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4 mins read
25 Mar, 2025
Picture this—you in a cosy hoodie with a steaming cup of chai, and the crisp mountain air of Nainital. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, time to make it real! Whether you're chasing lake views, stuffing your face with momos, or just looking for a break from the daily grind, this budget-friendly guide has got your back. No overthinking, no overspending—just pure pahadon wali vibes. So, ready to roll? Let’s do Nainital the smart way!
ITINERARY
3 mins read
24 Mar, 2025
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.
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
23 Mar, 2025
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
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
3 Min read
21 Mar, 2025
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).
20 Mar, 2025
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?
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!
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.
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!
18 Mar, 2025
“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.
17 Mar, 2025
Stroll through Fort Kochi’s heritage-rich streets, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences come alive in historic churches, homes, and landmarks.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
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.
16 Mar, 2025
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.
14 Mar, 2025
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!
11 Mar, 2025
Discover the rise and decline of Kochi’s Jewish community, its rich heritage, and the lasting imprints of history in Kerala’s cultural tapestry.
(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!)
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 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.
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.
10 Mar, 2025
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.
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!
Uncover the mysteries of St. John’s Church, Dalhousie—its eerie past, colonial charm, and timeless legends that continue to intrigue visitors.
2 mins read
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.
09 Mar, 2025
Celebrating trailblazing women who broke barriers, redefined norms, and changed the game across industries and generations.
06 Mar, 2025
When we think of Dalhousie, the first things that come to mind are British-era architecture, greenery, churches, and a peaceful vibe. But what if we told you could witness something extraordinary from here? A view so rare that people travel to Tibet to see it. The home of Shiva, Mount Kailash. No, we are not kidding. But how? Keep reading because this is a story you don’t want to miss!
05 Mar, 2025
The Dalai Lama chose Mussoorie in 1959 as his first home in India due to its safety, proximity to Tibet, and support from the Indian government before moving to Dharamshala.
04 Mar, 2025
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!
03 Mar, 2025
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.
02 Mar, 2025
“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.
