English / United Kingdom

$

Travelling to Sri Lanka? Read all updated requirements before you book.
28 Jan 2023
Saturday
28 Jan 2023
Saturday
1 room
Facilities, Backpack Lanka in Colombo
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory 105 - Mixed - Bed, Backpack Lanka in Colombo
people sitting around a table, Backpack Lanka in Colombo
Lobby, Backpack Lanka in Colombo
Lobby, Backpack Lanka in Colombo
a bedroom with a bed and a lamp, Backpack Lanka in Colombo
a bunk bed with two bunk beds in a room, Backpack Lanka in Colombo

Removed from saved list

7.4

Very good

294 reviews

294 reviews

My bunk room was comfortable and clean.

Erik

The staff is super friendly and helpful, the rooms and bathrooms are clean, there is good AC in the rooms and warm water in the shower.

Basile

Great location and the staff here are very sincere and helpful!!

Nancy

Good location, neat and clean room, washrooms were also good.

Saveena

Room is very basic but, clean.

Sherin
See map

7.9

Very good

Location rating score

Very good location - Inside city center
Exceptional for walking
Walkable places
Lake House Bookshop

40 m

Keells

40 m

Liberty Plaza

80 m

Premasiri Supermarket

120 m

Liberty Cinema

120 m

Popular landmarks
Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

980 m

Colombo National Museum

1.0 km

Viharamahadevi Park

1.3 km

Galle Face Green

1.4 km

Independence Square

1.8 km

Closest landmarks
Hatton National Bank, Bambalapitiya

40 m

General Hospital

130 m

St Michael's Church Colpetty

190 m

Bally's Club Colombo

200 m

Jims Poker Room

220 m

See nearby places

Backpack Lanka

247D R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colpetty, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00300 - See map

Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Strategically situated in Colpetty, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple.

Highlights

390 meters to public transportation

Front desk [24-hour]

Airport transfer

Inside city center

150 meters to National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka

Facilities

Front desk [24-hour]

Airport transfer

Shuttle service

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Luggage storage

Cash withdrawal

Shared kitchen

Tours

Your dates are popular among travelersUsers are booking a place in Colombo every 11 minutes on Agoda.com
Value for money7.4
Distance to city center0.5 km
Location rating7.9
Nearest airportRatmalana Airport (RML)
Distance to airport10.9 km

Rooms available at Backpack Lanka

Room photos and details
Double with Shared Bathroom
...
  • Room size: 25 m²/269 ft²
  • Non-smoking
  • 1 double bed
Enter dates to see prices
Room photos and details
Double Room with Shared Shower and Toilet
...
  • Room size: 11 m²/118 ft²
  • Shower
  • 1 queen bed
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Room photos and details
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 111 m²/1195 ft²
  • City view
  • 1 bunk bed
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Room photos and details
1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory 105 - Mixed
...
  • Room size: 111 m²/1195 ft²
  • City view
  • 1 bunk bed
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Room photos and details
Standard Room
...
  • Room size: 30 m²/323 ft²
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Room photos and details
Standard Room
...
  • Room size: 30 m²/323 ft²
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Room photos and details
Basic Room
...
    Enter dates to see prices
    Room photos and details
    SHARED ROOM 4 TWIN BEDS
    ...
      Enter dates to see prices
      Room photos and details
      shared bathroom
      ...
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        Room photos and details
        1 Bed
        ...
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          Frequently asked questions

          What time is check-in and check-out at Backpack Lanka?

          Check-in is from 02:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM. You may request early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Guests checking in or out before or after the designated periods may be charged an additional fee. The hostel offers luggage storage to guests for before check-in and after check-out. The front desk is always open, day or night.

          How do I get to Backpack Lanka?

