16 Best Hostels in Kandy

Kandy is one of the easiest cities in Sri Lanka to do on a budget. It’s the gateway to the hill country, the start of the famous train ride to Ella, and a base for the Pekoe Trail and the Knuckles range, so it sees a steady stream of backpackers all year round.

The best hostels in Kandy aren’t big party places like you’d find in Ella or Mirissa. Most are small and family-run, often inside the owner’s home, where the host cooks dinner, gives you tips for the rest of your trip and keeps your bags safe while you hike. A few have pools and a more social vibe, and a couple sit right in the town centre.

Here are 16 of the best hostels in Kandy, with what each one is like, who it suits and what to watch out for.

Where Are the Hostels in Kandy?

Before you book, check the location. Kandy is hilly, and a hostel that looks close on the map can mean a steep climb at the end of the day.

• Town centre: Luna Leaf is a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth, the lake, cafés and bars.
• Peradeniya Road and around the lake: White Rose, Tribe, Lazy Bear and Sunbloom are walkable to town, though some involve a bit of a climb.
• The hills on the edge of town: Kandy Krush, Ku’Vana, Puncha, Kandy Home & City Mirror, Carls’ Corner, Bunty’s and Hiranya Mountain View are quieter, with better views, but you’ll want a tuk tuk or a PickMe/Uber ride into town.
• Further out: 2in1, Diamond Shine and Chillway are a short ride from the centre.

1. White Rose Hostel

White Rose is one of the highest-rated hostels in Kandy, and it’s easy to see why. It’s new, it’s spotless, and it’s run by a friendly local couple who clean every day and are always around to help with tips for Kandy and the rest of Sri Lanka.

The hostel has a female-only dorm as well as private rooms, which makes it a favourite with solo women travellers, many of whom say it’s the place they felt safest in the country. There’s a rooftop to relax on, free tea and coffee, and good Wi-Fi. It’s not a party hostel; think cosy and family-style instead.

The location on Peradeniya Road is handy: it’s about 300 metres from Kandy railway station, 100 metres from the Good Shed bus stand and around a 15-minute walk from the Temple of the Tooth. A few things to know before you book: payment is in cash on arrival, breakfast isn’t included, there’s a midnight curfew, and dorms are for guests aged 18 and over.

Best for: Solo women travellers, a clean and quiet stay
Location: No. 130/1, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 246 4145
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

2. Kandy Krush Hostel

If you want a hostel with a pool and a social vibe, Kandy Krush is the one. It sits high on Richmond Hill, with sweeping views of the mountains, and several travellers call it their favourite hostel in Sri Lanka.

The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and air conditioning, and the pool is clean and well kept. Breakfast is free, and the hostel also offers dinner (sometimes as a group cooking session), city tours and camping trips, which makes it easy to meet other travellers. The breakfast smoothie gets a special mention in reviews. The owner, Jay, and the reception team are known for being warm and helpful.

The one catch is the location. It’s about 15 minutes by road from the town centre, at the top of a very steep hill, and some PickMe drivers won’t make the climb. Allow extra time to find a tuk tuk.

Best for: Meeting people, a pool, mountain views
Location: No. 17, Richmond Hill Lane, Kandy
Phone: +94 76 481 0551
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

3. Hiranya Mountain View Hostel

Hiranya sits on a hillside in Aruppola, above the Mahaweli River, and the name says it all. The shared balcony looks out across the valley to the Knuckles mountain range, and plenty of guests end up staying longer than they planned just to sit out there with a cup of tea.

It’s run by Fernando and his wife Kanchana, who keep the place spotless and are full of tips for exploring Kandy. The rooms are modern, with air conditioning, comfortable beds and bathrooms with good water pressure, which isn’t always a given in Sri Lanka. There are mixed dorms and two family rooms, plus a well-equipped kitchen that guests can use. A small supermarket, a few cheap eateries and a laundry are just below the hostel.

It’s about 2.7 km from the city centre, roughly a 25-minute walk, and cheap buses run into town. There’s a temple nearby, so expect morning chanting; the hosts hand out earplugs if you need them.

