When everyday life is classified as mundane, it is difficult to find moments that hold you in an inspirational trance. Even when the setting sun is presenting an iridescent horizon or the morning walk is opening up the skyline with mesmeric rays, the instinctive connect with nature, one that travel spontaneously imbues, is missing. There is, perhaps, an overindulgence of work culture; a constant demand to be on the move…
It is travel that subtly presses the pause button, to not just freeze the cacophony of thoughts and barrage of words, but also to smoothly dissociate from the routines and find inspiration even in the simple act of a walk in the park. And if the destination in focus has been classified as inspirational by travel buffs that have made travel their life, there is bound to be that much more interest for work-weary holidaymakers wanting to soak in the vistas of inspiration. These destinations are best described as expressions of communion with nature; they have that special something that hold you by the hand and lead you on to find inspiration within yourself.
Here are some inspirational destinations to get you started…
Preikestolen, Norway
Preikestolen or the Pulpit Rock is the most famous tourist attraction in Norway’s Ryfylke. It towers to an impressive height of 604 metres over the Lysefjord and is listed as one of the most inspiring locales, thanks to the stunning views it offers from the top. Both CNN Go and Lonely Planet have named it as one of the world’s most spectacular viewing points. However, visiting Preikestolen requires stamina and strength to go on a steep one-and-half hour hike to reach the top to get your share of the incredible view. The main hiking season stretches from April to October and since the hike takes about four to five hours, it is advisable to start early in the day. Alternately, you could experience Preikestolen from the fjord – from a sightseeing boat or a car ferry. Tourists can also book the Preikestolen lodge, which provides easy access to the area.
Mt. Cook, New Zealand
The vastness of the universe, its majestic narratives and its connection to all things human is best realised in Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Described as the most awe-inspiring destination on the planet, its stunning panoramic view is said to have a spell-binding effect on the viewer. Named after Captain James Cook, the Aoraki or Mt. Cook has exciting avenues for avid hikers, which adds to the inspirational tag it has earned. The Hooker Mountain trail, which leads trekkers on a path through glaciers, opens up stunning views, especially of the monolithic Mt. Cook. The area was made a National Park in 1953; it consists of 140 peaks and 72 glaciers. Along with the Westland, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, it makes up a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Te Wahipounamu.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre, meaning Five Lands, is a set of five small towns that has earned distinction as an inspiring destination for its vibrant and colourful representation. Located on the rugged north-western coastline of Italy’s Liguria, it has a look and feel of a painting come to life, with the colour palette ranging from bright hues of red, yellow, pink and orange. This too is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is situated within a national park and is characterised by terraced agricultural land. It’s rugged yet beautiful landscape has been wowing tourists who flock to the area between April to October to enjoy its colour-soaked vistas.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan
The mesmerising effect of nature can be easily savoured in a bamboo grove – the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Japan is a case in point. The uniformly soaring stalks o bamboo can invoke a meditative stance, if one lets nature take its course. From April until November, this place is at its attractive best with fall colours and cherry blossoms creating a visual drama. One of Kyoto’s top attractions, the Arashiyama itself has many interesting sight-seeing spots, including the bamboo groves, the Togetsukye Bridge, the torii tunnels of Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple, and pleasure boats, among others.
Sossusvlei, Namibia
Sossusvlei is a spectacular destination, one that is characterised by red sand dunes and large white salt clay pans. Situated in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Africa, it boasts large dunes, some reaching as high as 400 metres in height. These dune and the salt clay pans have become inspirational natural edifices for tourists seeking that much more from their travel. Translated to mean ‘dead-end marsh’, Sossusvlei is the place where the dunes come together to prevent the Tsauchab River to flow any further. However, when there are exceptional rains the Tsauchab pan fills up, presenting a glassy lake that reflects the surrounding dunes.