A Backpacker’s Guide To Hostels In Goa

Image Courtesy: The Funky Monkey Hostel (L) Dreams Hostel (R)

India’s smallest state is Goa and with tropical beaches over 101 km it has everything from beach huts in Palolem to a vibrant hippie culture in Arambol and Anjuna. Here’s where you can accommodate yourself in Goa and explore it on a backpacker’s budget.

I. The Funky Monkey Hostel

Where: Anjuna

Run by a group of friends, The Funky Monkey Hostel is a calm oasis located close to legendary party venues like Curlie’s and Shiva Valley. The hostel provides all the essential services including WiFi, taxi & bike rental, ticket services, tours, laundry, sanitising stations, hot showers, private lockers, and all-night security guards.

Located close to the beach and a 10-minute drive away from the hilltop, the hostel offers a peaceful environment within the property. Besides parties, live music, and jam sessions, during high season you can spend your time wandering through Anjuna’s bohemian markets. The hosts also organise tours and share Goa’s hidden gems with the guests.

While the hostel is not pet-friendly, rescued cats and dogs roam the premises and a part of your stay will go into supporting food and visits to the vet for rescued animals.

It’s a perfect spot for solo travellers, young couples, and backpackers.

Find out more here.

Image Courtesy: The Funky Monkey Hostel

II. Pappi Chulo

Where: Vagator

Pioneers of party hostels in Goa, Pappi Chulo rests on top of a cliff above Vagator Beach in North Goa. Housing a late-night bar, an in-house restaurant, and the same vibrant ambience that is ever present in Goa, it is only a five minutes walk away from the Ozran beach. Being able to catch the sunset by the Ozran beach every evening is also budget-friendly, with themed dorm rooms that include female-only dorms and free Wi-Fi.

This pet-friendly hostel is located in the middle of Anjuna and Vagator close to all hotspots and with round-the-clock parties, it is certainly the place to be.

Image Courtesy: Pappi Chulo

III. Old Quarter

Where: Panjim

Panjim is India’s smallest capital city and was occupied by the Portuguese for over 450 years, the influence of this is still visible in modern-day Panjim. Located in the old Latin district of Panjim in Goa, the Old Quarter is a budget-friendly option for solo travellers.

Close to the Panaji Ferry Terminal along Mandovi River, they have a variety of rooms and dormitories for everyone wanting to experience this lazy little town full of colourful houses. Displaying period architecture and traditional artwork, the hostel is perfect for anyone looking to explore the historical Latin quarter.

Find out more here.

Image Courtesy: Old Quarter

IV. Dreams Hostel

Where: Vagator

The hostel set in a traditional Portuguese house is redesigned with dorms to fit every traveller wanting to experience Goa on a budget. Located close to the Vagator and Ozran Beach, the Dreams Hostel provides adults-only accommodation with a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. The hostel includes a common area, garden with hammocks, a fully equipped kitchen, secure lockers and round-the-clock security.

The atmosphere caters to anyone who yearns for relaxation, be it reading a book, cooking a meal, creating art or practising yoga.

Find out more here.

Image Courtesy: Dreams Hostel

V. The Yuppi Hippi Hostel

Where: Anjuna

Located in Anjuna, the Yuppi Hippi Hostel hosts women exclusively and is just a 2 minutes walk away from Anjuna beach and Anjuna Flea Market. The Saturday night market, St. Michael’s Church and the famous Curlies nightclub and bar are all within a 4km mark of the vicinity.

An old villa, which once housed hippies, on the hill slopes overlooking a secluded beach at Anjuna has now been restored and converted into a quaint stay that harbours a classic hippie culture and provides travellers with the essence of Goan hospitality against a picturesque village backdrop.