Best for: Valley views, a clean and quiet stay, longer stays
Location: No. 33, Dharmashoka Mawatha, Aruppola, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 578 5828
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

4. Luna Leaf

Luna Leaf is a hostel and rooftop café hidden in the middle of town, off E.L. Senanayake Veediya. It’s a little hard to find, since you enter through a clothing shop from the street, but once you’re up top it feels like an oasis above the city.

The café is the main draw. It’s well known for generous portions of kottu, rice and curry, biryani and pizza, plus a mango lassi that reviewers rave about, and the view of Kandy lit up at night is lovely. The staff are friendly and happy to help with dietary requirements.

If you stay here, you’re right in the centre, within walking distance of the Temple, the lake and the bars. The rooms are listed on Booking.com and Hostelworld as Castle Lane by Luna Leaf Hanging Hostel, where guests describe it as a smaller, quieter hostel with an à la carte breakfast. Most reviews online are still for the café, so check the latest room reviews before you book.

Best for: A central location, great food on the rooftop
Location: Castle Lane, No. 36/13, E.L. Senanayake Veediya, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 863 2440
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

5. Ku’Vana Hostel

Ku’Vana is the kind of hostel people remember more for the people than the beds. It’s run by Waruni and her son Chathuranga, and guests say staying here feels like being part of the family.

Evenings are spent playing carrom or chess in the living room and chatting with other travellers, and some guests have joined guided meditation sessions with Chathu. Waruni is a fantastic cook, and breakfast is included. There are also two very friendly dogs.

It’s simple and humble, with outdoor bathrooms, but clean and comfortable. It’s in a calm spot on Vihara Mawatha, about 1.8 km from Kandy railway station, with free parking.

Best for: A family atmosphere, home cooking, slow evenings
Location: No. 113, Vihara Mawatha, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 669 6624
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

6. Puncha Hostel

Puncha is a quiet, cosy hostel further along Vihara Mawatha, and the food is a big part of its appeal. According to guests, the owner, Chathu, is a former professional chef, so expect excellent curries and, if you’re lucky, a barbecue night. He’s happy to cook vegetarian food, and you can even join a cooking class.

The dorms are spacious with lockers, the Wi-Fi is strong enough to get some work done, and there’s a small lawn and a relaxed common area where backpackers hang out. The family’s dog, Bruno, keeps an eye on everyone. Prices are low, and the owners can also arrange onward transport, such as a drive to Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast is free, and there’s a guest kitchen and a small bar. It’s in a residential area about 2 km from the centre, so it’s peaceful, but you’ll want a tuk tuk into town.

Best for: Food lovers, cooking classes, a calm base
Location: No. 181/17, Vihara Mawatha, Kandy
Phone: +94 76 927 6753
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

7. The Kandy Home & City Mirror Hostel

This family-run hostel in Suduhumpola feels more like a cosy apartment than a typical dorm. It’s run by Kasun Thennakoon and his family, and guests describe them as warm and helpful without ever being intrusive.

The rooms are new and spotless, with hot showers, and some come with a kettle, a mini-fridge and a balcony overlooking the green hills. The bright common area has a fridge, kettle and basic kitchenware, and it’s a pleasant place to work. One guest mentions a 10-bed dorm.

It’s about a 20-minute walk to the lake and the restaurants, or a cheap PickMe or Uber motorbike ride (one guest paid around Rs. 150). It’s a good base if you’re planning to hike Hanthana or part of the Pekoe Trail. There are stairs, so ask for help with big bags.

Best for: Views, a peaceful stay, hikers
Location: Suduhumpola Raja Maha Vihara Road, Kandy
Phone: +94 76 743 7114
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

8. Carls’ Corner

Carls’ Corner is a small, newer hostel built into the owner’s home on the hillside off Sri Pushpadana Mawatha. It’s set on a quiet street surrounded by trees and birds, and the sunset views are excellent.

Carl himself is the reason people love it. He’s friendly, speaks great English, and is full of advice for travelling around Sri Lanka. He also cooks delicious traditional Sri Lankan breakfasts and dinners at good prices, and you can help in the kitchen and learn a dish or two.

