Meet the hippies and halakkis

This spiritual town is also known to be a hippie's paradise. A reason for people to visit Gokarna is to explore the bohemian lifestyle and to meet the hippies who have been visiting this place for many decades. It is said that Gokarna found itself on this trail along with Hampi, when hippies found Goa to be too crowded. They were in search of secluded beaches, and Gokarna was an apt one. Om Beach with its Om design shape gave hippies another reason to make Gokarna their paradise. Conversations with them can be quite interesting and chances are highly likely that they will inspire you to lead a bohemian life. Long before the hippies and the tourists arrived, Gokarna had its own sect of tribe known as Halakkis. Confined very much to the surroundings of Mahabaleshwar Temple, they haven’t changed as much as the world has over the years. They still lead an ancient way of life and the women folk can be discerned from their traditional attire and distinct jewellery. They can be very easily seen on the streets of Gokarna selling vegetables, flowers and curios.