In the 1960s, when travelers with flowing hair were asked about their destination on an overland bus, they often replied, “We’re headed to India.” This phrase encapsulated the iconic hippie trail from Europe to India, passing through Turkey and Afghanistan via the Khyber Pass. The Beatles’ retreat to Rishikesh, which marked one of their most creatively fruitful periods, further cemented India’s hippie trail as a path to liberation for countless individuals.
These hippie journeys have highlighted some of the most remarkable destinations for travelers over the years. Here is a list of breathtaking locations across India that align with the classic hippie trail.
1. Kasar Devi: A Himalayan Hippie Haven
The enchanting vistas of the Himalayas provide travelers with a glimpse into the mystical essence of the East. Nestled away from urban hustle, Crank’s Ridge, a hippie hill close to Kasar Devi, gained fame when American writer and psychologist Timothy Leary visited in the 1960s.
2. Kasol: The Enchanting Valley of Gods
Dubbed the “Mini Israel of India,” Kasol is adorned with fluttering Hebrew banners lining the Parvati River. This town serves as a vibrant hub for backpackers and acts as the gateway for treks to Sar Pass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parbati Pass, and Kheerganga.
The vanishing travelers of Kasol remain an unsolved mystery. Many international visitors opt to reside with the tribal locals in the remote villages of Parvati Valley, while others choose to camp at Manikaran, a site revered by both Hindus and Sikhs.
3. Manali: The Hippie Retreat
Often referred to as the Goa of North India for hippies, Manali attracts free-spirited, long-haired, drum circle enthusiasts from around the world, making it a thriving hub for global bohemian culture.
Some seeking liberation and others in pursuit of the renowned ‘black gold’ (Malana cream), hippies from Goa flock to this Himalayan town when the monsoon descends upon Goa.
4. Varanasi: The Sacred Call
Hippies have resided in Varanasi for so long that they have become the true chroniclers of this town by the Ganges. The path to spiritual enlightenment often guides them to Varanasi at least once in their lifetime.
Benaras is a sacred destination for devout Hindus to attain moksha and a place where travelers from all backgrounds gather to embrace the freedom of shedding material possessions.
5. Rishikesh: The Path to Freedom
Beyond the confines of organized religion, travelers often seek wisdom. The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh stands as a veritable sanctuary for hippies, having witnessed the creative surge in the lives of renowned artists and marking a pivotal stop on the hippie trail to India for many seekers.
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” Indeed, they were the true visionaries who carved the path to liberation for countless others who followed in their footsteps.
6. Gokarna: A Glimpse of Goa’s Past
Indulging in a hedonistic escape is a secret delight for many. In the tranquil, sacred town of Gokarna, its four pristine beaches offer the serene seaside experience you’ve been longing for.
With its sunlit beaches and the echo of reggae music along the shore, Gokarna offers hippie travelers an authentic taste of what Goa once was.
7. Hampi: Where Joy Rests Among Ruins at Sunset
Throughout this quaint town, you’ll find hippie hangout teepees scattered about. The ancient ruins of Hampi have become a gathering place for endless jam sessions and drum circles among the modern-day hippie community.
Boasting more restaurants that serve international cuisine than local dishes, Hampi is an essential stop on the Indian hippie trail.
8. Varkala: Pure Bliss Beyond Its Beaches
Witnessing the sun set into the Arabian Sea at Varkala Beach is an unparalleled sight, leaving you wanting for nothing more beautiful.
The numerous shops offering hippie gear around the beach speak volumes about the vibrant hippie culture thriving in this Kerala beach town.
9. It’s Not Vatta, It’s Vattakanal
Hippies seeking peace retreat to the village of Vattakanal in the Nilgiris, near Kodaikanal. With a steady influx of Israeli travelers arriving daily, some say that this South Indian village may be speaking Hebrew in the years to come.
A few years ago, when hippies began to see Goa as a mere illusion, they shifted their attention to this quaint village. The residents of Vattakanal humorously remark about the influx of Israeli visitors, saying, “They came, they saw, and then the rest of Israel followed.”
10. Goa: The Infinite Culmination of the Hippie Trail
Goa serves as the ultimate destination on the hippie trail. It’s as if the beaches of Goa beckon, calling out to wide-eyed travelers from around the globe to become part of its vibrant tapestry.
The trail’s end is a place for the perpetual celebration of the lives of dream-filled travelers. Once a haven for joyful hippie gatherings, Goa has also transformed into a commercial hub for international music festivals and events.
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