For less than $20/night you can stay in the best of hostels in India. At this rate you
can rent a bed (usually a bunk bed in a dormitory) and share a bathroom, lounge
and a kitchen with other travel mates. Most hostels have free wifi, a laundry
room, lockers and food on demand. Hostels are ideal for backpackers, young
couples or low-budget travelers who care less for privacy and desire to gather as
much experience as possible during their travel.
This blog from TreeMonks is intended to give you some insight into the facilities
offered by few top hostels in South India. Pick your backpack and step out to
have some fun in one of these escapes.

1. Roambay, Mysore - Karnataka

Painted in pristine white and traditional yellow, this hostel is a century old
mansion that has been renovated tastefully for their guests to experience
heritage with a touch of modernity. Located in the heart of the city near the
Mysore palace, hostellers can explore all the tourist sites easily. Preethi and Pavan
your friendly hosts does everything to ensure your stay is comfortable. This hostel
has a spacious communal room, clean sanitary, comfy bed, offers yoga classes and
complimentary breakfast. With the option of private room, 6-bed female
dormitory, 8-bed, 4-bed or 2-bed mixed dormitory, this hostel caters to both solo
women and men travelers around the globe.
Very soon they are to introduce a service wherein you can hire a bike for roaming
around the town and a café to enjoy some fresh snacks.
Motto: Explore, Munch and Snooze

Larger hostels suits larger groups.

2. Micasa Hostels, Pondicherry

With a kinky interior, Micasa is located about half a kilometer from Pondicherry
railway station. Bike tours, karoke night+, yoga classes, cooking classes, night
skating, museum and gallery tour are some of the activities the hostellers from
Micasa can indulge in. Most of the places of interest to tourists can be accessed
on foot from here. They have a lift to take you to your designated room - ensuite
private room, AC rooms, female dorm or mixed dorm. There are separate
bathrooms for males and females, laundry service, a kitchen to do some selfcooking,
a terrace on top to enjoy the view, cupboards to safely dispose
belongings, free wifi and a long list of rules that have to be strictly adhered to for
the safety of fellow roommates.
Very soon they are coming up with a 3-storied hostel with 4 common areas, a
home theatre and a huge capacity to accommodate 60 people.
Motto: Our reviews say it all!

If you are planning to stay for long in a place, go for a hostel that has a kitchen.
Make your roommates taste your culinary skills and teach each other your
cuisine.

3. Share Hostel Munnar

Located amidst the tea plantation in Meencut, this hostel is a short ride from
Munnar town. Tobin, your host and the staff genuinely takes an effort to make
you feel at home. You can laze around by putting a tent in the garden or rest in
the hammocks around, to have a relaxed holiday with free wifi and free breakfast.
For less than $1 you can enjoy a meal too. To stay, they have separate
dormitories for females and males and a kitchen to cook up something
interesting. A home away from home, this place is kid-friendly and has facility to
get your laundry done. The host takes the hostellers on a guided tour in a tuk tuk
to see the nearby places in Munnar, joins you on trekking and to explore
distances there is jeep safari.
Motto: Build relationships that last!

There is always some fun brewing at hostels.

4. Short Girraffe Varkala - Kerala

All those travelers who are spirited and curious to explore and engage with the
world, excited to experience a new place regardless of language barriers, and
cultural differences are welcomed by the Short Giraffe staff with a warm smile.
This hostel is located just a few meters from the cliff and the Papanasam beach in
Varkala. It is an old Kerala home that has been refurbished spreading positive
vibes for all their guests.
The hostel offers variety of accommodation types, from tents through private
huts to dorms. All rooms come with medium-sized lockers, an indoor common
area for hostellers to meet up, mini library to read, plenty of board games and
table-tennis table to play. Outdoor facilities include a huge garden with
hammocks to relax, a slack line to try some balancing acts and badminton net
with racquets. There is a designated barbeque area with sitting arrangement
around it, a kitchen wherein you can cook up something interesting or take the
services of the chef at reasonable cost. Some of the amenities offered include free
wifi, airport transportation and a scooter that guests can use for short trips free of
charge.
Motto: To spread a smile across all folks!

To keep you in high spirit throughout the journey, you need a wholesome
lodging experience and that’s what a good hostel provides.

