Going To Goa? Stay At This Well-Designed Hostel In Panjim For Only INR 500

Not your average hostel, this backpackers paradise offers well-designed and modern budget stay in the centre of Goa’s capital – Panjim.

Located in Goa’s historic, old Portuguese quarters — Fontainhas, this modern hostel gets its monicker from the area it resides in. The Old Quarter hostel is just a walk away from art galleries, a bunch of iconic Panjim restaurants and cafes, and also, the riverfront. Housed in an old Portuguese home, its exteriors are made up of beautiful Goan tiles against the backdrop of whitewashed walls. Inside, you will be greeted with red oxide floors, high ceilings and quirky book lamps. There are plenty of hidden nooks and cool corners for you to lounge around with a book and sip on a java while you are at it. You can borrow paperbacks from the bookshelves strewn around the hostel. Feeling hungry? The cafe downstairs will sort you out with coffee, fresh bakes and sandwiches.

The hostel has AC dorms {INR 550} and private rooms which are spread across two buildings. The private rooms {INR 1,800 for a Standard Double and INR 2,500 for a Deluxe Double} are located in a 200-year-old mansion, with a common living room. The non-AC dorms are ideal if you are on a budget {they only cost INR 500} and keen on spending more time exploring. There are dorms just for women, as well as mixed ones with personal locker and breakfast included. The private rooms are basic but come with comfy beds and enough space to chill. Perfect for backpackers, solo travellers or even a gang of friends. Don’t forget to make a reservation well in advance because the rooms here are always booked.

You can rent bicycles from the hostel reception and explore the old quarters. Ride up to the beautiful Sunaparanta Goa Centre For The Arts, have some coffee and cake at Cafe Bodega inside while you gape at artworks. Then take in the gorgeous views from the Altinho Hills. The hostel also organises guided trips to Old Goa where you can explore the holy churches, The Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the stately ruins of the Church Of St Augustine. 

With inputs from Amrita Bose.