Travel news, tips and guides

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?

Purva Mhatre

20 Mar, 2025

ITINERARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand where Lord Hanuman once did? Ek taraf Ramayana ki kahani, aur doosri taraf Himachal ki untamed beauty! Welcome to Manki Point, the highest spot in Kasauli, where mythology, nature and breathtaking views come together for a legendary experience!

PEOPLE & CULTURE

6 must-visit spots for cherry blossoms in Bangalore

3 minutes read

03 Mar, 2025

6 must-visit spots for cherry blossoms in Bangalore

It’s that time of the year again when India’s IT hub, Bangalore, transforms into a pink wonderland, giving out major Bridgerton vibes and making us swoon over it once again. As winter fades away, the arrival of Tabebuia rosea (the pink trumpet flowers), commonly mistaken for cherry blossoms, paints Bangalore in shades of romance and nostalgia. Reminding us of Japan’s sakura season, the views charms locals and travellers alike, creating a floral performance that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

DESTINATIONS

ITINERARY

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

3 mins read

02 Mar, 2025

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.

FOOD & DRINK

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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