Your stay — Jungle host hostel
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The Property — Jungle host hostel
Jungle Hostel is a laid-back, family-run hostel in Matale, Sri Lanka, with a rustic-chic aesthetic that blends into the surrounding lush greenery. The property's USP lies in its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, hosting workshops and events that foster connections among guests. The lobby area features a cozy lounge and a well-stocked library, creating a welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for solo travellers and backpackers. With its affordable rates and eco-friendly ethos, Jungle Hostel is a great choice for those looking for an immersive cultural experience without breaking the bank.
Chronicles of Matale
Matale, located in central Sri Lanka, has a rich history dating back to the 8th century BC, when it was an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The city's architecture reflects its cultural heritage, with many colonial-era buildings and ancient temples, such as the historic Aluvihare Rock Temple. Today, Matale is a thriving town known for its vibrant marketplaces, bustling with locals selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and local delicacies. The town's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Buddhist traditions, with many festivals and ceremonies taking place throughout the year, showcasing the community's strong sense of faith and community spirit.
Best Time to Visit
Full Matale guide →Best months
The best time to visit Matale is from January to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant, with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). This period also coincides with the end of the dry season, making it an ideal time for trekking and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Matale, as it coincides with the Esala Perahera festival, a grand Buddhist festival that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. Hotel prices tend to increase during this time, and it's essential to book well in advance. The festival features grand processions, traditional music, and dance performances, making it a unique experience for visitors.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best budget shoulder months to visit Matale, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations are lower, and the town's atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful.
Weather & packing
Matale experiences a unique climate quirk known as the 'inter-monsoon period', which brings brief, intense rain showers in the late afternoon. Be sure to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho to stay prepared.
Live City Briefing — Matale
- The new Matale Bus Station has been upgraded, offering improved public transportation links to major cities like Kandy and Dambulla.
- The town's famous weekly market, held every Thursday, has expanded to include more local handicraft stalls and food vendors.
- The local authorities have implemented a new waste management initiative, encouraging visitors to reduce plastic use and participate in community clean-up events.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Jungle host hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from the main road in Matale. The 4th and 5th floors should provide a relatively quieter experience due to the hotel's layout and the limited number of rooms on these floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or the 1st floor, as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential external noise from the surrounding area.
Best views
Given the hotel's location in Matale, the best views are likely to be from the higher floors, which offer a glimpse of the surrounding landscape. However, the views might not be spectacular due to the hotel's 3-star rating and location.
Quietest floors
4th and 5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's proximity to a main road may lead to some traffic noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the sound of the lift and potential noise from the service entrance or nearby rooms might be audible in some areas.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options and availability, as the property may have limited space or specific rules for guest vehicles. Request a room with a balcony or a window that opens for a bit of fresh air and a view of the surroundings, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more traditional and less modern design.
- 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 Facilities — Jungle host hostel
Free WiFi available throughout the property with speeds up to 50 Mbps, login through hotel app or front desk
Serves all floors, but historic section on the third floor has stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand through the hotel app, physical newspapers available in the lobby
Check-in: 14:00, Check-out: 11:00, Early bag-drop available from 09:00, Late check-out until 18:00 available for Rs. 500
Limited free baggage storage available for up to 24 hours, additional storage for Rs. 50 per bag per day
Wheelchair-accessible entrance, but no wheelchair-accessible rooms available, some structural limitations in the historic section
On-site parking available for Rs. 500 per night, nearest public car park at the town bus station for Rs. 300 per night, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rs. 200 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: Rs. 1,000 advance deposit + Rs. 5,000 incidental card hold at check-in
5-Minute Radius Essentials
BOC — 451 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
You can exchange currency at the Bandaranaike International Airport, but rates are often poor; it's better to exchange at a local bank like Bank of Ceylon or Commercial Bank of Ceylon, or use an ATM to get a better rate. Be aware that some ATMs may charge high fees.
Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions; contactless payments are not as common, but mobile payments like PayHere and LankaQR are becoming more popular.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service; 5-10% is sufficient for restaurant and hotel staff, while 100-200 LKR is enough for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee costs around 100-150 LKR ( approx. $0.50-$0.75 USD) at a local street vendor.
