Hostels in Dambulla

Very friendly hosts, good food, including breakfast which was cheap. The location is great if you wanna stay in a more quiet place, a bit away from the town but close to the impressive temple! I had a really good stay.

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.

It’s that kind of hostel, where you keep extending your stay for one more night ! I loved the vibe of the hostel. Amazing hosts and amazing people I met over there. Went to many excursions mostly free !

Super location, lion's rock 15 minute walk. Staf is very frendly, highly recommended.

Everything was perfect! It was such a wonderful place to start our trip. The food was absolutely delicious, and the rooms were super comfortable. The bar was such a cozy and fun spot to hang out, and the staff were incredibly friendly, enthusiastic, and helpful. The cooking class is also an absolute must-do and highly recommended. We’ll definitely come back again!

Shan is a perfect host! We took a beautiful walk at sunset and his mother has cooked us an amazing breakfast! If you pass by Sigiriya you absolutely have to stop here ;)

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.

We had a wonderful stay at this hostel! The place is impeccably clean and well-maintained, making it feel like a home away from home. The host is incredibly friendly and helpful, always going out of his way to ensure a pleasant stay and offering great tips for local attractions. The traditional breakfast served each morning was absolutely delicious – a perfect start to the day! The hostel is located in a peaceful area, offering a calm and relaxing atmosphere, yet still close enough to everything you need. We highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a comfortable, welcoming, and quiet place to stay. We would definitely come back!

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.