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Ganges River, India -

A sacred river worshipped as the goddess Ganga in Hinduism, the mighty Ganges River has always attracted Westerners seeking spiritual enlightenment. As such, it's the location of many ash scattering ceremonies.

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Sunset Cliffs, USA -

The Sunset Cliffs at La Jolla near San Diego in California is considered by many as one of the most beautiful places along the Pacific coast to scatter the remains of loved ones.

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Sea of Galilee, Israel -

For some, returning to the Holy Land is the final pilgrimage in the circle of life. There are private gardens overlooking the Sea of Galilee where ashes can be scattered within sight of the ancient freshwater lake.

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Stonehenge, England -

While it's not possible to scatter ashes within Stonehenge stone circle itself, cremated remains can be be scattered over other areas of site, which is managed by English Heritage.

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Kalbarri National Park, Australia -

There are specialist companies in Australia that can arrange for ashes to be scattered in the outback—a popular option for wildlife enthusiasts and those wishing to reconnect with nature. Pictured: Murchison River from Nature's Window in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia.

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Florida Reef, USA -

Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Located seaward of the Florida Keys (pictured), the waters over the reef have received the scattered remains of many over the years.

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Manchester (Old Trafford), England -

It was once commonplace for deceased fans to have their ashes scattered at the stadium of their beloved football team. Unfortunately, permission to do so is rarely granted today. However, some clubs, including Manchester United (pictured), still consider requests on a case-by-case basis.

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River Thames, England -

Having ashes scattered on the River Thames, especially where the waterway snakes through London, is a common choice.

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Stratford-upon-Avon, England -

There are a number of places to scatter ashes in the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Unfortunately, William Shakespeare's birthplace is not one of them.

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Kew Gardens, England -

The authorities governing the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in Richmond upon Thames, southwest London, accept scatterings. It's a wonderful final setting for botanists and landscape gardeners.

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Ben Nevis, Scotland -

The summit of Ben Nevis, at 1,345 m (4,412 ft) the highest mountain in the British Isles, often receives the ashes of the deceased, though mourners are reminded to try to choose an area away from the summit cairn, and also away from the north face.

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Grand Canyon, USA -

Ash scattering over the Grand Canyon, one of the greatest and most impressive natural wonders on the planet, is an amazing and beautiful experience.

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Lake Ontario, Canada -

Submitting the ashes of a loved one to the waters of Lake Ontario is an option favored by many Toronto citizens. The fact that the western edge of New York state borders the lake means it's also a popular water burial site with New Yorkers as well.

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Wadden Sea, Netherlands -

Dutch citizens choosing to scatter the remains of their dearly departed quite often head for the wild and windswept Wadden Sea shoreline to pay their final respects.

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Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland -

The 40,000 or so interlocking basalt columns located in County Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland known as the Giant's Causeway have in the past received the cremated remains of departed souls. The site is managed by the National Trust.

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Kruger National Park, South Africa -

Nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts can spend eternity in their favorite safari park. Several reserves, including Kruger, permit the scattering of ashes. It's the ultimate return to the wild.

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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland -

The scattering of ashes within the grounds of imposing Edinburgh Castle may be granted, but only if the deceased had a military connection to the castle.

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Barafundle Bay, Wales -

Barafundle Bay's tranquil setting and picture-perfect scenery has made it a favorite with those seeking to be reunited with a place they loved while alive.

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Bali, Indonesia -

Bali has captivated many tourists, some of whom have expressed a wish to have their ashes scattered in the sea off one of the island's famous beaches. Incidentally, Bali is known for the cremation ceremony of Ngaben (which means "turn to ash").

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Disneyland, USA -

Believe it or not, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland in Anaheim, California has had to shut down on several occasions due to people scattering ashes into the water. Ordinarily, this act is not permitted at any Disneyland location.

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Indian Canyons, USA -

The Indian Canyons near Palm Springs in California are the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente tribe of Cahuilla Indians. The sacred grounds are popular with those wishing to scatter ashes in a revered desert wilderness location.

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Hawaii, USA -

Hawaii’s stunning beaches and coastline and its historical connection with the water have made scatterings at sea extremely popular in the state. Pictured is the Na Pali coast, Kauai.

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Bethal, USA -

The Woodstock festival site at Bethal in New York has over the years received ashes of the deceased. The most famous were those of musician Richie Havens, the opening act who took to the stage on Friday, August 15, 1969.

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Golden Gate Bridge, USA -

San Francisco's iconic bridge is often chosen as a location for an ash scattering ceremony. In fact, the Bay Area in general is a region where many come to say a final goodbye to a friend or family member.

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Scott's View, Scotland -

Scott's View, an idyllic spot in the Scottish Borders and reputedly one of the favorite views of Scottish historical novelist Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) is a depository for ash left by grieving relatives.

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Yosemite National Park, USA -

California's Yosemite National Park is one of several national parks that permit the scattering of cremated remains within its boundaries. The ceremony must take place at least 92 m (300 ft) from a watercourse or creek bed (running or dry).

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St Michael’s Mount, England -

A picturesque location on the Cornwall peninsula, St Michael's Mount has for many years drawn those wishing to scatter the ashes of the departed. The surrounding sea serves as a final resting place; scattering ashes on the mount itself requires prior permission.

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Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania -

Besides being a major climbing destination, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is also where many say goodbye to loved ones: scattering ashes at the top of a peak can be extremely sentimental.   

See also: Spectacular gravesites of famous people.

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