Backpack Beach Hostel & Reggae Bar is located in Galle, just a short walk from Boossa Beach and Pitiwella Beach, offering easy access to the stunning coastline. The hostel is highly rated, with excellent user reviews for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The hostel provides comfortable accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, terrace, garden, and free Wi-Fi, as well as parking and airport transportation.
9.1 775 reviews
Sri Lanka
05/12 – 15/12
$30/nighttotal: $300 (10 )
Vibe Way (Hostel & Market Farm)
1 2
hostel , Nuwara Eliya
Vibe Way (Hostel & Market Farm), a family-friendly guesthouse in Nuwara Eliya, is conveniently located 3.1km from Gregory Lake and 10km from Hakgala Botanical Garden. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom property offers guests free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, bike rentals, an outdoor fireplace, and a shared lounge, with kitchens equipped with ovens, kettles, and microwaves.
9.8 6 reviews
Sri Lanka
23/07 – 26/07
$42/nighttotal: $126 (3 )
Hureshan Villa
1 5
hostel , Negombo
Hureshan Villa, a guest house in Negombo, is located 2.4 kilometres from Wellaweediya Beach and a 7-minute walk from St. Anthony's Church, with Bandaranaike International Airport situated 8 kilometres away. This accommodation offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a garden, parking, and selected rooms feature a private terrace, with breakfast options including full English/Irish, Italian, and American.
8.8 239 reviews
Sri Lanka
31/08 – 07/09
$53/nighttotal: $371 (7 )
Kurumbunkz Kandy
1 2
hostel , Kandy
Kurumbunkz is a hostel situated just 3.7 kilometres from Kandy Train Station and 3.7 kilometres from Bogambara Stadium, in a convenient location close to the city centre and its attractions. The hostel has received very good user ratings and excellent ratings for both location and cleanliness. The hostel offers a range of amenities for guests, including a restaurant, bar, terrace and free parking. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom with a bidet, and the option of rooms with mountain views.
9.0 159 reviews
Sri Lanka
15/07 – 24/07
$62/nighttotal: $558 (9 )
Light House Beach Hut
2 5
hostel , Komari
Light House Beach Hut, a family-friendly guesthouse near Komari, offers convenient access to Lagoon Safari (21km), Muhudu Maha Viharaya (22km), Crocodile Rock (29km), and Elephant Rock (32km), with Magul Maha Viharaya also within reach (34km). This one-bedroom, one-bathroom property features a terrace, garden, on-site restaurant serving local cuisine, private beach access, free parking, and offers sightseeing tours and bicycle rentals.
8.9 432 reviews
Sri Lanka
09/07 – 13/07
$19/nighttotal: $76 (4 )
Cozy House Hostel
1 2
hostel , Ella
Cozy House Hostel in Ella is a 4-minute walk from Ella Railway Station, 4.2km from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, and within 48km of Hakgala Botanical Garden and Horton Plains National Park. This single-bedroom guesthouse offers a shared kitchen with fridge and dishwasher, a terrace, garden, parking, and includes a full English/Irish breakfast; bike rentals are available for exploring nearby hiking trails like Little Adam's Peak (2.9km away).
8.5 270 reviews
Sri Lanka
05/10 – 25/10
$26/nighttotal: $520 (20 )
Kandy Mountain Cottage
1 2
hostel , Kandy
Kandy Mountain Cottage is located in Kandy, just a short distance from the city centre and popular attractions like the Kandy City Center Shopping Mall and Sri Dalada Maligawa. The resort enjoys an excellent user rating and is highly rated for its cleanliness and location. The cottage offers comfortable and modern accommodation with private bathrooms and a choice of breakfast options. Guests can enjoy the tranquil garden setting, take advantage of the on-site spa, or relax on the terrace with a scenic view of the surrounding mountains.
8.3 390 reviews
Sri Lanka
25/08 – 26/08
$31/nightfor 1 night
Dinuda Lagoon Hotel
1 2
resort , Kalpitiya
Dinuda Lagoon Hotel, a resort in Kalpitiya, is located 1.8 kilometres from Kalpitiya Beach and offers lagoon-side accommodation with excellent location and user ratings. This hotel provides guests with a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and complimentary parking, with bike and car rentals available for exploring the area popular for cycling.
