The Hostel Co. has officially launched, setting out to revolutionise affordable travel in the country. With the goal of making exploration both cost-effective and community-driven, The Hostel Co. offers travelers authentic local experiences at unbeatable prices. Founded by Palash, an alumnus of BITS Pilani and FMS Delhi and a former Amazon Category Manager, the platform aims to democratise travel and bring India’s backpacking culture to the forefront.
The Hostel Co. currently lists over 150 hostels with 3,500 beds across 15 to 20 destinations, including Rishikesh, Varkala, Jibhi, and Goa. Stays start as low as INR 150 per night, making travel accessible to everyone. The company plans rapid expansion to 40 destinations by the end of 2025, creating India’s largest network of verified hostel experiences. Palash highlighted that the platform was designed to challenge the dominance of international players and build an Indian-owned marketplace focused on the needs of domestic travellers.
Each hostel listed on The Hostel Co. is physically inspected for hygiene, safety, and uniqueness, ensuring travellers have access to memorable and secure stays. The properties range from musical ashrams in Rishikesh to vibrant party hostels in Kasol and serene waterfall dorms in remote areas. With flat booking commissions of INR 25, customisable payment options, and 24/7 customer support, the platform also prioritises hostel owners, creating a fair and sustainable ecosystem for both sides of the travel experience.
To build a sense of community among travelers, The Hostel Co. is also introducing Instagram groups for verified travelers to coordinate trips and share experiences. This community-driven approach ensures that backpacking is not just about finding a bed but about discovering stories, forming friendships, and creating lifelong memories. As Palash explained, “Our vision is that every person should be able to experience India — its beauty, its people, and its energy — without barriers.”
The launch comes at a time when India’s hostel ecosystem has tripled in size in just four years, driven by millennials, Gen Z travellers, and digital nomads seeking social and affordable stays. With international players dominating the segment, The Hostel Co. is the first platform built with local insights and Indian travelers in mind, positioning itself as the go-to choice for backpackers aged 20 to 32 who crave both affordability and authenticity.
Looking ahead, The Hostel Co. plans to introduce a loyalty program and expand to 40 cities by the end of 2025. Positioned as a category creator in the travel industry, it aims to redefine backpacker travel as a social, safe, and enriching experience for all. With its launch, The Hostel Co. is not just offering beds — it’s building India’s first true community of travelers, one hostel at a time.