FREEDOM HOUSE, Auroville - A Backpackers Hostel

The People

A beautiful stay surrounded by nature, with a peaceful and refreshing vibe.

Nice experience

All

I was very excited for the stay and it was one the best stays and a special mention to Ayesha who was really supportive and friendly .She even gave me suggestions for visiting places . It was an awesome experience

Well the way to the freedom house is little off especially at night no street light and need bike to reach there but once you reach the area , it is an another experience, can feel the silence, the nature , the animals , everything was sooo great , the ambiance was beautiful

My whole experience with my cousin in this stay has been amazing because of Ayesha. With her you won't be lost I assure that much. She manages everything so good.

Terrible Experience — Zero Accountability, Hostile Management, and Uninhabitable Conditions ​We booked a 6-bed dorm for a group of five for two nights (August 28–29, 2026) based on Booking.com recommendations. It turned out to be an absolute nightmare. ​We checked in around 4:30 PM, went out for sightseeing and dinner, and returned by 10:00 PM. Due to heavy rain, the power was completely out. Understanding the weather conditions, we patiently waited until midnight for management to resolve the issue or arrange a backup. ​When we finally contacted the receptionist, Ayesha, she deflected all blame to the electricity board. When asked about power backup, she casually stated that the backup was drained because it had run earlier in the day and would not be available. Her attitude was atrocious—condescending, dismissive, and openly rude, treating us as though we were begging for a free stay rather than paying customers. ​Left with no choice, we spent a miserable night in a poorly ventilated room without even a working fan. Sleeping outside was impossible due to swarming mosquitoes. ​By 6:30 AM, things got worse: there was zero water supply—neither for the restrooms nor for drinking. When we contacted Ayesha again, we were met with the exact same hostility and total lack of basic decency. ​Unable to tolerate the unlivable conditions, we booked another hotel and informed her we were checking out early. We had paid a 50% advance (₹4,500) prior to arrival. Given that the property failed to provide electricity, running water, or even baseline customer support, we requested a modest 30% refund of the advance. True to form, she arrogantly refused to return a single rupee. ​Key Takeaways Before You Book: ​Deceptive Front Desk (Ayesha): Extremely polite only until the advance payment is collected. Once your money is in their hands, she turns shockingly rude, arrogant, and completely negligent. ​Zero Basic Infrastructure: Management clearly spends money on Booking.

The ambience

Everything

Nothing

Ayesha, the staff member at the hostel, has made my living experience there enjoyable. I was able to explore the areas, get around Auroville and attend community workshops with her generous help. Besides, people who live in this property seem very friendly and welcoming (they have community events almost every day). I recommend this hostel to everyone who wants to socialise and mingle with locals.

Be prepared for the electricity breakdowns from time to time.

Great stay and great vibes! Absolutely lovely people all around.

Everything was perfect

Clam

Food facility

I like the all activities I like host adil and kartavya we went to tanto beach with all hostel ppl , There are places to eat very near and it easy to connect to go auroville

It was difficult to locate the hostel initially as it is under rural area. Inside, it's awesome.

Amazing property

Cleanliness even after being inside the forest area is amazing and the host and his activities were very engaging, it was a wholesome experience.

Peaceful place

Acesss needs a bike or auto.

The place where I met some of the amazing people from all around the world… everyone there including the staff and other guests were so welcoming. The staff members (Adil & varsha) were very helpful they suggested the events happening everyday and places to visit, we enjoyed the community dinner that we all prepared and ate together followed by the bonfire with the jamming session on the full moon night..!! they even organized a movie night for us..!! It was a wonderful trip with such amazing people around..!! The raw and earthy vibes made us connect with the nature and real human connections. It was a widely spread property with hammocks, fire pit and so much more including a yoga room and playgrounds also nearby the auroville gym. Definitely worth the price and experience.

The community is full of helping hands and great people when it comes to bonding, the host feels like just another friend you've made at the new place, Feels like a home far from home :)

Had a wonderful stay! As a solo traveler, I felt safe and well taken care of. The hostel staff were extremely helpful, guiding me around and helping me explore nearby places. I especially loved the friendly atmosphere and environment.