          Backpack Lanka is easy to access from the airport. In fact, you can even book your airport transfer in advance for greater peace of mind. Just use the "Let us know what you need" section of the booking page to let the hostel know you want to book a ride, and they will contact you via the Agoda messaging service. For those who wish to drive their own cars, Backpack Lanka has a car park that's close to the hostel. If you're looking for an easy way to get around Colombo with private transportation, the hostel can arrange both taxis or car rental.

          Is breakfast offered at Backpack Lanka?

          Adults can enjoy breakfast offered with an additional charge of 2 USD if not included in the room rate. You may save on breakfast costs with Agoda by booking a room with breakfast, which is often included for less than buying it at the hostel.

          What is the smoking policy at Backpack Lanka?

          Backpack Lanka does not permit smoking in any of its rooms, but allows smoking in designated areas.

          What is the closest train, metro, or bus station to Backpack Lanka?

          The closest train, metro, or bus station to Backpack Lanka is Kollupitiya Railway Station, 390 m away.

          What restaurants are nearby Backpack Lanka?

          Restaurants including Elite Indian Restaurant, The Sizzle and Gallery Cafe are popular in Backpack Lanka’s neighborhood which is known as Colpetty.

          What popular shopping places are close to Backpack Lanka?

          Shopping options in Backpack Lanka’s Colpetty neighborhood include Marino Mall, Liberty Plaza and Stone 'N' String.

          What are popular attractions near Backpack Lanka?

          Guests at Backpack Lanka can easily visit National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, Number 11 and St Michael's Church Colpetty located in the Colpetty area.

          See map

          Explore the neighborhood

          What people love about Backpack Lanka

          • 10

            Exceptional
            Cleanliness

            "My bunk room was comfortable and clean."

            Erik

            |

            27 October 2022

          • 9.2

            Exceptional
            Staff 

            "The staff is super friendly and helpful, the rooms and bathrooms are clean, there is good AC in the rooms and warm water in the shower."

            Basile

            |

            9 February 2022

          • 10

            Exceptional
            Staff 

            "Great location and the staff here are very sincere and helpful!!"

            Nancy

            |

            11 February 2022

          Property ranking|Compared to 585 Colombo properties
          See all rankings
          Cheapest price score
          Room size
          68 sqm.
          Location score
          7.9/10
          Room comfort score
          6.9/10
          Better than
          99
          %
          of Colombo properties
          Bigger than
          93
          %
          of Colombo properties
          Better than
          84
          %
          of Colombo properties
          Better than
          84
          %
          of Colombo properties
          Overall rating:

          7.4

          Very good
          294 reviews
          Cleanliness
          6.7
          Facilities
          6.4
          Location
          7.9
          Read all reviews >
          More about Backpack Lanka

          More about Backpack Lanka

          Backpack Lanka

          Wake up in the heart of Colombo and get the most of your urban escape with a comfortable stay at Backpack Lanka. This hostel is the perfect spot from which to explore amazing attractions.
          The superior services and facilities offered at Backpack Lanka will make for a memorable stay. Stay connected throughout your stay with free internet access provided. To help pre-arrange your arrival and departure, airport transfer services can be booked before you even check in. Your explorations of Colombo can be assisted with taxi and car hire services available.
          The hostel provides front desk services such as luggage storage for guests' convenience. The hostel's tours can even help you book tickets and reservations for entertainment and explorations. The hostel's daily housekeeping will make staying in a great choice. The hostel is entirely non-smoking.
          Smoking may only take place in restricted designated areas.
          Guests are guaranteed a comfortable stay while at Backpack Lanka. To enhance your stay, some rooms at the hostel come with air conditioning.


          Dining and things to do

          The hostel even has in-house cooking amenities such as shared kitchen for its most selective guests.
          Never let a day go wasted when you're at Backpack Lanka with all the activities and facilities provided. No need to go anywhere after dinner -- play with friends or family at the shared lounge and TV area.


          Around the property

          While in Colombo, take some time to venture outside of Backpack Lanka. Learn about the city's art history with a day at Colombo National Museum located 1.0 km away, where you can see collections by famous artists.


