Eight Best Hostels in South India
19-Feb-2020
Kochi, Ernakulam
Deepa Thomas
Do you want to get richer by spending less?
The easiest way is -Whenever you travel, stay in hostels!
It turns out to be far cheaper than hotels. Hostellers are usually wanderers
from all over the world, passionate about life and travel.
Nothing can make you richer than the experience that you gather by meeting
such people and taking time to talk about their nation, places they have visited,
sharing with them about your travel sagas and so on.
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.
Other Blog Posts
7 things to Know before Sabrimala Trip in this Covid Time
Post by TreeMonks
Swami saranam…Ayyappa saranam!
It’s time of the year when million black-clad pilgrims take the arduous climb up the Sabarimala (Sabari hill) on the western ghats in Kerala chanting in chorus praise to Lord Ayappa.
Sabarimala temple in Kerala attracts over 3 Crore (30 million) Lord Ayappa devotees every year. After being shut for 5 months due to Covid, Sabarimala Temple will open its doors to pilgrims on 16 November 2020 for the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season. This festive season which falls between September and January is the peak pilgrim season at Sabrimala.
Fear of rapid spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is looming around affecting all walks of life, and religious centre like Sabrimala is not left alone. Though believers are buckling up to face the menace and move on to visit the most popular pilgrimage destination in Kerala, the state is not leaving any stone unturned.
Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan has appointed a panel of professionals including Health Minister K.K. Shailaja to lay down all protocols to curtail the spread of Corona virus and oversee the smooth functioning of the pilgrim trip to Sabrimala in this peak season.
We all know, following precautionary measures is the best way to avoid this disease from spreading.
As a forerunner to the annual festival, first 250 devotees who queue up online at Sabrimala virtual queue will be allowed entry to Sabrimala temple during the five-days Thulam pooja that starts from October 16, with of course all Covid restrictions in place.
Here are the 7 things you should definitely know if you are planning a visit to Sabarimala in this Covid time.
Limited Entry to Sabrimala Temple
Every year, huge number of pilgrims visit Sabarimala temple from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. These pilgrims from other states will have to register on covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in/home/addDomestic before reaching the temple.
The virtual queue system restricts the limit of pilgrims entering the temple each day. The recommended number of devotees allowed to climb up the hill shrine is limited to about 1000 during weekdays and close to two thousand on Saturday and Sunday.
Sabarimala Virtual Queue
If you plan to go to Sabrimala temple in this Covid times, then first visit the official website www.sabarimalaonline.org or www.sabarimalaq.com and register yourself or your group, for darshan by choosing a date and time that is made available to you. This system is put in place to avoid overcrowding and curb any further spread of Corona virus.
Registered devotees will have to reach the Pamba trekking path entry point that begins at the Kannemoola Ganapati, the first place where the pilgrimage begins. The road from Nilackal to Pampa will be made motorable.
Covid – 19 negative certificates
The appointed committee has made it mandatory for all pilgrims visiting the temple to undergo Covid 19 test. The test should be taken 48 hours before reaching Pampa. The health centres on the route to Pampa are also equipped to conduct the antigen test. Those arriving without the certificate will have to undergo Covid symptom screening test at the base camp at Nilackal. Devotees in the BPL category, having Ayushman Bharat card are eligible for free test.
Only the ones showing negative test can proceed further. Pilgrims will be allowed to trek to the temple only though Swami Ayappan Road.
Age Bar to Sabrimala
Those below 10 years and above 60 will not be allowed to take part in the pilgrimage during 2020-21 festive season at Sabrimala. Devotees will have to carry some identity document that certifies their age.
Leave the Sabrimala Premises
As soon as the darshan is done, the pilgrims will have to leave the temple compound immediately. Loitering around is strictly prohibited in the present circumstances.
No Religious Dip in Pamba River
This time around the devotees will not be allowed to take the usual dip in river Pamba. Instead, at Erumely and Pamba there will be bathroom arrangements made for devotees to take bath and freshen up.
Offerings at Sabrimala
Adhering to Covid-19 protocol, special arrangements like paper plates will be made for performing offerings like Neyy abhishekam and Anna danam.
