Your stay — Sky's surf Hostel
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The Property — Sky's surf Hostel
Sky’s Surf Hostel is a purpose-built backpacker spot near Kollam Beach, mixing dorm and private rooms with a communal rooftop terrace where travellers trade surf stories over cold beer. The vibe is low-key and salty, with a notice board covered in local trip tips and a breezy, no-fuss check-in. It suits solo budget travellers or small groups wanting a clean base for exploring the backwaters without the resort price tag.
Chronicles of Kollam
Kollam (formerly Quilon) was a major spice-trading port from the 9th century, linked to the Roman and Chinese empires via its lagoon harbour. The Portuguese built a fort here in 1502, later taken by the Dutch, whose warehouse and canal system still shape the old town. Today, Kollam is a quieter alternative to Kochi, known for its cashew industry and as the southern gateway to the backwaters—a working port city with a laid-back, mercantile air.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kollam guide →Best months
December to February; dry, cool mornings and sea breezes, with fewer crowds than peak tourist months. The weather is reliable for houseboat trips and beach walks.
Peak / festival surge
December and January; Christmas and New Year fill guesthouses, prices can double, and the annual Kollam Trade Fair in January draws regional visitors.
Budget shoulder season
October and March; after the monsoon but before peak season, with 20-40% discounts on rooms, softer heat, and sparse crowds.
Weather & packing
July is monsoon season—expect heavy downpours and occasional thunderstorms, but the rain clears to humid sunshine by afternoon. Pack a waterproof jacket, quick-dry trousers, and plastic bags for electronics; avoid cotton jeans that never dry.
Live City Briefing — Kollam
- Kollam’s backwater ferry service to Alappuzha is currently running a reduced schedule due to monsoon maintenance; check the local tourism office for daily timings.
- The Kollam Beach promenade renovation is nearly complete—new walkways and lighting should be open by July 2026, improving night-time safety and views.
- Monsoon season means crocodile sightings in the Kallada River have increased; local authorities advise avoiding swimming in the backwaters between July and August.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sky's surf Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd floor or above, facing away from the main road (towards the back of the building). These are likely to be quieter and get more natural light than lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor. Street-level noise from Kollam's traffic and footfall is common, and ground-floor rooms can also pick up sound from the reception and common areas.
Best views
Rooms on the front (street-facing side) may have a view of Kollam town activity, but with trade-off of traffic noise. Back-facing rooms offer less view but more peace.
Quietest floors
3rd to 5th floor (if the building has 5 floors; if taller, upper floors generally are quieter).
🔊 Noise notes
Kollam is a busy coastal city with auto-rickshaws, buses, and temple/school bells. The hostel is on a main road, so morning and evening traffic peaks are loudest. Also, internal noise from guest chatter and lift operation on lower floors.
Insider tips
1. If arriving by train or bus, ask the hostel for the best auto-rickshaw drop-off point – some drivers may park at the back entrance if the front is busy. 2. Pack earplugs: even on higher floors, the city hum can be persistent, especially on weekdays.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Sky's surf Hostel
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, approx. 15 Mbps download, token login at reception
No lift – upper floors (dorm rooms) accessed only by stairs; ground-floor private rooms available
Free digital access to The Hindu e-paper via QR code at lobby; no physical papers
Standard 12:00-20:00; early bag-drop from 07:00; late check-out fee 300 INR (subject to availability until 14:00)
Free in locked luggage room at reception, 24/7
No step-free access – two steps at main entrance; narrow doorways; no wheelchair-accessible rooms
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park at Kollam Beach Parking (5 min walk), 50 INR overnight. No EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; 1000 INR incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Balimandapam (261 m · ~3 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Janardhana temple (645 m · ~8 min walk)
- Hindu temple: ജനാർദ്ദനൻ സ്വാമി ക്ഷേത്രം (651 m · ~8 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Hanuman Swamy Temple (673 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Kurikani junction — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
cultural center — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Catholic Syrian Bank ATM — 769 m · ~10 min walk
Kairali Ayurveda Pharmacy — 607 m · ~8 min walk
Mohan's — 445 m · ~6 min walk
Bus Terminal Varkala — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Change money at city-centre banks or authorised forex dealers; avoid airport/Tourist Bureau counters which give poor rates.
Cards work at hotels, mid-range restaurants and larger shops; smaller stalls and auto-rickshaws expect cash. Mobile pay (UPI) is very common even in small outlets.
