For those travelling on a shoestring budget, here are 5 really cool hostels in India!

We almost certainly never heard about Goa’s very first backpacker hostel, Asterix, founded in 2013 as it shut down even before it became well-established among tourists. Lately, with the introduction of backpacker hostels in India, and special thanks to Kangana Ranaut’s movie Queen where we witnessed those quirky dorms, the travel space has seen tremendous variations—be it in terms of pricing, accommodation or the facilities offered. Likewise, the travel quotient has also reformed over the years for young travellers as with a taste of adventure, they put their foot down to explore the motherland and travel on budget.

With the advent of these hostels, we promise low budget does not mean shady rooms and shabby décor, but rooms with funky style, spotless bunk beds and giant lockers and welcoming staff to make your excursion an unforgettable one!

So, if you have thing for travelling solo and like better with backpacking, here’s our quick guide to some jazzy yet reasonably priced hostels across the country. What are you waiting for? Get, set and go!

1. Prison by #thehostelcrowd
Travelling to the land of beaches and booze? Look no further while you’re in Goa. Prison by #thehostelcrowd has prison like interiors with tall walls and jail bars in the chamber. Located very near to Anjuna beach, the hostel provides free Wi-Fi, personal lockers and simple breakfast to the guests. You could also grab a drink at their in-house Bus Bar or hop on to their party shuttle to experience the best celebrations in town!
Cost per night: Between Rs 400-500

2. Jugaadus
On a mission to spread Punjabi culture and the warm hospitality, Jugaadus in Amritsar works on the desi principle of jugaad looking for an innovative quick fix idea within scanty resources. As the hostel provides paintbrushes, water colours and markers, the vibrant wall art is designed by the guests. Meals are on donation basis. They also like to keep the carbon emission low and have furniture created with reusable objects.    
Cost per night: Rs 400


3. Vedanta Wake-up
With branches across stunning destinations in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Vedanta Wake-up provides more than just bed and breakfast. Staying here will make you feel transported to the era in history as they have stocked local books and old-fashioned music instruments. The place even offers bar crawls, cycling tours, yoga sessions, movie nights and lots more!
Cost per night: Between Rs 400- Rs 600

4. Moustache Hostel
Located in Delhi and Jaipur, Moustache hostel in Jaipur is true to its roots. The place combines the elements of Rajasthani culture and international dorms to make your stay pleasant. With the beautiful view of Nahargarh Fort from the rooftop, the place gives you a chance to unwind and relax yourself, and absorb the local culture. They also have a garden and game rooms.
Cost per night: Between Rs 250- Rs 500

5. Zostel
Offering accommodations throughout Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Ooty and the newest additions being Bir Billing and Manali, dorms at Zostel provide a comfortable stay within a budget. With air conditioned dorms, free Wi-Fi, incredible rooftops and gardens, board games and books, it’s the picture-perfect place to stay on an economical trip. They also let you use their kitchen to cook your own meal.  
Cost per night: Rs 400