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

Funk Bunks - Sigiriya - Sri Lanka
9.0 247 reviews

Funk Bunks - Sigiriya

hostel, Sigiriya
Funk Bunks - Sigiriya is conveniently located near Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, approximately 3km from Pidurangala Rock and 3km from Sigiriya Rock.
This pet-friendly guesthouse offers air conditioning, a terrace, parking, and a variety of breakfast options, ensuring a comfortable stay for individual travellers or couples near Sigiriya's historical sites.
Early Birds - Sri Lanka
8.6 111 reviews

Early Birds

hostel, Arugam Bay
Early Birds, a guesthouse in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, is located a short walk from Pasarichenai and Arugam Bay beaches, and within 4.5km of Crocodile Rock.
This single-bedroom, single-bathroom property offers air conditioning, a terrace, a garden, a bar, free Wi-Fi, and a daily breakfast with various options; nearby attractions include Muhudu Maha Viharaya (4.6km) and Magul Maha Viharaya (19km).
New Mount Villa - Sri Lanka
8.3 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.
Elegant Elephant Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.5 17 reviews

Elegant Elephant Hostel

hostel, Sigiriya
Elegant Elephant Hostel is located in Sigiriya, 2.9 kilometres from Sigiriya Rock and 5.5 kilometres from Pidurangala Rock.
This property offers a 300 square metre floor area, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, accommodating up to 4 guests with complimentary Wi-Fi, private parking, 24-hour reception, room service, and on-site bike and car rental.

Top cities

Best Sri Lanka hostels with a locker

The White House - Sri Lanka
9.1 285 reviews

The White House

hostel, Trincomalee
The White House B&B is located just a short walk from Uppuveli beach in Trincomalee, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre and easy access to nearby attractions like Kanniya Hot Springs and Trincomalee Railway Station. The property enjoys excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall guest experience.
The guesthouse features a single bedroom with a bathroom and a floor area of 12 square metres. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including a garden, terrace, restaurant, room service, free parking, and Wi-Fi.
Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.9 384 reviews

Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel

hostel, Ella
Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel in Ella is conveniently located 5.6km from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, a 12-minute walk from the Ella Spice Garden Cooking Class, and 1.1km from Ella Railway Station.
This single-room guesthouse offers a private bathroom, free parking, a restaurant serving diverse cuisines including a breakfast buffet, plus a terrace, garden, and spa; it also features a pool table and is ideal for exploring the Ella region by bicycle.
Hill Forest Cottage - Sri Lanka
8.6 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.
Bunk 7 - Boutique Urban Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.8 6 reviews

Bunk 7 - Boutique Urban Hostel

hostel, Kandy
Bunk 7 - Boutique Urban Hostel is located approximately 4 to 4.8 kilometres from Kandy City Centre Shopping Mall, Bogambara Stadium, and Kandy Train Station, and 6.3 kilometres from Kandy Museum and Sri Dalada Maligawa.
This accommodation offers free WiFi, air conditioning, a shared kitchen, and a shared lounge, with some rooms featuring a balcony, and a guest capacity of one.

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

Surfers Park Arugambay - Sri Lanka
8.7 90 reviews

Surfers Park Arugambay

hostel, Arugam Bay
Surfers Park Arugambay guesthouse is located in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, a one-minute walk from Arugam Bay Beach and 1.9 kilometres from Pasarichenai Beach.
This 16-square-metre room offers a peaceful setting with garden views, a private bathroom with bidet, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi; guests can also enjoy breakfast, bicycle rental, and organised sightseeing tours.
Feel Like Home Hostel Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka
8.6 297 reviews

Feel Like Home Hostel Anuradhapura

hostel, Anuradhapura
Feel Like Home Anuradhapura guesthouse offers convenient accommodation in central Anuradhapura, situated within 3.2km of the railway station and close to key attractions including the Attikulama Tank and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
This single-bedroom, single-bathroom guesthouse sleeps one guest and features free Wi-Fi, private parking, a shared kitchen and lounge, an on-site currency exchange, Asian breakfast, and bike rentals for exploring Anuradhapura's historical sites.
Promax Villa - Sri Lanka
9.0 309 reviews

Promax Villa

hostel, Nuwara Eliya
PROMAX Villa is located in Nuwara Eliya, just 2.6 km from Gregory Lake and 9.4 km from Hakgala Botanical Garden, offering a peaceful retreat in the scenic hill country. The hostel has received excellent ratings for cleanliness and user experience, along with a very good location rating.
The accommodation features a shared lounge, making it a great place to socialise with fellow travellers, and offers amenities like air conditioning, room service, and free parking. Guests can also enjoy a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and dishwasher, as well as free internet access throughout the property.
Golden Town Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.8 226 reviews

Golden Town Hostel

hostel, Tangalle
Golden Town Hostel is located just 400 metres from Tangalle Beach and 1.4 kilometres from Paravi Wella Beach, offering easy access to both stunning stretches of coastline. The hostel has received excellent ratings for location, cleanliness, and overall user experience.
This family-friendly hostel features a tranquil garden, a shared lounge, and a restaurant. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service, parking, and a range of breakfast options, including continental, Asian, and vegetarian choices.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with laundry available

Carls' Corner - Sri Lanka
9.1 29 reviews

Carls' Corner

hostel, Kandy
Carls' Corner hostel in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offers budget accommodation conveniently located near Kandy's major attractions, though precise distances aren't specified.
This 32-square-metre guesthouse features one bedroom, one bathroom, and can sleep up to 19 guests, providing a microwave, flat-screen TV, safety deposit boxes, and a terrace; an Asian breakfast is included.
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.
The Kandy Samadhicentre - Sri Lanka
8.9 333 reviews

The Kandy Samadhicentre

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.
Vibe Colombo - Sri Lanka
8.7 316 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.
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