Sri Lanka is quite famous among travelers as a budget-friendly destination. You can find some wonderful hostels for your accommodation at a fraction of the cost. Although they aren’t the same as a luxury hotel, you can save plenty of money and travel in style by staying in a hostel. Moreover, hostels are the best places to bring like-minded travelers together. It helps them to enjoy great vibes, experience fun times and build everlasting friendships. Whether you’re visiting Colombo, Kandy, Galle, or any other towns, there are some great hostels available for you in Sri Lanka.
There are so many hostels in Sri Lanka and it is tricky to go through it all to find the best one. Thus, we are giving you a helping hand by creating this truly epic guide to the 30 best hostels in Sri Lanka. All these hostels mentioned in this post are rated as superb with the highest review scores on booking.com.
1. JJ’s Hostel in Mirissa
JJ’s Hostel is an award-winning boutique hostel in the centre of the beautiful beach town of Mirissa. It is offering a little bit of luxury for an affordable price. There is a saltwater swimming pool, a bar, and a guest kitchen. The hostel has an exclusive design, integrating numerous common areas with six high-quality private rooms with AC or fans and three spacious luxury dormitories. You can select either a mixed or female-only dormitory. This is specially designed for travelers with a focus on comfort and gives great value for money.
2. Another World Hostel in Sigiriya
Another World Hostel is very close to the country’s most famous tourist attraction Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is one of the most popular hostels in Sri Lanka. You’ll fall in love with nature while you are getting maximum fun, and relaxation during your holiday. There is a five-bed dorm with A/C, Five luxury private tent dorms & two deluxe double rooms with A/C. If you like to share the room with someone, you can split the cost. The dorms include hot showers for a reasonable price.
3. Seconds Hostel in Colombo
Formally known as Backpack Hostel, Seconds Hostel is welcoming folks from all over the corners of the world for over 8 years. This is the only boutique hostel in Colombo with a refreshing jacuzzi pool and garden café. It serves gourmet coffee and food ranging from traditional Sri Lankan recipes to international food that includes vegan options. Certainly, it provides a home away from home for travelers from all walks of life and forge indelible friendships.
4. Hangover Hostels in Ella
Hangover Hostel is a quite famous place in the tourist paradise Ella. It is conveniently located within a couple of minutes from the Ella railway station and town centre, making it easy to find. It is modern, comfortable, and safe. This hostel is giving backpackers an unforgettable holiday experience and an opportunity to find their freedom. Particularly, the weather in town is pleasing all year round. Free Wi-Fi access is available to stay connected with your friends and family.
5. Backpack Beach Hostel in Galle
Backpack Beach Hostel & Reggae Bar in Galle is only a few steps away from the serene Boossa Beach. It features a restaurant and free private parking for guests who drive. The location is quite beautiful, set among a local area just beside the Colombo – Galle main road. Although it is beside the main road, the rooms are well soundproofed. It is a stunning, romantic getaway with historic Galle City just a short trip away.
6. Beatroot Hostel in Weligama
Beatroot Beach Hostel on the south coast of Sri Lanka offers you the space to surf, meet, mix, play, or do some yoga. Whether you are traveling solo or with your friends this is a perfect place. With comfortable bedding, colorful social spaces, and mouthwatering food, this hostel will make you feel right at home. It hosts 22 beds within three 6-bed mixed dorms and one 4-bed female dorm.
7. Down Town Hostel in Ella
The Downtown is a new hostel created for backpackers who want to rest and spend a good time in the heart of the Ella tourist centre. It is located just 2 minutes walking distance to the Ella Railway Station and 3 major attractions, Little Adam`s Peak, Ella Rock, and Nine Arch Bridge. There are many facilities including hot water, clean beds, breakfast, and restaurant Service. You can enjoy musical and cultural events at the weekend.
8. Noname Hostel in Ella
Noname Hostel and Cafe is located around 1.4 km from Demodara Nine Arch Bridge in Ella. It is located in splendid surroundings with mountain views. Featuring a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar, it is a famous hostel in Ella. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and a shared kitchen. Guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. With a shared bathroom, rooms at the hostel also offer free WiFi. Asian and vegetarian breakfast options are available daily.
9. Ceylon Lodge in Negombo
Located in Negombo, close to the Bandaranayake International Airport, Ceylon Lodge is one of the best Airport Transit Hostels in Sri Lanka. This is a 3-star hostel that offers a 24-hour front desk. It has accommodations with a shared lounge and free private parking for guests who drive. Also, it provides airport transportation, while a bicycle rental service is available. All the rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and are equipped with an electric kettle and a kitchenette. The daily breakfast offers Full English, Asian, or vegetarian options.
10. Hostel Katunayake
Hostel Katunayake is located 5 mins drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Certainly, an excellent place to stay here before and after a flight. This amazing hostel provides super clean and comfortable accommodation. There are four types of rooms available. You can select either a 4-bed mixed dormitory room, double or twin room with a shared bathroom, deluxe queen room, or deluxe family room.
