6 Hippie Places/Hotspots In India You Must Visit
Tired of the same old tourist traps? It is time to travel while abandoning plans to experience India’s most well-known hippie hotspots. These travel destinations provide environmentally friendly beach camping in Goa and natural mountain escapes in Himachal which focus on artistic experiences and musical expression and soulful encounters. These six locations deliver an unbelievable travel experience that satisfies all adventure seekers, seekers of peace and people looking to escape their everyday existence. Get ready to experience an unforgettable period of time loss which will reveal your true self. Gokarna Goa Hampi Kasol Kasar Devi Varkala 1) Gokarna Om Beach, Gokarna. Source: Unsplash District – Uttara Kannada State – Karnataka A temple town in Karnataka, Gokarna is the new go to for those seeking secluded serenity. Though growing in popularity, it remains far from the crowded chaos of Goa. Before tourists arrived, the Halakkis tribe were the sole inhabitants. Their deeply rooted, non-materialistic way of life has influenced the hippie culture that thrives here. Beyond temples, Om, Kudle, and Paradise Beach, just 6 km from the bus stand are easily accessible by auto. You can even hike across hills and rocks between them, making for a raw, nature-filled experience. Relax on sun-kissed shores, join Yoga Ashrams near Kudle Beach, or stay in seaside shacks to immerse yourself in the hippie vibe. Bonfires, music, and dancing under the stars are common, and the laid-back lifestyle means spotting the odd pot user isn’t unusual. With breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, a trip to Gokarna has no set timeline you might stay for days or even weeks, never tiring of its charm. 2) Goa Arambol Beach Festival, Goa. Source: Pixabay There’s no way you haven’t heard of Goa, the OG hippie destination in India. Since the 1960s, free spirits have flocked here for its spirituality, cultural isolation, and later, its legendary nightlife. Anjuna, Vagator, and Baga were their first hotspots, but now Agonda and other coastal gems share the spotlight. By the ‘80s, Goa’s hippie culture marked by psychedelic rock, carefree parties, and hallucinogens had gained worldwide fame. Though local concerns toned things down, the hippie legacy lives on in yoga, meditation, and a free-spirited lifestyle. Beyond the commercial party scene, Goa still offers peaceful retreats. Keri, Cola, Patnem, and Galgibaga beaches are perfect for solitude, while Arambol strikes the right balance between seclusion and an immersive hippie vibe. Shacks, live music, and (technically illegal but common) cannabis use add to its allure. Whether you prefer quiet beach days or electrifying psytrance nights, Goa remains a timeless escape for wanderers and wild hearts alike. The most offbeat Goa To personalize your own travel experience in Goa and Gokarna, start crafting your travel experience here 3) Hampi A Man With His Coracle at Tungabhadra River, Hampi District – Ballari State – Karnataka Once the grand capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is now a magnet for spiritual seekers and backpackers alike. Just 12 km from Hospet, this ancient village is famed for its rock-cut temples, surreal landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere. Across the Tungabhadra River lies the heart of Hampi’s hippie culture, Hippie Island (though not an actual island). With prehistoric boulder-strewn scenery, lush rice fields, and colorful murals, it offers a laid-back escape from the outside world. The island got its name from travelers embracing its rugged, carefree lifestyle, reflected in its homestays, artsy shacks, and vibrant cafes. Only 2 km from the Hampi bus stand, ferries take you across to a world where psychedelics, live music, and a bohemian spirit are part of the experience. Whether you’re watching the sunset from hilltop temples, floating in coracles, or enjoying a lo-fi café scene, Hampi’s magic will leave you spellbound. 