Zostel Chikmagalur

The location is lovely, and the hosts are warm people. Even the uncle at the canteen was lovely. There’s a cafe on the property with nice food, though I found it a little pricey. Wi-Fi kept fluctuating, and no other connection worked there. The place has a beautiful design, especially the family room area, and the bed was comfortable and clean. It’s a mix of homestay and hostel, with bunkers as well as family rooms, so it’s not the right spot if you want private couple time. Still, a lovely place with good food.

Vinil, who’s in charge, made everything smooth and comfortable for us. The place is clean, feels safe for solo travellers, and I’d recommend it for a budget-friendly stay. Book ahead since it fills up quickly. There’s a coffee plantation beside the property with two hammocks. The private rooms open onto a courtyard with an open roof in the middle, in a Kerala/mangalore style, and there’s graffiti on the walls throughout. The place is quite new, creatively designed, and well maintained.

The hosts were very welcoming and even helped us plan an itinerary for the area. The shared activity rooms are beautiful, built in the Malnad-style 'thotti mane'. We booked dormitories, which were spacious, though cleanliness around the property could be a little better. Food can be ordered from the cafe or delivered from outside, and having your own vehicle is useful for getting around. Set among coffee plantations, it’s a peaceful place about 10kms from Chikmagalur city. It was a little hard to find from the road because there are no signs or hoardings. I’d like to visit again sometime. Service: 4.5. Cleanliness: 3.5.

The manager was very helpful and arranged cabs for me. The small restaurant serves some of the best coffee I’ve tasted, along with really good, inexpensive breakfast and dinner. I stayed in an 8 bed mixed dorm, and the beds were extremely comfortable. The property is just outside chickmagalur town, very clean, calm, and beautiful. One of the best zostel stays I’ve had.