The times they are a changin'—and how! Traditionally, budget travelling in India has always been about unhygienic rooms, dingy guesthouses and poor accessibility. However, with the backpacking culture booming in a big way in India, the country now has some great hostels that offer comfortable stays at pocket-friendly rates.
If you're planning a trip to your favourite destination but happen to be low on funds, bid adieu to all your worries! Say hello to affordable accommodation, colourful common rooms, chilled out vibes and great dining options—all of that without shelling out a bomb. Say hello to the best hotels in India:
A three-story building located in the heart of New Delhi, An After Story is a communal-living hostel exclusively for travellers from outside the city. The spacious, well-decorated space offers a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi access and complementary breakfast for all guests. Within the travel circle, the hostel is particularly known for its hospitable staff and extremely clean premises. In addition, they also have a large, open terrace, a shared lounge, a gourmet cafe, two gaming stations and an activity desk to keep you entertained throughout the stay.
Where: Vasant Kunj, Delhi
Ideal for: Travellers particularly looking to interact with interesting people from different walks of life.
Accommodation: The hostel offers six-bed mix and female-only dorms as well as twin-sharing private rooms.
Price: Starts at ₹380 per night for a bed in a mix dorm and can go up to ₹2,500 per night for a private room. All prices include breakfast.
What’s nearby: Explore the city's history at Qutub Minar, shop at the malls in Vasant Kunj; have a picnic at the Aravali ranges
Stops Hostels call themselves the first social and exploration-oriented chain of hostels in the country. Their Varanasi property is located close to the city centre and is one of the most popular options for travellers who are looking for detailed, well-informed tours of the city. They also offer a number of in-house activities as well as volunteering opportunities with local NGOs. Oh, and, their breakfast is to die for!
Where: Vijaya Nagaram Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Ideal for: Travellers who are looking for the quintessential Indian experience. They arrange special events and tours that are inclined towards promoting Indian culture.
Accommodation: Travellers have a number of accommodation options to choose from including beds in 14, eight, or six-bed mix dorms, tents, and private rooms.
Price: Starts at ₹550 per night for a futon bed in a tent and can go up to ₹3,500 per night for a twin-sharing private room. Breakfast is included in all prices.
What's nearby: Visit some of the most popular ghats on the banks of the Ganges including Harishchandra and Kedar ghats; explore the streets of Bhelpur market; get a taste of the local cuisine at Dolphin restaurant.
The Hosteller is the only hostel to be located on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Bang in the centre of all the hustle-bustle, it is one of the most-preferred traveller hostels in the area. And why shouldn't it be? The hostel has a multi-cuisine cafe, a river-facing garden, a swimming pool, a space to chill, and even a library area. And the best part? They will even organise all of the adventure activities for you, including bungee, rafting, and cliff-jumping.
Where: Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Ideal for: Travellers who are looking to explore Rishikesh on a budget while staying right on the banks of the river.
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from beds in six or four-bed mix dorms, four-bed female dorms or private rooms.
Price: Starts at ₹339 per night for a bed in a 6-bed mix dorm and can go up to ₹1,999 per night for a twin-sharing deluxe private room. Breakfast is included in all prices.
What's nearby: Visit the several yoga ashrams on the banks of the Ganges; take a dip in the holy river; get a view of the city from Laxman jhoola; grab a bite at the Beatles Cafe; and of course book your preferred rafting tour.
Undoubtedly the biggest hostel chain in India, Zostel is a place that you will never be disappointed with. Their property in Bir, is one of the best hillside hostels you can find in the country with its colourful vibe and comfortable stay. They even have a steam room. The staff is also happy to book all your paragliding, hiking and mountain biking adventures.
Where: Chougan Village, Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Ideal for: Travellers looking for a luxury stay and a hostel experience in the same budget.
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from beds in six-bed mixed or female dorms, or go for private rooms with attached bathrooms.
Price: Starts at ₹339 per night for a bed in mix dorm and can go up to ₹1,791 per night for a mountain-view private room. These prices do not include any meals.
What's nearby: Visit the Shiva temple in Bir; go paragliding in Billing valley; explore the beautiful monasteries in the town; grab a bite at The Garden Cafe; or volunteer at the Deer Park Institute.
This is probably one of the most environment-friendly hotels on the list. With solar power electricity, heating, and eco toilets available all through the year, travellers really have a chance to get close to nature. The humble abode is the foremost choice for volunteering travellers given its low prices, central location, and hospitable staff.
Where: Below Shanti Stupa, Yourtung, Leh
Ideal for: Those who want to get involved in volunteer work simultaneously while travelling.