11. The Lake Hostel in Hikkaduwa
If you are looking for a hostel in the touristic Hikkaduwa Beach, The Lake Hostel is perfect for you. Located just 2.5 km from Hikkaduwa Marine National Park, it provides accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, and a shared lounge. It features a garden, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi throughout the property. Each room comes with a patio with a lake view. An Asian breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. The area is popular for fishing and canoeing while free bikes are available for cycling.
12. Hostel Republic in Colombo
Hostel Republic is a 2-star beachfront hostel at the tourist Galle Face beach area, in the very heart of Colombo. It is just a 10-minute ride from the national monument of Independence Memorial Hall. It offers 14 rooms and a kitchen equipped with a microwave, an electric kettle, and a fridge. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. The Bavarian German Restaurant and Pub serves all kinds of delicious dishes.
13. Hangover Hostels in Mirissa
Right opposite the Mirissa main Beach, Hangover Hostels is a new breed of budget hostels in Sri Lanka. Called as affordable luxury accommodations, they are perfect for budget-conscious travelers. It offers comfortable and clean rooms with comfy beds, secure lockers, air conditioning, hot water, and free Wifi. Certainly, this is a fun place to meet like-minded travelers and enjoy the cool vibes. The area is popular for various water sports including swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and diving.
14. Coco Hostels in Weligama
Just 2.5 km from the main Weligama beach, Coco is a small hostel with a homely vibe. It offers accommodation in 4 rooms for a maximum of 20 people, which makes it a small and fun group. There are weekly hostel dinners, beach games, and jungle surf trips. There is a cafe serving breakfast and lunch with items such as Smoothie bowls, Avo toasts, Shakshuka, and fresh coffee. The location is perfect for surfers because the Weligama beach surf break is just across the hostel and there are plenty of surf schools.
15. YoYo Surf Hostel in Ahangama
YoYo Surf is the newest surf hostel of the YoYo Hostels group in Sri Lanka. Located in Ahangama, closer to the famous Weligama beach, this hostel offers a choice of comfortable dorm rooms with air conditioning or fans for budget-minded travelers. Each bed is dressed with high-quality, comfortable bedding and provided with a secure locker, universal charge points, and a reading lamp. Cold beers and great cocktails are serviced throughout the day. There is a large outdoor space with sunbeds and hammocks for lazing around.
16. Wild Bee Hostel in Ella
Situated in Ella, Wild Bee Hostel offers a wonderful place for your accommodation. It features a garden and views of the mountain. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. It is quite close to all major attractions in Ella, including Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, and Nine Arch Bridge. Rooms have shared bathrooms. Some rooms also feature a balcony, while others offer mountain views.
17. Little Lagoon in Arugam Bay
Little Lagoon is a small boutique hostel on the east coast of Arugam Bay that focuses on eco-friendly accommodation. With 2 air-conditioned rooms, each room has space for 4 people with 2 wooden bunk beds. There is a safety locker for every person. The hostel offers free bicycles to explore the area. There is a common area with a big table to sit together for breakfast. It has a beautiful garden to chill out with beanbags, an umbrella with sun chairs, and hammocks.
18. Barefoot Backpackers Hostel in Hiriketiya
Barefoot Backpackers is a brand-new hostel within easy walking distance of the world-famous Hiriketiya Beach. You can surf here all day, meet new people from all over the world and drink some beers or cocktails together. Barefoot Backpackers Hostel is a very social hostel. There are modern rooms with lockers, air-conditioning, and comfy beds. Throughout the season, all kinds of activities are available in the common area and the big garden with a sea view. Get ready for social dinners, beach volleyball tournaments, yoga lessons and so much more.
19. Surfing Wombats in Midigama
Surfing Wombats is a new hostel located 2 minutes away from the Midigama beach. It is famous as the best pizza place in Midigama. There are private rooms and a newly built dorm perfect for sharing life with fellow travelers. It is bright and airy, with 8 double-size bunk beds guaranteeing you a lot of space and a good night’s sleep. For the surfers, the best surf breaks are just minutes away. As well, you can roam around with a scooter, tuk tuk or bicycle. There are surf classes for beginners. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can do yoga, play chess, or just relax in the hammock, read a book, and just chill.
20. Namadi Nest in Nuwara Eliya
Located just 3 km from Gregory Lake, Namadi Nest provides the best hostel in the Nuwara Eliya area. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this hostel has a restaurant and a sun terrace. The rooms include city views, and each room comes with a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms are comfy and well-equipped with warm blankets and hot water. A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. The area is popular for cycling, and bike rental is available.
21. Spindrift Hostel in Weligama
The Spindrift is a modern backpacker hostel located just a few seconds from the surfer’s paradise of beautiful Weligama beach. It is a place with all the essentials a backpacker could need. It provides a comfortable atmosphere and offers a modern, and clean place to hang out and meet new friends from all over the world. You can select spacious doubles or sleek dorm rooms. The multiple chill-out areas, balconies, and outdoor spaces make it the perfect place to share amazing travel experiences.
