The Hostel Concept

- Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka -

The world’s first and only nonprofit hostel built for purpose driven travellers, changemakers, activists, and NGOs. Designed as a space to connect, create, and drive real impact.
100% of profits support local wildlife conservation

Coming Early 2026

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BEYOND JUST A PLACE TO STAY

Our Mission & Circular Model

Beyond the Backpack is not your average hostel. We’re a nonprofit space designed with one purpose in mind: to fund and support local wildlife conservation. Every stay directly contributes to protecting Sri Lanka’s biodiversity, creating a truly circular model of travel that gives back.

Cycle of Sustainability 2
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Built Differently for the Planet

Sustainability by Design

We believe buildings should work with nature, not against it. From the ground up, our hostel was designed using reclaimed materials and passive cooling systems to reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.

  • Earth tube cooling, no electrical A/C needed

  • Reclaimed Sri Lankan railway steel & vintage wood

  • Solar-powered systems & saltwater pool

  • Stack ventilation, sun orientation & natural shading

  • Low-concrete footprint, minimal tree removal

  • Minimalist, locally sourced, low-impact architecture
Your Stay = Real Impact

Where Your Money Goes

We’re a nonprofit. That means your stay doesn’t fund profits, it funds purpose. 100% of proceeds go toward conservation, reforestation, and community education efforts in Sri Lanka.

For every $100 spent:

  • $75 → Wildlife conservation

  • $10 → Local employment & training

  • $10 → Maintenance & reinvestment

  • $5 → Admin & essentials

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A Home for Conscious TraveLlers

The Experience

Whether you’re solo adventuring, working remotely, or traveling with purpose, our hostel is your base. With thoughtful spaces built for connection, creativity, and movement, the experience is as regenerative as the mission behind it.

  • Dorms, private rooms & apartment suite

  • Co-working space & rooftop yoga shala

  • Gym & functional fitness space

  • Plant-based bar & lounge area

  • Saltwater pool & outdoor hangout

  • Jungle vibes with community energy
Documented from Day One

The Space in Motion

We’re proud of how we’ve built—openly, slowly, and with sustainability at the core. That’s why we documented the entire process. Follow our build journey on YouTube and see how reused materials, earth-friendly techniques, and creative thinking came together to create something truly unique.

We hope our journey inspires you on your own adventure in living beyond typical societal values and giving back. With transparency in everything, we not only don’t mind you copy our ideas, we want you to! Use our journey and concepts as a resource to learn from. Together we’re stronger, and better.

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