Accommodation: The hostel only offers dormitory-style rooms with two, three, and four-person occupancy. All rooms are solar heated
Price: The price per bed is ₹300 per night. Meals are available at an additional cost.
What's nearby: Visit the Shanti Stupa and the several gompas in the vicinity; take a trip to the Main Bazaar to quench your thirst for shopping; make a trip to the War Museum to get a glimpse into the area's history.
The Lost Tribe claim to be the torchbearers of the real backpacking experience in the time of modern, technology-driven lives. Their property is secluded and far away from the main attractions, making it a solitary place where you can enjoy a moment of peace or two. They have a garden, terrace and a common lounge, and serve a vegetarian breakfast every morning.
Where: Jagatsukh, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Ideal for: Travellers seeking solitude and quiet spaces
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from a bed in a eight-bed capsule dorm, a four-bed female dorm, a six-bed mix dorm, or deluxe double room with a balcony.
Price: Starts at ₹550 per night for a bed in a capsule dorm and can go up to ₹999 per night for the private room. Breakfast is included in the price
What's nearby: Visit the Tibetan monastery located close-by; pay reverence to the almighty at the Hidimba Devi and Manu temples; go paragliding and cycling in Solang Valley
Situated in the heart of Chand Pole on the banks of Lake Pichola, Backpacker Panda is the go-to option for backpackers looking for hostels in Udaipur. A local favourite, the hostel boasts of sparkling clean dorms and private rooms, common areas that are always buzzing with activity and a rooftop that offers a view to die for! The dorms/rooms come equipped will all basic amenities such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi which make for a cheap yet comfortable stay.
Where: Chand Pole, Opposite Karoli Haveli
Ideal for: Travellers looking for easy access to the best tourist attractions in the heart of Udaipur.
Accommodation: Visitors can pick from as eight, six and four-bed mix dorms, six-bed female dorms, private rooms and superior private rooms.
Price: Starts at ₹279 per bed in a eight-bed mix dorm and can go up to ₹1,500 per night for a supreme private room for two. No meals are included in the price.
What’s nearby: Shop at Chand Pole Market; go cafe hopping in the lanes of Chand Pole and watch the sunset from Gangaur Ghat.
This spacious property is like a dream in Mumbai, which is usually known for its cramped spaces. With its industrial design-inspired interiors, Horn Ok Please is a community-inspired place that will help you experience the best of the city. The rooms are clean, well-ventilated, and equipped with basic amenities such as linen, blankets, WiFi, and reading lights.
Where: Bandra, Mumbai
Ideal for: Travellers looking to experience the party culture and nightlife of Mumbai.
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from six and eight-bed mix dorms, eight-bed female dorm, or a budget private room
Price: Starts at ₹849 per night for a bed in a eight-bed mix dorm and can go up to ₹2,199 per night for the private room. Breakfast is included in the price.
What's nearby: Explore markets at Hill Road and Linking Road; delve a little into history at the Bandra Fort; take a trip to Siddhivinayak temple; and get a glimpse into Mumbai's lifestyle at Juhu beach.
Woke Hostel has been set up in an old Goan-Portuguese residence with the current decor being inspired by the sea town of Mykonos. The decor and location are two of the biggest attractions of this hostel. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and all rooms are air conditioned and fitted with a wardrobe. A continental breakfast is available daily You must keep in mind, however, that they don't allow groups larger than four people and all guests (including Indian citizens) must present their passport during check-in
Where: Arpora, Goa
Ideal for: Budget travellers looking for a luxurious stay and the quintessential Goa experience.
Accommodation: Visitors can choose from 8-bed female dorms, 12-bed mix dorms, double occupancy mix and female dorms with private bathrooms, a double room with a garden view, and a deluxe double room
Price: Starts at ₹700 per night for a bed in the mix dorm and can go up to ₹2,600 per night for the garden-view private room. Breakfast is included in the price.
What's nearby: Witness the nightlife at Club Cabana; shop at the Saturday night market; grab a bite at Crazy Crab restaurant.
Looking to experience the beach life? Well you need not look further than DucknChill. Located on the popular Agonda beach in Goa, this resort offers accommodation in wooden huts right on the sand, next to the waves. You can spend your afternoons at the resort's popular restaurant or sipping margaritas on the sun beds right outside. The resort offers 24-hour WiFi access, private bathrooms in each hut, luggage storage and laundry.
Where: Agonda, Goa
Ideal for: Couples travelling together on a budget
Accommodation: The hostel offers accommodation as huts on the beach. Travellers can choose from double occupancy budget huts, standard huts, sea-view huts, or front-huts with a full sea view.
