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Sri Lanka hostels
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2384 Hostels in Sri Lanka

Best Sri Lanka hostels with breakfast

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

New Uduwara Guest - Sri Lanka
8.5 22 reviews

New Uduwara Guest

hostel, Ella
The New Uduwara Guest, a guesthouse in Ella, is located 7.3 miles from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and 4.8 miles from Demodara Railway Station.
This accommodation offers free WiFi, air conditioning, and a terrace or balcony, with some rooms featuring river views, and a shared kitchen is available for guest use.
Ella Escapade Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.0 711 reviews

Ella Escapade Hostel

hostel, Ella
Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic is located in Ella, just a short distance from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and Ella Train Station, making it an ideal base for exploring this popular destination. The hostel has received excellent ratings for cleanliness and location, making it a comfortable and convenient option for travelers.
The hostel features a peaceful garden setting, offering a relaxing escape from the bustling town. It provides amenities like a shared kitchen, a restaurant, free parking, and free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to cook their own meals, enjoy local cuisine, and stay connected.
Noname Hostel Ella - Sri Lanka
9.2 315 reviews

Noname Hostel Ella

hostel, Ella
Noname Hostel and Cafe is located in Ella, a short walk from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and a scenic drive from Hakgala Botanical Garden. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The hostel has one bedroom and one bathroom, comfortably accommodating one guest. Guests can enjoy free bikes, a shared lounge, terrace, bar, karaoke nights, a shared kitchen, and modern amenities like a dishwasher, microwave, and coffee machine.
Hotel Kandy Road - Sri Lanka
No reviews

Hotel Kandy Road

hostel, Meda-Ela
Hotel Kandy Road, a hostel in Meda-Ela, is located 42 miles from Victoria Reservoir Kandy Seaplane Base Airport.
This accommodation offers free WiFi, on-site parking, and rooms with balconies featuring mountain views, along with a daily Asian breakfast.

Top cities

Best Sri Lanka hostels with a locker

Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.0 382 reviews

Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel

hostel, Ella
Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel in Ella, Sri Lanka is conveniently located 3.5 miles from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and a 12-minute walk from the Ella Spice Garden Cooking Class, offering easy access to major attractions.
This pet-friendly guesthouse features a spa, restaurant, bar, and room service, along with a terrace, garden, and parking; it accommodates one guest in a single room with a private bathroom and offers airport transportation.
The Long Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.6 360 reviews

The Long Hostel

hostel, Arugam Bay
The Long Hostel is located in Arugam Bay, a short walk from the beach and close to the main surf breaks, making it a perfect base for exploring this popular surfing destination on Sri Lanka's east coast. The hostel has earned excellent ratings for both its location and user experience, suggesting a comfortable and convenient stay.
The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from private rooms with attached bathrooms to budget dorms with shared bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a garden with hammocks, and secure surfboard storage, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Black And White Kandy Hostel And Rooms - Sri Lanka
No reviews

Black And White Kandy Hostel And Rooms

hostel, Siyambalapitiya
The Black And White Kandy Hostel And Rooms offers a prime central Siyambalapitiya location, just a 9-minute walk from Kandy Train Station and within 3 miles of Sri Dalada Maligawa and Kandy Royal Botanic Gardens.
This hostel provides a restaurant, shared lounge, terrace, and amenities including free WiFi, air conditioning, and room service, with rooms featuring private bathrooms and balconies.
Laughing Leopard Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.3 1240 reviews

Laughing Leopard Hostel

hostel, Nuwara Eliya
The Laughing Leopard Hostel is located in Nuwara Eliya, a short walk from Gregory Lake and Hakgala Botanical Garden, offering easy access to the area's natural beauty. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and overall experience, with a good rating for its location.
The hostel has a shared lounge, terrace, and bar, providing a social atmosphere. Guests can enjoy amenities like a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and parking, along with activities like hiking and casino facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions about hostels in Sri Lanka

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

    Backpackers on a budget can explore many free or low-cost attractions. Hike Adam's Peak for sunrise (though you'll need to pay for transport and potentially a guide), wander through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (entrance fee applies), visit the beautiful beaches of Mirissa or Unawatuna (some beach access may have fees), or explore the cultural triangle's temples and ruins – many smaller ones have minimal entry fees. Local buses are incredibly cheap for getting around.
  • 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 currency used. It's advisable to carry some US dollars for exchanging, but credit cards are accepted in many tourist areas, though not as widely as in Western countries.
  • What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Sri Lanka?

    The best hostels with a jacuzzi in Sri Lanka are Best View Tree House & Hostel, 2in1 Kandy Hostel and Barefoot Inn Kandy.

  • How easy is it to navigate the roads?

    Navigating roads can be challenging. Roads are often congested, especially around Colombo. Driving conditions can vary greatly from well-maintained highways to poorly maintained rural roads. Consider using tuk-tuks or hiring a driver, especially if unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road.
  • 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 travelers best respect local customs?

    Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering homes or religious buildings. Ask permission before taking photos of people. Be mindful of noise levels, especially in religious areas. 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?