The beds are private and comfortable, with a spacious living room, a balcony, two clean bathrooms, hot showers and Wi-Fi. Towels and the washing machine are available for a small fee. It’s about 2 km from the town centre and the walk back up is steep, so most guests use tuk tuks.

Best for: Solo travellers, home-cooked food, sunsets
Location: No. 72/11, 2nd Lane, Sri Pushpadana Mawatha, Kandy
Phone:
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

9. Tribe Hostel

Tribe Hostel is set in a large old building on Ampitiya Road that used to be a hotel, full of character, with a terrace and several lounges to relax in. It’s a few minutes from the lake. Some guests walk into town, while others find a tuk tuk easier because of the hills.

The host, Nishan, gets glowing reviews for being honest, kind and attentive, and he often helps guests with food and local trips. All rooms have air conditioning, the beds are comfortable, luggage storage is free, and the breakfast is affordable and tasty. Try the Kandy-made jam.

There are a few things to know. Some dorms share one bathroom between two rooms, the walls are thin, and the hostel is next to a main road, so light sleepers should bring earplugs. If you book a tour through the hostel, check first that the main sights are open that day.

Best for: Character, a walkable location, a friendly host
Location: No. 40/2A, Ampitiya Road, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 121 6540
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

10. Lazy Bear Hostel

Lazy Bear is a calm, quiet hostel on the hills near Kandy Lake. Guests mention the host, Nihal, and his wife by name, and say the walk into town along the lake is a beautiful one.

It’s clean and well maintained, with a small garden, a relaxing chill-out area and enough space for yoga. Beds are comfortable with mosquito nets, and showers are warm. There’s no guest kitchen, but you can get hot water for tea and coffee. Look out for monkeys from the balcony.

It also has family rooms, so it works for small groups or couples on a budget.

Best for: A quiet stay near the lake, yoga, couples
Location: No. 11, 1st Lane, Dharmaraja Mawatha, Kandy
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

11. Sunbloom Hostel

Sunbloom is more of a guesthouse than a classic hostel, with big, bright private rooms rather than packed dorms. It sits on Rajapihilla Mawatha above the lake, away from the noise of town, and the balcony views are lovely.

The rooms are airy and quiet, and some even come with a small table and chairs. Breakfast is included and served at a time that suits you, and the host is known for going out of his way, from arranging fair-priced cars to Ella to giving tips on the area.

Some rooms share a bathroom, and basic toiletries and bottled water aren’t provided, so bring your own. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the centre, or a short tuk tuk ride.

Best for: Couples and friends who want a private room on a budget
Location: No. 147, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

12. 2in1 Kandy Hostel Homestay

As the name suggests, 2in1 is half hostel, half homestay. It’s on Vipula Mawatha in Thalwatta, about 1.7 km from the Temple of the Tooth, with a supermarket and bus stop a few minutes’ walk away. From the Clock Tower bus stand, take any bus towards Digana via Kundasale Road and get off at Isuru Creation, just past the UDF supermarket. A tuk tuk from the bus or train station costs around Rs. 300 to 350.

It’s especially good for privacy and longer stays. Dorm beds have curtains around them and mosquito nets, and guests can use the fridge, microwave, hot water and even an iron. There’s a TV lounge, a dining area and a balcony with a great sunrise view.

The owner, Chandana, is friendly and helpful and often takes guests to eat at authentic local places. One reviewer stayed for 70 days and still had nothing but good things to say.

Best for: Long stays, privacy in a dorm, solo travellers
Location: No. 86/8/1, Vipula Mawatha, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 225 2488
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

13. Bunty’s Tea House

Bunty’s is a homestay-style hostel with a garden café and tea centre, on Sri Sumangala Mawatha. It’s run by Bunty himself, a chatty, hospitable host who joins guests in the evenings and offers lifts and trips around Kandy. Its Booking.com listing advertises free pickup from Kandy.

The beds are big and comfortable, the house is clean and organised, and the family dinners are delicious. The views from the rooms are lovely too.

There’s only one bathroom for the whole house, so expect to share. A couple of reviews also mention extra charges for small things and enthusiastic tea sales after dinner, so agree on prices for meals and lifts upfront.

