Hi there!
Zostels are among the hostels in Kerala, and this brand is an ever-expanding chain of backpacker hostels in India.
As of summer 2019, there are 4 Zostel hostels in Kerala:
- Zostel Kochi in Fort Cochin
- Zostel Alleppey near Alleppey Beach
- Zostel Wayanad
- Zostel Vagamon
So, if you’re looking for hostels in Kerala, have a look at these comfortable budget accommodation stays!
All the Zostels I’ve stayed at in India (Kochi, Alleppey, Mumbai, Gokarna) have had AC rooms, and I think this is standard across all Zostels in India.
They have more locations all across India in popular backpacker destinations.
The AC dorm rooms also mean that you’ll pay a small premium for this extra convenience and you will likely be able to find cheaper hostels in any city where there’s a Zostel.
Zostel isn’t for the extreme backpacker on a super budget, but if you want a little bit of extra comfort while having a place to be able to meet others, you just may like staying at a Zostel in Kerala.
No matter which Zostel you stay at in India, you can expect common areas and friendly people, which can make them a good place for solo travelers to stay.
As far as accommodation, you can get both dorm beds and private rooms.
For other parts of India, see where to go for hostels in Goa, Rajasthan, and hostels across India.
Now…
Here are a few reasons to love each of these hostels in Kerala
…of the ones I have been to!
Fort Cochin hostel
5 things to do when staying at Zostel Kochi
1. Eat a healthy breakfast
Breakfast isn’t free, but you can go for a healthy fruit-filled breakfast here.
2. Chill on the rooftop in the common area
3. Walk around the main area of Fort Cochin that’s just a few minutes walk away
Since Fort Cochin is not really that big of an area, staying at Zostel Kochi means that it’s just a short walk to the cute colonial buildings, as well as places to eat.
4. Rent a bicycle to go cycling around Cochin
You can rent a bicycle (or a scooter) directly at Zostel which can be very convenient.
You can start your bike ride immediately without having to go anywhere!
5. Book a backwaters canoe day tour
This is a backwaters tour that will likely be around Vaikom in Alleppey district so it includes the ride to and from Alleppey.
The cost of this full-day backwaters tour from Cochin will probably be around 800 rupees (US$11).
If you book a canoe tour through Zostel, DO make sure to eat breakfast before the tour!
This seemed like it was the top tip from people who took the canoe tour from Cochin.
If you take a standard full-day canoe tour in Alleppey, it’ll come with breakfast AND lunch.
But with a canoe tour from Cochin, you won’t get breakfast, so be sure to eat ahead of time, or bring snacks with you!
Otherwise, people seemed to like this tour.
If you’ll be going to Alleppey as a part of your backpacking Kerala itinerary, go for a canoe tour from Alleppey instead of Cochin!
Where is Zostel Kochi located?
Once again, with Fort Cochin not being too big of an area, you can say this is located in a pretty convenient area.
Although when arriving to Cochin, you might be coming from the Ernakulam bus station or Ernakulam ferry station, in which case see how to get from Ernakulam to Fort Cochin.
Type in “Zostel Kochi” below (partner website) along with your travel dates (or any future date) for an idea of how much this hostel in Kerala costs.
Alleppey Beach hostel
5 things to do when staying at Zostel Alleppey
1. Chill on the rooftop with views of the ocean
Similar to Zostel Kochi, there’s a rooftop common area at Zostel Alleppey too.
But in Alleppey, you get ocean views!
2. Chill on the ground floor where there’s a common area
3. Head to Alleppey Beach that’s a 5 second walk from the property
4. Make your own food at the kitchen after buying food from an Alleppey grocery store
5. Book a backwaters day tour
You can book a Kerala backwaters canoe tour or kayak tour through Zostel.
The Alleppey canoe tour will likely be around 1,000 rupees (US$14) for a full day tour, and the Alleppey kayaking tour will likely be around 1,500 rupees (US$20) for a half day tour.
Where is Zostel Alleppey located?
You now know that it’s located practically on the beach.
Aside from that, it’s located about a 10-15 minute rickshaw ride from the Alleppey bus station and Alleppey ferry station.
Type in “Zostel Alleppey” below along with your travel dates (or any future date) for an idea of how much this hostel in Kerala costs.
HAPPY ZOSTEL HOSTEL STAY IN KERALA!
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