idea of a religion or a temple after they settled down in the area or their belief and the need to have a religion made the hunter-gatherers settled. You would be amazed to see what people made in about 10th millennium BCE, a lot before even the Stonehenge was ever built.


6. The Steppes of Mongolia

The Steppes of Mongolia

If you are looking for a truly spiritual experience, welcome to the vast, mysterious steppes of Mongolia. In Mongolia, Shamanism is not only an ancient religious practice but also a lifestyle or tradition that makes the country an amazing destination for spirituality.

If you are wondering about Mongolic Shamanism that has its own teaching and methods in many different areas such as medicine, way of living, the belief system, and preserving the nature, a long-term trip in large steppes might make you find the right answers. Travelling in this spiritually rich lands, you may find yourself in a Shamanic ritual where all your thought about life will change radically.


7. Jerusalem, Israel

jerusalem

Jerusalem is the home for three main religions followed in our world today. It’s the spiritual centre for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The city is also a political centre and has divided between two countries; Israel and Palestine. However, the real charm and attraction of the area lie in its historical importance.

Jesus Christ is believed to have born, lived, been crucified, and resurrected there. If you visit the Western Wall and see the people standing over there, crying, you will find yourself in this spiritual atmosphere. It is a unique experience not only for followers of Judaism but also for anyone looking for a spiritual experience.


8. Assisi, Italy

assisi

Have you ever wondered where the name San Francisco come from? The modern US city lying on the West Coast of the States gets its name from the Italian monk Francisco from Assisi who has influenced many Christians and eventually set up his own cult.

Assisi has great importance among Christians since Saint Francisco lived and founded the basis of his teachings. His humble way of life had a great impact on many, and many decided to follow the Franciscan Orders. If you’d like to learn more about his teachings, including tolerance, peace, and patience, you may visit Assisi, which is in the Umbrian region of Italy, neighbouring the Umbrian capital Perugia.


9. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza used to be one of the biggest cities of the ancient Maya Empire, hosting many Mayan unsolved mysteries. Today, it is located in the Yutacan State of Mexico. If you are interested in ancient Maya spirituality and beliefs, you might want to visit this site just to be in its charming atmosphere.

While visiting Mayan-made pyramids and natural cenotes -underground pools-, try to live their experience of believing in Mayan god Kulkukan’s presence when the sun casts a shadow on you. You may also find the special rocks that they used to believe they could transmit the energy of the surroundings.


10. Nazca Lines, Peru

nazca lines

Get ready to be involved in a real spiritual mystery. Nazca Lines is one of the most mysterious sites whose mystery is still unsolved. You can only see the whole picture from the air. Some figures look like animals while some of them quite difficult to depict. Even though it is still unknown how and why they were created, they are considered to have spiritual reasons. You may give a visit to this extraordinary site and decide if they were trying to send a message to their gods or what spiritual message they were hiding behind their masterpiece.


11. Borobudur, Indonesia

borobudur-temple

Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. It is located on Java Island in Indonesia. Indonesia is already an interesting destination to visit since even though the majority of the country’s population is Muslim, they are hosting many temples and religious spots for other religions.

While visiting this outstanding Buddhist monument, you may disconnect with the modern world and instead connect with the desired spiritual level on your own. So, while visiting this holy area, get ready for your inner journey, too.[:]