The perfect hostel circuit in South India for the budget traveller in you

When planning a vacation, the one major question that everybody ponders on is, "Where to stay?". Up until recently, we had to choose between the two extremes: either spend an extensive amount to stay in luxury or save on the big bucks and book mediocre hotels. With the introduction to backpacker hostels, we now have the option of choosing peace and comfort without burning a hole in our pockets.

For a long time, backpackers had to compromise on basic amenities and give up on life's luxuries while on the road.

The petite and quirky rooms, sometimes low on service but always high on convenience and comfort, have been a boon to the common man.

Here is a list of the best hostels you can stay in, when you plan to visit South India:

The Mansion 1907 - Mysore

The Mansion 1907 - Mysore

Let me start off with our Heritage City: Mysuru. Mysore offers stay to both the rich and economical travellers alike. with stay options ranging from fancy heritage stays to budget-friendly hotels. Adding to the extensive list is a century old mansion called "The Mansion 1907". Borrowing from both Indian and British architecture, the mansion boasts of beautiful columns and wood work, which has recently been remodeled to fit the modern taste. It offers dorms and private rooms with large balconies and a common space, that makes for a perfect hostel set-up. The mansion hosts a mini cafe from where you can order or you can even choose to cook in the fully equipped kitchen. To top it all off, they also have free Yoga classes on the roof- top, every morning.

Cost: Rooms starting at 499 Rs.

Natura Ashram - Puducherry

Natura Ashram - Puducherry

Founded by a social worker and philanthropist, Natesa S Iyer in 2009, Natura is a great option if you wish to experience rural life. Natura is located very close to the developed and reformed Northern part of Pondicherry heritage town. Contrary to its name, it is not really an Ashram but a community hostel sporting 24 rooms and 45 beds in total. 35 of these are reserved for long term residents and retired elder citizens who wish to contribute their time to the community's well-being. The remaining 10 beds are available for backpackers and travellers visiting for short durations.

Cost: Starting at 200 Rs per person per night.

Greens Guest House - Auroville

Just 3 kms from Pondicherry airport in Auroville is a quaint hostel, offering a roof-top restaurant, free Wi-Fi and private parking. A range of activities can be enjoyed in the area, such as horse riding, windsurfing and cycling. Greens Guest House is the perfect place to stay close to the famous Matrimandir. This hostel has co-ed dorms, family suites as well as private rooms with terraces and balconies.

Cost: Dorm rooms are available at 350 Rs.

Vedanta Wake Up - Varkala

At a walking distance from Varkala beach lies this inbound-centric beach-side hostel. Vedanta Wake Up is a simple hostel offering no frills accommodation at Varkala that has 9 AC rooms categorized into bamboo huts, deluxe rooms and 6-bedded dormitories. It has an on-site cafe, common lounge with TV, outdoor sitting area, recreational facilities, board games, massages and an exchange library. Cooking classes, yoga sessions and lessons in classical music are some of their offerings. You can either relax listening to the sea-waves or make new friends at their karaoke nights. It is a perfect place for travellers who like to stay for longer durations.

Cost: Starting at about 700 Rs.

Happy Camper Hostel - Kochi

Going by the name and its yellow walls, this is truly a happy place for travellers.. Iron chairs, white furniture and benches everywhere give this place a vintage look. Lay back in the rope swings or the neatly groomed lawn and munch on the delicious, authentic Cochin breakfast at one of the best maintained backpacker hostels in South India. The hostel features dorms for six to eight people, a women-only pod and a couples dorm.

Cost: Starting at Rs 500 Rs.

We have taken away your financial complaints with this list. Now get up from that couch, grab the backpack and off you go!

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