Ostel.in by Taproot

Ostel.in was the brainchild of Kandarp Mehta (engineer) and Akanksha Bansal (architect), a duo brought together by a shared passion for experimental community living, sustainable architecture, and culturally immersive travel experiences. Inspired by the spirit of Pondicherry and Auroville, they transformed a coastal home into a lively, design-forward hostel — a place where stories were shared over breakfast tables, strangers became bunkmates, and the vibe encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and quiet introspection by the sea. The vision was always clear: create a stay that felt like home to kindred spirits, and spark conversations among those with different ways of seeing the world. Due to internal differences with a former partner involved in the venture, Kandarp and Akanksha stepped away from Ostel.in. While they are no longer associated with the brand, the essence of what they created continues in spirit. Their journey now continues through Taproot Collaborative, where they continue to explore the intersection of hospitality, sustainability, and meaningful design. Discover more: taprootco.in