Backpacker’s Hostels in India

For most of us, this is a new concept. AND you may also get a few raised eyebrows on the fact that one has to share a room with a bunch of strangers. BUT, what is travel without having to try something new, right?! If we see, these backpacker’s hostels are a wonderful way to meet like-minded people and interact with people of different culture. Besides, one doesn’t have to feel alone even if one is travelling solo and the most important thing is these hostels are cost-efficient.  Most of the backpacker’s hostels in India have well-travelled owners, who know what exactly a budget backpacker needs and thus offer ideal accommodation facilities where people irrespective of any country can have a pleasant stay . Here is the list of some of the best backpacker’s hostels in India and trust me they are true worth for money.

Moustache Hostel, Delhi

Image Courtesy @ Moustache Hostel, Delhi

I recently checked their facebook page and I think it is one of the best places to be in Delhi. Situated surprisingly in GK 1 (as most would think that such budget hostels in Delhi are only available in Paharganj area), Moustache Hostel definitely gets a thumbs up from me. What strikes the most about the hostel is its groovy setup.

The hostel has about 8 rooms with 64 beds (that is 8 beds per room).  There is even a common room where you can play games; a terrace, which the owner has recently decided to utilize for Yoga sessions; a garden; a trendy kitchen; wireless internet, and lockers.  The Bollywood room is yet another attraction in Moustache Hostel, which has Bollywood-theme bed-boxes.

Vedanta Wake Up, Kerala

Image Courtesy @ Vedanta Wake Up, Kerala

Vedanta has four luxury backpacker’s hostels in Kerala and these guys are pretty serious about taking hostel accommodation concept on a new height. In order to encourage hostel stays in India, Vedanta Wake Up has come up with novel ideas. On some night, bar crawls (people can visit multiple bars in a single night) are organized, on some other nights cultural events like Kathakali performances are held. Gaming nights and dining at a local residence have also been introduced to keep things interesting.

Each Vedanta hostel has dorms with four to eight beds per room; there are even private double rooms. Their hostels have well-equipped lounges that comprises wireless Internet, computers, TVs, DVD players, books, guitars, board games, and maps. Special attention is paid to cleanliness and comfort here. Currently Vedanta Wake Up has four hostels in Kerala at Fort Kochi, Alleppey, Kovalam, and Varkala.

Zostel, Jaipur and Jodhpur

Image Courtesy @ Zostel

Zostel was recently established in 2013, by an IIT-Kolkata graduate and his six other friends. The idea was to offer budget accommodation to student travellers, and to encourage them to travel more and that too often. Today, Zostel has two properties in Jodhpur and Jaipur.

Separate rooms for females and private rooms are available at affordable prices at Zostel.  Each room is air conditioned and has the wifi internet. Both the properties have communal kitchens and lounges with TV, books and games. Laundary facility is also provided along with private lockers.

Stops Hostel, Varanasi

Image Courtesy @ Stops Hostel

If you are in Varanasi, you would love to check-in at Stops. Established as early as in 2014, it is a  shop stop for those watching their budget.  The owners seem to focus on maximizing interaction between the guests; therefore each room opens to a large common room where tea/coffee arrangements are made, computers, large number of plug points and a TV and mini-library are available. Bollywood nights, local music events, Indian cook-outs and festival celebrations are the ideas that have made this place popular in no time.

Jungle Hostel, Goa

Yes, like the name suggests this hostel in Goa is built amidst forest and is situated on the way to Vagator beach. Jungle hostel has a lovely warm environment created mostly by its friendly and well-travelled owner. One has the choice to make; between dorm rooms andprivate rooms. Breakfast is free in the hostel, so you don’t have hunt for a eating place right in the mornings. Guests who like to play musical instrument have the opportunity to organize a jamming session in the evenings here.

Smyle Inn, Delhi

Image Courtesy @ Smyle Inn

Located in Paharganj area, Smyle Inn has been offering accommodation to budget travellers for over a decade now. It is not exactly a hostel in terms that it does not have dorm rooms but it has a common room where the guests have the opportunity to interact with each other. Also the hostel offers board games, playing cards, book exchange corner and computers to browse the internet. Smyle Inn has two 2 wings, Wing 1 has standard rooms and Wing 2 has Superior rooms.

International Travellers’ Hostel, Varanasi

Image Courtesy @ International Travellers’ Hostel

This place is more like a homestay.This hostel in Varanasi is huge andyou can book dorm rooms; private air conditioned double rooms and can even pitch a tent in the garden at an affordable price. The homely environment is what you shall appreciate the most here. The home-cooked food (vegetarian only) is an added benefit. You have a good opportunity to interact and hangout with other guests and even try your hands at cooking.

Red Door Hostel, Goa

Image Courtesy @ Red Door

It is a wonderful little place to call your own in Goa. Red Door Hostel is also a newbie and has opened in 2014. It is located at a short distance from Anjuna Beach and is built in traditional Goan style. Along with dorm, there are private rooms available with all basic amenities and facilities. You shall love the happy and friendly environment here. Large communal lounge, terrace, fully equipped communal kitchen, huge garden with hammocks and functional bar are the highlights of Red Door.

Jugaadus Eco Hostel, Amritsar

Image Courtesy @ Jugaadus Hostel

Coming from the Hindi word Jugaad, which somehow means to improvise, the name of this hostel in Amritsar is not only what makes it different. The well-travelled owner of the hostel has made sure to improvise for all the comfort facilities for its guests. Although the place offers low budget accommodation but in no way compromises with facilities and amenities. There are four dorms and each bed costs around Rs 400.  Jugaadus is situated a little away from the main city in order to offer its guests a break from the bustle of the city life.

Prison Hostel, Goa

At Prison Hostel you will be a prisoner to fun and party! An ideal place for those who like to party, Prison hostel is situated at a short distance from Anjuna Beach. The prison setup is what catches your eyes here. It is a relaxing place, the kinds where you can put your feet on the table. You can enjoy late night parties here and can have beer at very cheap rates. Just for your information, breakfast is also included in the tariff! Now do you need more reasons to be here??

InnDia Hostel, Amritsar

Another newbie in the hospitality industry, InnDia Hostel has opened in Amritsar in 2014. This boutique hostel is situated on the Fatehgarh Churian Road and is equipped with all modern amenities. At InnDia hostel one can choose to stay in the dorm rooms or the private rooms. There is a large common room, where one can watch a movie or read a book. Free amenities include Internet, kitchen, laundry, DVDs, TV, books and games. A massive breakfast is served here every day and it is one of the highlights of this place.

Well, let’s just hope more hostels in India crop up soon, so that more people visit the country. Let’s also hope that Indians warm up to the concept of sharing rooms while travelling, which will result in learning much more about other cultures and imparting knowledge about our own culture to the world!