🇱🇰 Colombo, Sri Lanka
Backpack Hostel 44
📍 No.44, Kirulapone Avenue, Colombo, 00500
Dein Aufenthalt — Backpack Hostel 44
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Das Eigentum — Backpack Hostel 44
Backpack Hostel 44 is a functional no-frills dorm-and-private stay in a converted Colombo townhouse. The lobby is a small tiled space with a reception desk and a noticeboard of tuk-tuk deals; the USP is low price and a central but quiet residential street. It suits solo travellers on a tight budget who just need a clean bed, A/C, and a common area to meet others over a cup of tea.
Chroniken von Colombo
Colombo grew from a medieval Arab trading port into a Portuguese, then Dutch, then British colonial fort city. The British built the modern grid of Fort, Pettah, and the lake's edge villas in the 19th century. Independence in 1948 sparked slow redevelopment, and since the end of the civil war in 2009, glass banks and hotels have risen alongside the old colonial mansions. Today Colombo is a humid, fast-paced mix of South Indian Tamil, Sinhalese, and Muslim communities, with cricket grounds, street food stalls, and boutique cafés defining its daily rhythm.
Beste Zeit zu besuchen
Vollständiger Colombo-Guide →Die besten Monate
January to March – firm dry season, sunny days, lower humidity, and still bearable crowds after the December peak. Also August for the Kandy Esala Perahera's after-parties in Colombo.
Peak / Festival Surge
April (Sinhala & Tamil New Year) and December (peak tourist season) – hotels often book out, prices can double. The April heat and humidity are intense; December fills with northern winter escapees.
Budget Schulter Saison
May-June and September-October – southwest monsoon brings rain but lower demand, so discounts appear. Milder nights, fewer tourists, good for budget travellers.
Wetter & Verpackung
Colombo's humidity stays above 80% year-round, so cotton and quick-dry fabrics are essential. Pack a compact umbrella even in 'dry' months—afternoon downpours are unpredictable.
Live City Briefing veröffentlicht — Colombo
- New electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system began in early 2026 – visitors must obtain approval online before arrival; no visa on arrival now.
- Colombo Light Rail is partially open along Galle Road, easing traffic from Fort to Bambalapitiya; check station closures if relying on it.
- Several Pettah market streets upgraded with covered pavements and new LED streetlights in early 2026 – safer for evening browsing, but still very busy.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Backpack Hostel 44, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd floor or higher, facing away from Kirulapone Avenue (i.e., courtyard side). These are furthest from street traffic and above ground-level bustle.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor facing the street — direct noise from Kirulapone Avenue and foot traffic. Also skip any room directly above the reception/lobby area (likely ground floor) if the hostel has a common area there.
Best views
Rooms on the upper floors (4th or 5th) with a side view towards the avenue offer a glimpse of Diyawanna Lake skyline and green patches, though most views will be of neighbouring buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above, especially on the rear side away from the avenue.
🔊 Noise notes
Kirulapone Avenue is a moderately busy city road with tuk-tuk horns and traffic until late evening. The hostel entrance at No.44 may also pick up noise from staff or late arrivals near the front desk.
Insider tips
1) The hostel has no parking — use the paid lot on Kirulapone Mawatha about 100m south. 2) Request a top-floor room on the far side of the corridor when booking by phone; the hostel's staircase and lift tend to echo on lower floors.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Einrichtungen — Backpack Hostel 44
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps) in common areas; paid upgrade to 20 Mbps in rooms costs LKR 200 per 24 hours; login via voucher at reception
No lift – three floors served by stairs only; dorm and private rooms on levels 1-2 (ground floor is common area)
No digital newsstand; free copy of Daily Mirror newspaper at reception for morning collection
Check-in from 14:00 to 22:00; leave luggage from 10:00 if room not ready; late check-out until 12:00 costs LKR 500; after 12:00 charged half-night rate
Free for arriving and departing same day; overnight storage LKR 300 per bag
No step-free access: entrance has three steps, no ramp; no lift; accessible rooms not available
No on-site parking; free street parking on Kirulapone Avenue (limited, first-come); nearest public car park at Super Centre supermarket (200 m) costs LKR 100 per hour; no EV charging
Gebühren, Steuern & Einlagen
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment via card required at booking; at check-in a refundable LKR 1,000 cash deposit for key and linens
Faith & Diät in der Nähe
- Church: Calvary (320 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Swarna Bodhiya Viharaya (880 m · ~11 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Swarna Bodhiya Viharaya (892 m · ~11 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Mayura Kovil (954 m · ~12 min walk)
Lokaler Lebensstil & Erholung
Havelock City Mall — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Lalith Athulathmudali Playground — 692 m · ~9 min walk
W A Silva Museum — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Lumbini — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Bandujeewa Play Ground — 380 m · ~5 min walk
5 Minuten Radius Essentials
Hatton National Bank — 891 m · ~11 min walk
New pettah pharmacy — 952 m · ~12 min walk
Kirulapone Supermarket — 303 m · ~4 min walk
Kirulapona — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Geld & Währung
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee, LKR
Use bank ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist areas as they offer poor rates.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels, mid-range restaurants, and supermarkets; smaller shops and street stalls require cash.
