The town of Dambulla, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is loaded with history and cultural value. In addition to the unbelievably magnificent cave temple complex—the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla—is listed by UNESCO as one of its World Heritage Sites, and is a place of pilgrimage. There are various hotels in Dambulla that are strategically positioned concerning the famous Sigiriya Rock, hence easily accessible to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Herein are different accommodations that best suit travellers who desire to be close to the rock fortress while being comfortable. Some resorts and guesthouses have fine views of the surrounding countryside and arrange excursions with guides to Sigiriya and other places of interest.
7 Budget-Friendly Hotels In Dambulla
Whether you have come here to visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple or take in the serene landscapes, these hotels in Dambulla are certainly equipped to extend a warm welcome to one and all. From low-cost, family-run guest houses that exude personalized hospitality to backpacker hostels, there are a good number of budget options in Dambulla.
1. Dambulla Shan Inn
Image Credit:Dale Cruse for Wikimedia Commons
Located a short walk from the Dambulla Cave Temple, this accommodation offers clean, well-appointed rooms at decent and reasonable prices. It has all the basic facilities and, at the same rate, really is an unfair deal for backpackers who travel on a shoestring budget yet want convenience and proximity to the attractions.
Price Range: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 onwards
Address: RMX3+G9C, A9, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Tip: Wake up early and visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple from the inn. It is a serene atmosphere to be in when the temple complex is not yet crowded.
Must Read: Trincomalee Beach
2. Dambulla City Hostel
Dambulla City Hostel provides an economy dormitory and private rooms. It is centrally located and hence convenient for visiting the cultural sites and markets of Dambulla on foot. It offers a shared kitchen and common areas for socializing.
Price Range: ₹800 – ₹1,500 onwards
Address: No: 655/D/2 Aluthwatta, 21100 Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Tip: Use the hostel’s communal kitchen to prepare some simple meals and snacks. This can be a great money-saving deal for visitors during their stay at the hostel. Do not forget to socialize with co-travellers in the common rooms to get valuable tips on local attractions.
3. Economy Lodge Dambulla
Image Credit:Kurt Kaiser for Wikimedia Commons
Economy Lodge Dambulla is a basic, tidy option with only minimal amenities. It is adjacent to several main attractions in Dambulla itself—the cave temple complex and local eateries—so it’s really an upmarket budget choice for shoestring travellers.
Price Range: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 onwards
Address: 62/1 Ereula Junction, kandalama, Dambulla 21108, Sri Lanka
Tip: Plan visits to out-of-town attractions like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa Ancient City in advance. This lodge’s staff can help organise affordable guided tours or various transportation options.
Suggested Read: Keerimalai Hot Springs
4. Backpacker’s Hostel Dambulla
The Backpacker’s Hostel Dambulla has dormitory beds and private rooms with shared bathrooms at budget prices. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and arranges excursions at nominal prices to places such as Sigiriya and others in the surrounding area, making this more favourable for adventurous travellers.
Price Range: ₹500 – ₹1,200 onwards
Address: WQW6+65C, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Tip: Take a hostel-organized tour to Sigiriya and other cultural places at very affordable prices to explore the region’s rich history. Check with the staff for upcoming tour schedules and availability.
5. Sundaras Resort & Ayurvedic Retreat
Exquisitely serene surroundings with budget rooms are available at Sundaras Resort & Ayurvedic Retreat. An on-site Ayurvedic spa is available to rejuvenate after sightseeing in Dambulla’s cultural attractions, like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Price Range: ₹1,800 – ₹3,000 onwards
Address: 189 Kandy Rd, Dambulla 21100, Sri Lanka
Tip: If you have been wandering around the city all day, treat yourself to an in-house Ayurvedic massage and wellness treatment from the resort. Enjoy your classic massage or wellness therapy amidst the tranquillity of Dambulla.
Suggested Read: Crow Island
6. Silom Village Guest House
Image Credit:Kurt Kaiser for Wikimedia Commons
It provides budget accommodation with a Sri Lankan touch in hospitality. Silom Village Guest House is set amidst pure tranquility, with clean rooms and service tailored to meet individual requirements. This makes guests feel at home while exploring Dambulla and its surroundings.
Price Range: ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 onwards
Address: N/A
Tip: It is a guesthouse; service can be very personalized—in fact, feel free to ask staff for the best places to eat and other off-the-beaten-path attractions. They can help you create an agenda that really gets the most of your time.
7. Dambulla Guest House
Situated right next to the Dambulla Cave Temple, Dambulla Guest House provides budget rooms in a silent atmosphere. The lavish green garden view with moments in a peaceful atmosphere turns the budgeted traveller’s stay into a rejuvenating retreat.
Price Range: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 onwards
Address: VJHW+M7J Sampath Wattha, Road, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Tip: Spend a leisurely morning within the green area of the guesthouse. It’s a lovely spot to relax with a book or enjoy the calm atmosphere while you plan your day ahead to the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple.
Must Read: Mannar Island
Ready to explore Dambulla’s rich cultural and natural landscape on a shoestring? From the old wonders of the Dambulla Cave Temple and the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress to just enjoying some tranquillity in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central landscapes, let this be an opportunity to recognize really cheap accommodation. Plan your trip to Sri Lanka and experience the most unforgettable journey of history, adventure, and enjoyment. Now, experience the beauty of Dambulla without making any compromises on comfort—your budget-friendly getaway awaits!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels In Dambulla
What facilities are available in Dambulla budget hotels?
Budget hotels in Dambulla usually offer basic facilities such as comfortable rooms, simple toiletries, and in some cases, even breakfast. A few might offer additional services like Wi-Fi, self-service kitchens, and even tour bookings.
Are the budget hotels in Dambulla centrally located?
Yes, most of these hotels in Dambulla are centrally situated or near attractions like Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This comes in handy for travellers who want to reach these cultural attractions and some of the nearby markets on foot or by short transport.
Are there family-friendly apartments among the budget-friendly hotels in Dambulla?
Some of these low-cost hotels in Dambulla options have family rooms or larger rooms suiting a family. One is encouraged to confirm with the hotel about the exact design of rooms and availability of facilities such as cribs or extra beds.
Will budget hotels in Dambulla help in organizing tours and transport?
Yes, most budget hotels in Dambulla will assist in making arrangements for trips to the local areas of interest like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Minneriya National Park. Of course, most of them will assist the guests in arranging transport if they wish to go out and about on their own.
What are the best times of the year to book affordable Dambulla hotels?
Most of the budget-friendly hotels in Dambulla are advised to be booked in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons, December to March and July to August. One can ensure availability and, in some instances, better rates as well as a choice of rooms by booking in advance.
People Also Read:
Hotels In Gottigere Hotels In Basavanagudi Hotels In Konaseema
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!