HostelExp Varkala

Fully recommendable. I had such a great time. The people running the hostel are so caring and chill at the same time. Stayed in the female dorm. There was enough space for the luggage, so it did not feel to packed altough all beds were in use. In general the atmosphere is really nice. I could see the love they put in this place. So grateful. Hope to see these people again.

Knallobst Official

For the backpacking community - please skip this place. I’m a hardcore solo traveller with 20+ countries under my belt, and this was one of the worst hostel experiences I’ve ever had. The hygiene is disgusting: dirty, foul-smelling blankets with visible stains. I have sensitive skin and broke out badly something that has never happened to me while travelling. The location is great, but the hostel is dull, poorly maintained, badly lit, and has zero vibe,a complete mismatch for a place like Varkala. If you’re coming here, stay at Molly’s Hostel or Hope Hostel instead. I’ve stayed at all three, and those two are far superior. Also, be cautious around a staff member named Goodwin. His behaviour is uncomfortable, lacks basic personal-space boundaries, and has been mentioned in multiple negative reviews and local warnings. Trust your gut and read the low ratings carefully. Final word: misleading reviews, poor hygiene, uncomfortable environment, and bad value. Do yourself a favour and don’t book this hostel.

Roshan Raj

A commercial hostel located 5min walk from the beach with a nice common space area (ping pong table, hammocks, books, board games) and a little rooftop. In general sociable, a bit on a party side, so definitely not the place if you’re looking for peace and quiet. They organise activities for backpackers who stay there like kayaking, dinner nights, party nights, yoga. The dorm I stayed in was small, but decent, however the bathroom needs an update. It was okay for 2-3 nights, but I wouldn’t have stayed longer. All in all, I guess it’s a good budget option and if you’re looking to meet a lot of people. Shout out to the team working there, cause they were all helpful and lovely.

Karolina Ośródka

Fantastic Stay at HostelExp, Varkala. I had an absolutely wonderful time at HostelExp during my two-night stay in Varkala. From the moment I arrived, I could tell I’d made the right choice. The vibe here was incredibly welcoming, and the people I met really made the experience special. Whether it was the fantastic community dinner or the lively hostel party, there were so many memorable moments that made this stay stand out. The hostel is clean, well-maintained, and the staff—especially Abhi and the owner Goodwin—go out of their way to make you feel welcome and help you make the most of your trip. Overall, I’m so glad I picked this spot for my stay. HostelExp will definitely be one of my most memorable travel experiences. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Varkala!

Supriya Thomas

My god. I had an amazing experience here for 6 days. The hostel does activities pretty much every day. Abhi will help you with pretty much anything. The guys are really nice company when it’s quiet. Abhi if is the greatest manager ever. Goodwin is nice and chill and will give you advice and tips. Same with the others. So helpful. I really appreciate the time guys🫶🏼

valentin