Staying at a hostel is the first preference for backpackers around the world, where the prime focus revolves around exploring the place they are visiting rather than staying at a five star accommodation. The concept of hostels is a huge hit in other countries but is yet to pick up in the Indian subcontinent, especially in India. This is mainly due to the lack of hostels in India and stringent guidelines in those which exist. This makes foreign backpacker prefer the budget hotels over the hostels.
However, with the concept of hostels gradually catching up in India, it has gained immense popularity amongst the backpackers and new backpacker hostel chains are beginning their operations in various parts of the nations, providing services without too many stringent guidelines.
Let us have a look at some of the best backpacker hostels in India where one can put up at low costs and explore the destination.
Youth Hostels Association of India and Hosteling International
The youth hostel movement started in Germany and the first YHAI hostel started operations in New Delhi in the year 1970. The YHAI opened various hostels across the length and breadth of the country and provide adventure and educational events as well.
The members are allowed a discounted accommodation whereas non-members are charged a supplement fee. It is also possible to buy a memberships at the hostels on arrival.
Zostel
Having an international dorm feel attached to it, the Zostel is a chain of hostels providing accommodation to backpackers. It started operations in 2013 and has gained popularity in just a year. Zostel provides dorms having 6-8 rooms with special dorms for female accommodation as well.
All the dorms are air-conditioned, with wireless internet connectivity. The lounge has books, TVs and books along with facility of private lockers and laundry services.
Zostel also organises trips to various parts of India. Zostel operates in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi, Goa and Agra and is slowly planning to expand its base to various other cities as well.
Vedanta Wake Up in Fort Kochi
Having started its operations in 2011, Vedanta Wake Up is a chain of luxury backpacker hostel. The dorms have four to eight beds and also private double rooms. There are various facilities such as wireless internet, maps, TVs, DVD players, guitars, books and board games.
Vedanta Wake Up is currently based in Kerala and offers it’s services in Fort Kochi, Alleppey, Kovalam, and Varkala.
Do check out the Jewish Heritage Tour of the city of Cochin
Stops Hostel
It started its operations in Varanasi and has become a huge hit among the backpackers. You can read books, cook food in a fully equipped kitchen or relish lip smacking food in the Indian street food bar. Various fun activities including Bollywood nights, Indian cook-outs, vibrant festival celebrations and local music events are held to make your stay at the Stops Hostel a memorable one.
The Stops Hostel started in early 2014 and is expanding it’s operations to other cities as well.
While you stay at Stops Hostel, do check out local Padhaaro Experiences in Benaras too.
Moustache Hostel
Common Room at Moustache Hostel
Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Greater Kailash in South Delhi, the Moustache hostel is the best bet for backpackers visiting the capital of India. It has all the facilities which one expects at a decent backpacker hostel; dorms with 6-8 beds, library, kitchen, garden, wireless internet and a terrace where you can chill out. The artwork on the walls is great and the Moustache Hostel also has a mediation room!
For backpackers planning to visit Delhi, head straight to the Moustache Hostel, as you won’t find such an affordable accommodation with a great ambiance anywhere else in the capital city.
Le Pension
Located in Pink City Jaipur, Le Pension is one of the best backpacker hostels to consider when you’re visiting this amazing city of Jaipur. The air-conditioned four and six bed dorms are fully equipped to match all the requirements of guests. The amenities include reading lights, individual charging ports along with an individual safety locker for guests to store their valuables.
There’s also a common lounge where you can hang out with fellow travelers or enjoy reading a book from their well-stocked library. The fully equipped community kitchen is another highlight of Le Pension, where guests can cook their own food if they wish. Overall, it’s definitely a nice place to stay when you head down to Jaipur.
Bunkstop is a youth centric, adventurous, comfortable, friendly, affordable, clean, hygienic chain of hostels for backpackers, adventure tourists and all those who want to travel differently. This hostel chain is for the Bunky inside you who wants to explore, is tired of monotony, is open to new experiences, wants to meet new people and loves to travel.
So, enjoy your stay at the backpacker hostels in India and set out to explore the incredible India!
Happy Travelling!