4) Kasol Parvati River, Kasol District: Kullu State: Himachal Pradesh Nestled in Parvati Valley along the Parvati River, Kasol is an urbanized village and a gateway to nearby gems like Tosh, Chalal, and Malana. A year-round magnet for peace-seekers and travelers—especially from Israel—it thrives on its laid-back vibe and welcoming locals. With cannabis cultivation deeply rooted in the region’s economy, Kasol’s markets, cafes, and decor reflect a liberal, bohemian culture—from Bob Marley posters to marijuana-leaf souvenirs. Riverside hotels offer stunning views, while homestays blend perfectly with nature, making for a more immersive experience. Trekking from Kasol leads to Malana, a remote village known for its mysterious culture and self-imposed isolation. Chalal, a 45-minute trek away, is famed for its underground rave parties, while Tosh, only reachable by a wooden bridge, offers breathtaking panoramic views. Kasol isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience of nature, music, and a carefree lifestyle, making it a true hippie haven in the Himalayas. For the best places to visit in Kasol check out this blog. Here’s how we think you should spend your weekend in Kasol: The best of Kasol 5) Kasar Devi The Stunning Mountains Of Almora District: Almora State: Uttarakhand Kasar Devi is a quiet, peaceful backpacker destination with a mellow vibe, panoramic views, and mind-blowing Himalayan landscapes in the small town of Almora. There’s not much to do here, making it the perfect place to chill and meditate on your thoughts. Kasar Devi is now a cult destination for backpackers, tied deeply to spirituality and Buddhism. The slopes here are known for extremely potent cannabis, a well-kept secret among visitors. Timothy Leary, famous for his psychedelic research, was one of the earliest travelers, bringing along hippies and seekers of inner reflection. Modern times have seen luxury hotels and a four-star resort emerge, offering local treks, Ayurvedic massages, and power yoga, all rooted in spiritual traditions. Restaurants now serve pizza and burgers, a contrast to the tourist-free 1970s, yet the aura of Kasar Devi remains unchanged. Trekking here is an experience like no other, with breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks, making Kasar Devi a timeless haven of nature, peace, and counterculture. 6) Varkala Varkala Beach District: Trivandrum State: Kerala Just 36 km from Trivandrum, Varkala is a perfect blend of tranquility and
Urban Legends: Surviving the Night
It was a rough year for Mr T, he lost his mother, and his younger brother in a terrible car accident. The death of his mother particularly shook him up, they were very close. Unable to process this tragedy he lashed out in his workplace. He was subsequently fired for disorderly conduct. He also went through a heartbreaking divorce from his high school sweetheart. Life, he thought, couldn’t get much worse. Two months passed by. In the meantime, he had bought a new car. He had successfully bounced back and landed another job. But it was a hectic one, he was constantly traveling and buying a new car made sense to him. But it was not just the practicality, he wanted to buy a new car for some time now. Driving was the only thing that stopped his mind from wandering off. He liked the way the wind felt in his hair when he drove swiftly in the empty roads of the night, he loved to smell the aroma of the new leather. The reflective blue color gave off a particular shine to the eyes of the onlookers. Mr T was racing his car in the eerily empty roads of Darjeeling that fateful night that made the oblivious Mr T shudder. The deafening silence was broken only by this solo traveler. Going up and down these isolated hills would have been dangerous but Mr T was not scared. He had just closed an important business deal in the morning. He was in line for a promotion in his new job. Things were finally taking a turn for good. By: ak0.picdn.net He was two hours away from his destination, but the weariness was growing on him. He could feel his eyelids getting heavy. The chilly wind was not enough to keep him awake. The large cup of strong coffee from his travel mug was proving inefficient. All the signs were compelling him to stop driving and rest his eyes. To his cheerful surprise, he saw a light bulb glowing in the distance. Like a glimmer of hope, he rushed there only to find a gloomy and secluded hotel. By: rojakdaily.com It looked like it was there for more than a century. The paint was scraped off the walls. The glass windows were shattered as if some mischievous boys threw stones at it. The glass door had a bell attached to it to notify the old and aged manager sitting dolefully within. One could feel the melancholy and spooky atmosphere emanating through the hotel. Mr T parked his car and stepped out of the vehicle. He walked towards the door and climbed up the porch to reach the door. Instead of the bell, it was the creaking sound of the door that alerted the manager. By: in.pinterest.com He was an old man with porcelain skin, his wrinkles were visibly frightening and his pure spectralon hair made him the perfect caretaker. He limped over and walked towards Mr T, and before he could utter a single word the manager said “This place is haunted. You should not stay here.” “It is 2 