Bengaluru has always been a popular destination among tourists. Over time, a number of back packer friendly hostels have been set up. Taking it a step further, Rajat Kukreja along with his friends and a number of volunteers, turned a house in Koramangala upside down and made it a touchstone for eco-friendly living!
The former Airbnb host wanted to make the hostel a sustainable environment that harbours and encourages creativity – and it seems like he’s achieved his goal!
From the colourful wooden bookshelves to sturdy metal beds, everything at the Cuckoo hostel is recycled. “Some of the stuff has literally been picked up from the streets, abandoned construction sites and shut down factories. Even the beds have been made from industrial packaging material!” says Rajat who’s idea was to keep the place a low-cost one.
“The hostel is also a lab for sustainable living. The wet waste is put in an eco friendly kitchen garden where plants are grown in old tyres and the dry waste, delivered to people who make recycled materials that are again utilised by us. The entire house too has been solarised,” adds the host.
What started off as a solo project, soon turned into a creative marathon, according to Rajat. “I wanted something that would challenge the assumption of a normal house and be seen as a creative space instead. Some place where travellers who are interested in the creative field can meet other people and get inspired,” adds the host who is also a musician as well as a freelancer with a travel company on the sidelines!
“The real story lies in the people who travelled from all over India to lend a helping hand towards making Cuckoo. I’ve had people come from Mysore and Pune who did the carpentry, welding, painting and cleaning of the place and have donated a number of books to the hostel library too,” he says excitedly about the place that took only 25 days to set up.
And if that’s not enough, they even allow pets! “We love animals and though maintaince can be an issue, we’re working on it,” says the 27 year old about the venue which morphs into a jam room and even an art studio!
“We are encouraging local artists to put up their work, which can be bought by people during the stay. Soon, small trinkets and jewellery too will be sold, so tourists can carry memories from the city with them,” smiles Rajat contently.
