Kandy is hugged by mountains and rivers on most sides, making it the ideal destination for travelers who want to run through the natural landscapes of Sri Lanka and its stunning temples.
The best hotels in Kandy overlook the jungle from their windows, and as you cross their streets to explore the rest of the town, you’ll come across small packs of monkeys or elephants trying to do the same.
This city of lovely chaos and calm fuses colonial architecture together with lush green hills.
Whether you’re visiting as a solo traveler or with a group of friends, we have the perfect hostel in Kandy for you in this guide – it will serve as the perfect base for your wild (or laid-back) trip.
Our favorite hostels in Kandy are:
- 2in1 Kandy Hostel - best for Backpackers
- Banana Bunks - best for Female Solo Travelers
- White Rose Hostel - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. 2in1 Kandy Hostel
2. Banana Bunks
3. White Rose Hostel
If you’re backpacking in Sri Lanka, we have guides on the best hostels throughout the country that can help you figure out where to stay.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Kandy
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Kandy cost $2 – $15 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $33 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Transport: Most travelers opt for renting a motorcycle. If you don’t feel confident in your skills, you can hire a Tuk-tuk driver to take you around the area for a day, which shouldn’t be too expensive.
Safety: Kandy is pretty safe for travelers. The only thing you would need to worry about is tourist-related scams like overpaying for attractions, sights, and experiences. Always ask your hostel staff what to expect in terms of prices.
Best time to visit Kandy: The best time is from November to February.
Although this is the peak season, Sri Lanka and Kandy still aren’t on most people’s radars, and it would be rare for you to feel like the area you’re staying in is packed or overcrowded. This season also brings with it nicer, lower temperatures and less rain.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Kandy are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Kandy.
- 2in1 Kandy Hostel – best for Backpackers
- Banana Bunks – best for Female Solo Travelers
- White Rose Hostel – best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Kandy. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. 2in1 Kandy Hostel
2. Banana Bunks
3. White Rose Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | 2in1 Kandy Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | White Rose Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | Banana Bunks |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | 2in1 Kandy Hostel |
1. 2in1 Kandy Hostel
2in1 Kandy Hostel ’s name comes from the fact that this accommodation provides a ‘2in1’ experience, combining Hostel amenities and prices with a Homestay experience with a family.
We think this is a great option for backpackers that want to immerse themselves in the local culture of Kandy.
In this hostel, you’ll find the following facilities:
- A shared lounge
- A 24-hour reception
- A shared kitchen
- Rooms with balconies and terraces
The homeowners are super friendly and can help you organize excursions and tours throughout the area.
Each bed in their dormitories is equipped with very large closets that should easily fit in all of your belongings – even if you’re a crazy packer.
One thing to note is that this hostel is near the road, and one of their neighbors has a dog that likes to bark at random intervals, so if you’re a light sleeper, maybe pick another of the best hostels in Kandy on our guide.
Location: A bit far from the center, with not many food options nearby. This is because the area is a residential neighborhood in Kandy.
The pro is that you’ll immerse yourself in the area’s culture and way of life. The con is that you will need to rent a motorbike if you want to get around hassle-free.
The best choice in Kandy for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Banana Bunks
Banana Bunks is set in a very warm and friendly atmosphere within a house that features natural tones, plants, and wood finishes.
In this Kandy hostel, you’ll find:
- An indoor shared lounge
- A tropical garden
- Rooms with patios
- A terrace
- A pool
We really like their dorms and feel like they would be perfect for solo travelers in particular, as they are safe, clean, and very comfortable.
This hostel feels like a tropical abode within a residential area in Kandy. This means that the pace of life is less chaotic and quieter, but due to the neighbors, travelers are encouraged to quiet down (no loud music or screams) after 7 pm.
Note that there’s an Asian-style breakfast option available every day, but although it’s tasty, we don’t recommend it because we think it’s very expensive compared to what you can get around Kandy.
Also, this hostel doesn’t say that they have a kitchen in their listing, but we found that if you ask, the staff is usually okay with allowing you to use their kitchen to make simple meals (think coffee, toast, and instant noodles).
Location: A 10-minute ride away from the city center (so 25 minutes on foot). There aren’t a lot of places to get food nearby, but you should be okay if you’re renting a motorcycle.
A great choice for:
- Female Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. White Rose Hostel
White Rose Hostel is a bright and minimalistic hostel in Kandy that we think is perfect for couples.
On-site, you’ll find:
- A shared lounge
- Rooms (some with private balconies)
- A rooftop
We really like the view from their rooftop, as it offers wonderful panoramas over the area and a very cozy and intimate atmosphere to socialize with other guests – or your significant other.
The hosts are also very warm and will ensure you have a worry-free and memorable stay.
Location: Centrally located near the bus and train station. This is one of the rare Kandy hostels where you won’t necessarily need a motorbike to get around because you’ll be a little way away from all the main attractions.
This is one of the best hostels in Kandy for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Kandy for Solo Travelers?
The best hostel in Kandy for solo travelers is 2in1 Kandy Hostel . We think this accommodation is wrapped in a very friendly and warm atmosphere that will make you very comfortable during your stay.
They have very friendly staff and a 24/7 reception that is sure to come in handy if you run across any issues during your trip.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Kandy?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Kandy.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Kandy
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Kandy best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Kandy?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Kandy put on a map + sights
Below, we list all three best Kandy hostels on a map.
We love to plan our trips with a map with all sights and potential hostels on it.
Any questions about hostels in Kandy? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Kandy?
The best hostel for solo travelers:
2in1 Kandy Hostel
What are the best hostels in Kandy?
The best hostels in Kandy are:
- 2in1 Kandy Hostel – best for Backpackers
- Banana Bunks – best for Female Solo Travelers
- White Rose Hostel – best for Couples
Is Kandy safe?
Kandy is pretty safe for travelers. The only thing you would need to worry about is tourist-related scams like overpaying for attractions, sights, and experiences. Always ask your hostel staff what to expect in terms of prices.
Any questions about hostels in Kandy?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Kandy?
Kandy has no airport, and you will need to get there via your own vehicle or take a bus or train to the local stations. The nearest Airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
We have a dedicated guide to the best hostels in Sri Lanka that should come in handy if you’re planning on traveling throughout the country.
And here are all our Sri Lanka Guides:
- Best things to do in Kandy
- Best hostels in Ella
- Best hostels in Mirissa
- Best hostels in Colombo
- best hostels in Weligama
- Best hostels in Hikkaduwa
- SpinDrift Hostel in Weligama – a Hostel Haven
- 13 reasons to Visit East Coast of Sri Lanka
- Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
- Best surf hostels in Sri Lanka
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Kandy guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