o’clock in the night. Where am I supposed to find a hotel now?” retorted Mr T sharply. “Anyways, I don’t believe in ghosts,” said Mr T in a dismissive tone. “Sir, that room is out of bounds. The owner has specifically ordered us not to rent out that room.” Mr T thought this was a clever strategy to drive up the price, so he was adamant and kept demanding a room for the night. “Look, I am going to pay you twice the amount, but I want to have that room for the night. It has already started to rain and I can’t go anywhere farther, hoping to find a hotel. I will leave early in the morning and I also do not require any room service.” The exhausted manager realized that his warning was in vain. So, he submitted to Mr T’s demands and prepared the room for him. But, Mr T was perplexed by his behavior. The manager gave him the key but refused to enter the room. As Mr T settled and tried to close the door to take his much-needed sleep, he was interrupted with a grave warning. “Whatever you do, do not enter the storeroom.” That was it; after this, the manager left in visible haste. Mr T didn’t want to lose any time. He freshened up and went straight to his bed. As he lay down, he sunk into his marshmallow-soft bed. The curiosity of what was inside the storeroom didn’t seem to bother him, and the thought of checking was completely absent from his mind. Within moments he was fast asleep, snoring like a giant resting after a hearty meal. He woke up to the distant sound of a girl singing. Annoyed, he got up and peeked through his balcony to see the scoundrel singing at 3 am and decided to give her a piece of his mind. But he couldn’t find anyone. Now wide awake, Mr T felt his throat was parched, maybe from the excessive drinking earlier that day. He wore his rubber slippers and went to the kitchen to fix himself a hot cup of tea. Suddenly, there it was again. The sound of a girl singing. Mr T this time didn’t do anything but tried to find the source. He found that the girl wasn’t singing but actually sobbing. But this was not the only confusing thing. What was more perplexing was the fact that it seemed to be coming out of the storeroom. By: theoccultmuseum.com Mr T put down his cup and started walking towards it. The volume kept on increasing as he started taking steps one by one in the direction of the storeroom’s door. He thought that there is someone kidnapped over there and the manager is in cahoots with the owner.
The Rainbow Experience in India
India, the spectacular subcontinent burrows the most magnificent regions within. We know India as a land of multiple cultures, huge population, spices, and so on but among all these things, our USP is the beautiful spread of colors through landscapes. Just like our popular spices, these colors are roaring, fine-drawn, loopy, mellifluous, toned down, etc. Are you aware of the most colorful places in India? Well, if not, we have created a list of destinations that are as bright and vivid as a rainbow. So pack your bag, grab a buddy, and just set out on a journey to experience something that’s going to leave you wanting way more than you bargained for! 1. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Victoria Memorial, Kolkata In the state of West Bengal, Victoria Memorial stands upright in all its glory and grandeur, by the banks of the mighty Hoogly river. Dedicated to Queen Victoria, this architectural marvel is truly a poem in marble. The home of the Angel of Victory, this majestic monument sparkles with elegance and charm and quenches the hedonistic thirst of a traveler. The myriad of statues in the sprawling garden also reflects the finesse and skills of the craftsmen and impels us to rightly call it another charming Taj. Refer Tale of 2 Backpackers to know more about this beauty! 2. Kudle Beach, Karnataka Kudle Beach, Gokarna In the southern state of Karnataka, lies Kudle, a sandy beach known for its picturesque and fantabulous sunsets. Facing the raging sea in front, it is the idyllic place where calm and thrill confluences and creates a spectacular and relaxed ambiance for sightseers. In the bustling state of Karnataka, this place is an oasis of serenity. Walkthrough the sandy beaches and feel the moist breeze against your face while you listen to the melody of the turbulent waves crashing and experience the beautiful view, and the unmistakable aroma of the beach and unwind from your city life. Pixelshooter very well describes the major highlights of the temple town, Gokarna 3. Tulip Garden, Kashmir Tulip Garden, Kashmir Situated in the crown jewel of India, Kashmir, the Tulip Garden, embellishes the heaven on earth like a festoon. You will smell it before you see it, the unmistakable aroma will seep deep into your soul. The smooth and soothing scent will leave you mesmerized. You will forgo your worries as you meander lazily through the sea of tulips ruminating and inhaling the beauty, sinking in the aesthetics. The scenic sunset with its calming orange along with the velvety sky of Srinagar will be etched in your memory till you breathe and live. Check out Maverickbird to get a glimpse of Tulip Gardens of Kashmir. 4. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh Kaza, Himachal Pradesh Kaza, sitting huddled in the corner of Himachal Pradesh is a tranquil getaway on the plains of the Spiti River. Monasteries, Gompas, and other historic wonders add charm to this magical city. This city is a wonderful blend of modernity and unique ancient culture that will leave you enchanted with its mystery. Lapped by majestic mountains covered in snow, meandering, and bubbling rivers and streams and picturesque barren landscape with scattered patches of green, Kaza is a dream destination. It is perfect for those seeking tranquillity on their vacation. Travellingslacker shares her experiences with Kaza. 5. Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh Kinnaur, once forbidden land, is now a treasure’s trove for the daring and adventurers seekers. Kinnaur or the Land of God is like a precious and rare little treasure consisting of majestic mountain ranges, orchards, undulating hills and verdant valleys, temples-towers, and picturesque hamlets with glittering slate tiles. With apple orchards aplenty, It is a lush green delight. Fairytalestudios.in shares her travel guide to Spiti 6. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Kanyakumari Kanyakumari, or “The land of three seas” Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland, is not just a meeting point of three water bodies but also an amalgamation of different cultures, religions, and ideas developed over centuries. It is surrounded by mountains and bordered by vibrant seashores, lined with paddy fields and coconut trees, and also boasts of aesthetically elevated patches of hills with undulating valleys and plains in between the sea and the mountainous terrain. It’s the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here. To know more about the surreal beauty of Kanyakumari, check out Footloosedev‘s blogs. 7. Pangong Tso, Ladakh Pangong Tso, Ladakh A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is the Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his nature. Pangong Lake – A sheet of vivid blue amid mountains. It is a secluded water body tucked in the Himalayas and wears the deepest shade of azure and flaunts a beautiful scenery. The sheer beauty of Pangong Tso is the fact that the lake displays multiple colors ranging from shades of blue, green, and even sometimes appearing reddish. Pangong Tso is also known as a hollow lake and is famous for its calm, clear, and unending expanse. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Jetsetbunnies very well describes the beauty of Pangong Tso in her blogs. 8. Triund, Himachal Pradesh Triund, Himachal Pradesh Triund is a large land of green grass and pastures. One can see the mighty Dhauladhar range just in front of the eyes. Triund is a serene and alluring trekking destination. Nestled in the lap of Dhauladhar Range, 18 km from Dharamshala, it offers jaw-dropping views of the lofty Dhauladhar ranges on one side and the gorgeous Kangra valley on the other. The Triund trek route is exhilarating and super thrilling. The amazing panoramic views from the top at different times of the day – dusk, moonrise, and dawn – highlight the
The Forgotten Culture of India
Tribes of India Know more about Indian Culture and Indian Culture food and Indian Culture facts and want to know more about the evolution of Indian culture and the Indian culture food and dress – Continue Reading! Now check for few things to know about Indian Culture!! India had always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its conventional arts and crafts. It is a country that enjoys a unique diaspora. Geographically, we are adorned by the great heights of Himalayas, to sprawling beaches, and dry terrains. But in the midst of all this, we carefully ignore some of the backbenchers of our population, the people who reside away from the comfort of materialism, and who thrive and build their lives amidst nature, the tribals of India. Here’s a list of six unexplored Tribes of India: 1. Konyak Tribes 2. Khasi Tribes 3. Bhotiya Tribes 4. Siddi Tribes 5. Dropka Tribes 6. Kurumba Tribes Tribes of India map 1. Konyak Tribe Konyak, the last tattooed headhunters Residing in