8.4 444 reviews
Sri Lanka
05/08 – 31/08
$36/nighttotal: $936 (26 )
Sky Hostel Negombo
1 4
hostel , Negombo
Sky Hostel Negombo enjoys a beachfront location, a minute's walk from Negombo Beach and 1.8km from Poruthota Beach, with Bandaranaike International Airport 11km away. This 15-square-metre room in the guesthouse offers a shared kitchen with fridge, microwave, and dishwasher, plus a terrace, garden, sauna, bar, fitness centre, and parking; it sleeps one guest and includes air conditioning.
9.4 213 reviews
Sri Lanka
09/07 – 13/07
$32/nighttotal: $128 (4 )
Banda Casa, Kandy
1 2
hostel , Kandy
Banda Casa is situated just 2.7 kilometres from Kandy Train Station and 3.4 kilometres from Kandy City Center Shopping Mall, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre. The B&B enjoys excellent user ratings for cleanliness and location, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Each room at Banda Casa is equipped with a well-stocked kitchen and comfortable living areas, ideal for families or groups. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a garden, terrace, restaurant, and free bicycle rental, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.
8.8 1119 reviews
Sri Lanka
30/07 – 06/08
$95/nighttotal: $665 (7 )
Clock Inn Dehiwala
1 5
hostel , Mount Lavinia
Clock Inn Dehiwala is situated in Dehiwala, a short walk from Mount Lavinia Beach and close to other popular beaches and attractions. The hostel has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. Clock Inn Dehiwala offers a shared lounge and garden for guests to relax in. The hostel provides a range of amenities including a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar, as well as air-conditioned rooms, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.
9.1 165 reviews
Sri Lanka
04/08 – 07/09
$11/nighttotal: $374 (34 )
Schatzi's Hideaway
2 5
hostel , Tangalle
Schatzi's Hideaway, a two-star guesthouse in Tangalle, is a 13-minute walk (approx. 2km) from Mawella Beach, 5km from the Hummanaya Blow Hole, and 26km from Weherahena Buddhist Temple. This family-friendly lodging offers one bedroom with one bathroom, sleeping up to three guests, and features a shared kitchen, room service, free Wi-Fi, a terrace, garden, and on-site parking, with cycling excursions available locally.
Best Sri Lanka hostels with breakfast
Among the 1568 hostels in Sri Lanka, here are the 4 best hostels with breakfast
8.4 16 reviews
Sri Lanka
13/08 – 19/08
$47/nighttotal: $282 (6 )
Salty Mango Resort
1 3
hostel , Kalpitiya
Skykite Hostel Kalpitiya is located in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka, 2.7 kilometres from Kudawa Beach and 138 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a shared lounge, a garden, and accepts pets; breakfast options include à la carte, continental, and Asian choices, and it's ideal for individual travellers or couples, excluding bachelor/hen parties.
8.9 436 reviews
Sri Lanka
27/11 – 30/11
$33/nighttotal: $99 (3 )
The Mist Holiday Bungalow
1 2
hostel , Haputale
The Mist Holiday Bungalow is situated in Haputale, just a short walk from the railway and bus stations, and is only 15km from Lipton's Seat and 19km from Bambarakanda Falls. The bungalow has received very good user ratings for cleanliness and an excellent location rating. The bungalow has a shared lounge area and offers comfortable rooms with tiled flooring and private balconies. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, heating, a restaurant, a fitness centre, and a jacuzzi, as well as a garden, a terrace, and parking.
Sri Lanka
04/07 – 30/07
$12/nighttotal: $312 (26 )
New Sigiriya Hostel
1 2
hostel , Sigiriya
New Sigiriya Hostel, a guesthouse in Sigiriya, is located 1.3 kilometres from Sigiriya Rock and 3.9 kilometres from Pidurangala Rock. This accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms, complimentary bicycles, a garden, on-site parking, and a coffee shop, with certain rooms featuring a private terrace.
8.7 366 reviews
Sri Lanka
21/11 – 05/12
$49/nighttotal: $686 (14 )
Cozy Nest Kandy Villa
1 2
hostel , Kandy
Funk Bunks - By The Lake is situated in Kandy, just a short distance from the city centre and within easy reach of attractions such as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy Museum, and Kandy City Centre Shopping Mall. The hostel offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, a garden, and barbecue facilities, as well as a concierge service, currency exchange, and breakfast options.
