The Hosteller Blogs

Travel news, tips and guides

4 mins read

Kodaikanal’s best-kept secrets: Where to eat & shop like a local!

Discover Kodaikanal’s hidden gems! Explore local eateries, unique shopping spots, and secret hangouts for an authentic experience in the hills.

27 Mar, 2025

FOOD & DRINK

4 mins read

27 Mar, 2025

Kodaikanal unplugged – Your ultimate travel checklist for a hassle-free trip

Plan a stress-free Kodaikanal getaway with this ultimate travel checklist! From must-pack essentials to top experiences, get ready for a smooth trip.

TRAVEL HACKS

4 Minutes read

26 Mar, 2025

7 dishes you JUST can’t miss in Alleppey

Let’s come straight to the point. Because why do we need a hook to talk about Kerala food? And let’s be honest—Kerala food needs no introduction (And a hook). It’s enough to make a foodie stop and read the whole thing. In this blog we’re not just giving you a list of dishes; we’re giving you a personal guide, one that comes from the heart (and stomach) of a fellow foodie. So, if you’re in Alleppey and wondering what to eat, this is for you.

FOOD & DRINK

Gurgaon SHOPPING and FOOD - a guide we loved writing

4 mins read

26 Mar, 2025

Gurgaon SHOPPING and FOOD - a guide we loved writing

Explore Gurgaon's best shopping spots and food havens, from luxe malls to street treats. A guide we loved creating for every shopaholic and foodie!

FOOD & DRINK

Warning! This Leh food & shopping guide will leave you super hungry & broke!

3 mins read

25 Mar, 2025

Warning! This Leh food & shopping guide will leave you super hungry & broke!

Let’s be real—no trip is complete without two things: good food and some solid shopping. And Leh? Oh, it delivers on both! Whether you’re stuffing your face with momos after a long day of exploring or getting lost in markets full of quirky souvenirs, there’s no way you’re leaving empty-handed (or on an empty stomach). So, if you’re ready to eat well, shop smart, and make the most of your trip—this guide has got you covered!

ADVENTURE

Is Kodaikanal the dreamy escape you’ve been searching for?

3 mins read

25 Mar, 2025

Is Kodaikanal the dreamy escape you’ve been searching for?

Discover Kodaikanal’s breathtaking landscapes, must-visit spots, travel tips, and hidden gems for a hassle-free and unforgettable hill station getaway!

DESTINATIONS

Leh it be! Your 4-day action-packed itinerary for Leh trip

3 mins read

25 Mar, 2025

Leh it be! Your 4-day action-packed itinerary for Leh trip

Four days, zero dull moments and a lifetime's adventure! Leh is where the mountains touch the sky, the lakes and sky compete over who’s bluer, and the roads come with their gravity-defying magic tricks. Planning a Leh trip sounds exciting until you realise fitting everything into four days is harder than packing light. Don’t worry, we’ve done the homework so you don’t have to.

ADVENTURE

9 things to do in Leh: A trip you won’t stop bragging about!

3 mins read

24 Mar, 2025

9 things to do in Leh: A trip you won’t stop bragging about!

Ever imagined a place where mountains touch the clouds, roads test your biking skills, and lakes look so unreal they belong on your laptop wallpaper? Well, that’s Leh for you!

ADVENTURE

Cheap thrills on a budget: A backpacker’s guide to Nainital

3 minutes read

24 Mar, 2025

Cheap thrills on a budget: A backpacker’s guide to Nainital

Hill stations have a vibe, you know? That cool air, the sound of chappals slapping against the cobbled road, and the smell of chai mixed with Maggi—uff, unbeatable. But when you’re a broke “awara” like me, finding the perfect hill station that doesn’t break the bank is a serious flex. That’s where Nainital comes in—affordable, chill, and full of chhoti-chhoti khushiyan. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly summer escape, this is it. Period.

