Your stay — Tree House Hostel Sigiria
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The Property — Tree House Hostel Sigiria
Perched on a leafy hillside above Matale, Tree House Hostel Sigiria feels like a countryside retreat built for travellers who want calm without the resort price tag. The lobby is a breezy open-sided bamboo-and-wood space where you check in barefoot over a complimentary ginger tea, surrounded by bird noise and the smell of rain on earth. It’s essentially a dorm-and-double hostel with a tree-house-style raised common deck and a small pool, best for solo backpackers and budget couples who value quiet over nightlife.
Chronicles of Matale
Matale was a fortified outpost of the Kandyan Kingdom and became a British administrative centre in the early 1800s. It’s best known as the site of the 1848 Matale Rebellion against colonial land taxes, led by local leaders Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda. The old town still shows Dutch and British colonial touches in its narrow streets, though most buildings date from the late 19th century. Today, Matale is a regional market town and spice centre, famous for its giant standing Buddha—the 34-metre Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara—and its role as the gateway to Sigiriya and Dambulla.
Best Time to Visit
Full Matale guide →Best months
January to March: clear skies, minimal rain, cooler mornings, and thin crowds compared to the peak season at Sigiriya.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the busiest months because of the European summer holidays and the Kandy Esala Perahera (usually July–August), which draws huge crowds across the central province. Hotel prices in Matale spike 30–50% over normal rates, and advance booking is essential.
Budget shoulder season
April and November offer quieter conditions with occasional short showers, lower accommodation rates, and still decent sightseeing weather—ideal for budget travellers who dislike peak crowds.
Weather & packing
July in Matale is the start of the yala monsoon, so expect sudden heavy downpours in afternoons mixed with hot, humid mornings. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho that fits in a daypack, and bring quick-dry trousers—denim will stay wet for hours.
Live City Briefing — Matale
- Matale’s main bus stand was renovated in early 2026 with new shelters and digital departure boards, making connections to Kandy and Dambulla smoother.
- The Kandy–Jaffna highway extension near Naula (15 km east) opened a new junction in March 2026, cutting travel time to Sigiriya by about 20 minutes.
- Heavy rain in June 2026 caused minor landslides on the A9 road between Matale and Kandy; check local road authority posts and consider the alternative A11 route.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Tree House Hostel Sigiria, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floor, facing away from Moragaswewa-Illukwewa Road—likely the back side overlooking the garden or trees. The top floor will be quieter and cooler.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor near the main road or reception area, as these will pick up street noise from the narrow road and any early-morning foot traffic. Also skip rooms directly above the common areas or near the restaurant entrance.
Best views
The best view is from upper-floor rooms facing away from the road—likely the east or south side, overlooking the surrounding trees or open land typical of rural Matale. No sea or city view, just green.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and above are quietest—there’s no lift mentioned, so upper floors naturally get less pass-through noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Moragaswewa-Illukwewa Road is a minor rural road, so traffic is light but audible—primarily tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and occasional buses. No major nightlife nearby. Early-morning bird and animal sounds are possible (roosters, dogs). No lift, so footfall on stairs can carry.
Insider tips
1. Since there’s no lift, request a room on the top floor but be prepared to carry luggage up—it’s worth the quiet. 2. Park at the side or rear if available; street parking is limited along the narrow road. Ask if they have a designated parking spot behind the building.
- 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 — Tree House Hostel Sigiria
Free Wi-Fi throughout; average speed 5 Mbps down (adequate for browsing, not streaming).
No lift — two-storey tree house with stairs only.
No newspapers or digital newsstand; property has no notable heritage quirks (modern build).
Standard check-in 14:00–20:00; early bag-drop from 11:00 if room not ready; late check-out fee of 1500 LKR until 18:00 (subject to availability).
Free for day-use guests; overnight storage 500 LKR per bag.
No step-free access — entrance up 12 wooden stairs; not wheelchair-accessible.
Free on-site parking for 6 cars; no valet, no EV charging. Closest public car park in Matale town (3 km away) charges 200 LKR per day.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; no incidental hold taken at check-in for standard guests (cash only for extras).
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Buddah (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Stupa (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: New Temple (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee, LKR
Exchange at banks in Matale town for fair rates; avoid airport counters and tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Cards accepted in mid-range hotels and bigger shops in Matale town; cash essential for small shops, street food, and transport in this rural area.
Not expected, but rounding up taxi fares or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Plain black tea from a roadside kade (stall) for about 20-30 LKR.
Rice and curry (one veg or fish option) at a local eatery for around 200-300 LKR.
Kottu roti or string hoppers at a small family-run place for about 300-400 LKR.
Look for evening stalls selling samosa, vadai, and fresh roti near the Matale town junction, not from the Moragaswewa-Illukwewa Road itself.
Cargills Food City or Keells Super in Matale town are reliable for basics.
Main street in Matale town has small independent clothes shops; no big market.
Bus from Matale town to nearby villages (e.g., Sigiriya) for 50-150 LKR; from Colombo airport take the direct bus to Matale (approx 400-500 LKR) or a shared van/tuk-tuk.
Eat at local kades for rice and curry instead of tourist cafes; use public buses rather than tuk-tuks for distances over 3 km; buy bottled water and snacks from Cargills rather than roadside vendors.
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 Tree House Hostel Sigiria
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 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 Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
Request a room on the upper floor, facing away from Moragaswewa-Illukwewa Road—likely the back side overlooking the garden or trees. The top floor will be quieter and cooler.
Which rooms should I avoid at Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor near the main road or reception area, as these will pick up street noise from the narrow road and any early-morning foot traffic. Also skip rooms directly above the common areas or near the restaurant entrance.
Is Tree House Hostel Sigiria noisy?
Moragaswewa-Illukwewa Road is a minor rural road, so traffic is light but audible—primarily tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and occasional buses. No major nightlife nearby. Early-morning bird and animal sounds are possible (roosters, dogs). No lift, so footfall on stairs can carry.
Which rooms have the best views at Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
The best view is from upper-floor rooms facing away from the road—likely the east or south side, overlooking the surrounding trees or open land typical of rural Matale. No sea or city view, just green.
What are insider tips for staying at Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
1. Since there’s no lift, request a room on the top floor but be prepared to carry luggage up—it’s worth the quiet. 2. Park at the side or rear if available; street parking is limited along the narrow road. Ask if they have a designated parking spot behind the building.
What time is check-in at Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
Check-in at Tree House Hostel Sigiria is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tree House Hostel Sigiria have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout; average speed 5 Mbps down (adequate for browsing, not streaming).
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
Rice and curry (one veg or fish option) at a local eatery for around 200-300 LKR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tree House Hostel Sigiria?
Bus from Matale town to nearby villages (e.g., Sigiriya) for 50-150 LKR; from Colombo airport take the direct bus to Matale (approx 400-500 LKR) or a shared van/tuk-tuk.
When is the best time to visit Matale?
January to March: clear skies, minimal rain, cooler mornings, and thin crowds compared to the peak season at Sigiriya.
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).