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Best Sri Lanka hostels with a locker
10 1 review
Sri Lanka
21/06 – 03/07
$47/nighttotal: $564 (12 )
The Bunker Hostel Ella
1 5
hostel , Ella
The Bunker Hostel Ella is situated in Ella, 1.8 kilometres from Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and 1.8 kilometres from Ella Train Station. This budget accommodation offers a garden, shared lounge, barbecue facilities, and a shared kitchen, with free private parking and WiFi available, and bike and car rental services for exploring the surrounding area.
9.9 8 reviews
Sri Lanka
18/08 – 02/09
$15/nighttotal: $225 (15 )
One More Night Hostel
1 2
hostel , Sigiriya
The One More Night Hostel in Sigiriya offers a tranquil garden setting, located 4.8 kilometres from Sigiriya Rock and 6.8 kilometres from Pidurangala Rock, with Sigiriya Airport a mere 1.9 kilometres away. This accommodation provides complimentary WiFi, an on-site restaurant and bar, a sun terrace, and a playground, with the surrounding area popular for cycling and darts available at the hostel.
8.7 57 reviews
Sri Lanka
19/09 – 11/10
$50/nighttotal: $1100 (22 )
Moonlight Surf Hostel
1 3
hostel , Arugam Bay
Moonlight Surf Hostel in Arugam Bay is located near Arugam Bay Beach, 3.6km from Muhudu Maha Viharaya temple, and within easy reach of Crocodile Rock (4.8km), Lagoon Safari (5.3km), and Elephant Rock (7.9km). This pet-friendly guesthouse offers one bedroom, one bathroom, a communal kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, air conditioning, a terrace, garden, parking, Wi-Fi, and evening entertainment.
8.5 9 reviews
Sri Lanka
24/07 – 26/07
$169/nighttotal: $338 (2 )
Hill Forest Cottage
3 7
hostel , Ella
Hill Forest Cottage is located in Ella, just 1.9 kilometres from Ella Train Station and 5.8 kilometres from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, offering easy access to these popular attractions. The hostel has received very good user ratings and a good location rating. This family-friendly guesthouse provides comfortable accommodation with a shared kitchen, a restaurant, and a bar. Guests can enjoy free bikes, a terrace or balcony with mountain views, a shared lounge and garden, karaoke, and a free shuttle service.
Frequently Asked Questions about hostels in Sri Lanka
What are the most affordable attractions for backpackers to visit?
Backpackers can find plenty of budget-friendly options. Exploring the cultural triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya) offers incredible ancient ruins at reasonable entrance fees. Hiking Adam's Peak is a challenging but rewarding experience with minimal costs beyond transportation. Beaches like Unawatuna or Mirissa offer free relaxation, while local buses provide cheap transport throughout the country. Many temples are free to enter, and delicious, affordable street food is readily available everywhere.
Which airports handle most of the traffic to and from the country?
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo handles the vast majority of international flights. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) sees significantly less traffic.
What are the best hostels with a pool in Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller towns and villages.
What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Sri Lanka?
Navigating roads can be challenging. Road conditions vary widely, and traffic, especially in Colombo, can be heavy. Tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable mode of transport for shorter distances, while buses are inexpensive for longer journeys. Hiring a driver is an option for a more comfortable experience, particularly for longer trips.
What are the best hostels for families and kids in Sri Lanka?
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering temples and homes. Use your right hand for eating and giving and receiving items. It's polite to greet people with a 'Ayubowan.' Be mindful of noise levels, especially in religious areas. Learn a few basic Sinhala or Tamil phrases – it's appreciated.
What are the best pet friendly hostels in Sri Lanka?
What are the key emergency contacts for medical or safety concerns?
For medical emergencies, dial 119. For police assistance, dial 119. It's always a good idea to have the contact information for your embassy or consulate readily available.
What are the best hostels with parking in Sri Lanka?
A week allows for a good exploration. Consider combining the cultural triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya) with a beach stay in the south (Unawatuna or Mirissa) or exploring the hill country (Kandy and Ella) with its tea plantations and stunning views. This balance gives a taste of Sri Lanka's diverse offerings.
What are the best areas to spend a weekend?
For a weekend getaway, focus on a specific area. Colombo offers a vibrant city experience with its colonial architecture and bustling markets. Alternatively, a relaxing weekend could be spent on the beaches of Negombo or Bentota. Kandy provides a cultural immersion with its Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Are there specific regions known for great weather?
The weather in Sri Lanka varies regionally. The south coast generally enjoys warm weather year-round, while the hill country experiences cooler temperatures. The best time to visit depends on your preferences and tolerance for rain; the dry season (December to March) is generally preferred by many visitors.