The story behind Ambalapuzha’s famous Payasam (And why do you need to try it?)

3 Minutes read

23 Mar, 2025

The story behind Ambalapuzha’s famous Payasam (And why do you need to try it?)

The white, cloud-like dish. The one served on the rightmost corner of a Kerala-style banana leaf thali. You know it, don’t you? That sweet, creamy Payasam is made with the perfect blend of rice, milk, and sugar (or jaggery). The dish everyone saves room for, though some just can’t help themselves and dig in as soon as they lay eyes on it. Well, this humble bowl of sweetness isn’t just a dessert. It’s got a story to tell, a story that goes back centuries. Curious? Pull up a chair. Let us take you on a little journey.

FOOD & DRINK

6 epic getaways from Alleppey you JUST can’t miss

4 Minutes read

23 Mar, 2025

6 epic getaways from Alleppey you JUST can’t miss

So, you’ve soaked in the backwaters of Alleppey, stuffed your mouth with puttus (grounded rice steamed with grated coconut and served with curry), and perhaps even caught a killer sunset at Alleppey Beach. Now you’re wondering… “Where to next?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you. There’s no way your Kerala trip ends here. Whether you’re in the mood for beaches, hills, or a peaceful vibe, we’ve made a list of places you can head to next. Fortunately, many of the best spots are just a short ride away from Alleppey. So grab your banana chips and let’s dive in!

DESTINATIONS

Gurgaon guide: From cyber hub to best-kept – a local’s take

3 Min read

21 Mar, 2025

Gurgaon guide: From cyber hub to best-kept – a local’s take

Yeh sheher sirf glass buildings aur traffic ka jungle nahi hai. Gurgaon’s got a vibe. From BYOB joints to peaceful nature spots and crazy nightlife to street-style food—you’ll get everything here if you know where to look. So here’s my asli local Gurgaon travel guide for you. Bonus: We’ll tell you about the best-kept secrets (except the buried ones).

DESTINATIONS

Beyond Gurgaon: top day trips and weekend getaways you can't miss

3 Min read

20 Mar, 2025

Beyond Gurgaon: top day trips and weekend getaways you can't miss

Gurgaon is great, but sometimes you need a break from the dhak-dhak of city life. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing places just a short drive away. Whether you're looking for nature, history, adventure, or just some peace, here’s a list of nearby spots that are bohot hard.

DESTINATIONS

How to spend 2 days in Gurgaon - a local's travel guide

3 Min read

20 Mar, 2025

How to spend 2 days in Gurgaon - a local's travel guide

Disclaimer: ​Waise toh do din kaafi hain to explore Gurgaon's highlights, but let's be real—jo bhi Gurgaon aata hai, sirf Gurgaon ke liye nahi aata. If you've got extra days, diving into the vibrant scenes of Delhi and Noida is a must. Here's a 5-day itinerary crafted by a true Delhiwala living in Gurgaon, ensuring your trip is ekdum mast!​

ITINERARY

Your Alleppey trip is incomplete without trying these 8 things

3 Minutes read

20 Mar, 2025

Your Alleppey trip is incomplete without trying these 8 things

You’ve made a great choice by considering this as your travel option! Call it Alleppey, Allepurza, or India’s own Venice—this little gem in Kerala is a vibe. I was there two years ago, and let me tell you, my heart is still full. Wondering what’s there in Appepy beyond houseboats? Well, my friend, this blog is for you. A complete list of things to do in Alleppey, from an Alleppey return to first-time travellers. With love and a packet of banana chips in hand!

DESTINATIONS

Don’t wing it like me! Your no-nonsense 3-day Alleppey travel guide

4 Minutes read

20 Mar, 2025

Don’t wing it like me! Your no-nonsense 3-day Alleppey travel guide

Let me tell you a little story before we get started… It was about two years ago when I went to Alleppey with my mom. And honestly? It was a disaster. We picked the wrong time to go. On top of that, we had zero research. Nada (nothing). We thought we could just wing it but big mistake. We spent more time googling “things to do in Alleppey” than actually doing them. So, to make sure you don’t repeat my mistakes, I’ve put together this super simple, no-nonsense guide to Alleppey. Everything you need to know, all in one place. Because, you do want your trip to be as amazing as dreamy reels you’ve been saving, right?