Best for: Tea lovers, home dinners, a sociable host
Location: No. 41/6, Sri Sumangala Mawatha, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 208 0018
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

14. Diamond Shine Hostel

Diamond Shine is a small, very clean hostel on Pallegama Road, in a quiet spot away from the city. It’s one of the highest-rated hostels in the Kandy area, and the owners are the reason why.

The dorm has four bunk beds, each with its own locker, plus a fan, a tea and coffee maker and a table. The bathroom is just outside the room. Breakfast is included, and the hosts will cook dinner on request; you can even tell them what you’d like to eat. Guests often mention the fresh breeze, the views and the welcome drink on arrival.

It’s about 4.5 km from the city centre and around 5 km from Kandy railway station, so plan on transport. One guest reported paying around Rs. 500 to 600 each way by tuk tuk, or about Rs. 300 on a PickMe bike.

Best for: A clean, peaceful stay, small groups
Location: No. 111/5A, Pallegama Road, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 309 8340
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

15. Chillway Hostel Kandy

Chillway is a new hostel on Ampitiya Road, about 2.4 km from the city centre. It’s listed on hostel booking sites but has no guest reviews yet, so check the latest ratings before you go. Check-in is available around the clock, guests must be 18 or over, and stag and hen parties aren’t allowed.

Its location on Ampitiya Road puts it near a few of the area’s other hostels and within a short tuk tuk ride of the lake and the town centre.

Best for: Budget travellers happy to try somewhere new
Location: No. 76, Ampitiya Road, Kandy
Phone: +94 71 033 5593
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

16. Kandy Backpackers Hostel

Kandy Backpackers is one of the few hostels in Kandy with a swimming pool, and it’s one of the most social places on this list. It’s on Ampitiya Road, on the eastern side of the city.

The days revolve around food. Breakfast is a community affair, dinner is freshly cooked every night, and the hostel runs free cooking classes, so you’ll learn a few Sri Lankan dishes while meeting other travellers. In the afternoons, most people end up in the pool. Some guests liked it so much they extended their stay.

It’s about a 30-minute walk from the centre, but it’s easy to get there by tuk tuk or a cheap local bus. The hostel can be a little hard to find the first time, and a few guests felt the rooms could use more maintenance, but for the price, it’s good value.

Best for: Meeting people, a pool, cooking classes
Location: No. 117/4C, Ampitiya Road, Kandy
Phone: +94 77 738 8030
Google Maps: View on Google Maps

Tips for Staying in a Hostel in Kandy

• Check the hill before you book. Many hostels sit on steep roads above the lake. They look close on the map, but the walk back up can be tough with a backpack.
• Use PickMe or Uber. For hostels outside the centre, motorbike rides on PickMe or Uber are the cheapest way in and out of town, often a few hundred rupees.
• Ask about bag storage. If you’re hiking the Pekoe Trail or the Knuckles, several hostels will keep your bags for free or a small fee while you’re away.
• Eat in at least once. Home-cooked rice and curry is one of the best things about Kandy’s family-run hostels, and it’s usually great value.
• Agree on prices upfront. For dinners, tours and lifts arranged by the hostel, confirm the price before you go.
• Book early for the Perahera. During the Esala Perahera in July or August, every bed in town fills up fast.
• Watch out for monkeys. Keep windows and balcony doors closed when you’re out, and don’t leave food lying around.

Final Thoughts

Kandy’s hostels are less about partying and more about people. Most are small, family-run places where the host knows your name by the second day, cooks your dinner and helps you plan the rest of your trip. If you want a social scene and a pool, go for Kandy Krush or Kandy Backpackers. If you want to be in the middle of town, choose Luna Leaf, and for the best views over the valley, try Hiranya Mountain View. And if you want to feel like part of a Sri Lankan family, try Ku’Vana, Puncha, Carls’ Corner or White Rose.

Once you’ve dropped your bags, head out for the evening with our guide to the best spots to grab a cold beer in Kandy, or bring your own bottle to dinner at one of the best BYOB places in Kandy.