    Duruthu Perahera in Kandy, a spectacular procession celebrating the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka, is a must-see. Poson Poya, commemorating the arrival of Buddhism, features many temple ceremonies across the island. Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a vibrant celebration with traditional games and food.
  • 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 police, ambulance, and fire services. For medical emergencies, seek out the nearest hospital or clinic. It's always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
  • What are the best areas to spend a week?

    A week allows for a good overview. You could explore the Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya), then head to the hill country (Kandy, Ella) for stunning scenery and tea plantations, finishing with some beach time in the south (Unawatuna or Mirissa).
  • What are the best areas to spend a weekend?

    For a weekend, focus on one area. Colombo offers a vibrant city experience. Kandy provides a cultural immersion with the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Alternatively, relax on the beaches of Negombo or Bentota.
  • Are there specific regions known for great weather?

    The weather varies greatly depending on the time of year. The hill country generally enjoys pleasant temperatures year-round. The south coast has warm weather, but the monsoon season (May-September) brings heavy rain. The east coast is drier during the southwest monsoon.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with air conditioning

Scoop Cabana Kitesurfing - Sri Lanka
8.6 81 reviews

Scoop Cabana Kitesurfing

hostel, Kalpitiya
Scoop Cabana Kitesurfing is a beachfront hotel in Kalpitiya, situated just steps from Kudawa Beach and a short walk from Kandakuliya Beach, offering easy access to the region's renowned kitesurfing spots. The accommodation is highly rated by guests, receiving excellent marks for location and very good ratings for cleanliness and overall user experience.
The hotel features a single bedroom and bathroom, with a floor area of 10 square feet, providing a cozy and comfortable space for travelers. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a garden, terrace, restaurant, fitness center, and spa, as well as convenient services like room service, airport transportation, and free Wi-Fi.
One More Night Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.9 10 reviews

One More Night Hostel

hostel, Sigiriya
One More Night Hostel in Sigiriya offers proximity to Sigiriya Rock, located 3 miles away, and Pidurangala Rock, 4.2 miles away.
This guesthouse provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, an on-site restaurant and bar, a garden, and concierge services, with cycling being a popular activity in the area.
Coastal Cloud Surf - Walk To Dewata Beach - Sri Lanka
8.1 144 reviews

Coastal Cloud Surf - Walk To Dewata Beach

hostel, Unawatuna
Coastal Cloud Backpackers in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, is a short walk from Bonavista Beach and within a 3-mile radius of Galle Fort, Galle International Cricket Stadium, and Galle Lighthouse.
This pet-friendly guesthouse offers a shared kitchen with a microwave, air conditioning, a terrace, a garden, room service, parking, and a 24-hour front desk, plus bike and car rentals.
Ryan Residence & Restaurant - Sri Lanka
8.3 214 reviews

Ryan Residence & Restaurant

hostel, Negombo
Ryan Residence & Restaurant is a 3-star guesthouse in Negombo, Sri Lanka, a 6-minute walk from Negombo Beach and within 1.5 miles of Poruthota and Wellaweediya Beaches.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom lodging offers free Wi-Fi, private parking, a terrace, room service, and an Asian breakfast, plus convenient access to Negombo's attractions.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with laundry available

Carls' Corner - Sri Lanka
9.4 28 reviews

Carls' Corner

hostel, Kandy
Carls' Corner hostel in Kandy, Sri Lanka offers budget-friendly lodging near the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake, precise distances requiring further location details.
This 372-square-foot guesthouse features one bedroom, one bathroom, and can accommodate up to 19 guests, providing amenities such as a terrace, internet access, and microwave in each room, plus an Asian breakfast.
Kandy Mountain Cottage - Sri Lanka
8.5 260 reviews

Kandy Mountain Cottage

hostel, Kandy
Kandy Mountain Cottage is located just a short distance from Kandy City Center Shopping Mall and the Sri Dalada Maligawa, offering easy access to the city's main attractions. The resort boasts high ratings for cleanliness, location, and overall user experience.
The cottage features a peaceful garden and rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities including a restaurant, room service, a spa, and a terrace with scenic mountain views.
Best Hostel Yala - Sri Lanka
8.5 228 reviews

Best Hostel Yala

hostel, Tissamaharama
"Best Hostel Yala" is located just 6 kilometers from the city center of Wirawila, making it a convenient base for exploring the area, including the nearby Yala National Park. The hostel has received very good ratings for both its location and overall experience.
The hostel features a single bedroom and bathroom, perfect for a solo traveler or a couple. Guests can enjoy amenities like a kitchen with a fridge, a garden, and room service, making their stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Pilgrims Nature Villa - Sri Lanka
10 4 reviews

Pilgrims Nature Villa

hostel, Ahangama
Pilgrims Nature Hostel in Ahangama is located approximately 15 miles from Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle Fort, Dutch Church Galle, and Galle Lighthouse.
This hostel offers a tranquil garden setting with a shared kitchen and lounge, a terrace, a garden, on-site barbecue facilities, and rooms with garden views, some featuring balconies, plus bike and car rental is available for exploring the region.
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