Hostels in Dambulla

Clean even better than my own place, superb staff, great owner well ready to organize lovely interesting excursions

The tree house is very unique and the kids absolutely loved the fact there was an actual tree in the room. Beds are comfy, and we were greeted with the most delicious lime juices by our host which was 100% needed after a long hot bus ride. Dinner was delicious and nothing was too much trouble.

The hostel owner isu was so friendly and so are the staff, they were smiling every time we met and we played caroom together for a long time and hostel owner also showed to us to various places with his bike. Totally worth the stay.

This is definitely a social hostel – within an hour, Thara, Chooty, and Tutu will feel like your best friends. They’re just the kindest, most fun people and truly make the place what it is. The treehouses are magical – tucked into the jungle and if you’re lucky, you might even spot elephants from your balcony. The dorms are comfy and clean enough, with mosquito nets, fans, an epic view and a cute little balcony to chill. There are tons of common areas and always something going on: sunrise hikes to Pidurangala, secret sunset spots, lake swims, safaris… you’ll never be bored. And the team is always around – they truly care about the people staying here, and it shows. The price is kind of ridiculous (in a good way) – it even includes breakfast! Lunch and dinner are cooked and shared together too, if you want and the food is next-level delicious. It’s close to the road so getting around is super easy – tuk tuks from the guys, bikes, scooters or just calling a PickMe. I ended up extending my stay longer than planned and only left because I had a flight but I’ll 100% be back!!

I highly recommend this hostel! The hosts were so nice, very helpful, full of good recommandations. I would come back here anytime and for a few more days because it was so nice. Felt like home with this lovely family! The food was also very good and we were able to see how to make a curry with the host which was really fun :)

The place has just opened and is stunning. A tree house in the middle of the forest with an amazing view on the Lion Rock straight from the room. Everything is super new and clean and the staff is extremely kind and helpful to organize your stay here. Really good and abundant breakfast with fresh fruits and a variety of food. I can sincerely guarantee that no place in Sri Lanka has offered us the same high quality service.

Just perfect, located in the deep jungle, dinner is exceptional, breakfast also and tours are very great there

The breakfast and dinner were amazing!

I booked this place last minute and wow… what a surprise. It’s not just a bed—it’s a whole vibe. It’s clean, cozy, safe, and bursting with traveler energy. Every night felt like a new memory. One of those spots you want to gatekeep… but can’t, because it’s too good.

We unexpectedly found ourselves in the heart of the Sri Lankan jungle at Hakuna Matata Hostel — and for just £5 a night with breakfast included. Yes, five! My teenage daughter couldn’t help but quip, “Mum, you make us look broke.” But this isn’t being broke — this is backpacking at its finest: affordable, raw, and bursting with adventure. Surrounded by towering trees, the sounds of birds, and monkeys rustling through jackfruit trees, this place is truly a hidden gem. I’ll admit, I only booked one night to test the waters, but with a perfect 10/10 rating from travellers across the globe (not just locals), I took a chance. I'm so glad I did. We had to reroute our entire trip due to heavy monsoon rains and limited accommodation options elsewhere. What began as a backup plan turned into the highlight of our journey. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and sincerity: “While you stay with us, you are part of our family.” And they meant it. No inflated tourist prices, no rehearsed smiles — just genuine people and heartfelt hospitality. The rooms are simple but clean and cosy with mosquito nets, and the atmosphere is something you can’t buy: peace, community, and a true slice of authentic Sri Lanka. We've stayed in far more expensive places on this trip, but none have matched the soul we found here. In a country where tourist traps can leave you feeling like a walking wallet, this place was refreshingly honest. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I come back? I extended another 3 nights. For £5 a night? It’s not about saving money — it’s about gaining perspective. This is the kind of rich that stays with you.