Why choose a hostel in Kandy?
Kandy holds a special place among Sri Lanka's cities. It's a cultural and spiritual centre, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the serene Kandy Lake. Both sit within easy walking distance of each other and draw visitors year-round. Hostels in Kandy put you close to both, without the higher price tags that come with hotels in the same area.
Hostels here suit solo travellers, couples, and small groups who want good value and easy social connections. Shared dorms keep costs low, while private rooms give you more space without the cost of a hotel or private rental. Most hostels also offer communal spaces, local tips, and organised activities that private rentals simply don't provide. For a city this rich in culture, a hostel is often the smartest base you'll find.
How to find the best hostel deals in Kandy
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to track down incredible room rates online? Here are some hacks to find the perfect stay and save in no time.
Book in advance
Book early if possible. Getting things locked in sooner often means cheaper prices and a greater range of hostels in Kandy, especially around holidays and school breaks.
…or bag a last-minute Kandy hostel deal.
Booking late can be a bit of a gamble, but it can swing your way. Some places discount their rates ahead of check-in to attract more guests, especially on quieter days.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap hostels can be easier to find when you're flexible with your dates. Try different seasons or months, or book during the week instead of weekends to save on your trip.
Where to base yourself in Kandy
The area around Kandy Lake is where many of the best hostels in Kandy tend to cluster, and it's easy to understand why. The Temple of the Tooth sits right on the lake's edge, and the Kandy City Centre mall keeps budget dining options close. Tuk-tuks and buses are easy to flag down, so getting around costs little. For a quieter stay, the hillside neighbourhoods above the lake offer a different pace. Streets like Rajapihilla Mawatha give you elevated positions above the water, with local tea shops and small eateries nearby. The Kandy train station is reachable in a short ride, useful if you're planning day trips to Ella or Colombo. Staying uphill means a bit more travel to the centre, but the calmer surroundings suit travellers who prefer to slow things down.
Best hostels in Kandy
Hostels on Skyscanner include traveller ratings based on actual guest reviews. They generally cover key areas like cleanliness, service, location, facilities, and value for money. It makes it easier to find the best stay for your trip, whether you're keeping an eye on costs or looking for something more comfortable.
Best all-rounder hostels
City View Hostel is a crowd-pleaser. From its location and service to its value, this accommodation option delivers on what matters most.
Hiranya Mountain View Hostel Kandy also leaves a good impression. It scores strong ratings for its cleanliness, rooms and service.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
Hiranya Mountain View Hostel Kandy is big on the little things. Guests rate this accommodation option as one of the best in the city for cleanliness. You'll find amenities like an airport shuttle and a games room.
Well-kept rooms and tidy shared areas are also standard at J Hostel Kandy. Along with solid cleanliness ratings, it includes a 24-hour front desk and a laundry.
Hostels with the best customer service
Good hospitality goes a long way at City View Hostel. This hostel in Kandy rates highly for its customer service and comes with Wi-Fi and tour services.
Travellers are also quick to mention the customer service at Hiranya Mountain View Hostel Kandy in their reviews. Air conditioning and tour services are some amenities on offer here.
Centrally located hostels
A convenient location is a major draw at City View Hostel. With an airport shuttle, parking and plenty more, you'll have just what you need to settle in.
Or get your trip off to a great start at Hiranya Mountain View Hostel Kandy. Extras like bicycle rentals and parking add to the comfort of staying at this well-located base.
Hostels near the best neighbourhoods in Kandy
Hostels in Thalwatta
Cosy Nest Kandy Villa is a favourite around Thalwatta. It comes with tour services, a lounge and has a guest rating of about 5 out of 5.
Another stay worth mentioning is City View Hostel, which is rated around 5 out of 5 by travellers. Perks like parking and shuttle services are there to make your stay easier.
Hostels near the best attractions in Kandy
Where to stay near Sri Dalada Maligawa
Visiting Sri Dalada Maligawa is simple when you stay at City View Hostel. An airport shuttle and entertainment rooms help add to the appeal of this hostel in Kandy.
You can also explore this attraction at your own pace at Cosy Nest Kandy Villa. You'll find amenities such as a games room and accessible parking here.
Hostels close to Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya draws travellers who want to slow down and take in something genuinely beautiful without the crowds of the city centre. You can wander paths lined with giant bamboo, find a spot beneath the famous Java fig tree, and discover orchid collections that stop you in your tracks. Staying at hostels near Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya means easy access to one of Asia's most celebrated green spaces.
Nature Lovers' Hostel makes a convenient base for exploring Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. You'll find Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle at this hostel in Kandy.
Sri Maha Bodhi Simamalakaya hostels
Hostels near Sri Maha Bodhi Simamalakaya sit right alongside Kandy Lake. The lakeside promenade is a calm spot for an early morning walk, popular with locals too. From here, the city centre is within easy reach, with tea shops, rice-and-curry spots, and small craft stalls to discover. The Kandy market area is also worth exploring on your own terms.
From a lounge to parking and more, Truly Hostel Kandy has plenty to offer. Book this hostel in Kandy and you'll be well placed to explore this attraction.
