Some of the best Zostels visited so far

ZOSTEL DIARIES

I am sure everyone watched the movie “QUEEN”. Kangna has done such an outstanding performance by Playing rani. Her character transforms from a simple law-abiding dads’ girl to a confident and charming woman. It so happened that after being cheated by her fiancé she decided to take her dream honeymoon trip all by herself. There was one scene where she arrives at Amsterdam and accidentally books one Hostel where she is supposed to stay with other members (all boys). She gets panicked at first but later her roommates come out to be her bestest buddies throughout. Since then I have become an ardent fan of this hostel culture and the moment, I came to know something like that has started in India I have been travelling solo just to explore prominent Hostels around India. There are around 30 Zostels around India. So, among them I have now experienced around 22. So, I can qualify myself to be one of those zostelites who is bitten by the infectious bug of Zostel.

1. Zostel Khajuraho

I visited Khajuraho in the month of May. It was extremely hot and Khajuraho was also on fire. Temperature was around 40 degree centigrade and humidity zero. Absolutely bad time to visit Khajuraho. But it was zostel and its inmates for whom I had amazing time there.

The zostel is situated hardly 100 m away from the western group of temples. I had roommate from 4 different countries such as China Japan Russia and Netherlands. Since all were backpacking, we almost had an instant connection.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), Female Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), and private room

How to get there

Train: Nearest railway station is Khajuraho (KURJ) but less trains are there. Mahoba is another junction station. You can get down here and take some transport to Khajuraho.

Bus: Khajuraho is nicely connected through main cities of India. Buses from Satna and many other major cities are available.

Air: Its airport is frequently visited by several foreigner’s. It’s a small airport so daily flight are less.

Price and other details are given here

www.zostel.com

https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/zostel-khajuraho-khajuraho.en-gb.html?aid=356980;label=gog235jc-1DCAsobEIaem9zdGVsLWtoYWp1cmFoby1raGFqdXJhaG9IM1gDaGyIAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQPoAQGIAgGoAgO4ApPd6_MFwAIB;sid=c121a487be268dd4d0a0b957226f216b;dist=0&keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&type=total&

2. Zostel Delhi

Zostel Delhi is exactly 700 m away from the new Delhi railway station. Just come out of New Delhi Railway station from Pf. No. 1 which is the pahargunj side and walk around 10 minutes and you arrive at the destination. Zostel Delhi is huge, biggest zostel I have ever visited. Zostel Delhi has some of the best cafes and I loved the buffet breakfast at a Steller cost. Timing Is from 7.30 am to 9.30 am.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), Female Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), and private room

New Delhi is the capital of India so getting there is absolutely no brainer for any travel enthusiast.

3. Zostel Goa

It was Christmas. We all know how crowded Goa can be in such season. There were no train available. Luckily, I managed to get one confirmed ticket to Goa from Thane. The train was TEJAS express. The tickets were costly and but after travelling I realized it was worth. Zostel Goa currently closed. It was basically one stopover for going towards Hampi. Candolim Beach is 5 to 10 minutes walking distance from Zostel Goa.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), Female Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), and private room

How to get there

Train: Nearest railway station is Karmali (KRMI) and Thivim ( TVM) . Taxis are available form each station. So if you are getting down here then get out of the Platform and prepaid taxi is very much available.

Bus: Mapusa is connected to major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore etc. Get down here at Kadamba Bus stand Mapusa and Take some local auto or taxi to Zostel which is at Candolim.

Air: Goa airport is nicely connected via public as well private transport with the major destinations of Goa. Getting any transport should not be an issue. But if you are coming at late night or early morning then I would suggest please contact with zostel and arrange the vehicle beforehand.

www.zostel.com

https://www.kayak.co.in/Candolim-Hotels-Zostel-Goa.2227874.ksp

Interiors of ZOSTEL goa

4. Zostel Gokarna

I was bored with the mundane routine life. When I was correcting some assignments of students my childhood friend from Pune called me and asked me if I want to go for a drive. There was no reason not to say no. I left from my college, took local to train Mumbai CST and there boarded deccan Queen to Pune. Chances of getting window side is more if you are 30 minutes early at the station. We started from Pune around 11.30 pm. We drove from Pune to Gokarna via Kolhapur and took the Bangalore expressway. Recached Gokarna nest day at about 10.30 am. The zostel was full so we waited at the lobby and got some quick breakfast. This is the best thing about any zostel. They will treat you so nice that you want to visit again and again. Since we were energized enough to explore the sea beach. You have to slightly trek for around 10 minutes.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), Female Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), and private room

Getting there:

Train: Nearest rail station is Gokarna Road which is situated at about 15 km away from Zostel. Trains are also not much. Nearest Junction station is Kumta ,Karwar or Honnavara. You can take some vehicle form any of these stations to Gokarna. Please bargain Khulke without any Hesitation.

Bus: Gokarna comes between Goa – Bangalore Route. Buses to Gokarna are easyily available form Madgaon, Kumta Karwar or Bangalore.

