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

Ella New Green View - Sri Lanka
8.6 427 reviews

Ella New Green View

hostel, Ella
New Green View Cottage is located in Ella, just 3.9 miles from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and 1.5 miles from Ella Train Station, making it a great base for exploring the area. The cottage has received excellent ratings for its cleanliness, location and user experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Each unit features a private bathroom with a shower and a balcony offering stunning mountain views. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast, rent bikes or cars to explore the surroundings, and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, and room service.
Hill Forest Cottage - Sri Lanka
8.5 9 reviews

Hill Forest Cottage

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.
Citrine Belihuloya - Sri Lanka
9.2 41 reviews

Citrine Belihuloya

hostel, Belihul Oya
Citrine Belihuloya, a hostel located in Belihuloya, is situated approximately 45 kilometres from Castlereigh Reservoir Seaplane Base Airport.
This family-friendly establishment offers a garden, restaurant, room service, and a terrace, with rooms featuring balconies, private bathrooms, free WiFi, and some providing mountain views.
Sigiri Birds Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.2 232 reviews

Sigiri Birds Hostel

hostel, Sigiriya
Sigiri Birds Hostel in Sigiriya is located 1.6km from Sigiriya Rock and 4.8km from Pidurangala Rock, offering convenient access to these iconic landmarks and the Sigiriya Museum.
This guesthouse boasts a 25 square metre room with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a capacity for four guests, featuring a restaurant, spa, terrace, garden, free Wi-Fi, and parking, plus bike and car rentals.

Top cities

Best Sri Lanka hostels with a locker

Arne's Place - Sri Lanka
8.9 293 reviews

Arne's Place

hostel, Arugam Bay
Arne's Place, a family-friendly guesthouse in Arugam Bay, is situated near Arugam Bay Beach and Pasarichenai Beach, approximately 3.2km from Muhudu Maha Viharaya and 5km from Lagoon Safari – Pottuvil.
This excellent-rated establishment offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies, a spa, restaurant, fitness centre, and various amenities including an open-air bath, shared lounge, and an indoor play area for children, plus bike and car rentals for exploring the area.
C 1 Colombo Fort - Sri Lanka
8.2 7078 reviews

C 1 Colombo Fort

hostel, Colombo
C 1 Colombo Fort is a 3-star hotel located in Colombo Fort, a short walk from Galle Face Beach and Khan Clock Tower, making it a great base for exploring the city's attractions. The hotel consistently receives very good user ratings, indicating a positive experience for guests.
This accommodation offers comfortable rooms with a shared lounge for relaxation. Guests can enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a terrace or balcony, and a garden, as well as access to a restaurant and room service.
Laughing Leopard Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.3 1240 reviews

Laughing Leopard Hostel

hostel, Nuwara Eliya
Laughing Leopard Hostel is located in Nuwara Eliya, just 2.7 kilometres from Gregory Lake and 9.7 kilometres from Hakgala Botanical Garden, offering a convenient base for exploring the scenic surroundings. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with a good location rating.
The hostel features a shared kitchen, a bar, a terrace, and a garden, perfect for socialising with fellow travellers. Guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and the option to participate in activities like hiking or visiting a nearby casino.
Greensenz Resort & Hostel-sigiriya - Sri Lanka
9.2 6 reviews

Greensenz Resort & Hostel-sigiriya

hostel, Sigiriya
Green Senz by Wildflower, a guest house in Sigiriya, is located 9.8 kilometres from Sigiriya Rock and 13 kilometres from Pidurangala Rock.
This accommodation offers a garden, playground, and on-site restaurant serving various cuisines, with bike and car rental available for exploring the area.

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's ancient rock fortress offers stunning views for a relatively low entrance fee. Polonnaruwa's ancient city ruins are another affordable historical site. You can also hike Adam's Peak for sunrise (though the climb is strenuous!), and enjoy the free beauty of beaches like Mirissa or Unawatuna.
  • 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. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) sees less traffic.
  • 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 local currency. While some places accept credit cards, it's best to carry Rupees, especially in smaller towns and villages. ATMs are widely available in cities.
  • What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Sri Lanka?

    The best hostels with a jacuzzi in Sri Lanka are 2in1 Kandy Hostel, Barefoot Inn Kandy and City Capital Hostel.

  • How easy is it to navigate the roads?

    Navigating Sri Lanka's roads can be challenging. The road conditions vary greatly, and traffic can be heavy, especially in Colombo. Using a reputable ride-hailing app or hiring a driver is often recommended, especially for longer distances. Public transport, such as buses, is available but can be crowded and slow.
  • What are the best hostels for families and kids in Sri Lanka?

    The best hostels for families and kids in Sri Lanka are Clock Inn Dehiwala, Araliya Lagoon Park Resort and Shady Transit Hotel.

  • How can travellers best respect local customs?

    Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as temples and shrines. Remove your shoes before entering these places. It's polite to greet people with a nod or 'Ayubowan'. Be mindful of local traditions and customs, and always ask before taking photographs of people. Learn a few basic Sinhala or Tamil phrases – it's greatly 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?

    Sri Lanka boasts a rich tapestry of festivals. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a major celebration, marked by unique traditions. Poson Poya commemorates the arrival of Buddhism, while Duruthu Poya celebrates the Buddha's first visit. These festivals often involve vibrant processions, traditional foods and dances.
  • 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?

    For medical emergencies, dial 119. For police assistance, dial 119. It is always advisable to have the contact details of your embassy or consulate in case of emergencies.
  • What are the best areas to spend a week?

    A week allows for a good exploration. Consider a cultural triangle itinerary (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya), followed by beach time in the south (Unawatuna or Mirissa). Alternatively, explore the hill country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya) for stunning landscapes and tea plantations.
  • What are the best areas to spend a weekend?

    For a short trip, focus on a specific area. Colombo offers a vibrant city experience. Negombo is great for beach relaxation. A weekend in Kandy allows you to explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy the hill country's beauty.
  • Are there specific regions known for great weather?

    The weather in Sri Lanka varies regionally. The hill country generally enjoys pleasant temperatures year-round. The south coast has warm weather, but the monsoon season affects different parts at different times. Checking the forecast before travelling to a specific region is always recommended.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with air conditioning

Vibe Colombo - Sri Lanka
8.7 312 reviews

Vibe Colombo

hostel, Colombo
Vibe Hostels in Colombo is located just a couple of miles from Milagiriya Beach and Bambalapitiya Railway Station, making it a convenient base for exploring the city's beaches and attractions. It benefits from very good user, location and cleanliness ratings, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
The hostel offers a range of shared rooms and private rooms, all featuring comfortable seating areas, private bathrooms with bidets, and some with balconies offering city views. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen, a garden, a terrace, a bar, and parking facilities.
Courtyard Hostel Negombo - Sri Lanka
No reviews

Courtyard Hostel Negombo

hostel, Negombo
Courtyard Hostel Negombo, a budget-friendly guesthouse, is situated in Negombo directly on Negombo Beach, 3.7 kilometres from St. Anthony's Church and 12.1 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport.
This accommodation offers a private beach area, a garden, a shared lounge, a shared kitchen, air conditioning, and an on-site restaurant serving Asian breakfast, with pets welcome and WiFi available.
Casa Moon Trincomalee Beach House - Sri Lanka
9.2 70 reviews

Casa Moon Trincomalee Beach House

hostel, Trincomalee
Casa Moon Uppuveli Rooms Apartment & Hostel is situated in Trincomalee, a mere 4-minute walk from Uppuveli beach and 4 kilometres from Kanniya Hot Springs.
This accommodation offers a family-friendly environment with an indoor play area, complimentary WiFi, private parking, and on-site dining options including a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar.
Ceylon Stayz - Sri Lanka
8.9 1218 reviews

Ceylon Stayz

hostel, Colombo
Ceylon Stayz is a well-rated hostel in Colombo, offering a convenient location close to the city's main attractions. It has consistently received excellent ratings for its cleanliness, location, and overall experience.
The hostel features a single bedroom and bathroom, suitable for one guest. It provides essential amenities like air conditioning, parking, and internet access, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with laundry available

New Sigiriya Hostel - Sri Lanka
No reviews

New Sigiriya Hostel

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.
Sixth Sense Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.4 286 reviews

Sixth Sense Hostel

hostel, Galle
Sixth Sense Hostel in Galle is situated approximately 8km from Galle Fort and a 15-minute walk from Unawatuna Beach, offering convenient access to major attractions.
This single-bedroom guesthouse provides free private parking, a shared kitchen with fridge, freezer and microwave, a terrace, garden, and Wi-Fi, accommodating one guest and offering a range of breakfast options.
Habarana Farm Cottage - Sri Lanka
9.2 52 reviews

Habarana Farm Cottage

hostel, Habarana
Habarana Farm Cottage, in Avudangawa, Sri Lanka, offers convenient access to Sigiriya Rock (11km), Pidurangala Rock (10km), and Habarana Lake (6km), ideal for exploring ancient wonders and natural beauty.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse provides a private balcony with garden views, plus amenities including a restaurant serving local and Asian cuisine, a spa, free Wi-Fi, and airport transfers.
Noahs Ark Transit Stay - Sri Lanka
8.1 151 reviews

Noahs Ark Transit Stay

hostel, Moratuwa
Noah's Ark Home Stay is a pet-friendly guesthouse in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, located 12.2 kilometres from Bambalapitiya Railway Station and 17.7 kilometres from the Khan Clock Tower, offering easy access to local snorkeling spots.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse features a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, a terrace, a fitness centre, parking, and serves daily breakfast, with airport transfers arranged on request.
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