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The first time I came to Kerala was to attend the Tata Nexon launch event in Kochi. We drove the Nexon to Idukki and I instantly fell in love with the greenery and the hilly terrain. Soon after, I planned a long getaway to Munnar on a Honda Activa visiting places like Alleppey.
Fast forward to 2024, I was here once again, this time to deliver a talk at Kubernetes Community Days, Kerala. Further, this time around apart from the cafe hopping and street crawling, I was looking forward to my stay at The Hosteller in Fort Kochi. A backpacker hostel that promises to be full of vibrant encounters, shared stories and experiences from other travellers.
And every time I come back to the city, it’s nostalgic. The blend of Indian, Dutch, British and Portuguese architectural styles captivates me. And don’t get me started on the cafes!
Why Stay In Fort Kochi?
Fort Kochi has been an important trading hub in the past. Seafarers and traders frequented the port city quite a bit. That’s pretty evident as well from the colonial-era landmarks like the Dutch Palace, Fort Immanuel, and Vasco da Gama Square. The Palace has the old world charm with intricate murals showing the rich history of the past. Vasco Da Gama Square reminds us of the bustling markets from the past. Hence, walking through the streets of Fort Kochi is like taking a stroll through time.
While the rich history is evident, what’s also evident are the cafes of Fort Kochi. The cafes here showcase the city’s past along with delicious food. From the famed art galleries at Kashi Art Cafe and Ella to the lively ambience at Trouvaille, are home to many tourists. And the boutiques and antique stores make for a delightful exploration.
And for anyone who’s a foodie and history buff, staying in Fort Kochi makes sense. If not for your entire trip duration, a couple of nights should be good enough for you to experience the relaxed vibes here.
The Hosteller – Fort Kochi
Apart from hotels and boutique homestays, backpacker hostels are quite popular in Fort Kochi. And one name that’s synonymous with hostels in the area is The Hosteller. Got to know about this through Instagram. Located barely a few hundred meters from Princess Street, it’s location is the USP. Not too far away from all the action, yet quiet.
The Hosteller, like a backpacker hostel, provides multiple stay options. From mixed dormitories to private rooms, there are some for everyone’s requirements. Having stayed at hostels in Mumbai and Chicago, I was quite eager to explore what it had in store.
Bright Common Areas
The striking feature that I immediately noticed upon entering the property was the colourful and spacious common area. The reception was manned so I was attended to immediately. The multi-story building has a small common area on everyone’s floor apart from the large area at the top.
The smaller ones have small board games, cosy spaces and air conditioning. The larger one on the terrace is breezy and colourful too. Good cosy setup with sofas and cushions, foosball tables, dart boards, and other games. There are also a few high tables and chairs that are perfect for anyone who wants to work.
Rooms & Dormitories
Since I was spending a couple of nights in Fort Kochi, I opted for an 8-bed mixed dormitory. Located on the second floor, they have multiple rooms with bunk beds. The room that I was in had two partitions with 2 beds on each side. I was allotted a top bed and glad I got it because there was a fan right next to me. The bed itself was very comfortable and sufficiently wide. There were two washrooms in the room which were kept clean.
The room was small considering the beds, so if you want more space, opt for a lesser bed dormitory or a dedicated room.
I was out exploring most of the day and only came back to sleep. The place I stayed had everything you need, like a kitchen, locks for safety, and a travel desk where you can plan your travels. They also have a web app called Glu by The Hosteller. You can use it to ask for things you need during your stay, like fixing something in your room or just simply requesting a towel. As it is a web app you can access Glu only through a personalized link received with your booking confirmation.
(P.S.: For any updates check out their Instagram page)
When are you visiting Fort Kochi?
This was my third trip to the city as well as Fort Kochi. Every time I’m here, I fall in love with the place more. From the bustling street food joints to the artistic cafes and boutiques, the streets will leave you in awe. The picturesque corners and streets are perfect for those Instagram shots. The cafes are a treat and so are the Chinese fishing nets and the beach.
There are multiple stay options in the area, but not all of them are close to the major attractions in Fort Kochi. The Hosteller is located at a pretty good place from where most things are at a walkable distance. The establishment is clean and well-maintained and is usually packed with visitors. I met a group from Belgaum, a couple from Perth, and an IT guy from Canada!
So stay here for the vibrant stories and experiences of other travellers as well. You can book your room and plan your vacation/workstation at The Hosteller.
That’s about it for this blog post. Let me know your thoughts on visiting Fort Kochi and staying at hostels in the comments below. You can also tweet to me at @atulmaharaj, DM on Instagram or get in touch.
