India is a vibrant country filled with diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, mouth-watering cuisines, and unforgettable travel experiences. For budget travelers, navigating India may seem overwhelming at first. However, with the right choices in accommodation, exploring the country becomes more enjoyable, affordable, and hassle-free. Fortunately, hostels have emerged as an ideal solution for backpackers seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Hostels While Traveling in India
While India has a variety of hotels ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly, hostels often provide a unique advantage. Additionally, they allow travelers to meet like-minded people, share stories, and enjoy free amenities such as Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and entertainment activities. Moreover, staying at hostels enhances your travel experience by offering a home-like environment without heavy costs.
Top Hostels in India for Backpackers
Zostel: Northern India’s Favorite Hostel
Zostel has become a go-to choice for backpackers exploring northern India. Spread across cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Rishikesh, Udaipur, and Varanasi, Zostel combines funky dormitories, spacious common areas, and fully stocked kitchens. Furthermore, guests can enjoy bonfires, travel meet-ups, and cultural activities that make every stay memorable.
- Facilities provided: Free wifi, tea and coffee, lockers, guest kitchen, housekeeping, cable connection, restroom, game rooms, parties etc.
- Stay cost (per night): INR 600 to INR 1200 (might vary location-wise)
Madpackers Hostel: Delhi’s Budget-Friendly Gem
Located in Delhi, Madpackers Hostel offers comfort and affordability even during extreme weather conditions. Guests can enjoy rooftop terraces, free breakfast, and unique heritage walks. In addition, the hostel fosters social interactions, making it perfect for solo travelers or groups.
- Facilities provided: Free wifi, rooftop terrace, free breakfast, AC, laundry service, heritage walks, restaurants, airport shuttle, library, game room etc.
- Stay cost (per night): INR 600 to INR 2000
Horn Ok Please Hostel: Mumbai’s Cozy Retreat
Horn Ok Please, situated in Bandra, Mumbai, is a charming century-old bungalow renovated for modern travelers. Guests enjoy a relaxed vibe, social spaces, and access to city exploration tips from fellow travelers.
- Facilities provided: Lockers, free breakfast, AC dorm rooms, 24 X 7 free wifi, hot water shower, refrigerator, fully-equipped pantry, books and board games, pub crawling, free tea and coffee etc.
- Stay cost (per night): INR 900 to INR 2000
Backpacker Panda: Friendly Vibes Across India
With locations in Dharamshala, Manali, Rishikesh, Udaipur, and more, Backpacker Panda provides a warm, homely environment. Also, it is considered safe for female and solo travelers, offering all essential amenities without high costs.
- Facilities provided: AC, laundry service, hot shower, lockers, high-speed free wifi, kitchenette, TV room, games and other activities. Bicycles on rent facilities are also provided in some locations.
- Stay cost (per night): INR 300 to INR 800
YHAI Hostels: Affordable Options Nationwide
The Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) manages hostels across the country in Delhi, Ladakh, Port Blair, and Darjeeling. These hostels provide budget-friendly accommodation alongside guided tours and treks.
- Facilities provided: free breakfast, wifi, lockers, open kitchen, etc.
- Stay cost (per night): INR 300 to INR 2000 (might vary according to locations)
Moustache Hostels: Luxury on a Budget
Moustache hostel takes the world of hostels to a whole new level by providing luxury accommodation and services to the backpackers at affordable rates. The difference between Moustache and the rest of the hostels is that it gives neck-to-neck competition to the international hostels. Deeply embedded Rajasthani culture can make your stay even more enjoyable and exciting. The hostels are located in the following locations: Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Manali, Udaipur, Varanasi, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kasol, Pushkar, Rishikesh, Kaza, and Khajuraho. Moustache hostel is a quirky place where you get to meet new people bond over travel stories, engage in fun activities and a whole lot of fun things. It is by far the cleanest and secure hostel chain in India.
- Facilities provided: Kitchen, free wifi, lockers, hot showers, laundry etc.
- Stay cost (per night): $9 and above (equivalent to INR 600)
GoStops Hostel: Social Hub for Backpackers
GoStops has hostels in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mumbai, and Udaipur. Known for entertainment activities, game rooms, and bicycle rentals, GoStops offers both comfort and excitement for travelers.
- Facilities provided: free wifi, laundry service, game room, kitchen, barbeque, AC rooms, free breakfast, cinema room, well-stocked library etc. GoStops in some locations also offers bicycle renting services.
- Stay cost (per night): INR 600 to INR 2000 (or more for major locations)
If you’ve stayed in any of these hostels, do share your experiences with us and help others in selecting a hostel for their travel itinerary. Feel free to let us know your valuable thoughts through the comment box given below.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Stay
Choosing the best hostels in India ensures your travel experience is affordable, social, and enjoyable. Furthermore, it allows you to explore the country fully without worrying about accommodation costs. Consequently, every backpacker should consider hostels as the preferred choice for budget-friendly yet memorable adventures across India.
