The Best Hotel In Dalhousie, Sri Lanka (For Hiking Adams Peak)

Dalhousie might be a compact village, but it has a range of accommodation options to choose from. This is especially helpful if you’re planning to climb Adam’s Peak. The hostels and hotels are within walking distance of the trialhead, so you don’t have to spend anything extra on transport. 

In this post, I’ll share some of the best spots to stay overnight before or after your summit.

TLDR; My Favorite Hotel In Dalhousie, Sir Lanka

I stayed at the Moon Glade by Stylia Hotel. The location, facilities, service, food, and views were all amazing. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge before and after the hike. It’s also budget-friendly for its quality and value. 

How Much Should You Pay for a Hotel in Dalhousie

Accommodation in Dalhousie is affordable compared to popular neighboring areas. You can find decent hotels for as low as $6 per night or splurge on luxury ones for around $100 per night. 

Staying in Dalhousie or Further Afield

Dalhousie is the closest and most convenient place to stay in preparation for the Adam’s Peak hike. It’s only a few kilometers away from the trailhead, and you can easily walk or take a tuk-tuk to get there. You’ll also have easy access to restaurants, shops, and services. 

If, for whatever reason, you’re stranded and can’t find any lodging in the village, you can head over to nearby towns. These include Nallathanniya, Maskeliya, Hatton, and even Nuwara Eliya. There are tons of hotels to choose from but may require more travel time and cost to get to the starting point. 

Getting There

Train

This is the cheapest (and longest) way to get to the village. Trains run from Colombo to Hatton, take about 4 hours, and cost around $2 (Rs. 349) a ticket. From Hatton, you can take a bus or tuk-tuk to your destination. 

Bus

You can take the bus from Colombo to Hatton. It takes about 5 hours and costs around $2. When you get to Hatton, you’d have to take a bus or tuk-tuk to the village. 

Private car

This is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Dalhousie. It’s also pricey, around $50 to $100 per car, so you need to factor the fees into your budget. You can hire a car from any major city in Sri Lanka and drive to Dalhousie. 

Best All-Round Hotel In Dalhousie: (Where I Stayed)

 Moon Glade by Stylia Hotels

As I mentioned earlier, my favorite hotel is Moon Glade by Stylia Hotels. It’s located in a quiet and peaceful area, and it only took me 10 minutes to walk to the starting point.

The hosts were welcoming, making the entire stay very comfortable. I especially loved their varied and generously portioned, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. 

Amenities

• Free Parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Airport shuttle
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
• Shared lounge / TV area
• 24-hour front desk

Best Hostels in Dalhousie

Green House

Green House is a cozy and friendly hostel in Nallathanniya, about 15 minutes away from the trailhead. It has a decent amount of dorm rooms with lockers and shared bathrooms with hot water and toiletries. There’s also a lively common area where you can easily meet other travelers.

Amenities

• Free Parking
• Free WiFi
• Free breakfast
• Family Friendly

Dilani Adamspeak RiverStay

Dilani Adamspeak RiverStay is a charming and rustic hostel, located a bit further away from the trailhead. It’s nestled in a beautiful and tranquil spot where you can enjoy nature and wildlife. 

Amenities

• Free Parking
• Family rooms
• Breakfast

Best Budget Hotels in Dalhousie

Hotel Mango Tree Nearest Adam’s Peak

Hotel Mango Tree is a simple lodging in a central (and sometimes noisy) area. It’s very close to the starting point, restaurants, and shops. 

Amenities

• Free WiFi
• Airport shuttle
• Non-smoking rooms
• Free Parking
• Family rooms
• Breakfast

Slightly Chilled Hotel

Slightly Chilled is a warm and cheerful family-owned hotel nestled in a quiet and scenic area. There’s an on-site restaurant that serves delicious and diverse cuisine. The owners tend to organize live music, karaoke, and games, for a fun and memorable stay. 

Amenities

• Free Parking
• Free WiFi
• Restaurant
• Family-friendly
• Car hire
• Rooftop terrace
• Breakfast 
• Taxi service
• Baggage storage Private balcony
• Private bathroom

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Dalhousie

Grand View Hotel

Grand View Hotel is an elegant inn that overlooks the valley and mountains. It’s only a 5-minute walk or a 2-minute tuk-tuk ride to the trailhead. The hosts are friendly and the staff offers superb breakfast options. 

Amenities

• Free Parking
• Free Wifi
• Free breakfast
• Game and sports room
• Evening entertainment
• Family Friendly
• Meeting rooms
• Spa
• Rooftop terrace
• 24-hour security
• Baggage storage
• 24-hour front desk
• Laundry service

Mountain Villa Adam’s Peak

Mountain Villa Adam’s Peak is a cozy spot surrounded by tea plantations and hills. The staff is very hospitable and goes above and beyond to ensure all your needs are met.

Amenities

• Free Parking
• Free WiFi
• Pool
• Sauna
• Restaurant
• Entertainment staff
• Family Friendly
• Balcony/Terrace
• Pet-Friendly 
• Airport Transportation
• Car hire
• Baggage storage
• Currency exchange
• 24-hour front desk
• Laundry service

Where NOT to Stay

Despite Dalhousie boasting several fantastic hotels, there are some places you should avoid. They tend to be overpriced, dirty, unsafe, or unfriendly. Here are some of the areas you should steer clear of.

The main road

The main road leading to the trailhead has varied options, but it’s bustling and noisy. You’ll have to put up with the traffic, pilgrims, and vendors most of the night, resulting in a lack of quality sleep. 

The Lower village

This section is located about 30 minutes away from the trailhead. It’s inconvenient because it requires you to walk a long way to the starting point. 

I’d rather have you save all that energy for the actual hike. 

If you do check into one of the hotels, you’ll deal with the lack of facilities, services, and amenities. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Dalhousie

You don’t need to spend a lot of time in Dalhousie. It’s a small village and its main attraction is Adam’s Peak. I recommend a maximum of 3 nights. After your hike, you have 2 full days to relax, enjoy the view, or do other activities, like visiting a tea plantation or nearby town.

Final Thoughts

Dalhousie is a great place to stay if you want to hike Adam’s Peak. Not only is it serene, but it also has a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. If you want a comfortable stay before your big event, I recommend you check out the hotels outlined in this post.