The village where you can't touch anything – Malana, Himachal Pradesh

I’ve never talked about my trip to Kasol, mostly because (hehe) my parents still don’t know about it. Let’s keep it that way, shall we?

But not because it was a bad trip or anything. It was one of the best trips of my life (It's Kasol!!! duhhh) and I stayed at this gorgeous property (also my the favorite property of The Hosteller), The Hosteller Kasol, Parvati Valley, and oh my my, I fell in love—like leg it dil de diya types. So much so that I ended up taking an internship there. Life really said “plot twist,” huh?

But something unexpected happened on the way to Kasol... or rather, I heard something unexpected. Don’t worry, it’s not one of those bhootiya tales that’ll make you sleep with the lights on.

Turns out, in a country like India, where Atithi Devo Bhava is treated as sacred as breathing, there exists a village that proudly lives by its own little mantra: Atithi tum dur hi raho.

Yep. Welcome to Malana a tiny, remote village in Himachal Pradesh, where locals don’t just prefer distance from outsiders; they enforce it. And no, it’s not because of post-COVID paranoia or an introvert epidemic. The reason is... caste-based untouchability. Still alive, still practiced, and still mind-boggling in what’s ironically known as one of the most “offbeat” and “cool” travel spots in India.

The women of Malana. (P.S: It's not what you think it is)

No touchy, no tricky

Step into Malana and you’ll find signboards and warnings not against pickpockets or wild animals, but against YOU touching anything. Houses, walls, shops, and even people must be admired from a distance. Locals will sell you food or souvenirs, but don’t you dare hand them money directly. There’s a wooden plank for that. You place the cash, they pick it up. High levels of hygiene? Nope. Just centuries-old notions of purity and pollution rooted in caste hierarchy.

Democracy, but make it ancient

Malana proudly calls itself one of the oldest democracies in the world, with a self-governed system based on their local deity, Jamlu Devta. But let’s just say the version of democracy here doesn’t come with a constitution or equality. Their council of elders, dressed in tradition and belief, make the final calls. Tourists? Outsiders? We’re welcome to look, but not really be a part of anything.

What’s ironic though...

Malana is all about purity, yet it’s flooded with backpackers from across the globe chasing the legendary Malana Cream often illegally. It’s a strange duality. A village fiercely guarding its boundaries, while lowkey fuelling one of the most famous underground cannabis economies in the world.

Cultural preservation or caste preservation?

Now here’s the real tea. Malana's customs are often dressed up as "cultural preservation" and marketed as exotic. But let’s not romanticise what is essentially caste-based exclusion. This isn't about safeguarding a unique identity anymore. It's about continuing a social hierarchy that keeps people labelled, separated, and 'untouchable' even today. (There goes our Constitution’s dream of a casteless society - sidelined, silenced, and shrugged off)

The sign says no touching !!

Can you still visit?

Yes, you can. The trek is beautiful, the views are postcard-worthy, and the experience is definitely one-of-a-kind (obivously! The place is known for cannabis). But while you're there, respect their rules—even if you question them (I know I did!). And once you’re back, maybe take a moment to reflect on how something as simple as human touch can be sacred in one place, and forbidden in another.

Pro tip before you go:

• Wear comfortable trekking shoes—Malana requires a short but steep hike from the nearest road.
• Don’t photograph locals without permission.
• Carry cash, not assumptions.
• And most importantly, keep your hands (and ego) to yourself.

Final thoughts?

Malana in Himachal Pradesh is not just a travel destination. It's a reminder that even the most beautiful places can carry ugly truths. The mountains are serene, the air is pure, but the mindsets? Well, those could use some trekking of their own. But even then, have fun, see how far India has come and how far we are yet to reach and also. savdhan Rahe. satark Rahe. Malana mein mazak-masti apni capacity dekh ke kare, janhit mein jaari. (hehe sorry! I just had to.)