5. The Lost Hostel, Fort Kochi - Kerala

Lost Hostel in Fort Kochi is very close to the beach. The hostel is a 100 year old
Dutch house that has been renovated. The upper floor gives a panoramic view of
the Kochi port and the lower floor of the house is a common area for fellow
hostellers to share their tales of travel. They have AC and non-AC mixed dorm and
twin room with shared bathroom as accommodation option. The hostel is well
located for you to walk around and explore the culture of Kochi, see the street
art, the Chinese fishing nets, the old churches, the quaint Jewish part of town or
go to the ferry for a boat ride. By providing clean linen, free WiFi, lots of books to
read and games to play, the hostel provides facilities to make your stay truly
amazing.
Besides Fort Kochi, the Lost Hostel has properties in Munnar, Varkala, Madurai
and Goa
Motto: Travelling is about sharing your values and experiences and giving
something back to the world.

If you are on shoe string budget, instead of splurging on fancy rooms, save your
bucks to buy an experience like a Kalari ayurvedic massage or explore the
heritage Silk Route.

6. Design Ashram, Calicut - Kerala

Design Ashram is a 100 year-old courtyard residence located in the Gujarati
Street, a historically and culturally significant locality in Calicut. The hostel is
renovated tastefully retaining the rustic ambience. It is owned by a trader family
from Gujarat whose ancestors had migrated to Calicut from the coast of
Saurashtra when Muhmud Ghazni had invaded their hometown in 1027 AD.
Design Ashram is a spacious dormitory but does not have a communal living
space. Instead they have a beautiful Peepal tree courtyard for like-minded
individuals to bond, share and brainstorm around, like how the traditional Indians
still do in villages. The private room has a kitchenette and a private bathroom and
the mixed dormitory features a fridge, a shared kitchen, and a shared bathroom.
This hostel organizes weekly and monthly events like the book swap, open-mic
Wednesdays and art workshop to provide positive reinforcement to the art and
culture scene in Calicut, and provides a platform for young artists to experiment
with their talents.
The property is within walking distance to the beach, Lalithakala academy art
gallery, Kalari martial art school and some very good restaurants serving both
international and Malabar cuisine. Within 2.5 km radius, there are major tourist
places nearby like the Konad Beach, Mananchira Square, SM street and
Sarovaram.

If you want to carry something valuable on your journey, but fear theft, go for
a hostel that provides lockers or safes.

7. Zostel, Vagamon - Kerala

With the idea to make travel fun, affordable, and safer, Zostel started a chain of
backpacker hostels with presence across 38 cities in India and Nepal. All their
hostels take care of the basic needs of hygiene, comfort and safety at affordable
cost. They even have a loyalty program which gets you discounts across all Zostels
and in their partner hostels. Zostels have vibrant community rooms with internet
kiosks, TV, board games, music player and books to pass your time, and a shared
space to meet up with like-minded travel buddies from various corners of the
world. They have safes to lock your valuables in, provides clean linen and water
dispensers to quench your thirst from time to time.
Zostel in Vagamon is a hostel nestled in the green meadows with quiet
surroundings. Their front yard faces vast expanse of lush green hills while the
backyard has a vista of tea estates. They have 8-bed mixed dorm, 8-bed female
dorm and a private room to serve the purpose of accommodation at Zostel,
Vagamon.
If you are in a mood for an enthralling adventure, Vagamon is one of the best
places in South India for experiencing paragliding and a good host of adventure
activities like hiking, trekking, off-road driving and zip lining in the midst of
panoramic lush meadows, pine forests and waterfalls.
Motto: LiveItNow!

Though the idea and concept of a hostel remains the same, they are all unique
in their feel and surrounding.

8. Trippr Backpacker Hostel, Kodaikanal –Tamil Nadu

Trippr is a chain of backpacker hostels providing a cosy and economical stay for tr
avellers on the go. Located 5 kms from the main town of Kodaikanal on
Perumpallam Road, off Naidupuram, this property has one eight bed dorm, and
three four bed dorms, all with attached bathrooms. The ambience and décor of
the hostel reflects the beauty of the Tamil ethos. During those chilly calm nights,
on request the hostel can set a bonfire for their guests in the lawn.
The salubrious climate, the awe inspiring landscape, the enchanting green hills,
dense forests and cascading streams pull the guests towards Kodai for more. To
connect with new friends and to engage in lot many activities there is no better
place than Trippr.
Besides Kodaikanal, Trippr has hostels in Gokarna that is located right in front of a
private beach, in Alleppy near the backwaters you can go kayaking, or stay and
explore the wilderness in Chikamagalur.
Motto: Travel and recharge lives at Trippr.