          Reasons to stay here

          Spend less here on rooms than you would at 98% of other accommodations in the city.
          Verified reviews for this hostel's food and dining options score it better than 85% of accommodations in the city.
          Travelers who stayed here really appreciated the location, scoring it better than 83% of the city's other options.

          Show less

          Amenities and facilities

          Good
          Facilities

          6.4

          Most talked about facilities

          Breakfast

          8 mentions

          Housekeeping

          8 mentions

          Swimming Pool

          2 mentions

          Food & Dining

          1 mention

          Languages spoken
          • English
          • Sinhala
          • Tamil
          Internet access
          • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
          • Internet services
          • Wi-Fi in public areas
          Things to do, ways to relax
          • Billiards
          • Tours
          Dining, drinking, and snacking
          • Shared kitchen
          Services and conveniences
          • Air conditioning in public area
          • Cash withdrawal
          • Concierge
          • Daily housekeeping
          • Elevator
          • Luggage storage
          • Smoke-free property
          • Smoking area
          Access
          • Front desk [24-hour]
          • Non-smoking rooms
          • Pets allowed
          • Security [24-hour]
          Getting around
          • Airport transfer
          • Car park [nearby]
          • Rental car
          • Shuttle service
          • Taxi service
          Available in all rooms
          • Fan
          • Free bottled water
          • Non-smoking
          • Shared bathroom
          • Shower

          Food and dining

          Breakfast options
          • Asian

          Location

          247D R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colpetty, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00300
          Very good
          Location

          7.9

          Airports
          • Ratmalana Airport (RML)
            10.9 km 38 min drive
          • Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
            30.1 km 57 min drive
          Public transportation
          • Kollupitiya Railway Station
            390 m
          • Slave Island Railway Station
            1.3 km
          Hospital or clinic
          • General Hospital
            130 m
          Shopping
          • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
            2.6 km
          Cash withdrawal
          • ATM on-site

          What's nearby

          Popular landmarks
          • National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
            150 m
          • Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
            980 m
          • Colombo National Museum
            1.0 km
          • Viharamahadevi Park
            1.3 km
          • Galle Face Green
            1.4 km
          • Independence Square
            1.8 km
          • Independence Memorial Hall
            1.9 km
          • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
            2.6 km
          • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
            2.8 km
          • Mount Lavinia Beach
            7.7 km
          Nearby landmarks
          • Lake House Bookshop
            40 m
          • Keells
            40 m
          • Hatton National Bank, Bambalapitiya
            40 m
          • Liberty Plaza
            80 m
          • Premasiri Supermarket
            120 m
          • Liberty Cinema
            120 m
          • General Hospital
            130 m
          • Stone 'N' String
            140 m
          • National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
            150 m
          • Chinese Lanka
            170 m
          Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

          Property policies

          Children and extra beds

          Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

          Minimum age of guests is: 18 year(s).

          Others
          • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

          Some helpful facts

          Check-in/Check-out
          • Check-in from: 14:00
          • Check-out until: 11:00
          • Reception open until: 00:00
          Getting around
          • Distance from city center: 0.5 km
          • Travel time to airport (minutes): 40
          Extras
          • Breakfast charge (unless included in room price): 2 USD
          • Daily Internet/Wi-Fi fee: 0 USD
          The property
          • Non-smoking rooms/floors: no
          • Number of bars/lounges: 0
          • Number of floors: 4
          • Number of restaurants: 0
          • Number of rooms : 10
          • Room voltage: 240
          • Year property opened: 2014
          • Most recent renovation: 2014

          Reviews of Backpack Lanka from real guests

          Provided by verified guests of Agoda
          7.2
          /
          10
          Very good
          From 161 reviews
          Cleanliness6.7
          Facilities6.4
          Location7.9
          Room comfort and quality6.9
          Service7.9
          Value for money7.4
          High score for Colombo
          Rating
          9+ Exceptional (22)
          8-9 Excellent (16)
          7-8 Very Good (35)
          6-7 Good (11)
          <6 Below Expectation (32)
          Time of the year
          Mar - May (25)
          Jun - Aug (29)
          Sep - Nov (24)
          Dec - Feb (38)
          All guests (161)
          All room types
          All languages