The bathrooms could have been a bit cleaner, but overall it was a great experience.

Full of fun and activities, very lively place with amazing energy....

Location

Even though it’s a dorm room, random people just barged into the room. Someone came and just used the washroom. They checked in some people very late at night into our dorm and caused a chaos. And the room was right next to the kitchen which was always dirty. One of the bunk beds was very squeaky. Could not get any sleep. Also no ac was allowed till 8 p.m in the scorching heat.

Location. and the experience to stay with others.

It would be great , if food was also arranged.

Location

Toilet cleaning

Super cozy and nice hostel in the forest - a loot of space in the common area to chill and be in nature. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Feels like a big family there - one of the best hostels I've ever been!

One good place to stay in Auroville. Its highly pocket friendly. The host and guests are so welcoming. The place looks even more beautiful late in the evening. The place is free from all noises and is pretty much quiet. Rooms have mosquito net in windows. Parking is available. Definitely worth the money. As the name states, it is truly 'A Rural Retreat Experience'

Request for early check-in accepted online wasn't considered

This place is great! The outdoor space is really nice and the rooms are good. As far as location goes, it can't get much better. It's not close to the city center, but it's close enough. If you have a bicycle or a scooter or a motorbike it's a quick trip to anything you need. If you're coming here by foot, it's probably half an hour to restaurants and retail and stuff. You can also get deliveries here.

Hummm... Honestly, the layout is a bit odd but it works. If you're picky, you can find flaws in this place, but for goodness sake, it's a hostel in India... If people are complaining they need to meditate a bit and find what's bothering them.

The location of the place. It is so peaceful and calming. I was very happy visiting this place. I will be visiting this place more in the future.

Nothing

The best hostel i have stayed in India.Great people and very nice atmosphere.Best choice in Auroville.

I really like the location where the hostal is spotted in the middle of the forest. And the people I met they make the trip beautiful. Nature, Peaceful, People that's make better Human. After you visit you'll be better person.

None

I recently spent a week at this hostel and was blown away by the experience. I had an incredible week-long stay at this hostel. The property's design and maintenance are truly impressive, and uniquely located in the middle of a forest is a huge part of its charm offering a peaceful and escape from the city. It's clear a lot of care has gone into making it a beautiful space. The staff were absolutely wonderful—super friendly and the main reason I would come back. The staff truly made the stay memorable. They were incredibly friendly and helpful, going above and beyond to make me feel welcome. They are the key reason I would choose to visit again. The facilities, including the kitchen, common areas, and bathrooms, were clean and functional. While they aren't luxurious, they perfectly matched the rural experience the hostel promises. I felt completely safe and at home during my entire stay.

My only minor wish would be for an on-site cafe, but I noticed they seem to be in the process of building one, which is great news for future guests!

Loved my experience at the hostel! The host is a very good person and a great manager. They took care of everything, even dropped me at the highway when I had to catch a bus. Totally recommend!!

I visit exp. Regularly for retreat my self with surrounded nature and away from city life it’s the best place for to stay

Nitish and other staff are very friendly and always ready to help out, it is because of them that the hostel has a community vibe. They host interactive events and community dinners which one might not find in commercial stays usually. It is located slightly inside the forest area but accurately marked on the map. Surrounded by trees it is a beautiful place for those who come looking for peace. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR SOLO TRAVELERS, GROUPS, AND COUPLES!

Lack of regular cleaning in some areas, and frequent powercuts.

オーナーがとても親切で、ゲスト同士の交流もあるアットホームな場所。オーロビルの色んな情報も教えてもらえて、ノープランでしたが、充実した滞在になりました。夜の庭やヨガシャラの雰囲気もよく、有料の朝ごはんも美味。おすすめのホステル。

I like the waves around that place that’s why I love this place ! I highly recommended!

I am really like HostelEXP

Great hosts and friendly people. The property grounds was really spacious and the hammocks were the cherry on top. The cook made homely lunches and Community dinner nights are special 🩷

Cleanliness was an issue and Spotted Rats inside the dorm.

