A trip to Goa would not be complete without a visit to the Hilltop Flea Market. We decided to venture out and experience this vibrant and chaotic place. There is an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person, after which you can enter the market. This is where one truly witnesses the essence of hippie fashion.
As I entered, I was immediately drawn to a particular stall selling colorful hand gear and accessories made from bird feathers. The colors were mesmerizing—ranging from purple to red, pink, and even yellow. I stopped to check out the collection but eventually decided against making a purchase.
Flea Market
Music filled the air, and there was a designated free area for dancing. Food stalls sold everything from hot dogs to gelato ice cream. I was particularly intrigued by a stall offering tarot card readings, where a woman was passionately teaching others about the mystical art. Her card tricks were captivating, but soon, I was distracted by other stalls selling hippie clothing and jewelry.
The flea market is a great place to find good bargains, and if you’re a tourist, it’s the perfect spot to pick up some Goan memorabilia. I quite enjoyed my hot dog, washing it down with a cold beer. By the evening, the atmosphere became even livelier, with music playing and a distinct aroma of excitement (and perhaps some intoxication) in the air. I suddenly felt the urge to dance—and so I did. I had been feeling lighter after shedding some much-needed weight, and for the first time in a long while, I truly let my hair down.
After a few hours, my friend Ani and I walked out, only to be greeted by a dazzling laser show. Shimmering white beams of light danced in the sky—dozens of them, tall and thick, moving in mesmerizing patterns. Just watching them put me in a meditative state of mind.
The flea market is a shopper’s delight and a must-visit for those wanting to experience authentic hippie culture and fashion. The walls were decorated with vibrant colors and adorned with graffiti art, adding to the market’s bohemian charm.
Parking was not an issue, as there was a large field nearby offering ample space for vehicles. The market is a family-friendly place, where people come not just to shop but also to relax and soak in the unique vibe.
The entire market was decorated with stars and exotic fabric drapes, illuminated by green and purple lights, making it feel like a festival. A live band played orchestral music, adding to the ambiance. There was even a shop selling liquor for those who wanted to get a little tipsy. As for me, I just wanted to dance—and so I did, for a while.
This trip was also special because, after a decade, I finally drove a car across Goa again. Initially, I felt a bit rusty, but soon, I got back into my groove—just like a boxer never forgets his jab or a diver never forgets his gear. Through this trip, I found myself reflecting on my past and the journey that has brought me to where I am today.
Ani and his wife, Soma, have been my closest friends for over thirty years, and being with them helped me reconnect with a part of my youth that often feels like it’s slipping away with time.
More than anything, this trip has helped me connect with my core self—who I truly am. In that sense, it has been a deeply therapeutic experience, one that I will cherish forever. I am grateful that I made the decision to come to Goa.
