Kolhapur, known for its temples, history, Kolhapuri chappals, and spicy cuisine, is a vibrant city in Maharashtra. For budget-conscious travelers, students, and backpackers, hostels offer an affordable and social stay. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 hostels in Kolhapur.
1. The Hosteller Kolhapur
Location: Near Rankala Lake, Central Kolhapur
Key Features:
- Social Atmosphere: Common lounge, game zone, and regular events.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, AC dorms & private rooms, lockers, 24/7 reception, kitchen access.
- Food: Complimentary breakfast, in-house cafe with affordable meals.
- Ideal For: Solo travelers, backpackers, groups.
Nearby Attractions: Rankala Lake (500m), Mahalaxmi Temple (3km).
Price Range: ₹499–₹1,200 per night.
Booking: Available on Hostelworld, Booking.com.
2. Zostel Kolhapur
Location: Shivaji Peth, close to the city center
Key Features:
- Vibe: Lively, traveler-friendly with themed decor.
- Amenities: AC/non-AC dorms, private rooms, common room, library, free Wi-Fi, hot water.
- Activities: City tours, movie nights, local experience sessions.
- Ideal For: Young travelers, digital nomads.
Nearby Attractions: Mahalaxmi Temple (1.5km), New Palace (2km).
Price Range: ₹450–₹1,500 per night.
Booking: Zostel website, major travel platforms.
3. Backpacker Panda Kolhapur
Location: Near Dasara Chowk, easily accessible
Key Features:
- Comfort: Cozy beds, reading lights, curtains for privacy.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, common kitchen, laundry, secure lockers.
- Food: Breakfast included, tea/coffee free all day.
- Ideal For: Budget backpackers, long-term stays.
Nearby Attractions: Binkhambi Ganesh Temple (1km), Town Hall (2km).
Price Range: ₹400–₹1,000 per night.
Booking: Hostelworld, direct booking via website.
4. Kolhapur Youth Hostel
Location: Rajarampuri, affiliated with Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI)
Key Features:
- Budget-Friendly: Dormitory-style with separate male/female dorms.
- Amenities: Basic facilities, common bathrooms, simple common area.
- Eligibility: YHAI membership preferred (can be obtained on arrival).
- Ideal For: Students, NGO groups, very low-budget travelers.
Nearby Attractions: Panchganga Ghat (3km), Siddhagiri Museum (12km).
Price Range: ₹200–₹500 per night.
Booking: Direct contact or YHAI portal.
5. Hostel Stay Kolhapur
Location: Tarabai Park area, peaceful locality
Key Features:
- Homely Vibe: Family-run, clean, and safe environment.
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, AC rooms, bicycle rental, travel desk.
- Food: Homemade Maharashtrian meals available on request.
- Ideal For: Female solo travelers, couples, families on budget.
Nearby Attractions: Tarabai Park (walking distance), Mahalaxmi Temple (2.5km).
Price Range: ₹600–₹1,500 per night.
Booking: Phone booking, Airbnb, MakeMyTrip.
6. GoStops Kolhapur
Location: Near CST Railway Station, convenient for transit
Key Features:
- Modern Design: Colorful, Instagram-worthy interiors.
- Amenities: AC dorms, privacy pods, coworking space, game room, Netflix lounge.
- Activities: Local walk tours, pub crawls (if available), workshops.
- Ideal For: Millennials, groups, short-term stays.
Nearby Attractions: Kolhapur Railway Station (800m), Mahalaxmi Temple (3km).
Price Range: ₹550–₹1,800 per night.
Booking: GoStops website, Booking.com.
7. Travellers’ Den Kolhapur
Location: Near Sambhaji Circle, commercial area
Key Features:
- Strategic Location: Close to shopping and transport.
- Amenities: 24/7 check-in, luggage storage, laundry, free Wi-Fi, rooftop seating.
- Food: Café on-site, pocket-friendly menus.
- Ideal For: Business travelers, transit passengers.
Nearby Attractions: Kolhapur Maratha Mandal (1km), Phule Market (1.5km).
Price Range: ₹500–₹1,400 per night.
Booking: Hostelworld, direct WhatsApp booking.
8. Maa Hostel
Location: Lakshmipuri, residential neighborhood
Key Features:
- Safety Focus: CCTV, female-only dorms, 24/7 security.
- Amenities: Clean bathrooms, common TV lounge, kitchenette, free parking.
- Food: Self-cooking allowed, nearby eateries.
- Ideal For: Female travelers, students, interns.
Nearby Attractions: Kalamba Lake (4km), Radhanagari Dam (45km drive).
Price Range: ₹400–₹900 per night.
Booking: Phone booking, OYO Rooms.
9. Hostel 91
Location: Near City Pride Multiplex, Kalingaraj Colony
Key Features:
- Contemporary Stay: Minimalist design, well-ventilated rooms.
- Amenities: High-speed Wi-Fi, lockers, hot water, travel assistance.
- Activities: Board games, city maps, group outings arranged.
- Ideal For: Friends traveling together, solo travelers.
Nearby Attractions: City Pride Mall (walking distance), Rankala Lake (2km).
Price Range: ₹500–₹1,300 per night.
Booking: Airbnb, direct Instagram/phone booking.
10. Kolhapur Backpackers Hostel
Location: Near Gandhi Maidan, old city area
Key Features:
- Cultural Vibe: Local art displays, traditional décor.
- Amenities: Mixed & gender-specific dorms, common balcony, book exchange, free towels.
- Food: Filter coffee on the house, local breakfast options.
- Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts, international travelers.
Nearby Attractions: Mahalaxmi Temple (2km), Bhavani Mandap (1km).
Price Range: ₹450–₹1,200 per night.
Booking: Hostelworld, direct email.
General Tips for Choosing a Hostel in Kolhapur:
- Book in Advance: Especially during festivals like Diwali, Mahalaxmi Yatra, or during Dasara.
- Check Reviews: Look for recent reviews on cleanliness, safety, and staff behavior.
- Location Preference: If you want temple access, stay near Mahalaxmi; for nightlife/cafes, near Rankala.
- Transport: Auto-rickshaws and city buses are affordable; hostels often help with rentals.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss Kolhapuri misal, pandhra rassa, and tandoori chicken at local eateries.