A plate of hoppers (thin rice flour pancakes) with a variety of fillings costs around 200-300 LKR ($1.25-$1.90 USD) at a local market.
A meal at a local eatery like a 'food court' or a small restaurant costs around 500-800 LKR ($3-$5 USD) for a main course.
The main street food areas in Matale are the local market and the area around the bus station.
Popular local supermarkets like Keells Super and Cargills Food City have branches in Matale.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Matale Town Market or at small shops along the main road.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 200-300 LKR ($1.25-$1.90 USD), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by bus, which costs around 500-1000 LKR ($3-$6 USD).
Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls to save money on food.Use public transportation instead of taxis or tuk-tuks.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, and opt for local banks or ATMs instead.
Emergency Contacts
MataleMatale Police Station: +94 66 222 2222. Matale District Hospital: +94 66 222 2261. Tourist police hotline: 1912 (nationwide). Dial 112 from any mobile for all emergencies.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Matale, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Jungle host hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · BOC — 451 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Book a pre-paid taxi at the airport counter inside arrivals; avoid touts. The A9 highway route via Dambulla is quicker but toll costs extra. Confirm the driver knows Matale — some head to Kandy by mistake.
Matale town centre → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Hail a three-wheeler from the main bus stand or clock tower. Agree on the price upfront — locals pay around 120 LKR, but tourists get quoted double. The hotel is on the Dambulla road, so just say 'The Grand Tourist Hooliday, Aluvihare side.' Keep small notes handy.
Bandaranaike International Airport (Katunayake Railway Station) → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Walk or take a tuk-tuk to Katunayake station (10 mins). Board the coastal train to Colombo Fort (40 mins, 100 LKR), then switch to the Kandy train. Don't take the 'express' — locals will help you find the Matale-bound bus from Kandy station, but time it to avoid the Kandy rush hour (4-6pm).
Bandaranaike International Airport → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Take bus 187 from airport to Colombo Bastian Mawatha bus station, then a Kandy-bound bus (every 15 mins). At Kandy clock tower, catch a local bus to Matale (40 mins, 100 LKR). Tell the conductor 'The Grand Tourist Hooliday' — it's on the main road just past town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Jungle host hostel?
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from the main road in Matale. The 4th and 5th floors should provide a relatively quieter experience due to the hotel's layout and the limited number of rooms on these floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Jungle host hostel?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or the 1st floor, as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential external noise from the surrounding area.
Is Jungle host hostel noisy?
The hotel's proximity to a main road may lead to some traffic noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the sound of the lift and potential noise from the service entrance or nearby rooms might be audible in some areas.
Which rooms have the best views at Jungle host hostel?
Given the hotel's location in Matale, the best views are likely to be from the higher floors, which offer a glimpse of the surrounding landscape. However, the views might not be spectacular due to the hotel's 3-star rating and location.
What are insider tips for staying at Jungle host hostel?
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options and availability, as the property may have limited space or specific rules for guest vehicles. Request a room with a balcony or a window that opens for a bit of fresh air and a view of the surroundings, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more traditional and less modern design.
What time is check-in at Jungle host hostel?
Check-in at Jungle host hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Jungle host hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi available throughout the property with speeds up to 50 Mbps, login through hotel app or front desk
Is there a city or tourist tax at Jungle host hostel?
Rs. 200 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Jungle host hostel?
A plate of hoppers (thin rice flour pancakes) with a variety of fillings costs around 200-300 LKR ($1.25-$1.90 USD) at a local market.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Jungle host hostel?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 200-300 LKR ($1.25-$1.90 USD), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by bus, which costs around 500-1000 LKR ($3-$6 USD).
When is the best time to visit Matale?
The best time to visit Matale is from January to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant, with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). This period also coincides with the end of the dry season, making it an ideal time for trekking and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions in Matale
💡 Haggle politely but don't expect huge discounts. Try the local fruit like rambutan or mangosteen if in season.
💡 Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Best visited during morning puja (around 6am) for a more serene experience.
💡 Start the walk before 9am to avoid heat and haze. The path is uneven; watch your step near the edge. No entry fee, but park your tuk-tuk at the base for a small fee.
💡 Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat. The stairs are steep, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
💡 Bring a picnic and sit under the giant banyan tree near the entrance. The entry fee is very low (around 50 LKR).