The Truth About HostelExp in Auroville… (From Someone Who Stayed Over a Week) I booked HostelExp for just one night but ended up staying over a week. It’s one of those places that’s easy to settle into—comfortable, quiet, and thoughtfully run 🌿🛖. The yoga shala was a real highlight 🌳🧘‍♂️. It’s clean, peaceful, and felt like a great place to start each day. The whole property is well-maintained, and you can tell there’s real care behind the scenes. Everything from the rooms to the common spaces had a calm, intentional vibe 🍃. What I appreciated most was the balance between community and personal space 🍂🪷. There were always friendly people around, but it never felt busy or overwhelming. I could join in or take time for myself, and both felt equally supported. Nitish was really helpful before I even arrived, sending clear directions and making the whole process simple 🛤️. Once I got there, he made sure I felt welcome. Lucky, who helps take care of the space, was kind and friendly too 🌼🙂. For what’s offered, the price is very fair 🍀. If you’re heading to Auroville and looking for a quiet, conscious place to stay, HostelExp is a great choice. I’d definitely come back 🌺✨.

Very bad experience, they target particular people, they don't say anything on face. I have seen this in 1 more property in similar area by other christian people. They play dirty politics to demean and demonize you. It's far better to go to local people's properties. I wouldn't talk like this but this has happened second time in this same area, so I'm seeing a pattern here, they have also given their dogs muslim names. You may remove this review here for whatever terms and conditions because I mentioned christian, but it was a very bad experience, I will write about this everywhere. I felt that this place has diverse communities living together, now i realised it's because of the different language that noone understand what's going on there. Even if they have something to say, they will instigate others to abuse you. Anyways I will remember this, outside India in gulf etc these people behave all nice and cool, I have seen how you behave when you are in your own territory.

Bed.was comfortable

Toilets were not clean and had foul smell.

I'm still swooning over the warm hospitality! Being treated like family was the highlight of my stay. And the hostel's forest setting? Absolutely breathtaking! I've given them my heart, and I'll definitely be back for more. Highly recommended for nature lovers and those seeking a homely atmosphere!.

Spot

Deep inside

Place was very nice. It’s too peaceful

Beautiful place, I loved the stay here. Staff are very welcoming, Godwin and lucky Bhai are very friendly. Lots of activities through out the week. Food is great. If you are looking for village retreat, this is the best place. Near to all main places. Highly recommend

I booked for two nights in this hidden gem, and ended up extending for a few more days before deciding to stay a few more weeks. I fell in love with the place, the atmosphere, and the lovely people staying there! If you’re looking for a peaceful place to meet new people and enjoy the best of your Auroville stay, this is where you need to be!

Nothing

all good.

It’s an amazing place that attracts an eclectic crowd. It’s been thoughtfully designed with hammocks, inviting common areas, and little touches around every corner. The staff are incredibly warm and have the most incredible stories to share. They are soon to open a cafe with global cuisine, helmed by a fantastic chef, which I am looking forward to on my next visit. Highly recommend!

The Exp hostel is more than a hostel, it's an adventure to live! Surrounded by greenery, this place is perfect to recharge your batteries as calm as well as to meet beautiful people. It's a little far from the center and shops to go on foot but by renting a scooter or a bike, it works very well! The hostel is warm, friendly, colorful and the welcome is really at the top! Wonderful meetings, incredible moments spent with the community, laughter, discussions and games are at the rendezvous! It can be hot in the dormitories... Fortunately, the beach is close to cool off! So if you also love nature, encounters, creativity and a sense of sharing, this place is for you! Thank you very much for EVERYTHING! 🌿🌞🌿

