35 INCREDIBLE Hostels in Sri Lanka (2023 • Insider Guide!)

• Best Cheap Hostel in Sri Lanka – 281 Kandy Hostel
• Best Party Hostel in Sri Lanka – The Rockstel
• Best Hostel in Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads – Clock Inn Colombo

Looking for the right hostel and actually finding one are two very different things. To make things a hell lot easier for you, we’ve listed our absolute favorite hostels in Sri Lanka down below.

And as a side note: If you want to find even more epic hostels, have a look at HOSTELWORLD. You can also filter all of your personal travel needs and find the perfect place for you.

JJs Hostel

• $$$
• Rooftop Terrace
• Cafe
• Yoga Classes

We have to give a shoutout to JJ, whoever JJ is, for making one of the best overall hostels in Sri Lanka. It’s a purpose-built, modern hostel so you won’t find anything rickety going on here. It’s completely immaculate in fact. Might be a lil’ more expensive than other hostels in Mirissa but… it’s worth it.

This place is pretty stylish and pretty comfortable. There’s also a HUGE rooftop terrace which is pretty much all kinds of amazing when it comes to sunsets. It’s also pretty easy to meet other backpackers here. There’s yoga classes too. And the beach is in easy walking distance. So many perks.

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Ella Escape Hostel by Nomadic

• $$
• Cafe
• 24 Hour Security
• Very Chilled

A cool, hidden little hostel that you can only reach by walking on the train track from the centre of Ella. That might sound a bit sketchy but honestly this is the sorta place where people end up extending our stay. Yep, it’s that nice.

The location of this place (which BTW is easily one of the best overall hostels in Sri Lanka) might be far out of town, but it’s worth it as a destination in itself. It’s an old plantation bungalow that’s been converted into a haven for backpackers. Think drinks and chats late into the night. Great, great vibes here.

Alexandra Family Villa

• $$
• Near The Beach
• Airport Transfer
• Outdoor Terrace

This is a huge place owned by a local Sri Lankan family, which instantly gives it these homely vibes which we can’t help but be enchanted by. That’s one of the things that makes this one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for solo travellers, definitely.

You’ll get served homecooked food at this clean hostel, be welcomed very warmly, and generally treated almost like family. But this Negombo backpackers hostel is also very, very near to the beach. Which is always good fun. So you can head to the beach to hang out with some of your new mates.

Best Cheap Hostel in Sri Lanka – 281 Kandy Hostel

• $
• Shared Kitchen
• Free Airport  Transfer
• Cafe

If you’re looking for one of the best cheap hostels in Sri Lanka, you wouldn’t go far wrong booking yourself a bed at this Kandy backpackers hostel. It’s pretty basic, but there’s no bunk beds here (YESSSS). There’s a decent outdoor terrace where you can eat and chill out.

Pretty good location for the bus and train station, but if you wanna get to anywhere else it’s about a 20 min walk – if you can stand the heat (tuk-tuks are inexpensive though). You can whip yourself up something in the shared kitchen with some of those culinary skills you’ve picked up along the way during your travels… right?

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2 in 1 Kandy

• $$$
• Looks Cool
• Common Room
• Airport Transfers

This does have a pretty apt name TBF – it bills itself as a hostel crossed with a homestay and you do get that here. But there’s not so much of a hostel vibe going on really. So maybe it’s more like a homestay, ’cause it definitely looks the part.

In fact, it’s pretty flippin’ nice. The ceilings are high, the windows are large, the decor is simple and stylish. Definitely a winner when it comes to one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for couples. The setting of this place is super serene as well, you and your partner will love it.

Best Party Hostel in Sri Lanka – The Rockstel

• $$
• Restaurant
• Events
• Bar

It’s located right in the middle of the jungle and somehow surrounded by four beaches. This place is such a vibrant party-goin’ sorta place to hang out that you’ll probably feel sad to leave. It’s easily one of the best party hostels in Sri Lanka.

Yep, there’s a party here pretty much every day. And they make plans to do different events daily so you’ll always be able to catch up with the other backpackers staying here. Here it’s all about surfing, drinking, socialising, eating good food, and generally just living your best life in Sri Lanka.

Colombo Beach Hostel by Nomadic

• $
• Cafe
• 24 Hour Security
• Outdoor Terrace

This is the ideal place to spend your time in Colombo if you want to party close to the beach. This hostel is pretty much just a few moments from the Mount Lavina Beach with its infamous bars and parties along this part of the coach.

