Do you choose the hippie life, or does the hippie life choose you? That’s a discussion for another day. For now, let’s explore some of the best hippie destinations in India that are all colours, fun, and of course, free-souled. Care to tag along? By Karan Kaushik
Being the mystical and spiritual land that it is, India has been attracting seekers and thinkers since time immemorial. During the 1960s, when the world saw an emergence of the hippie subculture in parts of America and Europe, India welcomed the hippies with open arms. The India of the 1970s saw the hippie movement reach new heights. Most hippies came here from Europe via Afghanistan and Turkey. They sought freedom in places like Goa and Varanasi. Slowly, the hippie trail in India became a way of liberation to the free-spirited non-conformist hippies. Years have gone by, and reminiscences of the past still linger on.
Hippie destinations in India that promise a soulful experience
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
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Nestled in the gorgeous Parvati Valley, Kasol has emerged as a favourite destination among backpackers from being the sleepy nondescript hilly hamlet that it once was. Thanks to its unmatched quality of cannabis, Kasol has an underground psytrance culture that is hard to find in other parts of India. Israelis brought Kasol to the limelight and turned it into the charming and laidback hippie haven that it is. Most travellers usually club their trip with the nearby villages of Malana and Tosh, which are much quieter and less touristy.
Gokarna, Karnataka
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Blessed with sprawling beaches, Gokarna has a very bohemian vibe to it. Once a temple town flocked by devotees, Gokarna now doubles up as a hippie paradise. The hippies came here to seek solace from the overcrowded beaches of Goa, after which Gokarna underwent a drastic transformation. And now that the popular Hippie Island in Hampi has been demolished by the authorities because of illegal construction work, Gokarna is perhaps the best and only hippie destination in southern India. From beach trekking to bonfire dancing, there’s much fun to be had in Gokarna.
Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh
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This quieter sibling of the bustling Mcleodganj remains largely untrammelled by a heavy influx of tourists. Sequestered in the Kangra Valley, the tiny and gorgeous village will leave you smitten with its raw beauty and quaint environs. Most backpackers come here to embark on thrilling treks, attend Yoga workshops, and be one with Mother Nature. Dharamkot is one of the most off-beat experiences in Himachal Pradesh and holds lovely surprises for the unruly traveller at every nook and corner. It’s perfect for aimless village walks and indulging in artistic pursuits.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
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Famous for its grand cattle fair, Pushkar has always been a favourite among hippies. Home to as many as 400 temples, including India’s only solitary Brahma temple, Pushkar is a beautiful blend of spirituality and free-spiritedness. Here, you’ll find colourful shops selling bedsheets, featuring psychedelic prints and T-shirts with the “Om” symbol. Pushkar is home to myriad cafes, which draws influence from the hippie culture prevalent during the 60s and 70s. You will be surprised to see jazz nights and psytrance parties being held in what is perceived as one of the most sacred destinations in India.
Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand
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One of the least talked about hippie havens of India, the village of Kasar Devi in Uttarakhand, has a hippie history that not many people know about. Located near Almora in the Kumaon region, Kasar Devi has been attracting seekers, artists, writers, and philosophers for many decades now. Positioned on the earth’s Van Allen Belt, the place is blessed with special cosmic energy, which is why it carved a space for itself on the hippie map of India too. To experience the hippie vibes of Kasar Devi, backpackers usually chill at cafes like Baba Cake and Cranks Ridge Cafe.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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Ever since The Beatles visited Rishikesh in the February of 1968, this charming hill town along the Ganges has been a paradise for hippies. Famed as the Yoga capital of India, Rishikesh has always attracted adventurous western tourists, who arrive here as a part of the marijuana-smoking trail in India. Today, backpackers visit Rishikesh to party at the white sand beaches of Shivpuri. But it’s the Beatles Ashram that continues to be the major draw among the free-souled and unpretentious travellers. Also known as Chaurasi Kuti, the ashram features 84 meditation huts and incredible wall art.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi has an unmatched charm and spiritual energy. The city has been a magnet for solace-seeking travellers since the flower-power days. Reflections of its past can still be felt in the many hippie cafes and the haloed banks of the Ganges. You’ll find little bhang shops hidden in its narrow old-world alleys. Backpackers flock to these shops for a liberating experience as they gulp down a few shots of the liquid mixture made from the buds, leaves, and flowers of the female cannabis. The ghats of Varanasi also serve as a playground for artists to draw inspiration, making it a perfect hippie destination.
Arambol, Goa
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Did you think this list is complete without Goa? We were saving the best for the last. Goa is synonymous with the word hippie. The hippie history of Goa goes back to the early 70s when hippies chose it as their final stop on the Asian hippie trail. Arambol is the place where you’ll find hippies merrymaking and selling handmade goods at the flea market. The Arambol Drum Circle is popular among backpackers, where hippies play musical instruments and dance without a care in the world. Anjuna is another popular hippie haven in Goa, where you’d love to soak in some bohemian vibes.
Karan Kaushik
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