Kerala, known for its tropical landscapes, tranquil backwaters, spice plantations, stunning nature reserves, and serene beaches, is a favored destination in India. It offers a range of affordable and sociable accommodations for budget travelers, with numerous backpacker hostels springing up across the state.
While Kerala boasts all the vibrancy and exoticness typical of India, it also stands out as a cleaner, more relaxed region, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country.’ This makes it an ideal starting point for exploring India, especially with the increasing number of backpacker hostels making travel here more enjoyable and accessible.
The Best Backpacker Hostels in Kerala
Backpacker hostels are relatively new to India, but they have quickly gained popularity. Meeting fellow travelers can significantly enhance your experience, and Kerala’s hostels offer the perfect environment for this. Often, the cost of a dorm bed is comparable to that of a budget guesthouse, providing additional social benefits.
Below is a selection of the best backpacker hostels in Kerala, along with a few budget guesthouses and homestays.
Fort Cochin (Kochi)
Fort Cochin is a key destination in Kerala, known for its historic streets and iconic Chinese fishing nets. It is also a hub for backpacker hostels, offering a base to explore the region’s backwaters, hill stations, and beaches.
- Maritime by The Hostel Crowd: A vibrant hostel in a renovated Dutch colonial building near the old town and fishing nets, featuring large common areas.
- The Happy Camper Hostel: A boutique hostel with cozy rooms and friendly staff, located close to Fort Cochin’s historic center.
- Vedanta Wake Up Hostel: Offers excellent facilities and common areas, located near the Chinese fishing nets.
Alleppey
Alleppey, the gateway to the Kerala Backwaters, is a must-visit location.
- Bamboostix: An eco-friendly backpacker resort on an island in Lake Vembanad, offering free boat pickups, hammocks, and occasional events.
- Vedanta Wake Up in Alleppey: Situated close to town with lush green lawns, this hostel helps organize backwater tours.
Varkala
Varkala is Kerala’s top backpacker hangout, known for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant traveler scene.
- Vedanta Wake Up on the Sunny Cliffs: Located five minutes from the cliff top, offering dorms, private rooms, and bamboo eco huts.
- Mango House: An affordable option opposite Vedanta Hostel.
- Heavenly Breeze Beach Resort: Just five minutes from the beach with spacious rooms.
- Royal Pine Huts: Offers bright rooms between the cliff and temple area.
Munnar
Munnar is celebrated for its cool climate and tea plantations.
- Vedanta Wake Up in Munnar: Located 7km from Munnar town, surrounded by tea plantations, offering a restaurant and organized activities.
Periyar
Periyar is known for its wildlife sanctuary, with accommodations in Kumily (Thekkady/Periyar).
- Vedanta Wake Up in Kumily: Centrally located with easy access to wildlife sanctuary activities.
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
Kerala’s capital offers a laid-back vibe, interesting museums, and the golden Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
- Vedanta Wake Up in Trivandrum: A modern hostel near the train station.
Kovalam
Kovalam is a popular beach resort near Trivandrum, famous for its scenic lighthouse.
- Vedanta Wake Up by the Lighthouse: A new hostel with an Ayurvedic spa, restaurant, and sociable activities, close to Lighthouse Beach.
Wayanad
Wayanad, in the Western Ghats, is known for its wild nature, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Devaki’s Kitchen Village Guesthouse: A simple family homestay in a spice plantation, offering local activities and volunteering opportunities.
- Vedanta Wake Up in Wayanad: Located near Edakkal Caves and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.
For more tips and recommendations on visiting Kerala, check out the comprehensive Kerala Guide.
