The Best Homestays In Sri Lanka

Of all the types of accommodation available to travellers, homestays are not usually the most common. They are like a well-kept secret in every part of the world. They are the perfect union between a hotel and a family home – the best way to actually get to know the people of the place. Let the family feed you what they eat, have conversations with them, play with their pets, teach some words in your language to their kids. Here is a list of the best homestays in Sri Lanka – now bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Waterfalls Homestay

Homestay, Guesthouse

The front entrance to Waterfalls Guesthouse has colourful walls, pot plants and outdoor furniture

Deep in Sri Lankan hill country sits the town of Ella. Famous for the nine arched train bridge and Ravana Falls, its a great place to unwind after a trip around the island. The Waterfalls homestay is right across the valley from Ravana Falls. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful waterfall from the breakfast table. The family that owns Waterfalls homestay is a long term ex-pat family who love Sri Lanka so much they never wanted to leave. Now visitors to Ella can enjoy the area and fall in love with the place as well.

2. Redhill Kandy

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Balcony area at Redhill Kandy has white and red furniture and stunning views over the mountains

Redhill Kandy is high up on the hill over the historical city of Kandy. This hilltop homestay is very close to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. From the balcony in the house you get amazing views of the Hunnasgiriya Mountain Range. Kandy is known for great bicycle tours and hiking excursions. Stay at Redhill Kandy and have breakfast on the balcony overlooking the entire region.

3. Siesta Guest House

Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse

The front entrance to Siesta Guest House has bright coloured walls, multicolored string lights and various signs

Tharindu and his wife run the Siesta guesthouse in Tangalle, on the south of the island. Three impeccable rooms with spacious bathrooms and one with a shared bathroom. There are plenty of mosquito nets for nighttime protection as well. It is only a short walk to the beach and the town of Tangalle is less than a kilometre away. They offer discounts on longer stays too!

5. Palitha Homestay

Homestay, Hotel

The Palitha Homestay has turqoise exterior walls and is situated in the forest, surrounded by lush nature

Sigiriya Rock in the centre high lands of Sri Lanka is a rocky outcrop created by an ancient volcanic eruption. It is part of the cultural triangle and is one of the most important tourist spots. Palitha Home Stay is located very close to Sigiriya Rock and has three rooms with fans, mosquito nets and garden access. Free internet is available in the common areas and the food is top-notch.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.