The solo traveller is a much celebrated person in today’s jovial society. Goa’s tourist influx has seen a constant rise in the number of such explorers. The vacationing concept is drifting away from the worn idea of sightseeing, tourist guides and following an itinerary. Remote locations in and around Goa are being photographed more. More bonfires, and less hotel room lights are lit. More dusty tracks and less roads are taken. More shacks and less fine diners are chosen. More hostels and less hotels are filling up.
And that is exactly what Goa is testament to. With backpackers and travellers exploring the many hidden spots along Goa’s coastline, the state’s hospitality towards these explorers keeps getting better. A number of hostels catering specifically to this young generation has sprung up in various locations across the state. Facilities such as lockers, common rooms, WiFi and bicycle on rent make these set-ups the perfect place to crash for the night, and hit the road rejuvenated the next day.
Here are some of the establishments across the Goan map, with the order in which they are mentioned holding no significance to their performance or ranking.
North Goa
1. Zostel Goa
Location: Calangute
At a stone’s throw away from the beach, the location is just the one of the many undeniable reasons to choose Zostel as your host. An old Portuguese style house transformed into a cozy, colourful and fun-filled den, Zostel pampers its guests with excellent hospitality and comfort. The staff here is incredibly friendly and considerate towards the guests’ needs. Air conditioning, lockers, and WiFi is provided to every guest here. In case you’re bored, you can go head to head with your fellow roomies on some classic board games. The book exchange here also gives you a couple of good reads to pass time.
Courtesy: www.hostelbookers.com
Contact Details:
Address : House no 3/15,Tivai vaddo beach road, Calangute, Bardez,Goa
Contact No : 011 3958 9002
Website : www.zostel.com
2. The Funky Monkey Hostel
Location: Anjuna-Bardez
Lots of greenery and open areas welcome you to this youthful hostel. Breakfast is included during your stay here. The management here loves bean bags; you can find them almost everywhere around the hostel. And it’s surely having the desired effect! The Funky Monkey is a great place to be in, thanks to their motto of community living in perfect sync with the environment. Whether you’re having brunch or playing foosball, socialising is the way to go at The Funky Monkey. Because the more, the merrier isn’t it? We’re convinced!
Courtesy: www.hostelbookers.com
Contact Details:
Address : 773 san minguel vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Contact No : 09689988629
FaceBook Page : @thefunkymonkeyhostel
3. Happy Panda Hostel
Location: Arambol
A 10 minute walk from the calming Arambol beach, this neat hostel is doing everything right. The happiness quotient is at an all time high here, with a hangout area, soothing music and soft lighting calling you to your happy place. Located at an hour’s drive from Dabolim Airport, the staff at Happy Panda also provide pick-ups from the airport on request.
Courtesy: www.hostelbookers.com
Contact Details :
Address : Madhlawada, Arambol, Goa 403524
Contact No : 09637134331
Website : happypanda.in/
4. Backpacker Panda
Location: Candolim
A spacious bungalow converted into a hostel, Backpacker Panda speaks for itself. Serving in 6 locations across the country, this hostel chain knows how to do their business. The staff is attentive and friendly, and their service is prompt. It is located close to the airport and Mapusa Bus Stand and the beach is also a short walk from here. Chug a beer, meet new people, and have a comfortable stay at Backpacker Panda.
Courtesy: www.hostelbookers.com
Contact Details :
Address : #1116, Anna Vaddo, Ximer, Candolim, Goa 403515
Contact No : 08448444604
Website : www.backpackerpanda.com
5. Roadhouse Hostels, Goa
Location: Anjuna-Bardez
The graffiti alone will pull you inside this cozy establishment. And once you’re inside, accommodative staff, convenient facilities and interesting travellers will keep you covered during your stay. Getting a bike from here is easy, thanks to a rent shop just beside the hostel. Cleanliness is well maintained too at Roadhouse Hostels, Goa.
Courtesy: www.hostelbookers.com
Contact Details :
Address : #954, Grand Peddem, Off Flea Market Road, Near German Bakery, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Contact No : 07313301301
Website : www.roadhousehostels.com
6. WonderLand Hostel
Location : Anjuna
With an aim to provide an open environment with various creative corners for artists, creators and lovers of life who devote their life to moments, WonderLand is set in Anjuna, just 300 metres from Anjuna Flea Market . With different types of installations, instruments, music, paints, colors, hammocks, sunbeds, garden chilling areas, fields and beautiful people there is immense creative energy floating all around the place to help you escape from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
Courtesy : www.booking.com
Contact Details :
Address : Monteiro Waddo, Anjuna, Goa
Contact Number: 08692993770
Website : wonderlandhostel.com
7. Pappi Chulo
Location : Vagator
Set in Vagator & just a km away from the Chapora Fort, Pappi Chulo Hostel is literally a backpacker’s home away from home. The funky pictures and murals on the walls give the place a cool vibe. The hostel has comfy dorms and crazy communal areas including a living room, kitchen area and a breezy garden. It has a bar in its garden, movie nights and an international vibe of travellers just hanging out. Their themed dorms have lockers and bunk beds.
Contact Number : 90751 35343
Address : Ozran Beach Rd, Vagator, Goa
Website : Pappi Chulo Hostels
South Goa
1. SUMMER – thehostelcrowd
Location: Palolem
The designers of this attractive hostel had only one thing in mind – an awesome time at the beach! Located just 300m from Palolem beach, you could go dip in the warm waters and then hop back here for a hot bath and some fries with beer. Painted in the bright colours of summer, the hostel is aptly named too. Breakfast is included during your stay here. And in case you’re stomach churns during odd hours, a cafe, restaurant and bar provide you with ample options. Some of thehostelcrowd’s other establishments up north are PRISON, JUNGLE and OLD QUARTER.
Courtesy: www.hostelbookers.com
Contact Details :
Address : House Number 99, Ourem Road, Palolem Goa
Contact No : 0832 264 3406
Website : thehostelcrowd.com/summerhostel
2. Castello’s Tourist Nest
Location: Benaulim
If you’re looking for a small, quiet place to spend your time in South Goa, head to Castello’s Tourist Nest. Bicycles are provided to guests for ease of travel to nearby areas and pick-ups from Madgao Railway Station can also be arranged on payment. Castello’s Beach Shack and Coco Huts Restaurant offer you a variety of dishes and flavours to choose from.
Courtesy: www.hostelbookers.com, TripAdvisor
Contact Details :
Address : Colva Rd, Benaulim, Goa 403716
Contact No : 0832 277 1858
3. Castle House Palolem
Location: South-End Palolem Beach, Canacona
Castle House offers shared dorms only for males. But the place also has private rooms to cater to all guests. Breakfast, WiFi and air conditioning is provided to all guests. In case you plan on spending the day inside, you can fancy a swim in the outdoor swimming pool or try your hand at the pool table.
Courtesy: TripAdvisor
Contact Details :
Address : Major District Road 49, Palolem, Canacona, Goa 403702
Contact No : 07798170541
Website : castlehouse.in
So now you know what to do during your next Goa trip. Choose the bean bag over the sofa!
