The Hosteller Blogs

Travel news, tips and guides

3 mins read

Love munching on Chikkis? Here’s the story behind it

“Ayeee, chikki le chikkiii!” You’ve probably heard this at least once while travelling by bus or on Indian Railways within Maharashtra. Chikki - a simple sweet made by mixing jaggery and peanuts is found almost everywhere, from roadside chai tapris to fancy grocery stores. But where can you find it most? The answer is simple, Lonavla. A popular hill station best known for its chikki. This humble treat has a fascinating story to tell. Read on to discover the origins of Lonavala’s famous chikki.

02 Mar, 2025

FOOD & DRINK

3 minutes read

27 Feb, 2025

Bangalorean Bunny? Here are 7 adventurous spots to explore around Marathahalli

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’s epic re-release left us all with the feeling of escapism & banjarapan ka ehsaas. We all just wanted to pack our bags, call our college friends, book a train ticket & jump off some mountain peak yelling, "Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon… bas rukna nahi chahta!" But then again, reality hit hui na? Aur office se chhutti nahi mili?

4 mins read read

26 Feb, 2025

Vanishing icons of Bangalore – tracing the city's landscape before the IT boom

A compilation of 14 different icons, be it landmarks, food items and so on, that were once integral to Bangalore's identity and have gradually faded due to urbanization and changing societal preferences. This blog is a heartfelt tribute to the city's rich heritage.

ITINERARY

DESTINATIONS

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Finding Jadoo - my first visit to Kasauli

4 minutes read

25 Feb, 2025

Finding Jadoo - my first visit to Kasauli

I was 20 when I first visited Kasauli. One of the reasons was Rakesh Roshan’s Koi Mil Gaya—probably India’s first alien movie. It painted a picture in my head, instilling this desire to visit a hill station as beautiful as the one shown in the movie at least once. Years later, it happened. When the ‘ghumakkad’ in me came to my senses, a desire arose - to pitch my tent and watch the stars (probably with a girl) at a hill station where the sky was as clear as water.

DESTINATIONS

Everything you can do in Kasauli in 2 days

3 minutes read

25 Feb, 2025

Everything you can do in Kasauli in 2 days

Why should anyone visit Kasauli? What makes this place so special that you would choose it over other destinations? Here are three simple reasons. First, Kasauli is really beautiful. It is surrounded by greenery, far from the chaos of the city, and has a peaceful atmosphere. Second, there are many attractions nearby, including Sunrise Point, churches, temples, museums, and numerous other spots. Third, it’s conveniently located close to Chandigarh. If you’re from Chandigarh, there’s a good chance you’ve visited at least once. But if you’re not from Chandigarh (or if you are and haven't visited), then this blog is for you. In this guide, we’ll take you through the perfect two-day itinerary for exploring Kasauli.

ITINERARY

Kasauli’s 7 best eateries & shopping spots you can’t miss!

3 minutes read

25 Feb, 2025

Kasauli’s 7 best eateries & shopping spots you can’t miss!

You know that feeling when you're walking through misty pine forests, the wind is playing with your hair and you can feel that saundhi si khushboo in your surroundings? The one that smells like freshness and adventure at the same time? Yes! That's Kasauli for you. Welcome to Kasauli, the hill town that’s equal parts dreamy Bollywood backdrop and a party animal’s ultimate weekend getaway spot. This little Himachali wonderland is brimming with adorable cafes and shopping gems that will make you want to pack your bags faster than Akshay Kumar running in early 2000s movies!

FOOD & DRINK

Bun Gulab Jamun– Overrated or worth the hype?

3 mins read

25 Feb, 2025

Bun Gulab Jamun– Overrated or worth the hype?

Is Bun Gulab Jamun in Kasauli just social media hype or a must-try delight? Uncover its story, taste, and whether it’s truly worth the buzz!

FOOD & DRINK

If Indian cities were people, would you be friends with them?

5 Minutes read

24 Feb, 2025

If Indian cities were people, would you be friends with them?

“Tereko pata hai, best sunset kaha dikhega? Marine Drive pe!" Mumbai said, taking a bite of his vada pav. "First of all, it's ‘Tumhe,’ not ‘Tereko,’” Pune corrected. "And the best sunset? Obviously from Sinhagad!" Bir laughed and added, "Why not watch it from the sky? Let’s go paragliding!” Udaipur had a different suggestion. "Arre, the best sunset is by the lake, with Rajasthani folk music.” Delhi said, "Arrey, sunset chhodo, road trip le lo pahadon pe!" "Then come to my place," Chakrata replied. Goa had more opinions, "Sunset by the beach is the best. And if you want mountains, I’ve got that too.” This isn’t just a casual conversation, it’s Indian cities talking! Ever wondered what they’d be like if they were people? How do they talk? How do they introduce themselves? We imagined them for you! Read the blog and let us know if you’d like us to cover more cities.

