Top Hotels for Backpackers in Kerala

Rightly known as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is one of the most popular places among backpacking enthusiasts. Blessed with natural beauty and least touched by urbanization, this Indian state offers a variety of places to stop at during your backpacking adventure. Some of the most popular backpacking spots include Kochi, Munnar, Thekkedy, Waynad, Varkala, Trivandrum and Alleppey.

The best time to backpack in Kerala is during the winter months. This is the time when you can avoid the heavy rains and also get a chance to witness a number of religious festivals of south India, which are grand celebrations.

If you are on a backpacking trip, you are obviously on a tight budget and do not want to spend too much on hotels. We have curated this exhaustive list of backpackers choice hotels in Kerala, to make it much easier for you to decide where to stay.

1. Malankara Cottage, Munnar

This is an ideal bed & breakfast offering spectacular views of the mountains. Suitable for the needs of backpackers, Malankara Cottage is a popular accommodation option amongst people who are looking for warmth and hospitality at a minimal budget. The beautiful views from the common balcony will leave you mesmerised.

Location: Old Munnar
Tariff: Standard non-AC room- Rs. 1326 onwards

2. Hill Crest, Munnar

Easily accessible from all the main areas in Munnar, Hill Crest has well-furnished, comfortable rooms to stay in. Situated at a walking distance from the KSRTC bus stand, each room offers beautiful views of the green surroundings. Equipped with an in-house restaurant, the backpackers staying here sing praises of the delicious food.

Location: Munnar Town, Munnar. 0.7 km from CSI Christ Church
Tariff: Standard room- Rs. 1430 onwards. Deluxe room- Rs. 1533 onwards

3. The Royal Heritage Hotel and Ayurvedic Center, Trivandrum

This is one of the most budget-friendly backpackers choice hotels in Kerala. A heritage building has been turned into a comfortable hotel, featuring brick-red tiles and spectacular bamboo décor. A unique blend of traditional architecture and modern furnishings, the rooms of this hotel give you an ‘at-home’ kind of experience. The Royal Heritage Hotel and Ayurvedic Center also has an in-house ayurvedic spa that offers a variety of therapeutic treatments.

Location: Near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
Tariff: Economy AC rooms, standard AC rooms and Heritage Deluxe rooms- Rs. 1424 onwards

4. Beach Florra Inn, Kovalam

Situated right next to Light House Beach, the rooms of the Beach Florra Inn hotel offer impressive views of the sea. Offering good amenities, the rooms are comfortable and offer a restful stay to its backpacker guests. All rooms are air-conditioned and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Location: Light House Beach, Kovalam
Tariff: Deluxe Room AC- Rs. 1966 onwards

5. Passage to India, Kovalam

The Passage to India hotel is built on a beach facing property. Each room offers lavish views of the sea. Spend an hour in the balcony, relaxing amidst the views of swaying palms and dancing waves. A number of key tourist attractions are situated within close proximity of the hotel, which is an advantage for the guests staying here.

Location: Light House Beach, Kovalam
Tariff: Sea View Deluxe AC and Non-AC rooms- Rs. 1320 onwards

6. YMCA International Youth Centre, Kochi

The YMCA International Youth Centre offers an ideal stay for backpackers, as it offers budget rooms with minimalist décor and furnishings. Amenities like television, coffee maker, internet, private bathroom and air conditioning give a home-like feel to the guests. The in-house restaurant makes it easy for guests to have their meals.

Location: Vyttila, Kochi
Tariff: Deluxe room- Rs. 1232 onwards. Junior Suite: Rs. 2094 onwards

7. Tag und Nacht, Fort Kochi

Within 1 km from Fort Cochin Beach, Tag und Nacht home stay is an ideal property for backpackers. Offering all the amenities you would expect from a world class hotel, including laundry, private bathroom, study table, refrigerator, free Wi-Fi and television, you will enjoy a home-like experience at Tag und Nacht.

Location: Fort Kochi, Kochi
Tariff: Standard non-AC room- Rs. 1368 onwards. Standard AC room- Rs. 2199 onwards

8. St. Antony”s Lodge, Fort Kochi

Situated at walking distance from the bus stand, the St. Antony”s Lodge is an ideal stay for backpackers who want to stay in a relaxed atmosphere, but still want to roam around when time permits. Having easy access to veg and non-veg restaurants, you can enjoy your trip at your own time and in your own way.

Location: MG Road, Kochi
Tariff: Standard non-AC room- Rs. 730 onwards. Single bed in dormitory- Rs. 750 onwards

9. St. Michael”s Inn, Fort Kochi

After a hectic day of enjoying the beautiful sights of Kochi, you can come back to the serene atmosphere of St. Michael’s Inn. Located within walking distance from a number of tourist attractions, you get a chance to see most of the city during your trip. The rooms are clean and spacious, and they offer all the amenities you would expect in this budget, including laundry, parking, air conditioning, internet and a massage center.

Location: Fort Kochi, Kochi
Tariff: Deluxe room with king-size bed- Rs. 2399 onwards

10. KTDC Periyar House, Thekkady

Backpackers are minimalist travelers, because of which they don’t mind the modest furnishings of these backpackers choice hotels in Kerala. The KTDC Periyar House is surrounded by lush green Periyar forests due to which you get a chance to stay amidst squirrels, monkeys and a variety of birds.

Location: Kumily, Thekkady
Tariff: Avenue room- Rs. 1528 onwards. Deluxe non-AC room- Rs. 3218 onwards

If you are on a backpacking trip to Kerala, these accommodation options will be extremely suitable for you. Check their pictures and get an idea of the kind of facilities they offer.

You may also like to read about: How to Have a Memorable Holiday in the Backwaters of Kerala.