Top 5 Budget Friendly Backpacker Hostels in Mumbai

Mumbai is the city of dreams in India. Everyone wants to live here. All the Bollywood celebrities stay here. It can offer you anything from basics to luxury. A very familiar phrase that Indians like to say about Mumbai is that “Mumbai kabhi nahi soti”, which means that Mumbai never sleeps. It is the largest metropolitan city in India, but it has much more to offer than high-rising buildings. Ancient heritage sites, natural beauty, adventure sports and delicious street food: you name it, and this city has it all.

Backpacker hostel was a new idea in India a few years back. But now, with increasing tourism and modernization, the outlook is quickly changing. More and more of such places are popping up. And Mumbai has to be first on the list to do this. So if you want to visit Mumbai soon and are confused where to stay, worry not, because I’m here with five backpacker hostels that are affordable, relaxed and comfortable.

1. Backpacker Panda

Backpacker Panda is getting lots of kudos for its unique vibe. They have opened up backpacker hostels not only in Mumbai but many other major cities too.

In Mumbai, their hostel is situated near to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and City Mall. So, you are literally at the centre of it all.

The rates start anywhere from Rs.750 to Rs.800, which is quite affordable in a city like this. The rooms are all well furnished with 24-hour front desk service also available. You will have a coffee machine in the room and a private bathroom. The best part of it all is that the terrace attached to the rooms give you a perfect view of the city life.

Undoubtedly the best backpacker hostel in Mumbai.

2. Anjali Homestay

Anjali is another hostel highly preferred by tourists who are looking for a pleasant stay at an affordable price. So there’s no doubt that you’ll bump into many other travel-loving souls.

This hostel is also near the International airport. Plus, it also offers free pick up from the airport. Who wouldn’t love that kind of hospitality? Other perks include basic facilities like free Wifi and TV.

Keeping all of the above advantages in mind, the price you have to pay is about Rs.650, very affordable.

3. Traveller’s Inn

Traveller’s Inn is not very close to the airport. It will take you about one or one and a half hour to reach the hostel, but given the decent accommodation and affordability, the distance should not be a big deal.

You can opt to arrive here through public transports like buses or trains. But please know that trains are unimaginably crowded in Mumbai.

The hostel has nice rooms that are well furnished and have air conditioning. Besides, all the necessary facilities like hospitals, banks and restaurants are just next to the hostel.

4. YMCA/YWCA

Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) is an international venture. Present in more than 100 countries, it’s quite popular all over the world now.

YMCA and YWCA hostels can be found in Mumbai very easily. You will get to meet locals as well because their accommodations are open to not only tourists but students and working women as well. Meeting and getting to know the other people in the hostel who are residents can be a thrilling as well as a beneficial experience. They can tell you more about the city and give tips too.

The rooms are decent, and it would be good if you call them and book a room in advance. The price starts from approximately Rs.350 which is super helpful, particularly in a tight budget.

5. Hotel New Vasantashram

Now, this is not a hostel, but a lot of tourists, especially solo travellers, love staying here. It has got a lot of appreciation because of its fantastic staff etiquette and general cleanliness.

The hotel is at a distance from the international airport (24.5 km). But you can easily catch a cab. Once you reach the hotel, everything is nearby. You will either travel by foot, train or use other modes of public transport within the city. All of these are readily available near the hotel.

There are heritage shops, universities, temples, mosques and all essential facilities nearby. Also, the beautiful Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach are just at a walking distance.

The price range is just like that of any other hostel starting from about Rs.800. The best part is that if you’re uncertain as to what to see in Mumbai, they have a program called Mumbai Darshan that you can avail for a mere sum of Rs.200. In this, you will be taken to the most famous places of the city (almost 34 places, according to their website).

All of this in one hotel? Better than a backpacker hostel.