One of the best party hostels in Sri Lanka, there’s a load of spots around the hostel where you can pre-drink or just get chatting to other peeps staying here. These make for good spots to sleep off your hangover the next morning as well TBH.

Best Hostel in Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads – Clock Inn Colombo

• $$$
• Workstations
• Free Breakfast
• Strong Wi-Fi

So, if you find yourself in Colombo and you happen to be looking for one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for digital nomads, don’t you worry. This place will sort you out. It’s sleek, it’s modern, it’s got actual workstations for you and your laptop, it’s pretty dang cool actually.

There’s also a free breakfast at this recommended hostel in Colombo, which will definitely set you up for a morning of emailing or whatever it is that you do. Definitely a good choice if you’ve actually come to the city to work and work only. The staff are also helpful, which is a plus.

Hangover Hostel Ella

• $$$
• 24 Hour Security
• Outdoor Terrace
• Strong Wi-Fi

This hostel may be called Hangover Hostel but it’s actually not AS much of a party hostel as you’d imagine it to be. It’s actually pretty quiet, pretty clean, and pretty modern – one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for digital nomads, we’d say.

And, yeah, sure, you might have to shell out a lil’ more cash to stay here but it’s worth it. You get big, comfortable beds plus a huge cafe (complete with a nice outdoor terrace area) which is a great spot to get your work done. There are still drinks and stuff on the roof at night though. So you might end up with a hangover, actually.

Hostel First Mirissa

• $$
• Close To The Beach
• Daily Yoga
• Free Breakfast

A great spot for digital nomads who also wanna hit the surf, this Mirissa backpackers hostel is two mins from the beach and Surf Point. So if you wanna spend your days doing yoga, going surfing and working when you can find the time, this place is somewhere you should think about booking.

One of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for digital nomads, you’ll easily find a spot to work on a chill beanbag or at a table. But as we know life ain’t all about work. So head down to the beach with some snorkel gear since it’s a great spot for that too. You might just end up extending your stay here.

Ella City Reach Hostel

• $$
• Cafe
• Luggage Storage
• Outdoor Terrace

This Ella backpackers hostel is a good option for anybody looking for a spot of privacy. The rooms are clean, the beds are uber comfy, everything’s really well kept – yep, it’s one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka with private rooms.

The location itself – just off the main street and easy walking to the train station – is pretty good, not in Ella city itself but in easy reach of it. The mosquito netting around the beds is new, there’s nice views from the windows, there’s a rooftop area to chill out on… What more do you want from this place?

Yo Yo Hostel Negombo

• $
• Free Breakfast
• Rooftop Terrace
• Tours & Travel Desk

This recommended hostel in Negombo is a great all-round choice for one of the best overall hostels in Sri Lanka actually. The location is pretty killer. It’s close to the airport, the beach, the bus station. There’s nowhere that’s too far away from this place.

The staff here are also ace. They’ll make you feel at home, look after you but (maybe most importantly) cook you a delicious free breakfast in the mornings to start your day the right way. There’s a sun terrace to kick back on, a lounge where you can veg out in front of the TV, and a garden equipped with hammocks.

Overall Best Hostel in Sri Lanka – Island Hostel Mount Lavina

• $$
• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Reception
• Swimming Pool

Pfft, I mean what isn’t great about this Colombo backpackers hostel? It overlooks the beach. It has a pool with sunloungers and stuff. Plus the location is great – bars, restaurants, tourist attractions, all that is V close

Combine all that with strong air conditioning for one of the best overall hostels in Sri Lanka. The staff are very nice and helpful here. There’s a chilled vibe. And the free breakfast is tasty. What more could you want from a place like this? Dorms here are thankfully modern, with lockers and privacy curtains which is always nice, of course.

335 Holiday Homes

• $
• Communal Kitchen
• Laundry Facilities
• Airport Transfers (Free)

Really can’t attest to whether this hostel really does have 335 rooms, but it Is a super friendly and welcoming place run by local people who’ve made a lil’ gem of place to stay in Kandy. Also very close to the train and bus station for those long early morning journeys.

The house that this hostel is in is pretty nice itself. Big windows, tiled floors, all that stuff. There’s a choice of dorms or private rooms and some good places to hang out – plus an outdoor terrace for external chilling. Anyway, it’s one of the best overall hostels in Sri Lanka.

Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Sri Lanka – Tuk Tuk Hostel

• $$
• Bicycle Hire
• Cafe
• Luggage Storage

The name of this recommended hostel does actually make sense – there are little tuk-tuks painted all over the walls which we think is super cute. But the actual reason for the name is ’cause this hostel claims “everything is just a tuk-tuk ride away” and being in central Colombo, it’s kinda true.

These guys have the right idea when it comes to hostels. It’s actually one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for solo travellers. Set away from the busy streets of Colombo, the staff are kind, rooms are big, other backpackers here are nice.

And there’s an amazing traditional Sri Lankan breakfast served up every morning. We wanna go!

Jay’s Bunk’s Kandy Hostel

• $
• Free Breakfast
• Cable TV
• Laundry Service

This is a super nice place to stay, mostly for the social vibe. There’s plenty of space to chill out, relax and get chatting to the other backpackers staying here. There’s also a cosy outdoor space to hang out with a few drinks. And movie nights almost every night, too.

This Kandy backpackers hostel is super informal, kinda like staying at a friend’s house. So, yeah, we reckon it’s one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for solo travellers. If you’re looking for friendly, laid-back vibes where it’s easy to meet other people, here’s the place to book.

Kandy City View Hostel By Nomadic

• $
• Cafe
• Outdoor Terrace
• Amazing Views

Located very close to the Udawattekelle Forest Sanctuary, this Kandy backpackers hostel is perfect if what you’re after is soaking up a whole lot of nature – you’ll be practically in it. Doesn’t sound like it’d be easy to get to, right? Wrong. It’s easy to get to on the train.

If you wanna go trekking, great. The staff will take you out and show you what’s what. But when it comes to being one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for solo travellers, it’s a great option since the staff at this place make you feel at ease. Plus you’ll be staying with likeminded backpackers here.

Evergreen Hostel

• $
• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Reception
• Outdoor Terrace

This top hostel in Colombo is a great idea if you’re looking for one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for solo travellers. Whether you just want to feel a lil’ bit safe and secure, or if you wanna meet other backpackers, it’s a great shout, we’d say.

It’s not too busy, but it’s still a nice place to meet other people travelling around Sri Lanka. The location is really cool since it’s really close to the beach where you can hang out, meet locals and enjoy some beautiful food beachside. That just sounds dreamy to us.

Sleep Cheap Ella

• $
• Bicycle Hire
• Free Breakfast
• Outdoor Terrace

Well, it’s cheap by name and it’s cheap by nature. Literally. It’s one of the best cheap hostels in Sri Lanka because you can actually sleep cheap here (more correctly, sleep cheaply but it’s ok). It’s not only the rooms rates here that are super affordable on a shoestring budget, though.

Nope. The free breakfast definitely increases the value for money factor. The views of the surrounding scenery definitely feel like they should be costing something. And all of the local sights and restaurants are within easy walking distance. It’s basic but it’s definitely one of the best budget hostels in Ella. A tasty restaurant here too (important).

Colombo Downtown Monkey

• $
• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Reception
• Laundry Facilities

This Colombo backpackers hostel is perfect if you wanna stay in the city for a couple of nights before heading off to other parts of Sri Lanka. Yep. One of the best cheap hostels in Sri Lanka, it’s also pretty well located: it’s close to the Sri Lankan Visa Extension Office if that’s what you’re in town for.

There’s GOOD wi-fi here, free tea and coffee and a basic (but free) breakfast. It’s a bit of a ropey place NGL, but the owner is a very nice lady indeed. It’s a great option for being close to the train station whilst saving a bit of money. That’s the main draw.

Clock Inn Kandy

• $$
• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Security
• Actually Good Hot Showers

Clock Inn Kandy is actually not only a budget hostel but a hotel too, apparently. You get a lot for your money here. There’s free-flowing internet, free breakfast, free tea and coffee, cable TV to watch (if you like), and – moreover – it’s nicer than a lot of other Kandy backpackers hostels.

So, yeah, we’d definitely say it’s a strong contender for one of the best cheap hostels in Sri Lanka. The staff are really nice, too. It might not have the most lively atmosphere, but TBH who cares when it’s this much value for money? Bonus: V good hot showers.

Ripple Jay @ Negombo

• $
• Near The Airport
• Security Lockers
• Free Breakfast

This place is really cheap. However it also comes with a high degree of cleanliness, the beds are comfy, and everyone gets a locker. Good stuff. There’s also an onsite tour agency which is pretty affordable too.

