Travelling is always fun, but if you are low on budget and are still want to travel, you would definitely want to look for cheap accommodation. Backpacker hostels make for a wonderful choice in that case. They are a rage in western countries and the same trend is slowly catching up in India. They are clean, safe and have a whole lot of amenities. They have round-the-clock security, dorm rooms and give you a chance to meet new people and make friends! And whats more they are extremely safe for solo female travelers as well.
There are quite a few backpacker hostels in India, but here are a few that caught our eye.
1. Moustache Hostel
Image credit: Moustache hostel Facebook
One of the first places in New Delhi to offer backpacker boarding facilities, the Moustache hostel is colourful, quirky, and fun. With an open terrace and fun staff, this hostel will ensure your stay is memorable.
Location: Greater Kailash, Delhi and Jaipur.
Price: Dorms are for Rs 600, while bedrooms cost anywhere from Rs 1000-2000.
Thrill factor: Kitchen, game room, Wi-Fi, and a lovely terrace where you can just relax or play ping pong.
2. Youth Hostel Association Of India
Image credit: YHAI
The Youth Hostel Association of India is one of the oldest hostel facilities. They are widely spread and have hostels in almost every city in India. Their vision is to become a centre of safe, affordable and clean accommodation for young people during their travel and to encourage them to travel. They also have a tie-up with Hostelling International which helps you with accommodation while travelling abroad.
Location: In all major cities in India.
Price: Rs 300 for a dorm and Rs 2000 for a room with AC.
Thrill factor: They organise wonderful treks in all regions of India. Their facilities are no-frills, but clean.
3. Jungle By TheHostelcrowd
Image credit: Aaronkeogh
This was once an old Portuguese house. Now, it is converted to a lovely hostel for tourists who visit Vagator, Goa. The hostel has all the basic amenities and is located in a very quiet part of Vagator facing a beach.
Location: Vagator, Goa.
Price: Rs 500 for the dorms and the rooms are priced at Rs 1800.
Thrill factor: Jungle hostel is near a beach which is of walkable distance and the hostel organises a lot of fun activities for those who are interested. Yoga, barbeque and movie nights to name a few!
4. Stops Hostel
Image credit: Stops hostel Facebook
Stops hostel had it’s first branch in Varanasi. Ever since then they have expanded to 3 other places. The hostel is definitely quite stylish and a bit pricey compared to the rest, but definitely worth its price. They have basic amenities and well as a billiards table!
Location: Kolkata, Varanasi, Delhi, and Jaipur.
Price: Their rooms are priced around Rs 3000 and dorms around Rs 1000.
Thrill factor: The hostel has very friendly staff and of course the billiards table is worth a second mention.
5. Zostel
Image credit: Zostel
India’s first chain of backpacker hostels, Zostel is situated in most of the major tourist destinations in India. They recently went international as well with their first branch in Vietnam.
Locations:
India – Khajuraho, Mysore, Rishikesh, Pushkar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udiapur, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi.
Vietnam – Da lai and Hanoi.
Price range: Rooms available from Rs 600-2000.
Thrill factor: Fully functional kitchen, AC, dormitory, rooms, game rooms, laundry facilities and absolutely spotless bathrooms.
6. Le Pension
Image credit: Le Pension
A budget hostel in Jaipur, the hostel is located slightly away from the city. Offers free breakfast, and has a cute little cafe called Machaan where you can relax and unwind after a grueling day of sight seeing.
Location: Only in Jaipur.
Price: Rs 400 per night with the complimentary breakfast.
Thrill factor: Cafe Machaan is a roof top cafe in Le Pension. The ambiance of the cafe is definitely worth a mention.
7. Red Door Hostel
Image credit: Red Door Hostel Facebook
The iconic red door at the Red Door hostel in Goa will greet you as you near the scenic Anjuna beach. It’s very easily identifiable thanks to the bright red door and is surrounded by cafes and shops.
Location: 651/4, Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509.
Price: Rs. 550 for a 6-bed dorm room. Private rooms cost around Rs.1250 depending on whether it is a basic room or a deluxe one.
Thrill factor: Located very close to the Anjuna flea market and the bright red door gets a thumbs up and so does the traditional Goan architecture.
8. Social Rehab
Image credit: Social Rehab Facebook
Social Rehab is one of the best in Bangalore. It is clean, safe and has reasonably priced dorms and rooms. It is also located in the heart of the city.
Location: Indiranagar, Bangalore.
Price: Dorms are priced Rs 700 and private rooms around Rs 2275 on a twin sharing basis.
Thrill factor: The hostel regularly organises trips to Hampi, Kerala and nearby tourist destinations. They have a pub crawl every weekend for those interested!
9. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd
Image credit: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Facebook
Ever visited Nainital? It’s beautiful and we would recommend it to all. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam is a government run hostel in Almora and Nainital. You can enjoy a peak of the beautiful snow capped mountains while you lounge lazily by the fireplace.
Location: Almora, Nainital, Kashipur.
Price: Starts from Rs 2400 and goes up to Rs 4000.
Thrill factor: The scenic view of the snow capped peaks.
10. Bunkstop
Image credit: Bunkstop Facebook
Bunkstop, located in Jaipur offers backpackers a humble abode in the heart of Jaipur. An old bungalow converted to give backpackers a homely feel. They have 4-bed, 6-bed, 12-bed dorms, 2-bed shared rooms and private rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned. They have clean and hygienic bathrooms with hot and cold showers. This is what a premium hostel should feel like!
Location: 9, bhawani singh lane, sahakar marg, c-scheme, Jaipur, India 302005.
Price: No mention of price.
Thrill factor: Located in the heart of Jaipur. All the major malls, party places and food joints are located within 300 kms from the hostel.