There’s an observable pattern of destinations with travellers and backpackers - one that’s quite often influenced by how well the available accommodations fit into their budgets. While places like Manali and Kasol attract flocks of backpackers all year round because of the abundance of budget-friendly stay options. Harshit Kandpal, a former employee with the Oberoi Group, was determined to show India’s enthusiastic population of nomads what Uttarakhand truly has to offer, especially keeping in mind that very few hotels and accommodation venues offer safe and good quality spaces in the region.
The Heart Of Travellers (HOTs) hostel was started by Harshit in partnership with Devendra Singh Digari, a hostel property owner in Uttarakhand. Located in the Patwa Dunga region, the business has only been open for a few months but is already booking out like hot cakes. And this is because, not only is HOT’s India’s first ever hiking hostel, but backpackers across the country are warmly welcomed here with incredibly cheap prices, starting INR 399 a night! For Harshit, it wasn’t just about renting out cheap accommodation to people, because the fact remains that no matter how slim our budgets may be, we all still wish for an appropriate standard of safety and quality.
What is even more intriguing is that this hostel is located at a 150-year-old colonial building, to which one would need to trek a distance of 800m. With open air spaces, a cafe and a communal kitchen, HOTs is on its way to becoming the new backpacker’s favourite stop. And to top it off, the hostel has also been employing staff from the neighbouring locales. “Over the years, many youngsters have left the state for better prospects. Through this venture, nobody will need to go off anywhere”, says Harshit in an interview with The Better India.
Click here if you want to make a booking or check out their website.
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