I can say it is a fantastic hostel. In my travelling I stayed in more than 200 hostels in many parts of the world. This hostel is different from all. I planned for two days and stayed 15 days . it's not about me every solo travel doing same. There are several reasons 1. Auroviille township is in the jungle. And this hostel is in Auroviille. 2. The hostel architect is a good combination of relexing life and village life. Many tree hanging hammacks , Comfortable smoking zone, creative carnor make my trip very relexing. 3 breakfast every morning cooked by local. And was super tasty 4 I was fascinated by hostel garden . Several old cashew trees loaded with cashews, several coconut and banana trees , Mango trees guava tree, Sapota tree lemon tree. Many varieties of flowers. Beautiful landscape. 3 Hostel has so many activities like playing carrom, bedminton, cards, jungle walk, beach walk surfing, yoga, community cooking, watching movie and chatting with travelers on various subjects. . 4 Hostel was in the jungle . But scooters and bikes were available on rent. So moving was very easy. 5 I also planted vegetables. So many travelers painted on wall and benches. I love it. Goodwill (Owner ) was participating in most of activities. Very intelligent and thoughtful personality. Lucky, Nitesh , Rakesh were so friendly , helpful and caring I spent my time like living with family. Even every travel was like family. Thank you all.❤️

Need A/C that's it

The people are very welcoming. The food was phenomenal. Thank you ellie for cooking the amazing cauliflower cheese and thanks Dheeraj for the smash burgers. It's a lovely retreat

That I had to leave early

"5/5 Stars! I had an incredible stay at Hostel Exp-Auroville for a week! The staff and volunteers, especially Nithish and Rakesh, Dheeraj were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. The hostel was immaculately clean, comfortable, and had a fantastic atmosphere with positive vibes. The beds were super comfy, ensuring a great night's sleep. Waking up to the birds chirping early in the morning was a lovely bonus! Hostel Exp also organized some amazing events and activities, which were a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers. I highly recommend Hostel Exp to anyone seeking a great place to stay. Thanks for an unforgettable week!"

Nothing

Excellent

It's just that the bed I was using was hot because the fan didn't reach down making it slightly hot. Rest everything was great.

Surroundings and staff are super nice

There are no curtains for the beds

the guys at the hostel were extremely helpful, accommodating and very friendly. they try to organize events most days for the guests -eg sing song around the bonfire, going to the beach, local musicians, movie night etc. The location, while a little bit outside the main 'town area" is still only 30 mins walk to pretty much the main attractions in Auroville - Visitors center, Matrimandir, Savitri Bhavan,. A nice bakery and ATMs, shops are again about 30 mins walk. There are a few restaurants about 20 mins walk away. I loved that the hostel is in a quiet location near the forest - less traffic noises. Meals are also available (breakfast, lunch, dinner- at an extra cost 150-200 rupees) , and laundry services as well. They also have a couple of bikes which can be rented. Great place - well worth the visit especially if you are on a budget

Mosquitos - make sure to bring bug spray..and there were some power outages while i was there, but then again, this is not the fault of the hostel or its workers

*5/5 Stars* "Amazing Experience! I had an absolute blast staying here! The vibe is superb, especially at night. It's an ideal spot to relax with friends or enjoy some solo time. The people of Hostel exp auroville are incredibly friendly, making our trip even more unforgettable. Lots of love and positivity here! Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a beautiful and peaceful stay in Auroville. Can't wait to come back!"

Beautiful and relaxing place. The staff is lovely, funny, welcoming and very helpful. Lot of hammocks to chill, slackline and yoga shala. Easily accessible to every activities Auroville has to offer with a bicycle or a motorbike

Helpful and nice people defo a community vibe there

Friendly and helpful staff, chilled atmosphere, loved the hammocks to pass the afternoon heat and yoga shala for your own practice, comfy mattresses

Considering that the hostel only exists for a few months, some things like handles or fans were already broken/didn’t work. The layout of the dorm wasn’t great either with an adjacent room that everyone used as a storage but was basically next to some of the beds and hence provoked a lot of light and noise when someone was using it. Could’ve been a better, thought through layout. And the location is quite far away from everything. You definitely need to rent a scooty or bicycle to get around.

The people and vibe, food and service was good. The location is nice and peaceful.

The lack of communication, location is far in the forest and water was not hot

I love the people here. They are so friendly so accommodating. The property and location are beautiful, full of trees and nature. Great great value for money. Highly recommend!