All you free-spirited travelers, now that we at TreeMonks have picked the finest
inexpensive and unique hostels to suit your comfort level, look no further. Just
pick one, pack your bags and go hostelling. In there is a world of experiences
waiting for you.

It's been a wait tougher than the 12 years long wait! Tourists and nature lovers have been eagerly waiting for the happy news of the mass blooming of the King Flower- 'Neelakurinji' in the majestic hills of Munnar!
The heavy monsoon rains earlier delayed the blooming, pushing it into the laziness of sleep, covering it from the direct sun rays! With the monsoon stepping back for a few days in the past week, there have been reports about multiple blooming in various spots like Vattavada and Kanthallur in Munnar. So, we shall expect an exciting entry of the mass blooming sooner than the announced date in the mid-August!
All eyes and thoughts waiting for the Purplish magic in the lush green hills! Let's witness nature performing the wizardry once again!
To get exciting Neelakurinji Packages, Contact TreeMonks @ +919447960022 or send queries to info@treemonks.com

Yes, young! Idukki was only created in the 26th January of 1972. At that time, the district headquarters was at Kottayam. Later, in June 1976 it was moved to Painavu – the present headquarters. Idukki is world famous for the tea plantation hub of Munnar.

Munnar, in fact, was the summer resort of the British Colonial Government of the Madras Presidency. The town of Munnar is situated at the convergence of three mountain streams namely Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala – hence the name Munnar.

Munnar has some of the highest-largest and most beautiful tea plantations in the world. This hill station, which is more than 5000 feet above sea level, is a tourist attraction noted for its scenic landscapes as well.

But Idukki is not just the beauty of Munnar. It is more of a wilderness – the wild beauty!

A vast region of Idukki is covered with forest reserve area; more than half of the district is covered by forests. Idukki is among the most naturally endowed districts in Kerala.

These areas of Idukki are declared as Reserve Forests and Wildlife Sanctuaries of under names. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one amongst them. The Idukki wildlife sanctuary is filled with steep mountains, majestic hills and valleys. It covers the forest land between the Cheruthoni River and Mighty Periyar River. The world famous Idukki arch dam is located in the forests. The forest here is similar to that of Periyar Reserve Forest. Most forests are evergreen and semi-evergreen. One may also come across patches of Shola forests and grasslands.

There is a plethora of flora and fauna found in this wildlife-rich sanctuary. Elephants, Porcupine, Sambar Deer, Wild dogs, Jungle cats, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Wild boar etc. can be seen here. One of the best ways to sight animals is boating in the reservoir. Herds of elephants and other animals are seen at the banks as it is the major water source within the sanctuary. Venomous Snakes such as the Cobra, Viper, Krait and a large number of non- poisonous snakes are also found in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is contiguous with Eravikulam National Park. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is to the northwest and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary is to the east.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of twelve wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. The Western Ghats, under the Anamalai sub-cluster, including all of all mentioned Wildlife Sanctuaries, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Best time to visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is from December to April. In Idukki, the temperature is in between 13 degrees C to 29 degrees C. March and April is the hottest period of the year. Except in the month of January to April the climate is usually cool and humid with the heavy rainfall. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year for the visitors. Wildlife lovers may avail Trekking Packages to watch the animals and birds in the sanctuary. Entry timings are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Although, Kerala – the Gods Own Country has a different and fascinating flavour for tourists during all seasons and every season offers a new experience like no other.

No accommodation facilities are provided at the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. The best and nearest option for accommodation will be in Munnar. Most visitors to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary hire a cab and take day trips from Munnar or other nearby towns.

The nearest Airport to Idukki International Airport is Madurai in Tamil Nadu which is about 140 k.m from the place. The Cochin International Airport is around 190 k.m drive from Idukki. The nearest railway station is located around 140 k.m. in Kottayam.

Tourists can contact TreeMonks for trips to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary from Munnar and for a stay in Munnar Town at best rates. Call us at +91 9447960022.