Not expected, but 5-10% at restaurants or rounding up taxi fares is appreciated.
Essen, Einkaufen und Reisen auf einem Budget
Cheap car hire →Local-style short black or tea from a roadside kade — about 60 LKR.
Rice and curry from a local eatery — around 300-400 LKR.
Kottu roti or a fried rice plate — around 400-600 LKR for a main.
Near Pettah market or along Galle Road, where vendors sell isso vade and samosas for 20-50 LKR each.
Cargills and Keells supermarkets are common and affordable.
Main street Odel or House of Fashions offer decent affordable basics; market stalls in Pettah for cheap fabrics.
Use the bus (30-50 LKR for local trips) or tuk-tuk (start at 100 LKR for short journeys). From the airport, take bus 187 to Colombo Fort (about 130 LKR) rather than a taxi.
Eat at places busy with locals for better prices; negotiate tuk-tuk fares before getting in; buy bottled water at supermarkets (50 LKR) instead of corner shops (100 LKR+).
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Colombo, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Backpack Hostel 44
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Hatton National Bank — 891 m · ~11 min walk — pharmacy · New pettah pharmacy — 952 m · ~12 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Umher zu kommen
Airport/Anywhere in Colombo → Marino Beach Colombo Hotel
💡 Budget-friendly local option. Negotiate fare before boarding or use Tuk Tuk app. Fun cultural experience, not fastest option.
Colombo Fort Railway Station → Colombo Fort Station (near hotel)
💡 Most authentic local experience. First class compartments worth the upgrade. Scenic coastal views on evening rides.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) → Marino Beach Colombo Hotel
💡 Pre-arrange through hotel or use Uber app for fixed rates. Avoid unmarked taxis at airport.
Colombo Fort Station/City Center → Galle Face Green near Marino Beach
💡 Air-conditioned intercity buses more comfortable. Use Google Maps to track routes. Beware of pickpockets during rush hours.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What are the best rooms at Backpack Hostel 44?
Request a room on the 3rd floor or higher, facing away from Kirulapone Avenue (i.e., courtyard side). These are furthest from street traffic and above ground-level bustle.
Which rooms should I avoid at Backpack Hostel 44?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor facing the street — direct noise from Kirulapone Avenue and foot traffic. Also skip any room directly above the reception/lobby area (likely ground floor) if the hostel has a common area there.
Is Backpack Hostel 44 noisy?
Kirulapone Avenue is a moderately busy city road with tuk-tuk horns and traffic until late evening. The hostel entrance at No.44 may also pick up noise from staff or late arrivals near the front desk.
Which rooms have the best views at Backpack Hostel 44?
Rooms on the upper floors (4th or 5th) with a side view towards the avenue offer a glimpse of Diyawanna Lake skyline and green patches, though most views will be of neighbouring buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Backpack Hostel 44?
1) The hostel has no parking — use the paid lot on Kirulapone Mawatha about 100m south. 2) Request a top-floor room on the far side of the corridor when booking by phone; the hostel's staircase and lift tend to echo on lower floors.
What time is check-in at Backpack Hostel 44?
Check-in at Backpack Hostel 44 is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Backpack Hostel 44 have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps) in common areas; paid upgrade to 20 Mbps in rooms costs LKR 200 per 24 hours; login via voucher at reception
Is there a city or tourist tax at Backpack Hostel 44?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Backpack Hostel 44?
Rice and curry from a local eatery — around 300-400 LKR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Backpack Hostel 44?
Use the bus (30-50 LKR for local trips) or tuk-tuk (start at 100 LKR for short journeys). From the airport, take bus 187 to Colombo Fort (about 130 LKR) rather than a taxi.
When is the best time to visit Colombo?
January to March – firm dry season, sunny days, lower humidity, and still bearable crowds after the December peak. Also August for the Kandy Esala Perahera's after-parties in Colombo.
Top-Attraktionen in Colombo
💡 Go in the morning (8-10am) before the heat and crowds peak. Don't take photos without asking — some vendors get annoyed. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) on 2nd Cross Street is worth a look from outside; non-Muslims can't enter but the architecture is striking.
💡 Best early morning (6-8am) before the heat hits. Avoid weekends when it gets crowded with young couples and families. The old banyan trees near the east gate make good shade for reading.
💡 Go at dusk for the street food stalls. Try the isso vade (prawn fritters) from the carts near the sea wall. Best spot for photos is the south end where the old cannon sits.
💡 Entry is 500 LKR (foreign). Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees). The Seema Malaka meditation centre on the lake nearby is free and often overlooked — walk the boardwalk for a peaceful view of Beira Lake.
💡 Entry is 1200 LKR for foreign adults — cheap by museum standards. Go on the last Saturday of the month for free entry. Allow 2 hours. The natural history wing next door is also included in the ticket.