The Best Hostels to Book in Bangalore, India

Cuckoo Hostel, established by local resident Rajat Kukreja, aims to reduce its ecological footprint and promote sustainable living. It is the only hostel in Bangalore that produces zero waste and was constructed with reusable materials. Their beds are made out of old industrial packaging, disposed shoe racks make up the bookshelves, kitchen slabs are transformed into sinks, furniture and fixtures are made from old and broken articles and all electrical appliances are energy efficient. What’s more, their food is prepared using vegetables and greens sourced from the hostel’s terrace garden, where they are grown in old tyres. Room options include two dormitories and three private rooms, some of which are adorned with murals by local artists. The property also features a common room, a library and a jam room. Bicycles are available for rent to travel around the city; plus, movie nights and workshops are held regularly to keep guests entertained.

Bangalore’s most beloved hostel is located in Indiranagar and offers six-person mixed dorms (both AC and non-AC), one female-only dorm with AC and a private bedroom without AC. The dorms are well-maintained and come equipped with lockers, blankets, clean sheets and access to the nearby Dreamcatcher Cafe, where guests can enjoy a free breakfast. Electric Cats Annexe Hostel also has a place for luggage storage, a rooftop terrace to meet new people and offers guests a hand in securing a local SIM card and booking transportation tickets. Although the property doesn’t come with a kitchen, the neighbourhood is dotted with quirky cafes and restaurants.

Part of a well-trusted chain of hostels in the country, Backpacker Panda Bengaluru is nestled in Indiranagar, a perfect spot for both food enthusiasts and party-goers. It offers a mix of private rooms and dorms with bunk beds at affordable prices, free wifi throughout the premises, air conditioning in all the rooms, a kitchen, coin-operated laundry facilities, a cosy sitting area with hand-painted murals adorning the walls and boards games. Their staff is on-hand to help teach guests a few words or phrases in the local language to make their trip smoother.

Located just a short stroll away from many of the city’s important landmarks – Bangalore Palace, National Gallery of Modern Art and Cubbon Park – Locul.Uptown boasts not only a prime location, but also the ultimate in comfort to make guests feel right at home. There are several room options available to accommodate all budgets and needs, from standard and deluxe four-bed mixed dorms to deluxe six-bed (female-only option available) and two-bed mixed dorms. The hostel also caters to those who’d prefer a little extra privacy with deluxe rooms available for solo travellers and two-person guests. It has a desk to book tours as well as a library, lockers, free breakfast and wifi, car and bicycle rentals, laundry facilities and yoga sessions to make the stay even more pleasant.

Just a stone’s throw away from the famous Cubbon Park and steps away from the sprawling UB City mall, Social Rehab Downtown is a perfect choice for those who want to stay right in the thick of the action. The property has both AC and non-AC all-female, all-male and mixed dorms with bunk beds. Private rooms are also available with attached bathrooms. Guests can spend their day on the hostel terrace, which offers a beautiful view of the city’s skyline or at the game room filled with board games, a pool table, play stations and DVDs. Their other selling points include free wifi, hot showers, laundry and an in-house cook who is available to prepare home-cooked meals for guests.

Strategically located in Indiranagar, one of the top startup hubs in the city, Construkt Startup Hostel is India’s first startup hostel. It caters primarily to travelling entrepreneurs and startup founders, with rooms tastefully designed with bright colours and artwork. Their facilities include a self-catering kitchen, a laundry room, wifi and a meeting space and lounge area where guests can mingle with like-minded individuals. The hostel also hosts a number of startup related events, including a radio show on entrepreneurship and an annual startup festival. Their second branch is located in Koramangala.

The Little Blue Window Hostel is situated in the BTM Layout, close to restaurants, shops and malls. Rather than bunk beds, the rooms are equipped with single or double beds. The accommodation also boasts a terrace and a lounge area where guests can meet new people and socialise as well as free WiFi and cable TV facilities. There are only hot beverages available on the premises but the place comes equipped with a self-catering kitchen for people to prep their own meals.

Manyana Hostel is close enough to the city’s main attractions but far enough to offer a quiet night’s sleep. Located in the quaint bylane of Koramangala, this charming home turned hostel comes furnished with modern facilities and amenities. The property has dorms that can accommodate up to eight people and offers comforts such as free wifi, a washing machine, a kitchen, a beautiful garden, an outdoor seating area and a games room. Comfortable and homey, it’s a good-quality option available at a reasonable price.