the forest interiors of Nagaland, The Konyaks also known as the warrior tribe are an isolated ethnic group defined culturally by their headhunting practice and elaborate facial tattoos. A plethora of color unfolds when you visit the Naga villages; colorful shawls, jewelry, headgear, bags, and jackets with bright colors and tribal motifs are quite a sight to behold. The Konyaks are hospitable, warm-hearted, fond of merry-making and believe that human heads exuded a mystical force that would bring prosperity and benefit local crops and are considered to be the last tattooed headhunters of India. Shubham mansigha tried to best portray the tribal culture of Nagaland in the Hornbill festival 2. Khasi Tribes The colorful Khasi tribes Know more about Khasi tribe dress and Khasi tribe festival: Over the lofty green mountains, and beneath the juniper-colored canopies breathes the high-spirited society of the Khasi Tribe. Residing, among the clouds, on the Jaintia and the eponymous Khasi Hills of Meghalaya they are one of the earliest settlers of the subcontinent. One of “The Seven Huts’ of Khasi they are distinguished by being the only matrilineal society of India. Living a life filled with music, art, and dance the Khasi people are a colorful tribe. With a fashion of long hats, silver jewelry, and prismatic dresses they are kind and warm-hearted people welcoming tourists from all around the world into their homes, giving them a chance to experience their beautiful traditions and holistic culture. Treesisters very well describes the unique culture of Khasi tribes of India 3. Bhotiya Tribes Bhotiya tribes Speaking the fascinating language of Rongba, this tribe of Shepherds is found in the various States of India, primarily Uttarakhand – which we presume has ideal weather to grow pot. Yes, the most interesting characteristic of the Bhotiya Tribal culture is the ritualistic use of marijuana – not for recreational but religious purposes. Hindu mythology and religious traditions have provided Bhotiyas with an interesting set of rituals. Lord Shiva’s association with Bhang, who uses it to keep the world safe from his anger, is a strong Bhotiya belief. Following Shiva’s example, this tribe offers Bhang at celebrations of Holi and Maha Shivaratri. Check out Nomadic shoes blogs to know more about the unique culture of Uttarakhand 4. Siddi Tribes Siddis, the lost gems of Africa found in India Gujarat, known for its scenic beauty of mountain ranges, coastline beaches, and the Great Rann of Kutch is also home to one of the most unusual tribal communities in India, The Siddhis tribe. The Siddis of Gujarat are considered to be the lost gems of ancient Africa, hidden away in India. They don’t retain much of their African heritage, neither language nor history but are guardians of a rich and unique musical tradition that is truly a hidden jewel of Indian indigenous culture. Tanayesh through his Shoestring travel blog intends to portray unique travel stories 5. Dropka Tribe The floral headdressers, Dropkas Legend has it that the Dropka also known as Bropka were the valiant soldiers of Alexander the Great, who got lost from their company. Tucked away in the Paradise of the Earth, Kashmir and the Land of High Passes, Ladakh, these dwellers form a few thousand head community that boasts having a rich culture and a traditional lifestyle. The artistic and evocative attire along with a subtle hint of simplicity brings out a sensational feeling of awe. A distinctive feature of the Bropka tribe is the importance given of flowers in their culture. Signifying purity and love, they can be seen virtually everywhere; around their homes on their motley headgears. Dropka community in Ladakh is a loving community and welcomes tourists and globetrotters with an open arm to witness their unique and eccentric culture. Check out Theiffyexplorer’s blog to know more about the Dropka Tribal culture 6. Kurumba Tribes Kurumba tribes Kurumba Tribe in the Nilgiri Hills is one of the earliest known inhabitants of the Western ghats. Hunting and collecting forest produce being the two main means of living, the tribe lives very much in tune with Nature. While Kurumba men are hunters, cultivators, and gatherers, Kurumba women are traditionally body tattooists. Music, art, religious traditions, and rituals of the Kurumbas are fascinating but the most enthralling thing is their unusual beliefs in sorcery. Their powers are believed to be so effective that other tribes fear and respect them. Illness and death are deemed Kurumba-cast spells. To know more about these unique communities of the Nilgiris, checkout Makeithappen.co.in
The Infamous Haunted Sites of India!