And sure, this place might be a little bit far out of Negombo, and it might not have the best atmosphere, but this is one of the best cheap hostels in Sri Lanka for being close to the airport (arriving or leaving for early/late flights is easy from here). The free breakfast here is something that’s always appreciated, too.

Best Hostel for Couples in Sri Lanka – Drift Bnb Colombo

• $$$
• Air-con
• Luggage Storage
• Cable TV

You’re not gonna miss this one. Outside it’s all painted in bright colours and stuff so you probably won’t get lost trying to find it TBH. And inside it’s modern, beautiful, sleek, comfy, all the good adjectives that make you feel glad you’ve picked this place when you walk in.

They’ve got things like rainfall showers here and private rooms with big flatscreen TVs. Yep, this cool Colombo hostel is actually probably one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for couples. You and your partner will love staying in this trendy lil’ oasis in the city. There’s even a workstation if you wanna get your laptops out.

No 26D

• $$
• Luggage Storage
• Outdoor Terrace
• 24 Hour Reception

A very chilled spot, and one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for couples, this place has a stunner of a rooftop terrace where you can gawp at views of Kandy Lake and the hills of Udawattekelle Forest Sanctuary. Pretty nice, eh? Yeah, we thought so too.

It’s far away enough from the busy-ness of Kandy that’s it’s chill here, but you can still walk to tasty places to eat and other stuff like that in only about 10 mins. The whole place is very well looked after, the staff are super nice, and did we mention it’s chill?

Explore Hostels Negombo

• $$
• Air-con
• 24 Hour Reception
• Laundry Facilities

Sure, this youth hostel in Negombo might be a little far from the city, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for couples. No siree. It’s literally so nice here. Clean, modern, comfy and with a decent atmosphere for social couples who want to chat with other human beings, too.

This place is actually set in an old fishing village near Negombo, which just heightens the location factor here we gotta be honest. It’s a charming sorta place where you can watch the boats come in and out, wander around and soak up the local atmosphere, then come back for a coffee and a chat with the owner in the lovely garden here.

Mister Hostel Merissa

• $$
• 24 Hour Security
• Free Breakfast
• Late Check-out

Mister Hostel. Yep, that’s right. Mister Hostel. Anyway, this place has a decent location: very near to Merissa beach. It also has a great vibe here, a good atmosphere that’s nice for people to get chatting to each other and making friends.

So if you’re a couple who doesn’t like to just, we dunno, be all coupley and stuff, then you might like to stay at this place – one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for couples. It’s a nice, comfortable sorta place. Expect smoothies in the daytime and a leisurely breakfast in the hostel cafe. Beach bars and cafes are literally a stone’s throw from here.

Kandy City Hostel

• $
• Rooftop Terrace
• 24 Hour Security
• Laundry Service

This has a poppin’ rooftop, which is a great place to meet people. That alone is definitely something that makes this one of the best party hostels in Sri Lanka. Yeah, that’s right, getting your party on at this rooftop hangout is a great way to get chatting to other backpackers who have found themselves here.

The atmosphere here is pretty decent, and the staff are pretty fun themselves and make sure everyone’s in for a great time. Location wise, this Kandy backpackers hostel is quite near the centre of town and only a 20-minute walk (if you can handle it) to the ever famous Temple of the Tooth.

Colombo City Hostel

• $
• Luggage Storage
• Self Catering Facilities
• Rooftop Terrace

This Colombo backpackers hostel is a good place to party and discover what the city’s all about. They’ve got a bar here, which is definitely a good start to making this one of the best party hostels in Sri Lanka. It’s all about rooftop drinking at this fun party oriented place.

Plus it makes for a great base to explore the other bars and rooftop hangouts in the area. The rest of the hostel is super nice, with big dorms, decent showers. It’s part of a Sri Lankan hostel chain so it’s got a bit more of a professional vibe about it than other places.

Colombo Lavina Beach Hostel

• $$
• Swimming Pool
• 24 Hour Security
• Bicycle Hire

Colombo Lavina Beach Hostel sorta does what its name suggests. It’s super close to all the action of Colombo’s liveliest beach (two mins to be exact) so you’re never too far from a pub and a few drinks. This alone makes it one of the best party hostels in Sri Lanka.

The hostel itself is actually really nice. They’ve got a huge garden with an equally huge pool where you can hang out, splash around, jump in… basically it feels like a huge villa that’s like a secure compound and you’ll love staying here if you also love fun.