          Show reviews that mention 

          Showing 116 verified guest comments
          12345
          10.0
          Exceptional
          Ashe
          Couple
          Double Room with Shared Shower and Toilet
          Stayed 1 night in March 2019

          Great service”

          Great stay, we got to check in after midnight as our flight was delayed and rooms are private, clean and quiet. Staff were lovely arranged a taxi for us, showed us the best way to get around and even offered to look after my suitcase for me until we come back in a couple of weeks! Recommended!

          Reviewed March 12, 2019

          See room deals

          10.0
          Exceptional
          Nancy from Singapore
          Family with teens
          Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
          Stayed 1 night in January 2022

          Friendly and helpful staff!”

          Great location and the staff here are very sincere and helpful!!

          Reviewed February 11, 2022

          See room deals

          9.2
          Exceptional
          Basile from Sri Lanka
          Solo traveler
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 2 nights in February 2022

          Excellent for the price”

          Some people rate poorly this hotel but this is a very decent accommodation for this price ($14 approx for a double room). The staff is super friendly and helpful, the rooms and bathrooms are clean, there is good AC in the rooms and warm water in the shower. I don't think anyone paying 14 bucks should expect anything more for this price. Thanks again for a very nice stay!

          Reviewed February 09, 2022

          See room deals

          9.6
          Exceptional
          Juho from Finland
          Couple
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 1 night in March 2020

          Exceptional”

          Poor wifi connection but otherways perfect accommondation for stopover in Colombo

          Reviewed March 19, 2020

          See room deals

          8.4
          Excellent
          Sherin from India
          Couple
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 1 night in August 2019

          Friendly staff. Good location. Just essentials”

          Very friendly and accommodating staff. Free breakfast is available for one hour only between 8:30-9:30am which we missed because we overslept. Room is very basic but, clean. Shared bathrooms are a bit rundown but clean. Close to many attractions in colombo with good places to eat nearby. Would recommend if you are in colombo for a day or two only.

          Reviewed August 27, 2019

          See room deals

          8.8
          Excellent
          Freonor from Philippines
          Family with teens
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 3 nights in March 2019

          Excellent”

          It’s in the city area! Friendly staff. Very affordable, a good place to stay if your not that picky.

          Reviewed March 10, 2019

          See room deals

          8.4
          Excellent
          Saveena from India
          Couple
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 1 night in February 2020

          Excellent”

          Good location, neat and clean room, washrooms were also good. But the Breakfast was not enough.

          Reviewed February 25, 2020

          See room deals

          8.0
          Excellent
          Amelie from Germany
          Group
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 1 night in March 2019

          The Personal is so kind and helpfull! ”

          They helped us to do calls with the airport and another hostel. The location is also really good. We would defintely recommend this place! :)

          Reviewed March 21, 2019

          See room deals

          7.6
          Very good
          Adrien from France
          Couple
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 1 night in February 2020

          No window and humid”

          We arrived at 9pm, nothing was opened in this neighborhood to eat something. The WiFi didn't really work and the partition walls are so thin that you hear everything from the other rooms. There was AC but the humidity was very high and room really simple, without nice atmosphere. For this price you expect at least to have a private bathroom and good WiFi. At morning they say they have srilankan breakfast but we were disappointed having some usual toasts with jam and tea. Not a bad experience but for that price we expected better.

          Reviewed February 26, 2020

          See room deals

          8.0
          Excellent
          Manuel from Portugal
          Couple
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 1 night in January 2020

          Very good”

          Good relation quality/price Good for 1-2 nights stay in Colombo Poor breakfast (bread with butter and ham)

          Reviewed January 19, 2020

          See room deals

          7.2
          Very good
          Yasuki from Japan
          Solo traveler
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 1 night in January 2019

          3 min from Kolpitiya? rail st.”

