In a city that finds its name among the most expensive real estate spots in the world, a buzzing dorm with room prices, starting at as low as Rs 699, will tempt any worldly-wise backpacker
The common room and dorm at Basti
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In a city that finds its name among the most expensive real estate spots in the world, a buzzing dorm with room prices, starting at as low as Rs 699, will tempt any worldly-wise backpacker.
Case in point, Basti, a backpackers' hostel started by 22-year-old Mumbaikar, Yash Bohra. “After my graduation in 2015, I went on a solo trip through India, and fell in love with the vibe at the hostels. This made me think, 'Why not have a hostel in Mumbai?'” he says.
Bohra then worked at numerous hostels in India for six to eight months to gain experience for his venture. The mass media graduate, who uses his advertising skills to promote the hostel, says that it's difficult for a backpackers' hostel to start out in Mumbai as the investment is huge, and it takes a localite to understand how the city and its laws work. His initial plan was to open a hostel in Jodhpur on family property, but once he met his partners Jasmeet Singh (28) and Angad Anand (29), who also run a hostel called Bombay Backpackers (he worked there for experience too) Bohra decided to pick Mumbai as his first location.
Yash Bohra
Basti offers six dorms (Rs 699 to Rs 999) and private rooms (Rs 2,499 to Rs 3,499), each named after unique model villages in India to break stereotypes of India being a backward country. The options include AC and non-AC mixed dorms, as well as all-female dorms. The tariff includes an Indian breakfast, unlimited high-speed WiFi, 24-hour security, a common TV, games, books, and a fully furnished kitchen. Each guest gets a handcrafted map (designed by visual artist Pallavi Sharma) that features the city's highlights. They also plan different activities such as pub crawls and bicycle tours every day.
Basti is strictly for regular backpackers from outside the city and country. “I regularly get calls asking, 'Hello boys hostel? Want admission.' But if I wanted such a crowd, I would run a PG instead,” Bohra signs off.
At: Krishna Kunj Annexe, Main Avenue, Santacruz West.
Log on to: Basti Hostel on Facebook
Call: 8779487835
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