DESTINATIONS

Shivratri - a journey through traditions, culture & festivities

3 mins read

23 Feb, 2025

Shivratri - a journey through traditions, culture & festivities

Explore the vibrant traditions, cultural significance & grand festivities of Shivratri across India, celebrating Lord Shiva with devotion & joy.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Why Dalhousie should be your next travel destination?

3 Minutes read

29 Jan, 2025

Why Dalhousie should be your next travel destination?

"Mujhe pahadon mein jana hai, phir se Himalaya dekhna hai, bike rides, sunrise, bonfire jalana hai." Remember when Jordan from Rockstar said this? It all kicked in, right? Did you feel like heading to the mountains too? Living the mountain life, forgetting the world? Then what are you waiting for? The Himalayas, bike rides, sunrises, and bonfires, you’ll find it all in Dalhousie. Here are some of the best reasons to visit Dalhousie:

DESTINATIONS

A local's guide to the best food and shopping in Dalhousie

3 mins read

29 Jan, 2025

A local's guide to the best food and shopping in Dalhousie

If you think Dalhousie is just another pretty hill station in Himachal, think again! No, this place isn’t just about the views, the food and shopping scene here are totally worth your time. From street food that’ll make you drool to local markets where you can pick up some quirky finds, there’s no shortage of fun in Dalhousie!

FOOD & DRINK

Hit the road: Pune’s most zakkas getaways

3 mins read

28 Jan, 2025

Hit the road: Pune’s most zakkas getaways

Hit the road from Pune to explore zakkas getaways like Lonavala, Khandala, Lavasa, Mahabaleshwar, Alibaug, Bhandardara, Nashik, and even Goa!

Dalhousie unplugged- Must do experiences for an epic trip!

3 mins read

28 Jan, 2025

Dalhousie unplugged- Must do experiences for an epic trip!

Discover Dalhousie’s best! From scenic treks to waterfalls, adventure to culture—this guide covers all the must-do experiences for an epic trip!

DESTINATIONS

Everything you can do in Dalhousie in 2 days

3 Minutes read

28 Jan, 2025

Everything you can do in Dalhousie in 2 days

This little hill station is hidden between 5 mountains. Dalhousie: a charming town in Himachal that you should visit at least once. It's not very popular among tourists, so it’s less crowded. Plus, Dalhousie is small enough to cover the entire town in just two days. And then? You can head over to explore Khajjiar and Chamba.

ITINERARY

Pune guide- Everything you need to know before coming to Pune

4 Minutes read

23 Jan, 2025

Pune guide- Everything you need to know before coming to Pune

"Pune - Jo ithe aala, ithlach jhala." This Marathi quote translates to: "Whoever came here, became one with this place." Curious why? Read on to find out! The world knows Pune as the Oxford of the East, the IT hub. Pune is not just an IT hub or educational center; it’s also a city rich in culture and heritage. So, if you're shifting to Pune for studies, a job, or just want to explore the city, here's the ultimate guide about Pune: what to eat, where to stay, the culture, and everything you need to know about this city.

DESTINATIONS

7 reasons why Pune should be your next travel destination

3 mins read

17 Jan, 2025

7 reasons why Pune should be your next travel destination

There’s a famous saying in Marathi that goes, ‘Pune tithe kay une,’ which roughly means, ‘Pune lacks nothing.’ And honestly, it’s true, well almost. Sure, Pune doesn't have a sea (hi, Mumbaikars!), but who needs salty air?

DESTINATIONS

10 jagaat bhaari adventures to try in and around Pune

3 mins read

17 Jan, 2025

10 jagaat bhaari adventures to try in and around Pune

Discover 5 thrilling adventures near Pune! From trekking to paragliding, dive into adrenaline-packed experiences for an unforgettable escapade.

ADVENTURE

9 places for short weekend trips from Pune

3 Minutes read

17 Jan, 2025

9 places for short weekend trips from Pune

Hello Punekars, Feeling tired of the city's hustle and bustle after a long week of work? We get it! Sometimes, we all need a short break from the city to recharge. Well, Pune is close to so many beautiful and fun places. And we know it is hard to choose. That's why we've listed some fantastic places to spend your weekend. Here we go!

DESTINATIONS

Best way to spend 3 days in Pune - India’s quintessential college town

4 Minutes read

17 Jan, 2025

Best way to spend 3 days in Pune - India’s quintessential college town

Let’s keep it simple, this blog is about Pune itineraries. Since we want you to come and stay with us at The Hosteller, Pune, we will help you plan the best itinerary possible for different durations of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days. Now, before we begin talking about the ifs and buts, here’s a disclaimer: this blog would be one of the first times we use ‘quintessential’ to describe a city. Pune is a quintessential college town with a laid back atmosphere. Alsipan is in the air everywhere, but it still feels nice. Here’s how to spend your time in Pune in the best way possible.

ITINERARY

Pune SUPERFAST express - local street food & cafe guide

3 mins read

16 Jan, 2025

Pune SUPERFAST express - local street food & cafe guide

Zoom through Pune's food scene with this guide to the best street eats and quirky cafes—your ultimate SUPERFAST foodie adventure!

