10 Best Hostels in Sri Lanka
João Petersen · Last updated September 2, 2026
Sri Lanka has hostels for backpackers and budget travelers, from Galle and Weligama on the south coast to Kandy, Ella, Sigiriya and Arugam Bay. I picked these 10 by location, facilities and guest ratings, rather than from stays of my own.
Dorm beds in this list run from 1.8€ to 13.6€ a night and private rooms from 4.6€ to 36.2€, so the price comparison below is worth a look before you choose. A short guide to the main areas to stay in Sri Lanka comes first.
The list mixes hostel-style places like Hive Ella Hostel and Aurora Hostel with homestay or guesthouse-style stays such as No 26D and Tea Garden Holiday Inn.
Some of the booking links on this page are affiliate links; I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Wild Bee Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Where to Stay in Sri Lanka?
Where you stay in Sri Lanka depends on what you want to see, from the capital and the beaches to the hills, wildlife parks and ancient sites. Here are the main areas and what each is known for.
1. Colombo – Best for First-Time Visitors
Colombo is the capital and where many trips begin. It has historical sites, modern attractions and markets.
- Fort Area: Close to major attractions like the Dutch Hospital and the Old Parliament.
- Galle Face Green: Known for sunset views over the sea.
2. Kandy – Best for Cultural Exploration
Kandy is known for its Buddhist sites and history, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and it is surrounded by hills.
- Temple of the Tooth: Kandy’s best-known Buddhist site.
- Kandy Lake: A lake for walks, with local plants.
3. Galle – Best for History and Beaches
Galle’s historic fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the town also has an arts scene.
- Galle Fort: Historic architecture and boutique shops.
- Unawatuna Beach: A beach for swimming, with local seafood.
4. Yala National Park – Best for Wildlife Lovers
Yala National Park is known for its leopards and other wildlife, and it offers a range of safari experiences.
- Safari Lodges: Lodges near the park entrance, close to the wildlife viewing.
- Game Drives: Drives to see the park’s plants and animals.
5. Hatton – Best for Nature Enthusiasts
Hatton is in tea country and is a base for Adam’s Peak, a trekking destination.
- Tea Plantations: Views, and a chance to learn how tea is produced.
- Adam’s Peak: A well-known hike.
6. Ella – Best for Scenic Beauty
Ella is a mountain town known for its views and hiking trails.
- Nine Arches Bridge: A famous landmark and photo spot.
- Little Adam’s Peak: A short trek with panoramic views of the hills.
7. Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla) – Best for History Buffs
The Cultural Triangle has ancient history and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, with temples and ruins.
- Anuradhapura: Ancient ruins and sacred sites.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: Known for its cave murals and statues.
8. Beaches of the South Coast – Best for Relaxation
The South Coast is known for its beaches, used for sunbathing and water sports. Towns like Tangalle are on this stretch.
- Tangalle Beach: Sunsets and turtle watching.
- Hiriketiya Bay: Surfing and beachside dining.
9. Trincomalee – Best for Coastal Experiences
Trincomalee, on the East Coast, is known for its beaches and its history.
- Nilaveli Beach: Known for its clear waters and water sports activities.
- Koneswaram Temple: A significant cultural site overlooking the ocean.
10. Jaffna – Best for Cultural Immersion
Jaffna, in the north, has a strong Hindu culture and history, with temples and local cuisine.
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil: A temple that reflects the region’s culture.
- Jaffna Fort: Provides insight into the colonial history of the area.
Price Comparison
Dorms and Private Rooms in EUR
Hostels
| Hotel | Privates | Dorms |
|---|---|---|
| Old Parkland Hostel (9.7) | – | 5.9€ |
| Roy’s Villa Hostel (9.8) | 36.2€ | 1.8€ |
| No 26D (8.8) | 12.0€ | – |
| Backpackers Hostel (9.1) | – | 5.4€ |
| Aurora Hostel (9.5) | – | 7€ |
| 2in1 Kandy (9.3) | 18.2€ | 6.3€ |
| Tea Garden Holiday Inn (6.3) | 4.6€ | – |
| Agra Arugambay (9.8) | 27.4€ | 10€ |
| Wild Bee Hostel (9.4) | – | 13.6€ |
| Hive Ella Hostel (9.4) | 11.3€ | 10.9€ |
The Coolest Hostels in 2026
Old Parkland Hostel
Old Parkland Hostel is in Galle, a 10-minute drive from Galle Lighthouse and within easy reach of Galle Fort Clock Tower and the Historical Mansion Museum. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
The rooms have climate control and a personal safe, with a shared bathroom, and there is a kitchen for preparing meals. The Secret Place Dewata restaurant is nearby. Dorms are 5.9€ and it has a 9.7 rating.
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Old Parkland Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Old Parkland Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Roy’s Villa Hostel
Roy’s Villa is a hostel in a natural setting with wildlife around, 5 km from Sigiriya Rock. It works as a base for Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and national parks like Minneriya and Kaudulla. Activities include sunset hikes, yoga and cooking demonstrations, and the meals are mostly vegan.
The 4-bed dormitories have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, and guests can spend time with local farmers, go for walks or swim in the nearby lake. At 1.8€ for a dorm bed it is the cheapest dorm in the comparison, and its 9.8 rating is one of the two highest.
