Photos of Backpack Lanka-Central Colombo

Backpack Lanka-Central Colombo

7.7Very Good(94)

HostelColombo, Sri LankaView map1.88km from city centre

Free WiFi
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Book more than 8 days in advance for Free Cancellation.

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About

Backpack Lanka is located at the heart of Colombo, Colombo 03, Colpetty to be exact which is about 40 minutes from the main international airport.

Right on R. A. de Mel Mawatha (also known as Duplication Road) we’re a located on one of Colombo’s busiest roads, across from Liberty Plaza (shopping mall which also incidentally houses the largest food mall in SL), right next to a bus stop and brisk 10 minute walk away from the Colpetty train station ready and waiting to wisk you away on your next adventure.

Our rates are incredibly competitive for what is offered – a place to rest your tired head at the end of a long day of walking about and exploring. While we want to make it clear that all you get is a safe environment with clean beds and fresh linens we find it imperative that we also provide you with some creature comforts to ensure your time off doesn’t take you too far back in time! Our beautiful common room is fully air conditioned, has a big screen TV, free 4G WiFi (for you to spread the word about BPL), dining tables, a few kitchen utensils and a microwave to heat up a delicious snack (which you should feel free to share!).

We hope to make BPL a point in Colombo where travelers, like yourself, will have an opportunity to meet others sharing similar interests, bond over those interests whatever they may be.

House Rules

Check In

12:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until

Taxes Not Included

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Facilities

Free WiFi
Free Internet Access
Free Luggage Storage
Adaptors
Jobs Board
Airport Transfers
Luggage Storage
24 Hour Reception

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Reviews

7.7Very Good(94)

Value for Money
7.8
Security
7.5
Atmosphere
6.2
Cleanliness
6.9
Staff
9.3
Location
9.1
Facilities
7.1

Stayed in Aug 2025

8.9

Manreet

Female, 18-24, Malaysia

Great stay for backpackers and if you want to explore Colombo as it’s in the heart of the town at a cheap price . There’s a mall/plaza right opposite with load of food option in the food court at worth prices . The owner was so sweet and friendly, helped us to store our luggages, gave us filtered water, suggested nearby local food and helped us get our luggages into the cab. The toilets were clean considering it a shared bathroom. Simple and affordable stay to explore Colombo city .

Stayed in Aug 2025

7.4

Elena

Female, 25-30, England

We were looking for somewhere to stay the night after flying into Colombo and this was great for that. About a 50 min drive from the airport but it’s really close to all the attractions so meant the next day we didn’t have to travel too far. Staff were also really lovely and let us leave our bags there for the day.

Stayed in Jul 2025

9.7

Gabriel

Male, 31-40, USA

This is a perfect place to stay in Colombo. It's walkable to Galle Face Green, Lotus Tower, National Museum, and Gangaramaya Temple. The facility has all the basic things you need. The private room is clean and comfortable.

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Location

247D R. A. de Mel Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka

1.9km from city centre

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About Colombo

6.5Good(117 Reviews)

Activities

5.9

Eating out

7.1

Shopping

6.6

Chilling out

6.0

Transport

7.7

Sightseeing

6.2

Culture

6.8

Nightlife

5.7

Value for Money

6.9

About Colombo

Swanky sky-high hotels and colonial-era architecture stand side by side in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. The port city is steeped in culture and has up-and-coming pockets of nightlife and chilled out cafés. Take in the Dutch colonial-style buildings near Colombo Fort before wandering among the skyscrapers and parks of Galle Face Green. You can taste the local street-food flavours at one of the many markets, with specialities including milk rice and curry.

When it comes to hostels in Colombo, there’s a diverse mix on offer. Stay just outside of the city in a spot that overlooks a serene beach, or one with environmentally-friendly up-cycled bunks. Look out for a Colombo hostel that will introduce you to the city with pub crawls or leisurely walking tours. Nightly entertainment such as live music makes it easy to socialise. Most Colombo hostels offer free Wi-Fi, and many will give you a free breakfast too.

The area around Park Street is a great place to explore temples by day and party by night. Slave Island is all about peace and quiet – a visit here lets you take time out to relax on the shores of Beira Lake. The city's best-known neighbourhood is Cinnamon Gardens. It was once the site of a cinnamon plantation, but is now known for its boutique hostels and cafés.

You can catch a breeze at Mount Lavinia Beach, a sandy stretch lined with seafood restaurants. For a culture fix, there's the Colombo National Art Gallery, which houses three wings of works by local artists. Gangaramaya Vihara is a must-see: a mix of Buddhist temple and eclectic museum, it offers lots of photo ops. To get a feel for local life, stop by the Pettah Bazaar. This colourful market is richly scented with spices and is an ideal spot for trying local delicacies, picking up trinkets or simply people-watching.

When you arrive into Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll find taxis at the front of the terminal. You could also take the E3 or 187 bus, which goes to the central Colombo Fort Station. Buses run every 30 minutes and the journey takes about an hour. Inter-city trains also run in and out of Colombo Fort Station regularly. To get around the city, taxis and tuk-tuks are the easiest option, though there are bus routes too.