With 7.4 billion people (and counting) on this tiny blue planet, it can feel like you’re constantly fighting for space, especially in major cities where every square foot counts. The truth is there’s still plenty of room on this earth where you can escape the crowds and enjoy mind-clearing solitude. You don’t have to go far to find these tranquil territories. Certain locations lend themselves to giving us the peace of solitude in very different ways.
Solitude is how we recover connection with our spirit that we lose in the rush of everyday life. Solitude gives us a breather, taking us away from the chatter and rush and obligations that can sometimes stress us. It exists when we spend time with our inner self in a serene place. That can be a place of meditation, a walk in the woods, a retreat we attend, a sudden decision to take a drive in our car without a specific destination, or sitting somewhere near a body of water. In each of these ways we can become more connected to the natural world around us, which is eternally present. Solitude gives us a chance to know silence, which can be a healer of worry and stress. For a little while we are not responsible for other people and obligations – only to ourselves. We can watch leaves blow in the wind on a summer’s day, or waves falling gently on the shore, or visit a museum in the city on a rainy afternoon.
Any way which you choose to get reconnected to your inner self Getting outside can do wonders for your mental health and positive effects on the brain.
This list of serene (and seriously stunning) spots around the globe may help you reconnect with the vast beauty of nature, take a much-needed time-out from the hustle and bustle and find sweet silence, space, and serenity. It will also help you find clarity and inspiration.
Mt. Everest, Nepal
The Sherpas and Tibetans worshipEverest as Chomolongma, or "Mother Goddess of the Earth." Luckily you don't need to actually climb the 29,000 feet to the "Top of the World" to experience its magnificence and the beauty of the surrounding valleys and forests.
It is unique for its sheer natural marvels and seneries. It is also a nice place to find solitude and reconnect with nature in its most basic and premitive form.
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, Costa Rica
A tropical haven in a remote cloud forest in the highest mountains of Central America, Cloudbridge is a private retreat on Mount Chirripo with three casitas that guests can rent for a few days or a few months. Plant trees, hike to waterfalls and reconnect with nature.
Finland
Finland is an astounding natural beauty. Explore its snow-covered landscape in the winter and marvel at the Northern Lights, great lake views and its green forestry in the summer.
With tourism initiatives (like FinRelax ) aimed at getting you to chill out and unwind in its lush landscapes, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the country's jaw-dropping natural wonders and refreshing saunas.
Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Leh-Ladakh forms a huge chunk of the cold desert in the Northern part of the Great Indian Himalayas in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Rich natural beauty, stunning landscapes and beautiful Buddhist Monasteries, makes this place an ideal location to spend some days of your life connecting with nature.
Besides nature lovers and holiday seekers, Leh-Ladakh is also a hub for adventure buffs who come here to indulge themselves in the fun of trekking, mountain climbing and mountain biking.
Rwanda
For the nature buff, Rwanda is a must-see. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills" with its extremely photogenic landscapes and famous tea gardens, the country is full of natural wonders. Volcanoes National Park, home to fascinating golden monkeys and half of the world's gorillas still living in the wild, is a must-visit attraction.
Alabama — Gulf Shores
On Alabama's Gulf Shores, you can find a little bit of everything, including a bit of relaxation. Take a snooze under an umbrella on the 32 miles of white sand beaches if you're looking for a bit of a getaway.
Dominica
Known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica is an obvious choice for those who want to get back to nature.
It has an incredibly lush landscape that includes volcanic hot springs, natural mud baths, countless rivers and waterfalls, unspoiled rain forest and refreshing natural swimming holes.
Redwood National Park, California
Visitors here cannot help but feel awestruck by the unbelievable enormity of the coast redwoods, the tallest and oldest trees on earth. The tallest redwood on record, known simply as "the Tall Tree," is 600 years old and stands more than 350 feet.
These majestic examples of nature, which can only be found in California and Oregon, take 400 years to mature and can live to be 2,000-plus years old. Emerging from the darkened paths on foot, bike or horseback, visitors may be shocked to find it is still daylight, and still the 21st century, in a place where time seems to stand still.
Madagascar
This isn't your average safari. Jungles abound here, but beaches do too, and whether on land or by sea, an overwhelming amount of indigenous species ranging from lemurs to whales are on view for the adventurous set.
Almost all of Madagascar's native species can't be found anywhere else making the region even more unique and spell bounding.
Iceland
Last but certainly not least, Iceland is filled with spectacular natural attractions that make it one of the best places in the world for reconnecting with nature. There are countless waterfalls to gaze at, hot springs to soak in and caves to explore. Be sure to check out Seljalandsfoss, one of the nation’s most photographed falls. Located near the southern coast, it plummets nearly 200 feet into a pool below, and if you walk around to the back of the cascade, you can feel the spray of the water on your skin while enjoying a unique perspective that few others get to experience.
Whether your version of relaxation involves silence, solitude, or breaking a sweat, there are beautiful places all over the world to help you find your peace. So take the bold step and don't stop until you have satisfaction.
