Hostels in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka hostels
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2384 Hostels in Sri Lanka

Best Sri Lanka hostels with breakfast included

Among the 2384 accommodations in Sri Lanka, here are the 4 best hostels with breakfast included

The Mount View Single Tree Hotel - Sri Lanka
8.7 375 reviews

The Mount View Single Tree Hotel

hostel, Nuwara Eliya
The Mount View Single Tree Hotel is situated in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, 2.3 kilometres from Gregory Lake and 9.2 kilometres from the Hakgala Botanical Garden.
This single-bedroom guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi, private parking, a restaurant serving diverse cuisines including American, Chinese, Indian, vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options, plus airport transfers to Castlereigh Reservoir Seaplane Base Airport (47km away).
Kandy Mountain Cottage - Sri Lanka
8.5 262 reviews

Kandy Mountain Cottage

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.
Hakuna Matata Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.0 58 reviews

Hakuna Matata Hostel

hostel, Sigiriya
Hakuna Matata Hostel in Sigiriya offers convenient access to Sigiriya Rock (2.4km) and Pidurangala Rock (5.5km), alongside Sigiriya Airport (4km).
This single-bedroom guesthouse features a 12-square-metre floor area, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, parking, and a garden, accommodating one guest; shared bathroom facilities with showers and toiletries are available.
Yala Mangora Inn - Sri Lanka
9.8 5 reviews

Yala Mangora Inn

hostel, Tissamaharama
Yala Mangora Inn, located in Tissamaharama, is 2.1 kilometres from Tissa Wewa and 2.2 kilometres from Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, offering convenient access to the gateway of Yala National Park.
This hostel accommodates up to three guests in one bedroom and one bathroom, featuring air conditioning, a terrace, a garden, and complimentary private parking, with pets welcome and an American breakfast served.

Top cities

Best Sri Lanka hostels with a locker

Hello Aliya Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.0 206 reviews

Hello Aliya Hostel

hostel, Sigiriya
Hello Aliya Hostel in Sigiriya offers budget accommodation a 13-minute walk from Sigiriya Rock and 2.6 km from Pidurangala Rock, also close to the Sigiriya Museum.
This 144-square-metre guesthouse features one bedroom, one bathroom, and sleeps one guest; amenities include a private bathroom with toiletries, a safety deposit box, and a garden view, plus a la carte breakfast options.
One More Night Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.9 10 reviews

One More Night Hostel

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.
Hiranya Mountain View Hostel Kandy - Sri Lanka
10 2 reviews

Hiranya Mountain View Hostel Kandy

hostel, Kandy
Hiranya Mountain View Hostel Kandy, a welcoming guesthouse, is situated on a hillside overlooking the Mahaweli River, offering spectacular terrace views of the Knuckles Mountain Range and is a 20-minute walk or short tuk-tuk ride from Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth. This family-friendly hostel provides 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, with amenities including air conditioning, free WiFi, and parking, whilst being conveniently located 4.3 kilometres from the Ceylon Tea Museum and 5.9 kilometres from the Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens.
Tanty’s Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.0 626 reviews

Tanty’s Hostel

hostel, Galle
Tanty's Hostel enjoys a central Galle location, a short distance (2.7km) from Galle Fort, 2.4km from Jungle Beach, and 2.6km from the Galle International Cricket Stadium, offering easy access to Bonavista Beach.
This family-friendly guesthouse features a shared kitchen with microwave, air conditioning, a garden, on-site parking, and free Wi-Fi; bike and car rentals are available.

Frequently asked questions about hostels in Sri Lanka

  • What are the most affordable attractions for backpackers to visit?

    For budget travellers, exploring the cultural triangle is a must. Sigiriya Rock Fortress offers stunning views for a relatively low entrance fee. Polonnaruwa's ancient city ruins are also inexpensive to explore. You can find numerous free or low-cost activities, such as hiking Adam's Peak (though the climb itself is challenging), visiting local temples, and exploring beaches like Unawatuna or Mirissa. Remember to factor in transport costs, which can be kept low using local buses.
  • What are the best hostels in Sri Lanka?

    Among the hostels in Sri Lanka, Hangover Hostels Ella, Jj's Hostel Mirissa and Colombo Beach Hostel are the most popular ones.

  • 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. There are smaller airports, like Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), but CMB remains the primary gateway.
  • What are the best hostels with a pool in Sri Lanka?

    Jj's Hostel Mirissa, Colombo Beach Hostel and Tuk Tuk Hostel Negombo are the best hostels with a pool in Sri Lanka.

  • What currency is needed?

    The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency. It's advisable to exchange currency at banks or licensed money exchangers for the best rates. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's best to have some cash on hand, especially in smaller towns and villages.
  • What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Sri Lanka?

    The best hostels with a jacuzzi in Sri Lanka are Nalin And Song Hostel (Sigiriya Hostel), 2in1 Kandy Hostel and Barefoot Inn Kandy.

  • How easy is it to navigate the roads?

    Navigating the roads can be challenging. Road conditions vary considerably, with some areas well-maintained and others less so. Driving yourself can be stressful due to traffic and varying driving styles. Public transport, such as buses, is readily available and affordable, offering a more relaxed way to travel, but journeys can be slow. Hiring a driver is another option for a more comfortable, albeit more expensive, journey.
  • What are the best hostels for families and kids in Sri Lanka?

    The best hostels for families and kids in Sri Lanka are Hangover Hostels Ella, Clock Inn Dehiwala and Araliya Lagoon Park Resort.