22. Hostel 1964 in Ella
Hostel 1964 is located on the hillside of tea plantations just outside Ella town. The atmosphere is peaceful, and you can hike up to a stunning lookout right from the hostel. You can enjoy hanging out on the balcony with spectacular mountain views. Definitely a peaceful oasis in the tourist paradise Ella town, just close to the best tourism areas including Nine Arch Bridge. A lovely place to hang out with helpful and relaxed hosts. There are hammocks to chill out on the hill for sunsets.
23. Surf & Party in Weligama
Surf & Party is an adventure-packed surf camp and hostel to meet people from all over the world. Certainly, this is one of the top party hostels in Sri Lanka. This brand-new camp is complete with a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. It is only 50 meters from the Weligama beach and you can be in the water within minutes. Full Surfer Packages Available. If you are a party-loving person, this is the perfect place for you. 5 – 7 pm are the golden hours, and you can enjoy either a pool party or a local beach party. At night, there is a buffet dinner at the camp. Twice a week, pool parties followed by a BBQ night are available.
24. Another Night Hostel in Sigiriya
Set within 1.1 km of Sigiriya Rock and 4.3 km of Pidurangala Rock, Another Night Hostel is a popular backpacker hotel in Sri Lanka. This 3-star hostel offers airport transfers, while a car rental service is also available. At the hostel, the rooms feature a private bathroom with a shower. The daily breakfast offers buffet, American, or Asian options. The restaurant serves Chinese, French, and Indian cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options can also be requested. The area is popular for hiking and cycling where bike hire is also available.
25. Sleep Cheap in Negombo
If you are looking for accommodation just closer to the airport, there is a superb hostel for affordable prices in Negombo. This Sleep Cheap hostel is located only 3 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport. It is close to the airport as well as the bus stations, railway stations, town, supermarkets, and restaurants. It is close to the Negombo beach and also you can go for a lagoon trip. There are comfortable beds, air conditioning, and hot water in the bathrooms. If you want to cook, there is a kitchen with all the required equipment.
26. Banana Bunks in Kandy
Banana Bunks in Kandy is a budget-friendly, luxurious stay for backpackers in the heart of the city. Located in Aniwatte, it offers a cozy and exclusive atmosphere. This is a perfect hostel for guests who are looking for a place to rest and unwind in the hill capital with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The hostel is inclusive of plenty of luxury amenities such as outdoor showers, private gardens, private lounging areas, and a beautiful pool. It is quite easy to reach attractions such as the sacred Temple of Tooth Relic, and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens from the hostel.
27. Ella Escapade Hostel
Hidden amidst the pine forests overlooking the panoramic mountain views and paddy fields lies an unusual planter’s bungalow. This is now transformed into a backpackers retreat to relax in true country house style. Surrounded by lush forests, bird call & bubbling streams this a perfect hideaway to explore Ella. This is located at the foothill of both Ella Rock and Ramayana Trail Ravana Cave. This 120-acre private estate gives you the right to roam free and enjoy nature in abundance.
28. Cycling Backpacker Hostel in Unawatuna
Cycling Backpacker Hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations for solo travelers or groups. This newly built hostel locates only 1.5 km from the famous Unawatuna Beach, just in front of the train station. This is a great stop for cycling backpackers and travelers who like to discover the south coast of Sri Lanka. It provides 3 types of dorm rooms, the first floor is separated into 8-bed female dorms and 8-bed mixed dorms. The second-floor dormitory is a mixed dorm room with 18 beds (triple bunk). Each floor has a spacious shared bathroom consisting of 3 cabin showers.
29. Rockstel Towers in Unawatuna
Nestled away in a quiet, scenic spot surrounded by nature in Unawatuna, Rockstel Towers is a typical Sri Lankan country house turned into a fun hostel. There is a beautiful front garden facing the social area on the front patio, with large comfy sofas to sit on. The hostel has 1 air-conditioned dorm with hot water, 3 other dorm rooms with fans, and 1 private room. Two of the rooms have ensuite washrooms, and the others share two additional washrooms. Rockstel Towers is one of the best party hostels in Unawatuna, and there are drinking games, quiz nights, and other activities available at night.
30. Wanderers Hostel in Trincomalee
If you are looking for a hostel in the east coast city of Trincomalee, Wanderers Hostel is the perfect place. Just 300 m from serene Uppuveli Beach and 4.4 km from Ramayana Trail Kinniya Hot Springs, Wanderers Hostel is ideal for solo and group travelers, backpackers, and holidaymakers. The staff will assist you in booking diving or snorkeling trips to nearby islands including the famous Pigeon Island to see the Reef Sharks and Turtles. Both budget-friendly dorms and private rooms are available. The 10-bed mixed dorm has air conditioning and two bathrooms with showers. The 4-bed female dorm has a separate toilet and shower area.
To sum up, this epic guide shows the 30 best hostels to stay in Sri Lanka. As you can see in the list, there are a lot of superb hostels available in each city for backpackers. We can guarantee that your stay will make some memories and friends that you won’t forget for a lifetime. Here we have given the review score of each hostel and make sure to check the reviews before booking. Welcome guys, select the best hostels and enjoy your stay in Sri Lanka!
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