Quick answer: The world’s most spiritual places include Varanasi and Rishikesh (India), Kyoto (Japan), Bali and the Camino de Santiago.
For pilgrimage, reflection or simply a sense of the sacred, these destinations have drawn seekers for centuries.
The 10 most spiritual destinations
Varanasi, India
One of the world’s oldest cities, sacred on the banks of the Ganges.
Rishikesh, India
The ‘yoga capital of the world’ in the Himalayan foothills.
Kyoto, Japan
Hundreds of temples, shrines and Zen gardens.
Bali, Indonesia
A deeply ceremonial Hindu culture, centred on Ubud.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
A centuries-old pilgrimage walked by people of all faiths.
Bodh Gaya, India
Where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.
Sedona, USA
Red-rock ‘energy vortexes’ and a New Age draw.
Lhasa, Tibet
The Potala Palace and a centre of Tibetan Buddhism.
Mount Kailash & the Himalaya
Sacred peaks across several religions.
Bhutan
A Buddhist kingdom of cliffside monasteries like Tiger’s Nest.
How to choose
Approach sacred places with respect — dress modestly, follow local customs and ask before photographing rituals or people. Some, like the Camino or a Himalayan trek, are journeys as much as destinations.