  • How can travellers best respect local customs?

    Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering temples and homes. Seek permission before taking photographs of people. Be mindful of local traditions and customs, and always show respect to elders. Learning a few basic Sinhala or Tamil phrases will be appreciated.
  • What are the best pet friendly hostels in Sri Lanka?

    The best pet friendly hostels in Sri Lanka are Hangover Hostels Mirissa, Laughing Leopard Hostel and Seconds Hostel - Colombo.

  • Which traditional festivals define the spirit of the country?

    Duruthu Perahera, a grand procession in Kandy celebrating the Buddha's tooth relic, is a highlight. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a vibrant celebration with unique customs and traditions. Poson Poya, commemorating the arrival of Buddhism, is another significant religious festival. These festivals offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
  • What are the best hostels with parking in Sri Lanka?

    Hangover Hostels Ella, Jj's Hostel Mirissa and Colombo Beach Hostel are the best hostels with parking in Sri Lanka.

  • What are the key emergency contacts for medical or safety concerns?

    Dial 119 for ambulance services and 118 for police. For medical emergencies, it's best to seek assistance from your hotel or a local hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
  • What are the best areas to spend a week?

    A week allows for a good exploration. Consider a combination of the cultural triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya), a visit to Kandy and its temple of the tooth, and some time relaxing on the beaches of the south coast (Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama). This itinerary balances culture and relaxation.
  • What are the best areas to spend a weekend?

    For a weekend, focus on a specific area. Colombo offers a vibrant city experience with diverse food and cultural attractions. Alternatively, a relaxing weekend could be spent exploring the beaches of Bentota or Negombo, enjoying watersports and the coastline.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with air conditioning

Drop Inn Hostels - Sri Lanka
8.8 2294 reviews

Drop Inn Hostels

hostel, Colombo
Drop Inn Hostels is located in Colombo, a short distance from Asiri Surgical Hospital and within a 3km radius of the U.S. Embassy and Lanka Hospitals. It boasts very good ratings for cleanliness, location and user experience.
The hostel has a shared kitchen with a fridge, microwave oven and dishwasher, a terrace/balcony, a garden, a restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre. Guests can also benefit from room service, parking, air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and breakfast upon request.
Traditional Kandyan House - Sri Lanka
8.5 400 reviews

Traditional Kandyan House

hostel, Kandy
Kandyan House is situated in the centre of Kandy, just a short distance from attractions such as Bogambara Stadium and Kandy City Center Shopping Mall. The guesthouse has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience.
This one-bedroom guesthouse offers a comfortable and convenient stay. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including a terrace, garden, sauna, spa, restaurant, room service, tennis court, and parking.
Seconds Colombo - Sri Lanka
8.2 1008 reviews

Seconds Colombo

hostel, Colombo
Seconds Colombo is located in Colombo, close to Wellawatte and Milagiriya beaches and a short distance from Bambalapitiya Railway Station. The hostel has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, a garden, and a lounge area for guests to relax and socialise. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and a restaurant and bar, as well as activities like darts and bike and car rentals.
Scoop Cabana Kitesurfing - Sri Lanka
8.6 82 reviews

Scoop Cabana Kitesurfing

hostel, Kalpitiya
Scoop Cabana Kitesurfing is a beachfront hotel in Kalpitiya, located just a few steps from Kudawa Beach and a 1.5 kilometre walk from Kandakuliya Beach. The hotel has received very good user ratings, an excellent location rating, and a very good cleanliness rating.
The accommodation is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit with a floor area of 1 square metre. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a shared kitchen, a restaurant, a garden, a terrace, a spa, and a fitness centre.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with laundry available

New Mount Villa - Sri Lanka
8.2 4 reviews

New Mount Villa

hostel, Ella
New Mount Villa hostel in Ella is conveniently located an 18-minute walk from Ella Railway Station and within 2-5km of attractions including Ella Spice Garden, Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock, and the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge.
This family-friendly guesthouse sleeps up to 11 guests in two bedrooms and offers a shared kitchen with fridge, microwave, and dishwasher, plus a swimming pool, terrace, garden, room service, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Moksha Villa-hostel Kandy - Sri Lanka
8.8 6 reviews

Moksha Villa-hostel Kandy

hostel, Kandy
Moksha Villa-hostel Kandy is located in Kandy, a 17-minute walk from Kandy Royal Botanic Gardens and approximately 6.28 kilometres from Kandy Train Station.
This hostel offers air-conditioned rooms with complimentary WiFi, a shared lounge and terrace, a garden, and free private parking, with selected rooms featuring patios and mountain views.
Best Hostel Yala - Sri Lanka
8.5 228 reviews

Best Hostel Yala

hostel, Tissamaharama
"Best Hostel Yala" is located 6 kilometres from Wirawila town centre, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. It has received very good ratings for both its location and user experience.
The hostel has one bedroom and one bathroom. It provides a range of amenities, including a kitchen with a fridge, a garden, room service, parking, and internet access.
Pilgrims Nature Villa - Sri Lanka
10 4 reviews

Pilgrims Nature Villa

hostel, Ahangama
Pilgrims Nature Hostel in Ahangama is located approximately 24 kilometres from Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle Fort, the Dutch Church Galle, and Galle Lighthouse, with Koggala Airport being 13 kilometres away.
This guest house offers a shared kitchen, lounge, and terrace, with rooms featuring garden views from patios, some with balconies, and all including private bathrooms and refrigerators, plus free WiFi and barbecue facilities.
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