Air: Nearest airport is Goa Dabolim airport. From there taxis or any other vehicle should be hired to Zostel. Its around 160 km from Goa.

5. Zostel Chikmagalur

The most beautiful among all Zostels visited so far. Situated amidst the Coffee plantation and 8 km away from the city centre this zostel in perfect for those tired souls seeking some solitude from the day to day routine. The proximity from Bangalore makes this zostel another hot property. You can only visit here via road. So, either bus or any private vehicle should be good enough to reach this place. Zostel is around 9 km from the main bus stand. So be ready to shed around 200/- . situated right at the main road this is extremely cosy and full of greenery.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), Female Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), and private room

Getting there:

Train: The city does not have a railway station, so the nearest railway station is located in Kadur, at a distance of about 40 km away.

Bus: There are plenty of buses from Bangalore to this city. KSRTC as well as private operators ply here.

Air: The nearest airport to Chikmagalur is Mangalore airport which lies 110 km away from Chikmagalur. From Mangalore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus plying to Chikmagalur.

6. Zostel Rishikesh

Words are not enough to describe the experience the lovely evening we spent here at the common room. We danced to our hearts content, sang till midnight and had loads of stuff (can’t name them here) The day we arrived here it was hot humid and there was long traffic jam in the main road. Since this is situated exactly on the main road you hardly have space for parking the vehicle. We had to wait for almost half an hour to get the car parked. Since we already booked our white-water river rafting, we had to quickly get out and get ready for the power packed ride. I won’t be able to discuss the experience since I promised my friends. Everyone should try this at least once in their lifetime.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), Female Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), and private room

Getting there:

Train: Rishikesh is nicely connected through major cities of India. There are several trains which starts or terminates here as well. It takes around 5 to 6 hours from New Delhi.

Bus: There are plenty of buses from Delhi, Roorkee or any other major parts of this country. Both private and Government buses are available.

Air: The nearest airport to Dehradun which is 25 km away from Zostel. From airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus plying to Rishikesh.

7. Zostel Varanasi

Varanasi has its own story to tell. India’s most holy city has found its name in history because of various reasons. But I will continue to visit Varanasi just to stay in the buzzing lane of Luxa. Zostel Varanasi is another cool place to stay around Varanasi. Situated almost 1.5 km away from main Ghat and Kasi Viswa Nath Temple this place offers amazing experience of this holy city.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), Female Dorm ( AC/ NON AC), and private room

Getting there:

Train: Varanasi is one of the major Train Stations of India. Several important trains start or terminate here as well.

Bus: Excellent connectivity though bus makes this city one of the most famous destinations around India.

Air: Varanasi has an International airport so if you are arriving here take some auto or taxi to reach Zostel.

8. Zostel Pushkar

One of the most overrated Zostels. The reason I am saying because everyone keeps talking about Zostel Pushkar but sadly I could not find the vive I was expecting which generally I have in other non-descript zostels.no doubt this is excellent property situated just 1.5 km from the main bus stand. You can take cab also if you are coming from Ajmer which is separated from pushkar by one small hill. You have to shell around 300 to 400 depending on your bargaining capacity. Uber/ Ola is not very much functional here. The reason I was upset with pushkar is that there is nothing much to explore. I booked for two days and I was trying to make the most of it. In pushkar central attraction is the pushkar lake. All other temples are situated around this holy lake. There is one small trek to the Parvati temple. There is ropeway available at a cost of 190/- per head per round trip. If you are adventurous then I would suggest take the stairs. Its 900 stairs from the ground to the temple top. Beware of the naughty monkeys which might snatch valuables which could be dangerous. It’s advisable to carry a stick with yourself.

I witnessed one nasty incident there at pushkar. I was taking a stroll around the lake and it was almost 7.30 in the evening. I stopped by one tea stall near Brahma Ghat. Suddenly I witnessed one Shiva photo hanging from a tattoo studio nearby. It was great hand drawn photo so I was tempted to take a pic of that. To my utmost surprise the next moment I found myself manhandled by the tattoo guy. I was extremely worried. He used lots of cuss words and said that he didn’t care about the police. I called 100 and narrated the entire incident. Thankfully the matter was taken by the policemen. whoever is going to pushkar be careful wherever you are clicking. Overall pushkar experience was not extremely great. And on the top of this the Zostel atmosphere was quite dull and boring.

Types of Accommodation

Mixed Dorm (AC / NON-AC), Female Dorm (AC/ NON-AC), and private room

Getting there:

Train: Ajmer is the nearest train station from Pushkar. Its around 20 km and several auto or taxi is available. Ajmer is a major railhead in Delhi- Jaisalmer line. Several important trains start or terminate here as well.

Bus: Excellent connectivity through bus is available from Pushkar to most of the cities like Ajmer, Jaisalmer or Jodhpur.

Air: Sanganer Airport, in Jaipur, is the nearest airport connecting Pushkar to the rest of India and abroad. Located at a distance of 146 km from Pushkar, this airport is well-connected to the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Jodhpur and Udaipur.