Price: Starts at ₹800 per night for a budget hut and can go up to ₹1,600 per night for a sea-view hut. Meals are not included in the price.
What's nearby: Spend a day lounging at Agonda Beach; explore the region's history at Cabo De Rama Fort; go dolphin-watching at Palolem Beach.
The third and latest property by The Madpackers chain is undeniably one of the best hostels you will come across in India. The interiors are a blend of international and Indian design aesthetics with focus on creating a space that is functional, and promotes social interaction. They have a massive common room with a number of interactive activities, a rooftop restaurant and even a hot tub. Located slightly outside the city, the hostel is also environment friendly and generates electricity through solar power.
Where: Ratanada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Ideal for: Those looking for an international-standard backpackers hostel in India.
Accommodation: Travellers have a number of options to choose from – beds in six-bed female dorms, and six or 14-bed mix dorms, or private deluxe room, deluxe king room and a king room with balcony.
Price: Starts at ₹499 per night for a bed in a 14-bed mix dorm and can go up to ₹4,499 per night for a king room with a balcony. Breakfast is included in the price.
What's nearby: Explore famous monuments like the Umaid Bhawan Palace and Mehrangarh Fort; spend a day at Balsamand lake; grab a meal at Filo's; go for a picnic in Mandore Gardens.
Overlooking the serene Pushkar Lake, Moustache Pushkar offers both short and long-term accommodation options for backpackers visiting the holy city. The hostel is equipped with all modern facilities such as Wi-Fi, indoor sports and fitness centre amongst others. To add to that, there is also an in-house restaurant serving delectable Italian and Chinese cuisines. To ensure that your stay in Pushkar is a fruitful one, the friendly staff at Moustache also organises several in-house activities as well as expeditions in the city.
Where: Main Market Road, Pushkar
Ideal for: Travellers looking for a peaceful budget stay with easy accessibility to Pushkar's pilgrim sites
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from four-bed female and mixed dorms, a standard double room, or a private room with a garden view/terrace.
Price: Starts at ₹399 per night for a bed in one of the dorms, and can go up to ₹1,999 per night for private room with a terrace. Meals are not included in the price.
What's nearby: Visit the many ghats at Pushkar lake; go cafe hopping in the main market; take a trip to Ajmer Sharif.
Strategically located in India's very own Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, Construkt Startup Hostel is a unique property aimed at entrepreneurs visiting the city. Apart from offering comfortable stays, Construkt has been a meeting ground for budding enterprisers from the world, providing them with a platform to share ideas, interact and build contacts. The business friendly hostel boasts of lively co-working spaces that are always buzzing with activity while the lightning fast Wi-Fi ensures that there's nothing that comes between you and your work.
Where: Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Ideal for: Entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling to Bengaluru
Accommodation: Visitors can choose from beds in four-bed female dorms, and two or eight-bed mix dorms.
Price: Starts at ₹600 per night for a bed in the female dorm and goes up to ₹995 per night for a bed in the double occupancy mix dorm. Meals are not included in the price.
What's nearby: Take a stroll around Cubbon Park; explore the Bangalore Palace; take a day trip to Bannerghatta National Park.
A hostel that promises a home away from home experience, a stay in Sowparnika Hermitage is nothing short of an experience in itself. Whether it is the calm setting, warm hospitality or delicious food cooked with sheer love, everything at this hostel will make you feel at home. Sowparnika Hermitage ultimate USP however is its central location—right in the heart of the beautiful Fort Kochi area while the picturesque Fort Kochi beach is only a short walk from the property. Hire a bicycle from the hostel and explore the remains of India's first European township.
Where: Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
Ideal for: Travellers looking for a humble homestay experience combined with the communal stays in hostels.
Accommodation: Travellers can opt for a stay in the four or six-bed mix dorms, budget double rooms, large twin rooms, and deluxe double rooms.
Price: Starts at ₹550 per night for a bed in one of the dorm rooms, and goes up to ₹1,700 per night for the large twin room. Breakfast is included in the price.
What's nearby: Visit the Indo-Portuguese museum for a glimpse into history; witness the architecture at the Santacruz Basilica and Vasco Da Gama Square; grab a bite at Kashi Cafe.
The first backpackers hostel in Hyderabad, Beehive promises sparkling clean dorms, great home-made food, and some really awesome people. The interiors are minimal and done up aesthetically. The hostel organises a number of events and city tours to help travellers makes the best of their stay in Hyderabad.
