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6 Hippie Places/Hotspots In India You Must Visit
- Vrity Singh
- Aug 8, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 2
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.
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.
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.
To personalize your own travel experience in Goa and Gokarna, start crafting your travel experience here
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.
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:
5) Kasar Devi
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
District: Trivandrum
State: Kerala
Just 36 km from Trivandrum, Varkala is a perfect blend of tranquility and energy. The North Cliff offers stunning ocean views, while Papanasam Beach is the heart of the hippie scene, known for its sacred waters.
A haven for yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation, Varkala is also home to ancient temples, cliffside cafes, vibrant markets, and soulful music nights. Whether you’re chilling by the beach, exploring hidden spots, or embracing the free-spirited vibe, Varkala is a must-visit for every wanderer.
Varkala homestays are surely going to take your trip in the most serene way.
Being in a country like India, the values of the hippie lifestyle, like spirituality and the search for inner peace, a sense of community and togetherness, and a collective idea of working towards a common goal, probably align with the more traditional values of religious Indians.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q1.Which is the most famous hippie destination in India?
Goa is considered the ultimate hippie destination in India, with its beaches, vibrant nightlife, flea markets, and yoga retreats.
Q2.Are hippie destinations in India safe for solo travelers?
Yes, most hippie destinations like Kasol, Rishikesh, and Gokarna are generally safe for solo travelers, but it’s always advisable to take standard safety precautions.
Q3.What is the best time to visit hippie places in India?
The best time depends on the location. For Goa and Gokarna, winter (October to March) is ideal, while Himalayan destinations like Kasol are best visited from March to June or September to November.
Q4.Are these places budget-friendly for backpackers?
Yes! Most hippie hotspots in India offer affordable accommodations, cheap street food, and budget-friendly experiences, making them perfect for backpackers.
Q5.What should I pack for a trip to these places?
Comfortable clothing, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a journal, trekking shoes (for mountain destinations), and an open mind to embrace the experience!
CONCLUSION:
India’s hippie culture is alive and thriving, offering travelers a chance to embrace free-spirited living, artistic expression, and spiritual exploration. The beachfront paradise of Goa meets the mystical Himalayan peace found in Kasol among several distinct hotspots in India. The destinations will present you with unforgettably wonderful experiences which can fulfill your desire for adventure or mindfulness or present you with something different from usual. So, pack your bags, let go of inhibitions, and set off on a journey to discover India’s most vibrant and bohemian escapes!
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