Gurukulam Hostel can be a nice place to stay if you like a chilled-out environment and don't mind a bit of a rustic look. What is really special about this place is that every area is decorated with really upbeat paintings, and the whole hostel has a very spacious feel to it. There is also a wide choice of common areas, including a terrace for yoga. Moreover, their free breakfast in excellent and their Wi-Fi is as fast as lightning!
The Location
The hostel is located in the central part of Pondicherry, which is half residential and half commercial and has a variety of local-style eateries and restaurants, international brand shops, and a few bigger malls. The promenade is only fifteen minutes away from here on foot -- you basically leave the hostel, turn to the right, and all you have to do is walk straight. There are a number of other attractions -- for example, Colonial-style churches and a lighthouse -- right on your doorstep. Moreover, both the central bus terminal and the railway station can be reached on foot in quarter of an hour. But best of all, despite being so centrally located, the hostel still manages to provide a quiet and relaxing environment.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel offers two types of dorms. However, in spite of the fact that they are really similar, one costs twice as much as the other. Try to go for the cheaper option, as there will really not be that much of a difference. The rooms are ok, but are very randomly furnished, which gives them a very eclectic look -- one four-bed dorm has one bamboo bunk and one metal bunk, for example. Also, there is only one chair in the dorm and no other furniture. The rooms are cooled by fans, but there are no lockers available -- and there are definitely not enough electronic plugs for every guest. The bathrooms for the dorms are in a bamboo shelter and they have a rather funky look with their dried twig doors and walls. However, there are more bathrooms downstairs inside the building. Shampoo and soap are provided, but hot water is only available from the tap for a bucket-type shower.
Common Spaces
The amount and quality of common spaces is a big plus about this place. At the back of the hostel, there is a courtyard area with a space that has sofas and another one that has benches under some hanging plants. Inside, next to the reception, there are beds in a circle where you can chill out. As these areas are far away from the rooms, you definitely won't be bothered by people staying up late. Moreover, the top level is a huge, semi-open terrace that is offered for the practice of yoga in the mornings. One of the perks of this place is that there are always fresh bananas scattered around the place in little bowls for guests to enjoy. There is also a kitchen, which is open for everybody to use, and where free tea and coffee are provided. Free breakfast is included in the price -- it is a delicious, Indian-style hot meal.
Summary
While Gurukulam Hostel is rather on the expensive side, the hostel provides great service with a lot of added extras. Although the dorm rooms could definitely be improved with some more furniture, lockers, and electronic plugs, the atmosphere here is great and you will definitely find a space to your liking where you can relax.
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Gurukulam Hostel Reviews
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+4
JudyM
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Apr 25, 2019
Location and Contact
Location
• If you are coming by Bus, get down in Pondi bus station and take a TUK TUK which cost you 80 Rs. and tell them the street parallel to Laporth street.
• We can send you our taxis to pick you up from the Airport and railway station as per your request.
Facilities and Amenities
Digital Nomads
Family-Friendly Hostel
Solo Traveller
Youth Hostel
Bedsheets
Breakfast
Parking
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Airport Pickup
Bike Rental
Towels
Bike Tours
Board Games
Credit Card Payments
Currency Exchange
Entirely Non-Smoking
Gameroom
Gym/Fitness Room
Hair Dryers
Hot Showers
Kitchen
Lounge Area
Pet-Friendly
Curfew: No Curfew
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