Refreshments at Sabrimala
Drinking water will be provided in steel bottles and essential items will be available at state’s Supplyco and Consumerfed departments open at Pamba.
Fact File
The Mandala Puja is on December 26 and Makaravilakku on January 14, 2021. The temple will close on January 20, 2021. During this Mandalam-Makaravilakku season alone over 30 lakh Ayyappa devotees visit the Sabarimala Temple. Sabarimala temple receives more than Rs 100 crore in donation. But as a result of Covid pandemic, the temple had to be shut down for the past five months and now facing a major cash crunch.
In your Bucket list
If you have not been to Sabarimala temple then you can add this to your bucket list. The Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity closely associated with forest lore is situated at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The 17-kilometer hike to Erumeli from Pamba leads through impressive tropical rainforest. In earlier times, the temple was indeed very isolated and such a pilgrimage was no minor undertaking but today with motorable roads and mobile network a visit to Sabrimala forest temple can be done with little inconvenience.
Plan you Holiday with Tyndis Heritage
If you are an adventurous traveller who wish to begin travelling, we can plan a Covid-safe holiday for you. Tyndis Heritage is a travel company that tailor makes holiday packages keeping in mind the safety and hygiene standards recommended by the government of Kerala and WHO. We ensure the wellbeing of all our customers booking a holiday with us.
Swami Saranam! literally ‘the only hope is Ayyappa.’
Best time to visit Kerala - Kerala Travel Tips - Kerala Tourism Special
Post by Arya
Kerala, the tropical paradise, is bestowed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Even though the holidaymakers choose the best time to visit Kerala to be September to March, there are possibilities of alluring explorations in Kerala throughout the year.
Kerala Tourism has a beast scope for Monsoon Experiences. Be it your Honeymoon Trip, Wildlife Experience, Cultural Tour or Pilgrimage, a Family Trip or a Solo Adventure - you can wisely choose the best time to visit Kerala for an immersive episode.
Kerala enthrals you with a winter of no frostbites or smog, the breezy summer evenings of sweet lemonade and a drenching monsoon that touches your soul. Choosing your destination under Kerala Tourism for the right time of the year is the key to a memorable vacation well-spent. Here are a few hand-picked locations and the best time to visit Kerala to see its changing colours.
Winter in Kerala - A Soothing Experience
There are no snow-capped peaks or frozen rivers in Kerala. Except for its slightly misty nights and a few hill stations the entire state is untouched by biting winters. By the fag end of October winter sets its foot in Kerala, marking the lowest amount of rainfall and a perfect time to visit major tourist destinations in Kerala. Kerala Tourism offers a bevvy of beautiful places to explore during your winter blues.
Best tourist places in Kerala to visit during Winter
1. Hill Stations in Kerala: Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad
Winter is perhaps the best time to explore these hill stations to see the mist-clad mountains in its full bloom.
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2. Beaches in Kerala: Kovalam, Varkala, Mararikulam, Kannur, Cherai, Alleppey, Bekal, Nileswaram, Nattika
The world discovered Kerala Tourism through its westward beaches, many of them mapped on the spice route. These rolling sand shores call out to you to abandon your world behind, to listen to its murmurs, to stroll through the wet sand and to take a dip. The shallow beach of Kovalam, the cliffs of Varkala, the shining sands of Marari, the fortress-dotted Bekal, each of them offers a unique experience of space. November to February is the ideal time to go around the beaches in Kerala.
3. Culture/Heritage Tourist Places in Kerala: Fort Kochi, Calicut, Thrissur
Kerala is a melting pot of cultures living in harmony- be it the Jew town of Mattanchery, the colonial heritage of Fort Kochi, the crowd puller Pooram of Thrissur or the Mappila culture or Theyyam of Malabar- the space and people has much to offer. Cuisines, gatherings, heritage buildings and certain renowned festivities happen at this time of the year.
4. Offbeat Tourist Places in Kerala: Vagamon, Athirappilly, Bekal, Thalassery, Cherai, Nelliampathy
The infinitely tall Athirapally waterfall in Baahubali, the picturesque Bekal Fort in the song in Bombay and the lush green meadows of Vagamon are all locations tucked away from the tussle of routine destinations in the state.