Tips not expected but appreciated: 5–10% at nicer restaurants if service charge not already added; round up auto/taxi fares; 50–100 INR for hotel porters or housekeeping if helpful.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee from any local tea shop (chai stall) costs about 10–20 INR.
A banana-leaf meal (rice, curry, vegetables) at a small eatery runs 60–100 INR.
A simple veg thali or fish curry with rice in a local restaurant costs around 80–120 INR for a main dish.
Head to the Kollam Beach area or station road for stalls selling pazham pori (banana fritters), vada, and egg rolls, all under 20 INR.
Look for Varkey’s Supermarket or Reliance Fresh for budget groceries; they have several branches around the town.
Kollam’s Chinnakada market area has rows of budget clothing shops and street stalls selling readymade garments for men, women, and children at very low prices.
Local city buses cost around 10–15 INR per ride; auto-rickshaws charge 30–60 INR for short hops. From Trivandrum airport, take a KSRTC bus (about 120 INR) to Kollam rather than a pre-paid taxi (1,500+ INR).
Eat at small family-run messes rather than tourist-oriented restaurants; same food for half the price.Use the Kollam Town walkable ferry (3–5 INR) to cross the backwaters instead of taking a pricey boat tour.Buy fresh coconuts and bananas from roadside vendors for snacks rather than bottled drinks or packaged snacks.
Good to know — Kollam
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.49 · INR
Emergency Contacts
Kollam+91 0474 279 1111 (Kollam District Collector's Office)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kollam, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Sky's surf Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Catholic Syrian Bank ATM — 769 m · ~10 min walk — pharmacy · Kairali Ayurveda Pharmacy — 607 m · ~8 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Railway Station
💡 Use the Indian Railways app to book tickets and check schedules
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Bus Station
💡 Use the KSRTC app to book tickets and check schedules
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Town
💡 Agree on the fare before starting your journey
Taiba Hostel → Kollam International Airport (CCJ)
💡 Book in advance to avoid higher rates during peak hours
About Kollam
Wikipedia ↗
Kollam (Malayalam: [kolːɐm] ;), is an ancient seaport and the fourth largest city in the Indian state of Kerala. Located on the southern tip of the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, the city is on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and is 71 kilometres (44 mi) northwest of the Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam is...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Sky's surf Hostel?
Request a room on the 3rd floor or above, facing away from the main road (towards the back of the building). These are likely to be quieter and get more natural light than lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sky's surf Hostel?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor. Street-level noise from Kollam's traffic and footfall is common, and ground-floor rooms can also pick up sound from the reception and common areas.
Is Sky's surf Hostel noisy?
Kollam is a busy coastal city with auto-rickshaws, buses, and temple/school bells. The hostel is on a main road, so morning and evening traffic peaks are loudest. Also, internal noise from guest chatter and lift operation on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Sky's surf Hostel?
Rooms on the front (street-facing side) may have a view of Kollam town activity, but with trade-off of traffic noise. Back-facing rooms offer less view but more peace.
What are insider tips for staying at Sky's surf Hostel?
1. If arriving by train or bus, ask the hostel for the best auto-rickshaw drop-off point – some drivers may park at the back entrance if the front is busy. 2. Pack earplugs: even on higher floors, the city hum can be persistent, especially on weekdays.
What time is check-in at Sky's surf Hostel?
Check-in at Sky's surf Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sky's surf Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, approx. 15 Mbps download, token login at reception
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sky's surf Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Sky's surf Hostel?
A banana-leaf meal (rice, curry, vegetables) at a small eatery runs 60–100 INR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sky's surf Hostel?
Local city buses cost around 10–15 INR per ride; auto-rickshaws charge 30–60 INR for short hops. From Trivandrum airport, take a KSRTC bus (about 120 INR) to Kollam rather than a pre-paid taxi (1,500+ INR).
When is the best time to visit Kollam?
December to February; dry, cool mornings and sea breezes, with fewer crowds than peak tourist months. The weather is reliable for houseboat trips and beach walks.
Top Attractions in Kollam
💡 Avoid visiting during the monsoon season when the beach can get rough.
💡 Be respectful of the temple's rules and dress modestly.
💡 Best viewed during sunrise or sunset for optimal photography.
💡 Best visited with a local guide for added context and insights.