Wanderlust, Good Vibes, Peace & More: 9 Hippie Destinations In India

When life starts to get a little too overwhelming and sand you want to hold onto seems to slip through your fists, you might need to put a back gear and park your car for a while. Don't be too hard on yourself, cut yourself some slack and know that this might just be the right time to head to these few places promising good times, laidback vibes and great scenic views. These 9 Hippie Places In India should definitely be on your checklist if you love to explore the mother nature amidst its beauty and chaos.

 

1. Varkala

What better place to start your trippy vacation than this small "Hippy Haven" aka Varkala village situated along the backwaters and hilly slopes of Kerala?! What never goes unseen here is hippies dancing to the thumping tunes of trance music, chilling in cosy cafes and enjoying the laidback demeanour of the place.

Best time to visit: October-March

 

2. Almora

This small hippie town located in Uttarakhand, although more popular because of the famous "Crank's ridge" or the Hippie Hill, had warmly welcomed some world-renowned musicians like Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and Allen Ginsberg during the Hippie movement of the 60s. The whole place still carries that distinct vibe and takes you back in the bygone era of country and rock n roll.

Best time to visit: April-June & September-November

 

3. Malana

Malana, located to the north-east of the Kullu Valley, is the oldest democracy in the world with its own way of governance and life, laws and regulations distinct from those of the Indian government. Hence, there're ways in which the Malanvi people are both welcoming as well as reclusive towards outsiders. Special prior permits need to be obtained to enter the village boundaries. The place is fascinating for being the living example of an entirely self-sufficient village which thrives on its extensive cannabis plantations and that's what backpackers are drawn towards.

Best time to visit: May-August

 

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Also Read: Head To These Picturesque Waterfalls In India To Cure Your Wanderlust

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4. McLeodGanj

McLeodGanj, the home of the Dalai Lama-the highest order for Buddhist monks, has recently become an absolute favourite and first choice for anyone looking for a weekend escape from polluted and noisy cities. For backpackers and hippies, the place provides a perfect harmony of tranquillity and music with the surrounding natural beauty and dozens of quaint little corners to just sit back, read, write and relax.

Best time to visit: September-June

 

5. Kasol

Kasol, sitting in the vibrant colourful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, is another hippie haven full of hideouts where backpackers chill by listening to rhythmic music and relishing all-time favourite Maggie. The place has been home to many Israeli hippies as suggested by the Hebrew signboards everywhere.  

Best time to visit: October-June

 

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Also Read: 7 Breathtaking Spiritual Destinations In India You've Got To Visit

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6. Goa

Also called India's Vegas, Goa with its inherent hippie lifestyle attracts thousands of youth today every year. Be it the rave parties of Anjuna, psychedelic music, crowded or solitary beaches, scooty rides or sheer free-spiritedness, Goa has everything to offer when it comes to being one of the top Hippie Places In India.

Best time to visit: Mid November-Mid February

 

7. Gokarna

Although, lately hippies have started migrating towards Gokarna to get away from the unwanted commercialization that has seeped through Goa. The much cleaner and quieter beaches here coupled with rasta-styled cafes and dreadlocked backpackers enhance the overall hippie culture of the place.

Best time to visit: October-March

 

8. Tosh

Tosh is everything you wish for when it comes to exploring places offering beautiful landscapes and an enthralling experience. It's surrounded by mesmerising mountains, lushful forests and scenic routes. An ideal place for all the hippies in India to cure their wanderlust and dwell in good vibes of mother nature.

Best time to visit: April To October

 

9. Pushkar

This spiritual city offers much more than you can think of - Several hippies travel from different corners of the country to explore the authentic culture of India and it's beauty. This holy city offers everything a soul needs to calm themselves down and achieve peace amidst the beautiful chaos of Pushkar.

Best time to visit: Between November and March

 

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Suggested Read: 10 Magnificient Destinations To Visit In India Before You Turn 30

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