While India's best known hippie spots like Goa and Varanasi are getting choked by the tentacles of commercial tourism, travelers are migrating to smaller, quieter towns in their quest to self discovery, relaxation and the ever elusive 'shanti'. Here are the top spots for those who enjoy a laid back vibe flavored with a splash of alternate consciousness.
Hampi :- Monuments like Virupaksha temple has earned Hampi a spot in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list. However, unlike other destinations steeped in history, Hampi has managed to carry off a hammock swinging, motorcycle riding, laid back vibe. A 26 sq.km village located on the banks of Tungabhadra River, Hampi was once the capital of the medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar. Though primarily visited by architectural geeks and pilgrims, the town has seen a steady rise in the number of hippies who have settled in shacks across the river. Most hotels in Hampi accept online hotel booking so you won't have a hard time finding an accommodation here.
Tosh :- Located in the far reaches of Himalayas, the village is a secluded settlement where modern influence is yet to creep in. The village comprises of a group of houses built into the mountains and overlooks the serene Paravati River. The region is inhabited by a close knit farming community who tend to their fruit orchards, sheep and marijuana plantation. Tosh is accessible from Barshaini town (two hour trek or half an hour taxi ride). While Tosh may not have some of the best hotels in India, rest assured you will find a clean, comfortable place to retire for the day.
Kasol :- Located below Tosh, on the banks of the Parvati River is the quaint little town that serves as the base for trekkers to Pin Parvati Pass. The Hebrew signboards and numerous dreadlocks that navigate its street is a dead giveaway of its reputation as a hippie paradise. Cheap accommodation and delicious food has lured many a traveler to Kasol into becoming permanent residents. Evergreen and Little Italy are the two popular cafes where you can have some freewheeling spirituality discussions while sipping cappuccinos and munching on an apple crumble.
Vashisht :- Located about 3 km from Manali, Vashisht is popular amongst families who come here to take a dip in its hot springs. But a cursory glance around and you will see the Rastafarian colours in the rooftop cafes and groups of didgeridoo wielding backpackers. For a change in scenery, head out to the Jogini waterfall, accessible via a trek through a village, this serene spot rewards you with stunning views.
Gokarna :- The three beaches of Gokharna – Om, Kudle and Paradise with their Rastafarian cafes and dreadlocked backpackers is a picture perfect hippie beach town. Om beach is named after the Sanskrit symbol it resembles and is home to the most popular shack in town, the Namaste Cafe. Paradise beach is home to long term settlers and is quieter than the other two.
Tosh :- Located in the far reaches of Himalayas, the village is a secluded settlement where modern influence is yet to creep in. The village comprises of a group of houses built into the mountains and overlooks the serene Paravati River. The region is inhabited by a close knit farming community who tend to their fruit orchards, sheep and marijuana plantation. Tosh is accessible from Barshaini town (two hour trek or half an hour taxi ride). While Tosh may not have some of the best hotels in India, rest assured you will find a clean, comfortable place to retire for the day.
Kasol :- Located below Tosh, on the banks of the Parvati River is the quaint little town that serves as the base for trekkers to Pin Parvati Pass. The Hebrew signboards and numerous dreadlocks that navigate its street is a dead giveaway of its reputation as a hippie paradise. Cheap accommodation and delicious food has lured many a traveler to Kasol into becoming permanent residents. Evergreen and Little Italy are the two popular cafes where you can have some freewheeling spirituality discussions while sipping cappuccinos and munching on an apple crumble.
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