Where: Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana
Ideal for: Remote working travellers and those looking to experience Hyderabad on a budget.
Accommodation: The hostel only offers six-bed mix and six-bed female dorms.
Price: ₹650 per night per bed in the female-only dorm and ₹680 per bed per night in the mixed dorms. Breakfast is available at an additional charge of ₹25 per day.
What's nearby: Visit the AP State Archaeological Museum; take a walk around Hussain Sagar lake; pray to the almighty at Puri Jagannath Temple; go shopping at the Central Mall; and experience the beauty of the Charminar.
Artpackers.life is set up in a vintage building that has been converted into an Art Hostel. You will get to see remnants from when the building was used as a radio station, DSP office, primary school, and a storehouse for spices over a span of decades. The property was renovated using recycled material and is an environment friendly space. The entire decor revolves around the fusion of art and travel.
Where: Cullen Road, Alleppey, Kerala
Ideal for: Artists, creative souls on the move
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from eight-bed mix or female dorms, private double room, and deluxe double room.
Price: Starts at ₹249 per night for a bed in the female dorm, and goes up to ₹999 per night for the deluxe double room. Meals are not included in the price.
What's nearby: Visit the Alleppey lighthouse; go for boating in the backwaters; take a trip to Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple; drive down to the Nehru Trophy Finishing Point; dine at a houseboat.
If you're looking for an escape from the hustle-bustle of city life, this is the place to go. Set up in a colonial bungalow, Hibernest is located at the foothills of the Chembra peak in Wayanad. It is surrounded by greenery all around and offers a view to die for. The decor is minimal, and basic facilities like WiFi, cable TV, and a kitchen on offer, this is the perfect spot for backpackers and solo travellers. Keep in mind though that there is no in-house restaurant. You can cook your own meals if you want.
Where: Kunnampetta Wayanad, Kerala
Ideal for: Travellers looking to escape the hustle-bustle of city life.
Accommodation: The hostel offers accommodation in four-bed mix and female dorms.
Price: ₹700 per bed per night. Meals are not included in the price.
What's nearby: Trek to Chembra peak; have a picnic at Pookode lake; witness Kanthanpara waterfalls; and watch the sunset from Neelimala viewpoint.
Nestled in the western ghats, Aao Hostels Coorg is a unique boutique hostel built on a 25-acre organic coffee, pepper, cardamom and Areca nut plantation. All their rooms have a private balcony, and there are common areas for activities and a bonfire. They serve organic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the vegetables are brought fresh from their own fields.
Where: Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka
Ideal for: Nature lovers and those looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit.
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from beds in a six-bed male dorm, four-bed female dorm, and eight-bed mixed dorm, or opt instead for a double-bed private room
Price: ₹999 per night for a bed in one of the dorms; ₹3,999 per night for the private room. Breakfast is included in the price.
What's nearby: Visit Raja's Seat; take a trip to Abey falls; do some soul searching at the Golden Temple or Tibetan monasteries; take a tour of the coffee and spice plantations.
Tagalong Backpackers
Sikkim's first backpackers hostel, Tagalong opened just last year and since then, it has been difficult to find a day when it is not fully booked. The hostel boasts of minimal but aesthetically set up interiors, clean surroundings, and some really great company. They are also setting up a travel cafe that will help visitors make the most of their trip to Sikkim.
Where: Gangtok, Sikkim
Ideal for: Backpackers and solo travellers exploring the Northeast.
Accommodation: Travellers can choose from beds in four-bed female and male dorms or six-bed mix dorms.
Price: ₹800 per bed per night. Breakfast is included in the price.
What's nearby: Take a tour of the various monasteries in Gangtok; visit the Khecheopalri lake; get an insight into Tibetan culture at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology; watch the sunset from Tashi viewpoint.
You can't say you're surprised to find another Zostel property on the list. With free WiFi, a sun terrace, spick and span dorms, private bathrooms in all rooms, and an in-house restaurant, it is one of the most preferred accommodation options by those travelling to Gokarna. And travellers of course get the Zostel guarantee of a safe, comfortable and fun stay.
Where: Kudle Beach Road, Gokarna, Karnataka
Ideal for: Travellers tired of beaches in Goa and Mumbai and those looking for a peaceful vacation.
Accommodation: This Zostel offers only dormitory options. You can choose from a bed in the six-bed female dorm or the six-bed mix dorm.
Price: ₹650 per bed per night. Meals are not included in the price.
What's nearby: Go to Paradise beach; visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple and Shiva cave; go for the famous beach trek.
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