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Top Backpacker hostels in India

  • Writer: Krunal Solanki
    Krunal Solanki
  • 5 days ago
  • 6 min read

If you're a backpacker, solo traveler, digital nomad, or just someone who loves making new friends on the road—this guide is for you. Hostels are no longer just about bunk beds; they are communities, experiences, and often the most budget-friendly places to stay in India's most scenic destinations.

At TravelwSK, we’ve curated the best hostel chains in India that offer not just a bed, but a vibe.

Why Choose Backpacker hostels in India?

Before we dive into the top hostel chains, here’s why hostel culture in India is booming:

  • Budget-friendly: Stay under ₹350–₹1200 per night

  • Great for meeting fellow travelers

  • Free Wi-Fi, community kitchens, cafes, game zones

  • Events like movie nights, treks, yoga, and music gigs

  • Located in top travel hubs: Himachal, Goa, Rishikesh, Jaipur, and more

1. Zostel – India’s Largest Backpacker Hostel Chain

Vibe: Vibrant, artsy, community-driven

Founded: 2013

Popular Locations: Zostel Manali, Zostel Jaipur, Zostel Gokarna, Zostel Bir

Price Range: ₹350 – ₹1200/night

Why Zostel?

Zostel revolutionized backpacking in India. Known for its lively atmosphere, Zostel blends colorful designs with social vibes. Whether you're watching sunsets in Pushkar or trekking in McLeodGanj, there's probably a Zostel nearby.

Don't miss: Zostel Plus properties for boutique-stay vibes with hostel pricing.

📍 All Zostel Locations (India & International)

Zostel is the largest backpacker hostel chain in India, with an ever-growing network across mountains, beaches, deserts, cities, and even international destinations.

Here’s a complete list of Zostel locations as of 2025:

Mountain & Hill Destinations

  • Himachal Pradesh: Banikhet, Barot, Bir, Burwa, Chamba, Chamera, Cheog, Chitkul, Dalhousie, Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Dobhi, Harabhag, Jibhi, Joginder Nagar, Kareri, Kasol, Kinnaur, Kotkhai, Kullu, Lahaul, Laida, Manali, Mandi, Mashobra, Mcleodganj, Naggar, Old Manali, Pangan, Parvati Valley, Pulga, Rajgundha, Rakchham, Rashil, Sainj, Sangla, Shangarh, Shoja, Sissu, Spiti, Tabo, Theog, Tirthan, Vashisht

  • Uttarakhand: Mohanchatti, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Ramgarh, Rishikesh

  • Jammu & Kashmir: Pahalgam, Srinagar, Zanskar

  • Sikkim & North-East: Gangtok, Kalimpong, Rinchenpong, Shillong

  • West Bengal: Pedong

  • Tamil Nadu: Kodaikanal, Poombarai

  • Kerala: Munnar, Vagamon, Wayanad

Beach & Island Destinations

  • Goa, Gokarna, Varkala, Pondicherry, Port Blair, Andamans, Alleppey

Desert & Heritage Destinations

  • Rajasthan: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Bundi, Sam Desert, Udaipur

City Hostels

  • Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Indore, Pune, Mysore, Ernakulam, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Kochi

International Locations

  • Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara

  • Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Bali

  • Middle East: Dubai

  • Europe/Asia: Georgia

🧭 You can find and book all these locations directly on www.zostel.com

2. goSTOPS – Stay. Chill. Explore.

Vibe: Youthful, colorful, designed for Gen Z

Founded: 2014

Popular Locations: goSTOPS Delhi, goSTOPS Rishikesh, goSTOPS Udaipur, goSTOPS Mussoorie

Price Range: ₹400 – ₹1000/night

Why goSTOPS?

Famous for bold interiors and creative common areas, goSTOPS are a favorite among college groups and young solo travelers. You’ll find comfy dorms, workstations, and community events like karaoke and painting nights.

🧠 Bonus Tip: They have hourly stay options, great for remote workers on the go!

goSTOPS Amenities – Everything You Need in One Place

One of the reasons goSTOPS is a favorite among Gen Z travelers and budget explorers is because they combine comfort, convenience, and community living seamlessly. Whether you're on a solo trip, working remotely, or traveling with friends—goSTOPS ensures your stay is smooth, social, and secure.

Here’s what you can expect at goSTOPS hostels across India:

✅ goSTOPS Key Amenities:

Amenity

Description

High-Speed Wi-Fi

Seamless internet for work, Netflix, or Insta scrolling

Power Backup

Uninterrupted comfort even in remote areas

Privacy Curtains

Enjoy privacy even in dorms

Bluetooth Door Locks

Tech-savvy and secure room access

Common Areas with Showers

Chill and freshen up even after checkout

24/7 Front Desk

Assistance anytime, day or night

Lockers

Secure your backpack and valuables

Co-working Stations

Dedicated space for remote workers and digital nomads

Water Dispensers

Stay hydrated, eco-style

24/7 Café

Midnight cravings? Sorted.

24/7 ACs

Cool comfort at all times

24/7 Geysers

Hot showers, even during cold Himalayan nights


📸 Tip from TravelwSK:

“The Bluetooth door locks and co-working areas in goSTOPS are surprisingly thoughtful additions that not many hostels offer. It’s a great balance of budget and functionality.”