“When I was little, every night when the lights were turned off and I went to sleep, two dark forms would descend from the ceiling near the doorway into my room. They would quietly walk up to my bed and stood on each side of my headboard, staring at me. I would cover my head with the blanket until one day I dared to tell my mother. She put a lamp in my room and told me to pray. I sleep with a lamp on all night to this day.” The most spine-gripping stories are the most intriguing! Isn’t it? They spur your adrenaline levels and brings into action, the mysterious fear of the unknown. You must have been a phasmophobic in your early days, being all ears to the ghastly folklores thrown by your grandma. But were they all factual, or did they never make any sense? India, the land of superstitions, stores some of the most uncanny, and spooky stories from all around the world. Not being verbose, here’s taking you down to some of the most bone curdling places in India: • JATINGA, ASSAM By: www.tourmyindia.com Suicide – A common word for you folks. The word must have reached your cochlea plethora of times. Have you ever heard of bird mass-suicide? It sounds strange, isn’t it? Jatinga, a village in Assam is infamous as the ‘bird suicide spot ‘. This spooky Bermuda Triangle for the birds remains inexplicable to date. In and around September and October, 44 species of birds behave abnormally between 07 P.M to 10 P.M. The birds, in a bizarre manner, strike their heads into torches, lights of the cities. After devoting their much-needed time in research, many ornithologists have claimed their theory. According to their say, during late monsoons, most of the water bodies remain flooded in Assam. As the birds lose their natural habitat, they migrate and Jatinga falls on their way. Most of the birds find it at ease to hover near the lights. They look bewildered and become prone to the villagers. Some of them are hit by a vigorous swing of bamboo poles by the villagers. Though it remains to be confirmed yet; the phenomenon chills out to the spine of the listeners! If you want to read more about this scary place we recommend you to read the Haunted Indian blog, which has the spookiest stories. • DUMAS BEACH, GUJARAT Dumas Beach By: www.livetravelindia.com Beaches relax you out of the hullabaloo of your life. The undulating waves, invigorating atmosphere thrown by a beach takes you to paradise. Here’s how Dumas Beach in Surat, comes into action and turns the tide : Dumas Beach is one of the most sought-after recreational spots in Gujarat. Albeit, the beach has got something to offer out of the box to its visitors. The black sand is enough to give an eerie feel to the beach. The sand’s black shade is because of the amount of ash created by burning the dead which got amalgamated with white sand of the beach and turned dark in shade. They say that the departed souls of the evil spirits saunter at the beach at midnight. Reports depict that several tourists and locals have gone missing from the beach. Locals have even heard weird sounds of someone sobbing out loud, in the presence of no soul on the beach. Many other paranormal activities have also been reported after the sun goes down. Those who dared to visit the beach after the moon showed up; they either never turned up to say or had the most creepy experiences to share. Dogs in the area behave abnormally around the beach after dark, conveying their discomfort with vocally, like howling and barking. Though Dumas might behave just like any other beach during the day, it will have chills go down your spine after the sun bids adieu! Want to give it a try? If you want to read a first-hand travel experience of this scary beach then we suggest you read the blog of Nandini Deka, who visited this beach alone! • BAROG TUNNEL, HIMACHAL PRADESH By: www.amazingworldreality.com Tunnels are usually long passages and offer something interesting on a railway journey. But, have you ever come across a haunted tunnel? Let me take you to one such! Tunnel No 33, Shimla is the longest on Kalka Shimla rail route. Colonel Barog had been shouldered the responsibility of its construction. Barog played a gambit to speed up the process and asked the workers to dig the tunnel from opposite ends so that they meet at its midway. Barog’s calculations went in vain and upon reaching the midway, it came to their attention that the tunnel