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Sri Lanka hostels
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1568 Hostels in Sri Lanka

Best Sri Lanka hostels with breakfast

Among the 1568 hostels in Sri Lanka, here are the 4 best hostels with breakfast

Chami's Place - Sri Lanka
9.0 328 reviews
Sri Lanka
07/12 – 08/14
$24/nighttotal: $792 (33 )

Chami's Place

1 2
hostel , Hikkaduwa
Chami's Place, a Hikkaduwa guesthouse, is conveniently located 984 feet from the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef and 1640 feet from the Hikkaduwa Bus Stand, offering easy access to snorkeling, diving, and other parts of the island.
This one-bedroom inn features air conditioning, a terrace, a garden, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, room service, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking; guests can enjoy on-site dining and relaxing on the terrace with barbecue facilities.
Jungle Paradise Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.5 19 reviews
Sri Lanka
07/04 – 07/22
$13/nighttotal: $234 (18 )

Jungle Paradise Hostel

1 2
hostel , Kandy
Dhunumadalawa Jungle Paradise Hostel is centrally located in Kandy, offering a 10-minute walk to Bogambara Stadium and being 0.7 miles from Kandy Train Station, with proximity to Sri Dalada Maligawa.
This 1290 square foot hostel features one bedroom and one bathroom, accommodating up to one guest, with amenities including complimentary WiFi, a garden, and a terrace/balcony.
Aaa Happy Hostel - Sri Lanka
9.5 4 reviews
Sri Lanka
10/10 – 10/20
$22/nighttotal: $220 (10 )

Aaa Happy Hostel

2 2
hostel , Arugam Bay
Aaa Hostel is a lodging option located in Arugam Bay, a 1-minute walk from Arugam Bay Beach, 1.7 miles from Crocodile Rock, and 2 miles from Muhudu Maha Viharaya.
This 60 square feet hostel offers air-conditioned rooms with a fridge and microwave, complimentary WiFi, a shared kitchen, and on-site dining, with free bikes and parking available for guests.
Friendly Inn Tourist Rest - Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
07/02 – 08/06
$20/nighttotal: $700 (35 )

Friendly Inn Tourist Rest

1 3
hostel , Anuradhapura
Friendly Inn Tourist Rest offers a convenient stay in Anuradhapura, located 4.3 miles from the railway station and within proximity to Kuttam Pokuna (5.1 miles) and Nature Park Anuradhapura (5.2 miles).
This family-friendly guesthouse provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, an on-site restaurant serving Asian breakfast, a garden, terrace, and parking for guests.

Top cities

Best Sri Lanka hostels with a locker

Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.9 377 reviews
Sri Lanka
12/01 – 12/19
$368/nighttotal: $6624 (18 )

Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel

1 16
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.
Seaside House Arugambay - Sri Lanka
3.0 1 review
Sri Lanka
10/06 – 10/09
$80/nighttotal: $240 (3 )

Seaside House Arugambay

3 5
hostel , Arugam Bay
Atoz Surf House Arugam Bay is a hostel located in Arugam Bay, a 5-minute walk from Arugam Bay Beach and 1.7 miles from Crocodile Rock.
This accommodation offers 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, with amenities including air conditioning, WiFi, a garden, room service, and parking, plus a shared kitchen for guest use.
Lagoon Hostel - Sri Lanka
10 3 reviews
Sri Lanka
08/11 – 08/31
$18/nighttotal: $360 (20 )

Lagoon Hostel

1 4
hostel , Arugam Bay
Bay Lagoon Hostel in Arugam Bay is located a 2-minute walk from Arugam Bay Beach, 1.6 miles from Muhudu Maha Viharaya, and 2 miles from Crocodile Rock.
This family-friendly hostel accommodates up to 4 guests and offers amenities such as air conditioning, free WiFi, room service, a shared kitchen, a garden, a terrace, a playground, and an on-site grill.
Gaia Ella Ecolodge And Yoga Centre - Sri Lanka
8.7 106 reviews
Sri Lanka
10/06 – 10/09
$84/nighttotal: $252 (3 )

Gaia Ella Ecolodge And Yoga Centre

2 5
hostel , Ella
Gaia Ella Ecolodge and Yoga Centre, a family-friendly hostel in Ella, is located 3.3 miles from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and 52 miles from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
This accommodation offers a garden, terrace, restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi, and yoga sessions, with rooms featuring balconies providing river views and outdoor dining areas.