Tree Breeze Inn

• $$
• Cafe
• Tours/Travel Desk
• Laundry Facilities

Located in a chilled local neighbourhood on the outskirts of Kandy, this place is a hot spot for you if you want to get some work done on your laptop whilst also being surrounded by nature. Easily one of the most chill, tranquil and overall best hostels in Sri Lanka for digital nomads.

The local owners like to help people see the real side of Kandy, so will give you some hidden gems to explore in the surrounding area so you can make the most of your travelling experience. So if your work happens to be travel blogging, you’ve got your research done for you.

Hi Lanka Negombo

• $
• Free Breakfast
• Bicycle Hire
• Cafe

This Negombo backpackers hostel is in walking distance of pretty much all the attractions you’d wanna see in Negombo, but the best thing about this place is the actual hostel itself. The house is lovely, the family is lovely, the grounds and gardens are lovely. What isn’t lovely?

So for a chill spot to get some work done, this is one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka for digital nomads. You can spend your days tapping away on your laptop on the terrace. The owners are lovely (did we mention?) and will point you in the right direction for delicious local food, too.

Best Hostel in Sri Lanka with Private Room – Lanka Hostels Colombo

• $$
• Bar
• Laundry Facilities
• Garden

One of the best options in Colombo if you’re looking for one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka with a private room, this place is also well located. You can be shopping in just five minutes, or if you want beachside action, it’s not far to a spot of sun, sea and sand, either.

This Colombo backpackers hostel actually makes for a nice spot to chill in the city. A nice lil’ oasis to come back to, the rooms here are clean and feature big beds for your weary body. It’s not about the atmosphere, it’s about having a nice place to stay. An easy bus journey to the train station.

Milano Residence

• $$
• Free Breakfast
• Bicycle Hire
• Cafe

Don’t let the name confuse you, it’s nowhere near Milano level of style. But the rooms here are pretty nice. So nice, in fact, that it’s one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka with private rooms. They’ve got tiled floors and strong air-con, for a start.

This place is also pretty close to the airport, which is handy if you plan on arriving or leaving on a late/early flight. The staff here also happen to be lovely, and they’ll give you good travel advice when it comes to what to see and where to go.

Tea Garden Holiday Inn

• $$
• Outdoor Terrace
• 24 Hour Security
• Bicycle Hire

Another one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka with a private room, you’ll love staying here so you can appreciate the nature in the surrounding area of Ella. But it’s the rooms that win here. They are literally HUGE. And pretty cool too – think exposed brick and nice lil’ design touches.

We especially like that the terrace here comes complete with breathtaking views (like actually). It’s a five-minute walk to the bars and restaurants in Ella, but it’s also pretty close to the train station too. You’ll feel secure as well, thanks to the night guard at this cool Ella hostel.

Flip Flop Hostel

• $$
• Free Breakfast
• Airport Transfers
• Bicycle Hire

Flip Flop Hostel has an ace location. It’s close to Negombo airport, meaning it’s a great spot for catching an early/late flight and you feel like chilling out for a couple of days before you leave or after you arrive.

This is one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka with private rooms, mainly because the rooms here are huge, with high wooden ceilings, white linen, immaculate cleanliness, y’know, all the stuff that’ll make you feel like you might actually be staying at a hotel and note a Negombo backpackers hostel. A little pricier than a dorm bed, but treat yo’self!

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Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Wow, there are so many cool places to stay in Sri Lanka and a load of variety, too. There’s the chance to get to grips with local life, properly chilled jungle retreats and some pretty slick city stays, too.

If you’re travelling around Sri Lanka you’ll wanna stay somewhere that makes your travels stress free, but also stay in places that make your trip unforgettable. If you’re traveling around and fancy switching it up a little, Sri Lanka has some stunning treehouses and cabins to suit any budget.

So start your trip in style with our best overall hostel in Sri Lanka, Island Hostel Mount Lavina, and then head off to discover all the wonders of this beautiful island nation.

What do you reckon about our choice of the 35 best hostels in Sri Lanka? Any of them look so incredible that you wanna book them right away? Comment and tell us all about your future travel plans! And if you’ve been before? Comment, let us know if we missed any hidden gems!

Travel Safety Tips for Sri Lanka

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World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Sri Lanka.

Planning an epic trip all across Sri Lanka or even Asia itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around Asia, check out:

• Best hostels in Delhi
• Best hostels in Beijing
• Best hostels in Kuala Lumpur

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Sri Lanka has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!