was not aligned and the workers were just boring two different tunnels in different directions. The hapless fellow was on the receiving end and was fired from the contract, after paying a fine. Barog, unable to cope with embarrassment, just walked into the tunnel and shot himself dead. He was buried near the tunnel and the village was named after him. It’s said that he has not left the tunnel since then. The locals and many travelers spoke of sighting his ghost in the new tunnel. The atmosphere in the tunnel is damn eerie. Is it yet another concocted story or a thing to believe? I leave it for you to decide! We also suggest you read the BikingMystery adventure, who wrote a detailed experiential blog about this scary place. You will get to know about the history and the present situation of this spooky tunnel. • DOW HILL, DARJEELING Dow Hill By: www.laughalaughi.com Dow Hill of Kurseong is known for its divine beauty, forested hills, and orchid gardens. Wait! let me add something interesting to this list; a headless ghost, a haunted school, and a pinch of paranormal happenings. Does that sound spooky? Exactly! You have to digest this in one go. Here’s us taking you to
The Whoopee Art of Haggling
A Marketplace By: businessworld.in Living in the 21st century with mankind’s most advanced technologies, where we can pretty much get anything right at our doorsteps, at just a click on our smartphones surely makes our lives easier and comfortable. However, even with this amount of facilities at our disposal, are we bored of markets, especially Indian markets? An absolute “No” would be the answer! We can never get enough of the bustling nature of an Indian Market. Local markets of a city are its lifelines and is a center of attraction for both buyers, sellers and provide an enthralling and overwhelming experience to the travelers that visit India from all around the world. The markets of India are called ‘Bazaars’ in the Hindi language aren’t any new concept, their chronology can be dated back to the Pre-Mauryan period, followed by, the Chola period, and then the Mughal. The change in time and technology over this period has surely altered the traditional market settings, but still, the ideology remains the same. The colorful chaos; the hustle-bustle; the vibrant and enormous range of choices present reflect upon the diversity of our great nation and impels us to shop at least once in our lifetime. Perfectly termed as ‘Organized Chaos’, Indian Bazaars, apart from their noisy enchanting nature, are most famous for their friendly haggle between customers and sellers. Picking out unbelievable bargains from shops using those extraordinary haggling skills is a must-have for everyone visiting the markets. Markets are flooded with tons of kinds of shopkeepers, ranging from those who offer their products at genuine prices to those who quote their market price at twice the price. However, this hardly matters in a place like India, where regardless of the sellers’ instincts, every customer tries his level best to obtain an item at a significant bargain. The beauty of this interaction is that even after lots of haggling, the two parties remain equally happy, with the seller making his required profit margin and the customer getting equal satisfaction from the purchase. Negotiating before purchase from an old bazaar is an art and a life skill as well. With the trend of negotiating being so popular for many years, sellers often tend to inflate the price more than usual expecting the customer to deflate it while purchasing. Shopper Haggling By: vacationindia.com Bargaining is a social activity, which takes a lot of time and demands experience, artistry, and efficiency for both the parties involved. A convincing negotiation requires competency and readiness, providing only a little chance for the other party to oppose him. The salesmen, being professional in their fields, hardly fail to make a tourist pay for an item more than necessary. They put forward cogent arguments for the purchase made by the buyer, which the customer believes it to be a sensible deal. So it is always advisable to do a little research on the product you’re looking for (just to be sure that the price you pay matches your expectations). Online research might be of a little help in the case when shopping in a bazaar, the best being consulting two or more sellers selling a similar product