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

Kitelantis Hotel And Resort - Sri Lanka
9.0 325 reviews
Sri Lanka
08/10 – 08/16
$1012/nighttotal: $6072 (6 )

Kitelantis Hotel And Resort

11 30
hostel , Kalpitiya
Kitelantis Hotel And Resort is located in Kalpitiya, a short distance from the Kalpitiya peninsula, a popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The resort offers lagoon-front accommodations, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and water sports facilities, including canoeing.
Urchin Unawatuna - Sri Lanka
8.3 409 reviews
Sri Lanka
08/04 – 09/07
$54/nighttotal: $1836 (34 )

Urchin Unawatuna

2 5
hostel , Unawatuna
Urchin Unawatuna, a family-friendly guesthouse, is located in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, a two-minute walk from Unawatuna Beach and an 18-minute walk from Dalawella Beach.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom lodging boasts a swimming pool, terrace, garden, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast, all within easy reach of local attractions.
Elephant Point Tree House - Sri Lanka
9.4 5 reviews
Sri Lanka
07/12 – 08/14
$15/nighttotal: $495 (33 )

Elephant Point Tree House

1 2
hostel , Sigiriya
Elephant Point Tree House, a unique hostel in Sigiriya, is located 3.4 miles from Sigiriya Rock and 4.6 miles from Pidurangala Rock.
This 260-square-foot tree house accommodates up to 7 guests with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, offering amenities such as air conditioning, free WiFi, an open-air bath, garden access, and on-site yoga classes, bike and car rentals.
Coastal Cloud Surf - Walk To Dewata Beach - Sri Lanka
8.2 139 reviews
Sri Lanka
07/02 – 08/06
$24/nighttotal: $840 (35 )

Coastal Cloud Surf - Walk To Dewata Beach

1 6
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.

Best Sri Lanka hostels with laundry available

Kandy Backpackers Hostel - Sri Lanka
7.9 1126 reviews
Sri Lanka
07/30 – 08/10
$13/nighttotal: $143 (11 )

Kandy Backpackers Hostel

1 1
hostel , Kandy
Kandy Backpackers Hostel is located in Kandy, just a short walk from the city center, railway station, and main bus station, making it easy to explore the city and its attractions. The hostel consistently receives high ratings for its cleanliness, location, and overall experience.
The hostel offers a variety of rooms, from private rooms with mountain views to shared dorms, all with air conditioning. Guests can enjoy the rooftop kitchen, swimming pool, and terrace, as well as participate in activities like cooking classes and relax in the garden.
Ama Residence - Sri Lanka
8.5 63 reviews
Sri Lanka
07/27 – 07/31
$41/nighttotal: $164 (4 )

Ama Residence

1 2
hostel , Matale
Ama Residence, a Matale guesthouse, is conveniently located approximately 18 miles from the Kandy City Center Shopping Mall and 19 miles from the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
This one-bedroom inn offers air conditioning, a private bathroom, a balcony or terrace, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and an on-site restaurant with a shared kitchen; pets are welcome.
Cozy House Hostel - Sri Lanka
8.9 433 reviews
Sri Lanka
07/27 – 07/28
$13/nightfor 1 night

Cozy House Hostel

1 2
hostel , Ella
Cozy House Hostel in Ella, Sri Lanka, is a 4-minute walk from Ella Train Station, 2.6 miles from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, and within 30 miles of Hakgala Botanical Garden and Horton Plains National Park.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse offers a shared kitchen with a fridge and dishwasher, free Wi-Fi, on-site bike rentals, a daily full English/Irish breakfast, and stunning mountain views, accommodating one guest.
Habarana Guest House - Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
06/27 – 07/04
$31/nighttotal: $217 (7 )

Habarana Guest House

2 4
hostel , Habarana
Habarana Guest House in Habarana offers proximity to Pidurangala Rock, 8.4 miles away, and Sigiriya Rock, 8.9 miles away, with Kadahatha Wawa Lake just an 11-minute walk from the property. This guesthouse provides air conditioning, a garden, a spa, an on-site restaurant with room service, and parking, with rooms featuring private bathrooms and seating areas, and daily buffet, Asian, or halal breakfast options are available.
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