Hip-Hip(pie) Hurray! Where is India on the hippie map?, India

Hip-Hip(pie) Hurray! Where is India on the hippie map?

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Here in India, it was less of the anti-establishment vibe and more of blending the spiritual and ancient traditions with the free-spirit. What came out of this was something unique, beautiful and fun. Several places in India becam … Read more

Hip-Hip(pie) Hurray! Where is India on the hippie map?

The 1960s and 1970s saw a global phenomenon that was all things countercultural. Let’s call it free-spirited for all intent and purposes. Letting go of any reservations was one of the most beautiful aspects of the hippie culture. Moving out of one’s comfort zone and experimenting more with the world outside became a hip thing.

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Travel was literally moving out of one’s comfort zone, and it was during this time that more people opened up to the idea of travelling to places far and wide, even to other countries. Conventional and non-conventional ways of travel got people to far off places, and many landed in India too.

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Several places in India became synonymous with the hippie culture. These destinations screamed relaxation (pun intended). Do you know which destinations we are talking about here?

Goa is perhaps the most famous hippie destination in India. Beaches like Anjuna, Vagator, Arambol, and Palolem in Goa have been hippie hubs for a long time. Reason being, the laid-back atmosphere, the vibrant music scene, and of course the stunning view of the sea in front.

Places like Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Kasol, Parvati Valley and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are wildly popular for their laid-back lifestyle and stunning sceneries. Over the years, these places, far from the crowded cities, became hippie towns. It’s the peace and quiet that’s just irresistible. These places are favourites among travellers seeking adventure sports, spiritual retreats, and a close connection to nature.

Rishikesh and Kasar Devi in Uttarakhand are up next. Did you know that the members of the English rock band The Beatles loved Rishikesh? So much so that they would even spend several days and months in Rishikesh, exploring the spiritual aspect of the town. When in Rishikesh, do check out the Beatles Ashram. The temple town of Kasar Devi is no stranger to hippie culture. It is believed that in Kasar Devi, one finds a strange sense of peace and calm, and it is this that brought several hippies to town. Artists like Bob Dylan and Uma Thurman too found peace and tranquillity in Kasar Devi.

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In Karnataka, it’s Hampi and Gokarna. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city filled with fascinating ruins. It's known for its unique landscape of boulders, historic temples, and a relaxed atmosphere that attracts travellers interested in history and spirituality. The other side of the town, across the river is where you will find a large hippie community. Learn bouldering from them! Gokarna is the quieter option if you want to escape the mad crowd of Goa.

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And then we have one of the most famous ones, Auroville in Pondicherry. This experimental township is not all about the hippie culture, but it won’t be incorrect to say that it is a large part of what Auroville is all about. There is a freedom, as in, the residents of Auroville have their own independent way of living. Those living here have definitely stepped out of their comfort zones and have focussed on the spiritual side of life and sustainable living. It's a place for those seeking spiritual growth, meditation, and a community-based lifestyle.