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Roy’s Villa Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Roy’s Villa Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Roy’s Villa Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
No 26D
No 26D Home Stay is 20 meters from Kandy Lake, near Hotel Suisse and within walking distance of Kandy City Center and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It opened in 2011. The rooftop terrace has flowering plants and views of Kandy Lake and the hills of Udawattekelle Sanctuary.
There are four guest rooms around two interior courtyards, with ceiling fans and mosquito nets. The terrace-level rooms have cathedral ceilings and skylights, and the lower-level rooms are en suite and share a living and dining area, which suits families. The owners welcome guests with a cup of tea and share local knowledge, breakfast is available on request, and there is free Wi-Fi, a guest library and 24-hour security. Private rooms are 12€ in the comparison, and its 8.8 rating is the lowest apart from Tea Garden Holiday Inn.
No 26D Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
No 26D Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Backpackers Hostel
Backpackers Hostel in Ella has a fully equipped kitchen for guest use, free tea and coffee, and clean drinking water. There are games like carom and cards, a laundry service and scooter rentals, and the Maty Hut restaurant is next door.
Free breakfast is included, and the staff can give information on activities in Ella. Dorms are 5.4€ and it has a 9.1 rating.
Backpackers Hostel in Ella | Source: Hostelworld
Backpackers Hostel in Ella | Source: Hostelworld
Aurora Hostel
Aurora Hostel is in Weligama, 100 meters from the Marriott Hotel and 200 meters from Weligama Beach. Activities include sunrise yoga by the river and sunset surfing, and the hostel café serves dishes inspired by Sri Lankan, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. It rents bicycles and scooters and organizes day tours to places like Galle Fort, the Dutch Church and the Lighthouse.
The rooms have a desk, bed linen and patios with river views, and there are shared bathrooms, a garden, a communal kitchen and evening entertainment. A continental or Asian breakfast is available, and there is free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Dorms are 7€ and it has a 9.5 rating.
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Aurora Hostel in Weligama | Source: Hostelworld
Aurora Hostel in Weligama | Source: Hostelworld
2in1 Kandy
2in1 Kandy Hostel & Homestay says it has the best views in Kandy: the sunrise, mountain views often covered in mist, and a balcony for watching the full moon. It aims to offer comfortable, clean accommodation.
The name refers to staying in both a hostel and a homestay, so guests can experience local Kandy culture. It is about 6 km from St Anthony’s Church and has a sundeck and a shared lounge. The rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities, and some have adjoining terraces or balconies. There is a shared kitchen, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Bogambara Multi-Purpose Stadium are nearby. Dorms are 6.3€, privates 18.2€, and it has a 9.3 rating.
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2in1 Kandy Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
2in1 Kandy Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Tea Garden Holiday Inn
The Tea Garden Ella is a guesthouse on a hillside in the village of Ella, with views of Ella Rock and Adam’s Peak.
It has 12 rooms, each with views of the Ella Valley, comfortable beds and hot water. Private rooms are 4.6€, the cheapest in the comparison, but its 6.3 rating is by far the lowest on the list, so read recent reviews before booking.
Tea Garden Holiday Inn | Source: Hostelworld
Tea Garden Holiday Inn | Source: Hostelworld
Agra Arugambay
Agra Arugambay is 200 meters from Arugam Bay Beach. Guests can start the day with the morning waves and a hearty breakfast.
It has 3 private double rooms and 3 mixed dorms, a garden and terrace, and a restaurant and bar.
The rooms have a seating area, garden views and free Wi-Fi, and it is highly rated for families. Dorms are 10€ and privates 27.4€, with a 9.8 rating, the joint highest on the list with Roy’s Villa.
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Agra Arugambay Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Agra Arugambay Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Agra Arugambay Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Wild Bee Hostel
Wild Bee Hostel is a luxury eco-hostel in the Ella jungle, a short walk from Ella town, with cabins that have panoramic views of the mountains. The layout gives some privacy. The setting is rural and hilly, and a tuk tuk can bring guests from town if needed.
There are 26 beds in four dormitories, with microfiber blankets, fresh linen, night lights, charging points at each bed and secure storage. The bathrooms have hot showers, the Wi-Fi is strong throughout, and the balcony is made from upcycled wood. The honey café serves meals, including its Wild Bee French toast, and caters to different dietary preferences.
It is close to Ella’s attractions, including the Ella Spice Garden and Ella Railway Station, and to the starting points for Little Adams Peak and Ella Rock. Dorms are 13.6€, the most expensive dorm in the comparison, with a 9.4 rating.
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Wild Bee Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Wild Bee Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Wild Bee Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Hive Ella Hostel
Hive Ella Hostel was recently renovated and is in the center of Ella. It has private and dormitory rooms with fans and hot water in the bathrooms, and the dorm beds have reading lights and power sockets. The breakfast is said to be the best in Ella, and tea and coffee are available through the day. The common area has couches and beanbags, with fresh juice and chai tea.
The hostel organizes family dinners, cooking classes and movie nights, and the rooftop has sunset views. It can be tricky to find because of minimal signage, but the staff can arrange a pick-up, and it is a 5-minute walk from the Wella Waya bus stop. Dorms are 10.9€ and privates 11.3€, with a 9.4 rating.
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Hive Ella Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
Hive Ella Hostel | Source: Hostelworld
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