Best Sri Lanka hostels with air conditioning
8.8 115 reviews
Sri Lanka
21/06 – 27/06
$37/nighttotal: $222 (6 )
Lovely Lodge & Hostel
1 3
hostel , Sigiriya
This lovely lodge is situated in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, 1.8km from Sigiriya Rock and 4km from Pidurangala Rock, offering convenient access to these iconic landmarks. The guesthouse provides a single bedroom with one bathroom, featuring a terrace, garden, free Wi-Fi, parking, and a continental or full English/Irish breakfast, plus bicycle and car rental services.
10 1 review
Sri Lanka
27/07 – 03/08
$39/nighttotal: $273 (7 )
Mango Three Resort
2 4
hostel , Anuradhapura
Mango Three Hostel in Anuradhapura offers convenient access to key historical sites such as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (5.5km), Kuttam Pokuna (5.8km), and Anuradhapura Railway Station (4.5km). This pet-friendly guesthouse features one bedroom, one bathroom, air conditioning, a terrace, parking, and is ideal for solo travellers or couples seeking a peaceful base to explore Anuradhapura's ancient wonders.
8.8 276 reviews
Sri Lanka
01/10 – 15/11
$27/nighttotal: $1215 (45 )
The Nest
1 2
hostel , Tangalle
The Nest hotel in Tangalle is conveniently located a short walk (1.6km) from Mulkirigala Rock Monastery and Red Beach, and approximately 1.8km from Tangalle and Marakkalagoda Beaches. This 2-star guesthouse offers a single bedroom with ensuite bathroom, a restaurant serving Indian, seafood and local cuisine (including vegetarian options), free Wi-Fi, valet parking, and a shared lounge; plus on-site darts and nearby cycling opportunities.
8.3 81 reviews
Sri Lanka
04/01 – 18/01
$18/nighttotal: $252 (14 )
Aura City Hostel
1 2
hostel , Anuradhapura
Aura City Hostel in Anuradhapura offers convenient accommodation 1.8km from Kumbichchan Kulama Tank and 2.3km from Kada Panaha Tank, placing guests within easy reach of major historical sites and the Nature Park. This family-friendly guesthouse features a garden, terrace, restaurant with room service, free Wi-Fi, and private parking, alongside a single bedroom with one bathroom.
Best Sri Lanka hostels with laundry available
Sri Lanka
11/07 – 24/07
$21/nighttotal: $273 (13 )
Natures Glow Hostal
2 4
hostel , Ella
Natures Glow Hostal in Ella is located 1.3 kilometres from Ella Train Station and 5.5 kilometres from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. This pet-friendly accommodation offers rooms with mountain views, a garden, free WiFi, and private parking, with a capacity for three guests.
8.8 259 reviews
Sri Lanka
25/08 – 26/08
$25/nightfor 1 night
Siril Guesthouse Hostel
1 2
hostel , Nuwara Eliya
Siril Guesthouse Hostel is located in Nuwara Eliya, a short distance from Gregory Lake and Hakgala Botanical Garden, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling town. The guesthouse has received excellent ratings for cleanliness and location, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. The guesthouse features a single bedroom and bathroom, perfect for a solo traveller or a couple. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, relax in the garden and sun terrace, or prepare their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen.
9.3 235 reviews
Sri Lanka
27/08 – 30/08
$49/nighttotal: $147 (3 )
House Of Sincerity In Colombo Suburb
3 2
hostel , Maharagama
House of Sincerity B&B in Maharagama offers convenient access to Bambalapitiya Railway Station (10.6 km) and the R. Premadasa Stadium (14.6 km), providing a blend of city proximity and suburban calm. This family-friendly guesthouse features a garden, terrace, free Wi-Fi, parking, and a shared kitchen equipped with microwaves and fridges; a la carte and halal breakfasts, plus packed lunches, are available.
9.0 329 reviews
Sri Lanka
21/06 – 03/07
$175/nighttotal: $2100 (12 )
The Kandy Samadhicentre
3 5
hostel , Kandy
The Kandy Samadhicentre is situated in Digana, just 25km from the bustling city centre of Kandy, offering a peaceful escape from the urban noise. The resort has received very good ratings for its cleanliness and user experience, as well as an excellent location rating. This hotel has a range of amenities including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, spa, fitness centre, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views. Guests can enjoy traditional Ayurvedic spa treatments, explore the surrounding natural beauty of Digana, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the area.