Winter Temperature in Kerala:
Kerala winters are not glacial. However, the high altitude destinations have a drop in temperature. The temperature in Kerala during winter is moderate compared to any North Indian state and ranges from 10 deg to 25 deg Celsius.
Things to carry during winter in Kerala:
- Carry winter clothes that keep you warm; sweaters and collared shirts preferable.
- Comfortable shoes for the hilly terrains.
- Moisturizer/ Sunscreen for your skin.
- Portable chargers and extra batteries in case you hike to remote locations.
The average cost of accommodation (Tier 1 city, One night stay for two persons)
| CATEGORY | COST |
| Hostels | INR 500 per person |
| Homestays | INR 2000 onwards |
| Budget Resorts | INR 3000 onwards |
| Houseboat | INR 7000 onwards |
| Luxury Resort | INR 7000 onwards |
TreeMonks Kerala Tourism Recommendations for Kerala Winter:
- Christmas/ New year is a high peak time for Kerala Tourism. Accommodation/ Tickets should be booked beforehand to avoid the last-minute rush.
- There are attractive trekking/hiking packages offered by many operators in the hilly destinations. Book in groups and in advance.
- Choose rooms with scenic views to stay e.g. the views of Tea Plantation in Munnar, by the cliff in Varkala beach or inside a houseboat in Kumarakom.
- Book a minimum of two nights for Munnar as there are several getaway locations back and forth to Munnar.
- Watch a performance of any traditional dance of Kerala - Theyyam, Kathakali, Thiruvathira, Oppana, Margamkali, Poorakkali, etc.
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale of international contemporary art happens once in two years, at this time of the year extending to March.
Summer in Kerala - The Sunny Days
The summer weather in Kerala is best to visit some of the coolest locations of the state. Summer is also a high-peak season in Kerala. Tourists from around the world visit Kerala during this time as the season gives them smack of nature and culture.
Best tourist places in Kerala to visit during summer
The Kerala Backwater Route: Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Ashtamudi
The traditional Kettuvalloms are now made into houseboats to cruise through the labyrinthine water channels of Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Ashtamudi. Spend a day laid-back on the deck catching the glimpses of the endless green paddy fields, the swaying coconut trees on the banks, the rare water fauna and the life and livelihood of the community. Savour the spicy local foods served on board. Summer is the ideal time to feel that cool breeze on your face.
Beaches in Kerala: Kovalam ,Varkala, Marari, Kannur, Cherai, Alleppey, Bekal, Nileswaram, Nattika
It’s that time of the year to worship the sun and to get tanned for all the “beachy” people. So pack your beach essentials and leave behind the worries of the world to travel to some of the best beaches in Kerala. Be it the breath-taking view of the sunset from the Varkala cliffs or the sparkling sand against the hues of blue in Kovalam, Kerala offers you a beach vacation beyond price.
Hill Stations in Kerala: Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Gavi
A visit to the hill stations in the summer holidays can be a worthy deal. They are a safe abode to get away from the summer heat and remain as the final hideaway from the blazing sun and burns.
Summer Temperature in Kerala:
- Kerala has a mercurial summer. It can be anywhere between 28 deg to 36 deg Celsius.
Things to carry during summer in Kerala:
- Cotton outfits are a must for Kerala summer.
- Umbrellas/Caps/Sunscreen lotions are necessary.
- Carry ample amount of drinking water as there are chances of dehydration.
- Sunscreen lotions, moisturizers and aloe vera gel.
- Sunglasses
Average cost of Accommodation (Tier 1 city, One night stay for two persons)
| CATEGORY | COST |
| Hostels | INR 500 per person |
| Homestays | INR 2000 onwards |
| Budget Resorts | INR 3000 onwards |
| Houseboat | INR 7500 onwards |
| Luxury Resort | INR 7500 onwards |
TreeMonks Kerala Tourism Recommendations for Kerala Summer:
- Be cautious of sunburn.
- Make sure bikinis are fine on the beach if you want to wear one.
- Nudity is not allowed on any beach in Kerala.
- Grab the best deals for houseboats in advance as it is a high peak season.
- As for culture trips, summer is the best time to take part in temple festivals like Kavutheendal in Kodungalloor, Painkuni in Thiruvananthapuram etc.
