The hype
Great for meeting people and petting dogs, but the facilities are essentially camping with a roof.
Time Travellers Hostel
$4-30/ night
Book this if You are a solo backpacker who values social vibes and proximity to the Matrimandir over hygiene or sleep.
Why People Love It
- Literal steps from the Matrimandir Visitor Center
- Social 'time travel' community vibe with bonfires and music
- Pet-friendly property with resident cats and dogs
Quick Take: A rustic, bug-prone crash pad that trades basic sanitation for a hippie community aesthetic.
Reviewed by @ghumakkad_bandi: I loved how social this place felt! Swinging in the hammocks with the dogs was my favorite morning routine. The Wi-Fi was actually strong enough for my calls, and having Nikhil map out Auroville for me made exploring so much less overwhelming. A total gem for solo travelers.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'rustic' charm wears off quickly when you're sweating in a bamboo hut with mosquitoes and questionable sheets.
- You want to roll out of bed and walk to the Matrimandir
- You are traveling with a pet
- You thrive in communal, open-air living spaces
Cleanliness & Maintenance
3
- Housekeeping: Sporadic. Guests report missed spots, dust, and trash left from previous occupants.
- Bathroom hygiene: Poor. Complaints of clogged drains, wet floors, and smells are common.
- Maintenance: Neglected. Peeling paint, broken mosquito nets, and worn-out furniture.
- Linens & towels: Bring your own. Sheets are often stained, old, or buggy.
- Odors & scents: Damp earth mixed with stale smoke and occasionally sewage.
Sleepability™
3.5LOUD
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Visitor Center parking lot traffic
- Late-night social gatherings in common areas
- Nature sounds (dogs barking, roosters)
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is strictly 1:00 PM; early arrival might leave you waiting
- This is an 'open-air' property; expect lizards and insects inside
- WiFi is decent for the area but can be spotty in the huts
What to pack
- Heavy-duty bug spray (DEET recommended)
- Your own mosquito net (hostel ones are often torn)
- Flip-flops for the shower (hygiene is poor)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Room with AC (concrete walls offer slightly better bug protection)
- Wooden Cottage (if you must stay here, pay for the upgrade)
Rooms to avoid
- Bamboo Stick Dorms (hot, noisy, and highest risk of bugs)
- Any room near the common area if you want to sleep before 1 AM
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting the 'Superior AC Room' or 'Wooden Cottage' furthest from the common area. Please ensure the mosquito net has been recently checked for holes.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really a bed bug problem?
Yes. Multiple recent reviews explicitly mention bed bugs and the staff's dismissal of the issue.
How close is it to the Matrimandir?
Unbeatable location. It is directly opposite the Visitor Center parking, where the walk to Matrimandir begins.
Is there AC?
Only in specific 'Superior' or 'Cottage' rooms. The standard dorms are fan-only and get very hot.
Are the bathrooms private?
Mostly shared. Reviews consistently cite them as dirty, wet, and smelling of sewage.
Is breakfast included?
No, but there is a shared kitchen you can use, and cafes are nearby.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it is one of the few genuinely pet-friendly hostels in Auroville.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to the 'Right Path Cafe' for a cleaner meal than what you might cook in the communal kitchen.
- ✨
The 'swimming pool' is small—think oversized bathtub—but refreshing in the heat.
- ✨
Rent a scooter immediately; while the Matrimandir is close, the beach and other Auroville units are 5-10km away.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Time Traveller' theme is less sci-fi and more 'living in the past' (i.e., pre-modern plumbing).
💡Staff often blame guests for bringing bugs rather than addressing the infestation.
💡The 'Bamboo Huts' look cute in photos but are essentially ovens during the day.
💡You might find rodent droppings in the dorms if you look closely.
💡The electricity is intermittent; bring a power bank.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Time Travellers Hostel is located and what's nearby.