Chasing India's Hippie Trail

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.

Top 5 Affordable Island Hotels

Despite all the comforts and opulence that they offer, most island hotels are notoriously expensive that they end up in 'to-do when I win the lottery' lists.  However, there exists a few, relatively unknown affordable or budget hotels where you can relax without breaking the bank.

Lefkes Village Hotel, Paros, Greece :- Part of the Cyclades Islands, Paros offers all of the signature Greek island charms – whitewashed churches, bougainville ornated houses and stunning views of the ocean- sans the sky rocketing prices of Mykonos and Santorini. One night at the Lefkes Village Hotel - located in the mountain village of Lefkes, featuring a tavern, museum and a swimming pool is a mere $70.  If you do an online hotel reservation, the Lefkes Village Hotel is one of those rare cheap hotel booking that you can do.

La Veranda Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam :- Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, and despite recent surge in popularity, it still retains a secluded, small town vibe.  The La Veranda Resort is an  2 storey propery that excudes an elegant French colonial charm – airy rooms with stunning views of the ocean, a restaurant that serves pan pacific cuisine on a relaxed verandah below sluggish ceiling fans, the icing on the cake is the classy lounge bar with scarlet walls. Prices per night starts from $140. You can even get a 5-10% discount if you make your hotel booking online. 

Fishers’ Loft, Newfoundland, Canada :- Fisher's Loft is located in an island that is fascinating, peculiar and charming all at once. This idyllic inn  is designed in the clapboard-and-shingles style of the late 1800s and overlooks the Trinity Bay and harbour of Ship Cove. As you relax in the cozy inn, peek out of the mullioned windows to catch the glimse of a whale surfacing or an iceberg floating past.

Auberge Seraphine, St. Lucia  :-  The slew of luxury resorts that line the island of St. Lucia can leave huge dent in your bank account . Probably the sole exception is this endering family run inn  near the northwest coast. While theres no beach, you can relax by the poolside with views of the sailboats on the nearby Vielle Bay. And when you are hungry, pull up a chair at the in house restaurant for some sumptious seafood risotto. Prices start from $125.

Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Rico :-  Copamarina is an oceanfront resort located on the less explored southern coast of Puerto Rico. The resort features  palm fringed beaches,  20 acres of lush gardens, an in-house spa, several pools and two seafood restaurants. If you manage to drag yourself away from this place,  the historic town of  Guánica is within walking distance.  Prices start from $145.

These hotels can by no means tagged  as cheap, but they are more accessible compared to other family hotels.