before concluding upon a decision. A precious life hack would be to let the seller tell you the price first. After hearing the price, set your price limit not above half the price he quoted. Stay firm on your decision and let him come down further. A contradictory response from the seller is bound to come at this point complaining about the price being too low. This is where the real haggle starts when the customer raises his price a bit and the seller lowers his price a bit. Eventually, both parties reach a mutual agreement with both being satisfied with the deal made. The process involves a lot of excitement, convincing, annoyance, praising to some extent. The shops in which bargaining is most common are the clothing stores, which have no clear mention of the marked price on their labels, followed by footwear stores, bangles and ornaments shops, etc. These shops provide the largest profit margin for sellers and have considerable scope for negotiation. Most often, the customers coming to these shops are aware of the fact that sellers try to keep no stones unturned to persuade a buyer to pay more for an item. They are determined to make a sale and have excellent convincing skills as well. They are all set and prepared for witty customers who use haggling as their primary technique to buy something. The extent of a bargain also depends upon the nature of competition in the bazaar. Areas with numerous vendors and a lot of competition among sellers automatically bring the prices down and a greater scope for haggling as well. It is these minute observations which visitors must pay attention to, to grab the best of the deals. More number of sellers of an item allows the customer to move to the next seller if he is unable to get a fair deal on one shop. If one is completely ignorant of the prevailing prices in the market, one good advice would be to ask a trusted local in the market area and ask about the appropriate price range of a product. When trying to bargain for an item, try not to look flamboyant. This will make the impression that the customer has an affluent lifestyle, and the deal would be challenging to make. Even if a seller asks for ridiculously high prices, or is not willing to lower the prices, one should always be courteous and polite and not be led to violent arguments. Shopping serves an entertainment purpose with haggling being just an add-on to the fun part. It shouldn’t be taken seriously. A well-known tactic is to simply walk away to another vendor if the former one is being rude or unjust. Sometimes, even if the seller isn’t lowering his limit,
Dhanushkodi: The Ghost Town
“Everything has come to an end, marking its way for new beginnings.” Outlined by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, this place should be your next destination if you are fond of spotless white sand, #the ruins of an old town, and the spooky experiences of #ghostly existence. #Dhanushkodi, declared as the #GhostTown is one of the less travelled places of South India. Blemished with the havoc of #1964Tsunami, this town is the most fascinating of all. On one side, we found a structure in ruins which looked a lot like an old church. The other side was a sight of ruins of an old railway station , where you can literally see the railway lines disappearing in sand! #Haunted yet divine, this place plays a role in Hindu mythology too. Can you recall the Ram-Setu bridge built by Lord Ram’s Army? Yes, this is the place where it all began ! In a layman’s language, Dhanushkodi is the stretch of land that you see running from #India to #SriLanka, which gradually disappears in water. The deserted place is inhabited with a few people who do not understand English or Hindi. But who won’t take an interest in the hand-made sea jewellery they sell? You will find hardly any shops here except for a few jewellery shops that are run by the inhabitants at reasonable prices! Enjoy the sea, the warmth of the sun, the cool breeze, the pristine white sand and capture the ruins of the entire town! To all the #writers, #photographers and #filmmakers, this place can be your new inspiration ! Where damages and liveliness co-exist. Where breathtaking stillness is a price. Where spectacular stretches of sand have unsaid stories. Dhanushkodi. Ghost Town, since 1964. #Explore Read more about the travel experience from Dhanushkodi in the blog written by Murali!!