ITINERARY

Not just another Kochi food and shopping guide (Promise!)

3 Minutes read

18 Mar, 2025

Not just another Kochi food and shopping guide (Promise!)

“Kochi kazhicho?” which means, “Have you seen Kochi?” Well, you really can’t say yes without trying these dishes. And if you think you can, you’re mistaken, dear. Because a place is best understood through its cuisine. In Kochi, food isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about filling your heart. Now, there are plenty of blogs out there telling you where to eat Appam and Stew or Malabar Parotta with beef. But this isn’t just another guide. Think of it as a local’s handwritten map for authentic food, curated by The Hosteller. Read on to decode more.

FOOD & DRINK

Tracing the colonial footsteps: A walk through Fort Kochi’s heritage

3 mins read

17 Mar, 2025

Tracing the colonial footsteps: A walk through Fort Kochi’s heritage

Stroll through Fort Kochi’s heritage-rich streets, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences come alive in historic churches, homes, and landmarks.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Why Fort Kochi is a cultural melting pot: From spice routes to sacred roots

3 minutes read

17 Mar, 2025

Why Fort Kochi is a cultural melting pot: From spice routes to sacred roots

Cities that feel like flipping through an old diary, where every corner whispers a different story, every new face you meet tells a tale of a thousand-year-old romance and of different cultures and religions grab my attention the most.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Planning a spiritual getaway? Here’s why Rishikesh should be on your list!

3 Minutes read

16 Mar, 2025

Planning a spiritual getaway? Here’s why Rishikesh should be on your list!

As they say, ‘Kuch toh baat hai Rishikesh mein. Yun hi nahi, har saal lakhon bhakt yahan aate hain.’ Rishikesh has been a place of peace and spiritual growth for centuries. Saints and sages have meditated here, drawn by the calming presence of the Ganges. If you want to visit Rishikesh looking for a deeper connection with yourself, this blog is for you. Here’s what you can do, what to expect, and where to go to make the most of your journey.

DESTINATIONS

Only got 3 days in Kochi? This is how to make the most out of it

4 Minutes read

14 Mar, 2025

Only got 3 days in Kochi? This is how to make the most out of it

Hey! So, you’re planning to visit Kochi? Nallathu! (That’s great!). First things first, you’re visiting a place where time moves slowly but life happens fast. We Kochi people are chill, but we don’t miss out on anything fun. You can spend 3 days here like a typical tourist, or you can follow our plan and live like a proper Kochiite. Trust us, it's more fun that way. Pack light, wear chappals, and be ready to eat like a tharakan (wealthy merchant, but we mean “no holding back” here). Let’s go!

ITINERARY

Top 21 de-stressing & relaxing HOLIDAY destinations

3 Minutes read

11 Mar, 2025

Top 21 de-stressing & relaxing HOLIDAY destinations

Being on a holiday shouldn’t feel like a task. If at all, it should feel like waking up from sleep on a Saturday morning. You’ve had 8-9 hours of sleep yet you are yawning. If my words strike a chord, here’s a personal list (Hosteller-sponsored) of 21 destinations for a panic-free, de-stressing and relaxing holiday. Note: We spend the majority of our planning in finalizing the stay. You’ve got one less thing to worry about with us. If you haven’t stayed with us ever, there’s always a first time. I promise, you stay with us once, there’s no place else you’d ever want to be.