3. The Hosteller – Live It. Now.

Vibe: Clean, minimalistic, travel-inspired

Founded: 2014

Popular Locations: The Hosteller Kasol, The Hosteller Jaipur, The Hosteller Munnar, The Hosteller Rishikesh

Price Range: ₹400 – ₹1100/night

Why The Hosteller?

A haven for digital nomads and solo travelers, The Hosteller offers fast Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and scenic workations. Their hostels often blend well with the local architecture, offering peaceful yet social stays.

📸 Insta-worthy interiors and comfortable female-only dorms are a plus.

📍 The Hosteller Locations Across India

The Hosteller is one of India’s fastest-growing backpacker hostel chains, known for its clean design, peaceful vibes, and digital nomad-friendly spaces. With locations across hills, beaches, heritage cities, and metro areas—The Hosteller offers something for every kind of traveler.

Here’s a list of current The Hosteller destinations across India:

🏞️ Himachal Pradesh

  • Manali

  • Jibhi

  • Bir

  • Mcleodganj

  • Dalhousie

  • Dharamshala

  • Kareri

  • Kasol

  • Khajjiar

  • Kufri

  • Narkanda

  • Kasauli

  • Chakrata

  • Shimla

Perfect for: Himalayan workations, solo travel, stargazing, treks

🏔️ Uttarakhand

  • Rishikesh

  • Dehradun

  • Lansdowne

  • Nainital

  • Kasar Devi

  • Mussoorie

Perfect for: Spiritual escapes, forest retreats, river-side cafes

🕌 Rajasthan

  • Jaipur

  • Udaipur

  • Jodhpur

Perfect for: Architecture, local food, solo and couple travel

🌊 Goa & Beachside Destinations

  • Goa

  • Gokarna

  • Fort Kochi

  • Wayanad

Perfect for: Beach bums, boho vibes, and sunset chasers

🌴 South India

  • Chikmagalur

  • Coorg

  • Ooty

  • Kodaikanal

  • Munnar

Perfect for: Coffee estates, misty hills, cool weather

🏙️ Metro Cities & Quick Getaways

  • Delhi

  • Mumbai

  • Bangalore

  • Hyderabad

  • Agra

Perfect for: Urban backpackers, digital nomads, Taj Mahal trips

🌄 Maharashtra

  • Lonavala

  • Bhandardara

  • Panshet

Perfect for: Lakeside hostels, monsoon getaways, short weekend escapes

🧭 You can explore and book The Hosteller properties on www.thehosteller.com

4. Shalom Backpackers – Peace. People. Places.

Vibe: Rustic, soulful, homelyPopular Locations: Shalom Kasol, Shalom Pushkar, Shalom Manali, Shalom GoaPrice Range: ₹350 – ₹900/night

Why Shalom Backpackers?A lesser-known gem among hostels, Shalom Backpackers offers raw mountain vibes and chill cafes. If you're seeking deeper connections, nature, and acoustic music under the stars—Shalom is your spot.

☕ Chai + bonfire = perfect evenings in the Himalayas.

Shalom Backpackers – Peaceful Hostels in India’s Top Travel Destinations

Shalom Backpackers is a soulful and artistic hostel chain that emphasizes calm vibes, artistic spaces, and community living. Whether you’re meditating by the Ganges or chilling in a mountain cafe, Shalom offers a peaceful escape with the comfort of modern facilities.

Here are their most popular destinations:

📍 Shalom Backpackers Locations in India:

Location

Why It’s Popular

Rishikesh

Yoga capital of the world; close to river rafting & Ganga aarti

Mcleodganj

Serene views, Tibetan culture, meditation retreats

Udaipur

Lakeside heritage charm and rooftop cafes

Goa

Laid-back beach stays with live music & BBQ nights

Mussoorie

Misty hills, mall road charm, scenic treks

Jaipur

Pink City vibes with folk music and fort views

Shimla

Classic hill station feel with colonial charm

Vibe Check:

  • Rustic, creative interiors

  • Bonfires & acoustic nights

  • Cafes with traveler-friendly menus

  • Artistic murals, cozy dorms, and mountain cafés

  • Great for spiritual travelers, introverts, and chill souls

🧭 Explore more or book your stay at www.shalombackpackers.com

Quick Comparison Table

Hostel Chain

Vibe

Best For

Starting Price

Website

Zostel

Vibrant & Social

Backpackers, Trekkers

₹350

zostel.com

goSTOPS

Colorful & Youthful

Students, Solo

₹400

gostops.com

The Hosteller

Clean & Minimal

Digital Nomads

₹400

thehosteller.com

Shalom Backpackers

Peaceful & Rustic

Hippie Souls

₹350

shalombackpackers.com

Where to Book Your Stay?

✔️ Zostel

✔️ goSTOPS

You can also compare all on:

Travel Tools

✍️ Final Thoughts by SK

“Hostels in India are more than places to sleep—they’re stories waiting to happen. Choose one not just for the price, but for the people you'll meet and the moments you'll collect.”— SK, TravelwSK

 
 
 
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