FOOD & DRINK

Mahakumbh 2025: A once-in-144 years phenomenon

3 mins read

14 Jan, 2025

Mahakumbh 2025: A once-in-144 years phenomenon

Explore the grandeur of Mahakumbh 2025, a rare spiritual event that unites millions for sacred rituals, marking a once-in-144 years phenomenon of faith and devotion.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Top 8 haunted places in Mumbai for the THRILL SEEKERS

3 Minutes read

13 Jan, 2025

Top 8 haunted places in Mumbai for the THRILL SEEKERS

Mumbai is the city that never sleeps. While some areas of Mumbai buzz at night with clubs and nightlife, others fall into a mysterious, eerie silence—a silence that screams louder than the city’s chaos in its own eerie way. These are the stories of such haunted places in Mumbai: a society with 20 unnatural deaths, a famous tourist spot that turns into a nightmare at midnight, a popular film set, and many more. Sounds interesting? To know the other side of the coin, read on and discover the 8 most haunted places in Mumbai.

DESTINATIONS

Explore the amazing nightlife in ‘aamchi Mumbai’

3 mins read

13 Jan, 2025

Explore the amazing nightlife in ‘aamchi Mumbai’

Aapne yeh toh suna hi hoga ‘Mumbai is a city that never sleeps’? Well, yeh bass ek kahawat nahi, it’s actually a lifestyle! It’s the spirit of a city that’s always alive. Chahe dupeher ke 4 ho ya subeh ke, Mumbai never stops hustling, grooving and living its best life.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Top 10 locations to visit during Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai: Chala Bappacha darshan gheuya!

3 mins read

12 Jan, 2025

Top 10 locations to visit during Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai: Chala Bappacha darshan gheuya!

Experience the grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai! From Lalbaug to Girgaon, discover the top 10 spots for divine darshan. Chala, Bappachya darshan gheyuya!

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Top 12 Vada Pav spots picked by Mumbaikars

3 mins read

12 Jan, 2025

Top 12 Vada Pav spots picked by Mumbaikars

Craving Mumbai’s favorite snack? Discover the top 12 vada pav spots, handpicked by Mumbaikars, for the ultimate taste of this iconic street food delight!

FOOD & DRINK

101 things to do around Mumbai

4 Minutes read

08 Jan, 2025

101 things to do around Mumbai

Here’s a funny thing about Mumbai, every good vacation spot is outside the city. For those who’ve been living in the city forever (and those who feel they’ve been living here forever), and those who have a few more days to spend in Mumbai, we’ve got an exhaustive list of things to do around Mumbai. Time kam hai aur karne ko bahut kuch! Read, think, and go!

DESTINATIONS

5 days Mumbai itinerary - the best you can find

4 mins read

07 Jan, 2025

5 days Mumbai itinerary - the best you can find

Discover the ultimate 5-day Mumbai itinerary, packed with iconic landmarks, local experiences, food hotspots, and cultural gems for an unforgettable trip!

ITINERARY

From Vada Pav to Pav Bhaji - here’s an AAMCHI food guide to Mumbai

4 Minutes read

06 Jan, 2025

From Vada Pav to Pav Bhaji - here’s an AAMCHI food guide to Mumbai

"Mumbai ranked 5th in the World’s Best Food Cities!" We saw this headline and knew we HAD to write this blog. How could we not? Now that The Hosteller has a new property in Mumbai, we are keeping an eye on every news related to it. Street food here is as diverse as the city itself. So a Mumbaikar decided to guide non-Mumbaikar about everything related to Mumbai street food. But before that, if you plan to visit Mumbai and aren’t sure where to stay, book at The Hosteller. Why, you ask? Because it’s affordable, in a prime location, and our domes and rooms are chef’s kiss. So book now! (ye dhamki hai). Okay! Now we can start.

FOOD & DRINK

Ultimate bucket list for couples: 51 things to do together in 2025

3 mins read

05 Jan, 2025

Ultimate bucket list for couples: 51 things to do together in 2025

Discover 51 exciting ideas for couples to bond, explore, and create unforgettable memories in 2025 with this ultimate bucket list of fun activities!

ADVENTURE

Mumbai in a nutshell - a non-Mumbaikar’s POV

4 Minutes read

02 Jan, 2025

Mumbai in a nutshell - a non-Mumbaikar’s POV

If you ask a Mumbaikar to talk about the city, they’d end up writing a book about it and yet not feel like they have done enough. If you read that book, the city will feel nothing less than a dream come true - flawless and perfect in every aspect. We all can understand and agree, it won’t be on them. A Delhiwala would do the same. So will a Kolkata wala. Like people say, no parent would call their kid imperfect. But you need a sane, unbiased and well-experienced view about the city to know what you are in for. Considering that, here’s a non-Mumbaikars’ POV on Mumbai – a travel guide that will give you an objective view on the city.

DESTINATIONS

1234...12Next

Destinations

‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