A bustling cultural hotbed, Delhi is one of the country’s most visited cities. The city sees an influx of travelers and tourists around the country. Some explore its rich heritage and others use it as a stopover for continuing their journeys across the country. For travelers on a tight budget, the city didn’t have many options until few years back (we’re looking at you, Paharganj!) . We list some stellar backpacking hostels the city has to offer
Moustache Hostel
Brainchild of Ambar Jalan, Moustache Hostel is popular with travelers on a budget. Located in the serene area of GK, the hostel offers 64 beds spread over 8 dormitories. The vibe of this space is electric. The hostel offers free wi-fi, breakfast, drinking water, lockers, board games, a chiller common room and a beautiful landscaped terrace. They also host terrace gardening workshops with Edible Routes. Moustache Hostel also has a counterpart in Jaipur. Check them out here.
Where: S 25, Greater Kailash 1, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Kailash Colony
Price range: 600 (for a bed in a dorm) to 2500 (for a private room)
Zostel
The hostel that started it all in India- Zostel is now a strapping startup that looks to change the way India travels. Started by a group of 10 friends for travelers to enjoy a serene lodging experience while travelling, Zostel has been consistently offering excellent services at super pocket-friendly prices. The common rooms see a flux of activity with travelers discussing politics, travel plans and swapping stories. Expect fast wifi, stocked kitchen , common rooms with board games, Playstations, A/C, lockers and laundry services. Zostel is present across the country. Check them out here.
Where: 5, Ara Kashan Road, Opposite New Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk
Price range: Rs 550 (for a bed in a dorm) to Rs 2100 (for a luxury suite)
The Madpackers Hostel
The Madpackers Hostel, located in Panchsheel Park has gained rave review since its opening in 2014. Impeccable ambiance, squeaky clean bathrooms, spotless linen and amiable staff has earned this hostel the title of being India’s best hostel by Hostelworld. Mixed dorms, women-only dorms as well as private rooms are available. Their breakfast is unlimited, much like the wifi and good cheer. Madpackers also organizes curated trip across the city and to some nearby towns. Check them out here.
Where: 39A, Third Floor, Panchsheel Park (south Block), New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas
Price range: Rs 600 to Rs 900
Stops Hostel
Stops is an unassuming cheerful place bang in the middle of Old Delhi. Your mascots for the stay will be 3 furry companions who love to sprawl around. Stops is done up tastefully, has an excellent library of books, documentaries and films. Within the price of your dorm, you get free WiFi, access to tours around the city, breakfast, clean linen, parking, A/C and lots of chai. Check them out here.
Where: 4/B, 23, Asaf Ali Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
Price range : Starts at Rs 650 (for a bed in a dorm)
Joey’s
Joey’s Hostel is a refreshing change from South-Delhi hostel properties. Located in Laxmi Nagar, Joey’s Hostel offers clean, hassle-free and safe accommodation to travelers from around the world. Play on their Xbox or avail the services of their washing machine (lucky travelers!) or just hang around in their common area chatting with fellow travelers. Check them here.
Where: 1/49, Lalita Park, Main Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Laxmi Nagar
Price range: Rs 499 (for a bed in 10-seater dorm) to Rs 649 (for a bed in a 4-seater dorm)
Jugaad Hostel
A hostel that glorifies the Indian art of being resourceful lives upto its name. From their upcycled wooden pallet beds to rustic walls to vegetable cart tables, Jugaad Hostel is different from your usual backpacker hostels. The large terrace is perfect for basking in the sun and watching countless movies at nights. Jugaad has a strong following, owing to their focus on providing clean, safe and a friendly environment for their guests.
Where: F-128, Jhandu Mansion, R.K. Puram, New Delhi
Nearest metro station: Hauz Khas
Price range: Rs 600 (for a bed in a 10-seater dorm) to Rs 800 (for a bed in a 6-seater dorm)
The Hosteller
The Hosteller’s Delhi edition is located in the peaceful and posh locale of Hauz Khas. Cheery doodled walls follow you around the place. Their terrace often hosts workshops and sessions. Their well-stocked kitchen is open for your culinary experiments and the foosball table ensures entertainement round the clock.
Where: K90 A, Ground Floor, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas Price range: Rs 500 onwards