Monsoon in Kerala - The Rejuvenating Rains
Kerala is hailed for the cool darkness of its monsoon sights. The magnificent lush green canopies, cascading waterfalls in full throttle and overflowing backwaters fill a rejuvenating spirit in the minds of vacationers. With plentiful rain, the land basks in its renewed vigour and countless hues of greenery.
South-west Monsoon spanning from June to September gives a rainfall of about 2250-2500mm, one among the highest averages in India. An added advantage is to relish Kerala’s culture- experience the festivity of Onam and the world-renowned snake-boat race.
Best tourist places in Kerala to visit during Monsoon:
Ayurveda- Love your body
Kerala is a renowned destination for quality Ayurvedic treatments. There are umpteen numbers of centres for rejuvenation therapy (called Panchakarma) spread across the state. With its exquisite treatments, Ayurveda, the oldest treatment tradition in the world, can heal you inside out through wellness as well as disease-specific treatments.
Exploring the Wildlife in Kerala: Chembra, Chimmini, Periyar, Parambikulam, Idukki, Chinnar, Wayanad
The Western Ghats sprawls in all its glory and life thrives when it rains. Here are the wildlife sanctuaries spotted on the mountain ranges across the state. The rain-kissed valleys give you an ethereal experience- the frothy waterfalls, the water mist flying around and the wet atmosphere captivating your senses. A unique hotspot of world’s rarest flora and fauna can be viewed at its best plus off-road rides vrooming through the jungle paths.
Monsoon Temperature in Kerala:
The average temperature during Monsoon in Kerala is 19 deg to 30 deg Celsius. The Kerala Monsoon season is usually humid.
Things to carry during Monsoon in Kerala:
- Carry umbrellas/raincoats for the season.
- Mosquito-repellant creams.
- Take along a pair of slippers along your normal footwear.
- Beware of leeches while trekking to forests and hilltops as they are found in abundance in Western ghats. Cover your legs and body properly and carry some salt.
Average cost of accommodation (Tier 1 city, One night stay for two persons)
| CATEGORY | COST |
| Hostels | INR 500 per person |
| Homestays | INR 2000 onwards |
| Budget Resorts | INR 2000 onwards |
| Houseboat | INR 6000 onwards |
| Luxury Resort | INR 6000 onwards |
TreeMonks Kerala Tourism Recommendation for Kerala Monsoons:
- Monsoon is an off-season. There will be great discounts and fewer crowds in tourist places.
- For Ayurveda treatment choose a centre classified/approved by the Department of Kerala Tourism.
- Be cautious if you go to beaches, backwaters and waterfalls as it is a time of rushing water.
- For experts, it’s the best time for water sports. Events like Chaliyar River Paddle and Kayaking tare hosted by Kerala Tourism in September and the spectacular boat races in Alappuzha take place around the same time of the year.
- Prior permission has to be sought in case you want to enter the restricted areas of wildlife.
- There shall be a Kerala Tourism Week Celebrations in relation to Onam celebrations in August/ September.
In total, Kerala is a year-round tourist destination offering a unique experience specific to its seasons. There is exactly 365 days-long period of the best time to visit Kerala! Choose your cup of tea and enjoy the weather! Get in Touch with TreeMonks Travel Team to plan your trip.
Eight Best Hostels in South India
Post by Deepa Thomas
Do you want to get richer by spending less?
The easiest way is -Whenever you travel, stay in hostels!
It turns out to be far cheaper than hotels. Hostellers are usually wanderers
from all over the world, passionate about life and travel.
Nothing can make you richer than the experience that you gather by meeting
such people and taking time to talk about their nation, places they have visited,
sharing with them about your travel sagas and so on.
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.
Neelakurinji - less known facts | Travel to witness the magic!
Post by TreeMonks
There are around 250 varieties of the Kurinji Flowers of the genus Strobilanthus all over the world! Of this, at least 50 varieties are found in India!
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
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary – the Nature’s Trove
Post by TreeMonks
The song from the famous Malayalam Movie Flick ‘Maheshinte Prathikaram’ rightly describes the beauty of Idukki. The land of Idukki was metaphoric with a girl of utmost charm in the song. The lyricist did no boasting as Idukki is, in fact, Midukki – a smart-young girl!
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.