India, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant cities, is a dream destination for backpackers. If you’re looking to explore this incredible country on a budget, staying in hostels can be the perfect solution. Not only do they offer affordable accommodation, but they also provide a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers and make unforgettable memories. Here’s a list of some of the best Budget-Friendly Hostels in India that will make your backpacking journey comfortable and memorable.

1. Hide In, Pushkar, Rajasthan

Location: Choti Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹800

Hide In Pushkar is a charming hostel located in the heart of the serene town of Pushkar. This hostel offers a mix of dormitories and private rooms, all beautifully decorated with a touch of Rajasthani culture. Enjoy the rooftop terrace with stunning views of the town and the nearby hills, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Instagram

2. Rainbow Hostelier, Leh, Ladakh

Location: Karzu Road, Leh, Ladakh
Timing: Open 24/7 (Seasonal)
Average Cost for Two: ₹1200

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Leh, Rainbow Hostelier offers cozy dorms and private rooms that provide a warm respite from the chilly weather outside. With an in-house café serving delicious local cuisine and an outdoor area perfect for stargazing, this hostel ensures a memorable stay in the mountains. Instagram

3. GoStops, Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Location: Club Road, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹1000

Located in the picturesque hill station of Ooty, GoStops offers vibrant, colorful dorms and private rooms. The hostel has a common area with board games, a library, and even a mini-theater. It’s the perfect spot to relax and socialize after a day spent exploring the tea gardens and colonial architecture of Ooty. Instagarm

4. XOXO Hostel, Anjuna, Goa

Location: Anjuna Beach, Goa
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹1500

Just a stone’s throw from the famous Anjuna Beach, XOXO Hostel is a haven for beach lovers. With its laid-back vibe, hammocks, and open-air common spaces, this hostel is ideal for those looking to soak up the sun, surf, and sand. The hostel also organizes regular parties and events, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

5. 3R Residency, Munnar, Kerala

Location: Devikulam, Munnar, Kerala
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹900

Surrounded by lush tea plantations, 3R Residency offers a peaceful retreat in the hills of Munnar. The hostel features clean, comfortable dorms and private rooms, a cozy common area, and a kitchen where guests can cook their own meals. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning views right from the hostel.

Also read: 5 Homestays for Ideal Weekend Getaway from Delhi

6. The Bunker Hostel, Bir, Himachal Pradesh

Location: Bir Road, Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹1000

The Bunker Hostel in Bir is a popular choice for adventure seekers and paragliders. This eco-friendly hostel has dorms and private rooms made from recycled materials, offering a unique and sustainable stay. The hostel also organizes various outdoor activities like trekking, cycling, and paragliding. Instagram

7. House of Backpackers, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Location: Sindhi Camp, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹800

Located in the Pink City, House of Backpackers offers a mix of traditional Rajasthani charm and modern amenities. The hostel features colorful dorms and private rooms, a rooftop café with city views, and a travel desk to help you plan your Jaipur adventures. Don’t miss the evening cultural programs held at the hostel. Instagram

8. WoodPacker Hostel TUF, Auroville, Pondicherry

Location: Auroville Main Road, Pondicherry
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹700

Set in the tranquil township of Auroville, WoodPacker Hostel TUF offers a serene and eco-friendly stay. The hostel has dorms and private rooms with simple, rustic décor, a lush garden, and a communal kitchen. It’s a great base to explore the unique community of Auroville and the nearby beaches. Instagarm

9. The Hosteller, Tapovan, Rishikesh

Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹900

The Hosteller in Rishikesh is perfect for those looking to experience the spiritual and adventurous side of the city. This hostel offers comfortable dorms and private rooms, a rooftop café with stunning views of the Ganges, and organizes yoga sessions, rafting trips, and trekking expeditions.

10. Joey’s Hostel, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Location: Near Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹600

Just a short walk from the iconic Taj Mahal, Joey’s Hostel is a favorite among backpackers visiting Agra. The hostel features bright, spacious dorms and private rooms, a rooftop terrace with views of the Taj Mahal, and a common area where travelers can socialize and exchange stories.

11. Live Free Hostel, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Location: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹700

Located near the famous Assi Ghat, Live Free Hostel offers a vibrant and artistic stay in the spiritual city of Varanasi. The hostel has dorms and private rooms with eclectic décor, a rooftop café, and organizes various activities like boat rides, yoga sessions, and cultural tours.

12. Wabi Sabi Riverside Hostel, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Location: Near Parvati River, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹800

Situated along the serene Parvati River, Wabi Sabi Riverside Hostel is a peaceful retreat in the picturesque village of Kasol. The hostel offers cozy dorms and private rooms, a garden area for relaxation, and organizes various outdoor activities like trekking, fishing, and village tours. Insatgram

13. Dreamyard, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Location: Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹1000

Located near the beautiful Lake Pichola, Dreamyard is a charming hostel offering stunning views of the lake and the City Palace. The hostel features colorful dorms and private rooms, a rooftop café, and organizes city tours and cultural activities. It’s the perfect base to explore the “City of Lakes.” Instagram

14. Zostel, Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

Location: Ramnagar, Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹1200

Situated near the famous Jim Corbett National Park, Zostel offers a rustic yet comfortable stay for nature lovers. The hostel has dorms and private rooms with a safari-style décor, a garden area, and organizes jungle safaris and nature walks. It’s a great place to experience the wilderness of Corbett.

15. ArtBuzz, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Location: Mall Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Timing: Open 24/7
Average Cost for Two: ₹900

Located on the bustling Mall Road, ArtBuzz is a creative and artsy hostel in the hill station of Mussoorie. The hostel features artistic dorms and private rooms, a common area with board games and books, and a rooftop café with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of Mussoorie.

Whether you’re exploring the deserts of Rajasthan, the beaches of Goa, the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, or the spiritual cities of Uttar Pradesh, these hostels provide affordable and comfortable stays with the added bonus of meeting like-minded travelers. So pack your bags, put on your backpack, and get ready to explore the incredible diversity of India on a budget!