DESTINATIONS

Willingdon Island: The untold saga of Kochi’s man-made wonder

3 mins read

11 Mar, 2025

Willingdon Island: The untold saga of Kochi’s man-made wonder

Kochi has no shortage of famous spots—Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, the Chinese fishing nets and what not. But how many of you knew about the man-made marvel that doesn’t get the attention it deserves: Willingdon Island.

OFFBEAT

Quick weekend getaways in and around Fort Kochi you should not miss

3 Minutes read

11 Mar, 2025

Quick weekend getaways in and around Fort Kochi you should not miss

(Written by your Fort Kochi friend at The Hosteller – with a pinch of pazham pori and a lots of love!) We assume you’ve wandered Fort Kochi enough, clicked a hundred photos of the Chinese fishing nets, eaten Puttu with Kadala curry and maybe even tried your hand at saying “ente ponno” (oh my god) like a Malayali. But Kerala’s beauty doesn’t end here. We’ve got some weekend spots at a short distance from Kochi, that you should not miss. Namukku pokam (Let’s go!)

DESTINATIONS

India’s first Church and Mosque - Kochi’s sacred beginnings that shaped history

3 minutes read

11 Mar, 2025

India’s first Church and Mosque - Kochi’s sacred beginnings that shaped history

Kochi is like walking into a room full of stories, where the walls have heard centuries of prayers, the streets have witnessed trade and trust, and the sea breeze carries whispers of old friendships. And at the heart of this beautifully tangled history stand two quiet yet powerful symbols of unity. Cheraman Juma Masjid, India’s first mosque, and St. Francis Church, India’s first European church. These aren’t just religious sites, they’re proof that Kochi got secularism right long before it became a buzzword. A mosque and a church, standing tall for centuries, side by side, in the same city, this is where faith wasn’t just about belief; it was about belonging. So, let me tell you the story of how Kochi became the OG melting pot of faith and culture.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

DESTINATIONS

Kochi’s Jewish heritage - Story of Mattancherry’s ancient settlement

4 mins read

11 Mar, 2025

Kochi’s Jewish heritage - Story of Mattancherry’s ancient settlement

Discover the rise and decline of Kochi’s Jewish community, its rich heritage, and the lasting imprints of history in Kerala’s cultural tapestry.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Why is Laxman Jhula Rishikesh Uttarakhand named after lord Laxman? The story behind the name

3 mins read

10 Mar, 2025

Why is Laxman Jhula Rishikesh Uttarakhand named after lord Laxman? The story behind the name

Discover the legend behind Rishikesh’s iconic Laxman Jhula, named after Lord Laxman, who is believed to have crossed the Ganga River at this very spot.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

9 Perfect treks near Lonavala for your next weekend getaway!

3 mins read

10 Mar, 2025

9 Perfect treks near Lonavala for your next weekend getaway!

Thinking of heading to Lonavala but done with the usual Tiger Point and Maganlal Chikki stops? It’s time to ditch the crowds and take the scenic route— literally! There are so many thrilling treks near Lonavala, from easy climbs with dreamy views to steep ascents that will leave your legs sore but your heart happy!

ADVENTURE

Narada Ghat in Varanasi - a ghat that breaks marriages

2 minutes read

10 Mar, 2025

Narada Ghat in Varanasi - a ghat that breaks marriages

I must have been 16 or 17 when I first visited Varanasi (or Banaras, if you prefer). While standing at one of the ghats I can’t recall the name of, I heard my father jokingly teasing my mother saying, “Narada ghat par nahate hai, abhi jhagda ho jayega.” From that day onwards, I’ve been curious about this bizarre mystery, which is something a lot of people believe. So… what is the mystery of Narada Ghat? I did some digging. Here’s what I found out.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

St. John’s Church: Dalhousie’s Most Mysterious Landmark

3 mins read

10 Mar, 2025

St. John’s Church: Dalhousie’s Most Mysterious Landmark

Uncover the mysteries of St. John’s Church, Dalhousie—its eerie past, colonial charm, and timeless legends that continue to intrigue visitors.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

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