          I think SriLankan rail is the easyest national rail for Englsh- only travellers in Asian nations. (While Thai is most friendly with it`s public bus) Enjoy!!

          Reviewed February 03, 2019

          See room deals

          6.8
          Good
          Omar from Sri Lanka
          Solo traveler
          Double Room with Shared Shower and Toilet
          Stayed 1 night in February 2022

          Good”

          I wanted a room with a double bed but couldn't have it because the AC broke there location was near many things and very accessible by any transportation staff was amazing i didn't spend that long because i was travelling at 1 am to airport it is recommended

          Reviewed March 03, 2022

          See room deals

          6.4
          Good
          Ahmed from Pakistan
          Solo traveler
          Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
          Stayed 1 night in May 2019

          value for money”

          good. recommended for solo travelers..

          Reviewed August 18, 2019

          See room deals

          4.0
          Krzysztof from Poland
          Solo traveler
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 2 nights in March 2019

          Too expensive for what you get”

          Basic room with holes in the ceiling, working shower but just.... is too much for what you get, not really recommending

          Reviewed April 03, 2019

          See room deals

          2.0
          Elif from Turkey
          Family with teens
          Double Room with Shared Shower and Toilet
          Stayed 3 nights in March 2022

          Good value!”

          The stuff are really friendly and helpful..very clean, at the heart of the city,easy to reach everywhere..deffinately I will stay there again!!

          Reviewed March 07, 2022

          See room deals

          9.7
          Exceptional
          Nathalie from Netherlands
          Couple
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 2 nights in May 2015

          Super friendly staff, new and clean rooms”

          super friendly staff, clean rooms

          Backpack Lanka was the best place to start our trip in Sri Lanka. Both owner and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The room was exactly right: closet, ac, big two persons bed and a big plus: a shared fridge to keep all my fruit fresh:). The shared bathrooms were also kept clean and always free. Great atmosphere with lots of fellow travelers.

          Reviewed May 08, 2015

          See room deals

          8.8
          Excellent
          Anthony from France
          Solo traveler
          Double with Shared Bathroom
          Stayed 2 nights in June 2016

          Nice backpacker hotel”

          Super hotel, room very simple but ok for the price. Not really close to the city center. Small problem like no light in the shower, or only 1 shower with hot water. Staff VERY friendly and HELPFUL, helped me to organize my trip, about buses and trains. Traditional breakfast very good, shared with others clients! I recommend this place for backpackers!

          Reviewed August 28, 2016

          See room deals

          10.0
          Exceptional
          Roisin from Ireland
          Solo traveler
          1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory 105 - Mixed
          Stayed 1 night in December 2017

          A Wonderful Stay at Backpack Lanka”

          I stayed at Backpack Lanka for one night and found the host to be very welcoming and accomadating. I had a great stay! Many thanks!

          Reviewed December 27, 2017

          See room deals

          10.0
          Exceptional
          FASIL from India
          Couple
          Stayed 1 night in July 2016

          At the heart of the city”

          Best Location near by Galle face road , 2 to 3 Km walking distance to Galle Face green where all luxury hotels and colombo crowd gathers at evening for street food on the sea shore and Dutch Hospital now turned to restaurant . Staff is really friendly . Beira Lake is accessible by Tuk Tuk .Highly recommend for budget travellers like Back Packers. Breakfast is really cool .They prepare Sri Lankan String Hoppers with CocoNut curry, Hoppers etc.

          Reviewed August 01, 2016

          See room deals

          9.2
          Exceptional
          Hyocheol from South Korea
          Business traveler
          Stayed 3 nights in September 2016

          good for packtripper”

          Backpack Lanka provide cost-effective facilities, services and breakfirst.

          Reviewed September 12, 2016

          See room deals

          12345
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