Quick answer
Cultural Triangle ticket prices for foreign adults are roughly US$30 to US$35 at Sigiriya and roughly US$25 to US$30 each at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, while Dambulla's cave temple costs a few dollars to around US$10. Active temples such as the Sri Maha Bodhi are free or by donation. A first visit covering all four main sites usually costs roughly US$90 to US$110 per adult in tickets. Children generally pay half or less, and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Key takeaways
- Sigiriya is the most expensive site in the Cultural Triangle, at roughly US$30 to US$35 for a foreign adult.
- Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa each cost foreign adults roughly US$25 to US$30, payable at the main ticket office.
- The Central Cultural Fund runs ticketing at the main archaeological sites, while working temples set their own fees or donations.
- SAARC nationals and Sri Lankan residents pay considerably less than other foreign visitors at most sites.
- Ticket offices usually open around 7am, and many accept cards, though carrying cash in rupees is the safer backup.
What Cultural Triangle tickets cost in total
Cultural Triangle tickets for a typical first visit come to roughly US$90 to US$110 per foreign adult. That covers Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla's cave temple, and is usually the single largest sightseeing cost of a first trip to Sri Lanka.
The figures below are approximate and based on recent prices. Ticket prices at the big archaeological sites have risen several times in the past decade and are set in US dollars but charged in rupees at the day's rate, so the amount you hand over changes slightly from week to week.
Prices for nationals of SAARC countries, including India, are much lower at most sites, often well under half the standard foreign rate. Carry your passport if you expect a reduced price.
- →Sigiriya rock fortress: roughly US$30 to US$35.
- →Anuradhapura sacred city: roughly US$25 to US$30.
- →Polonnaruwa ancient city: roughly US$25 to US$30.
- →Dambulla cave temple: a few dollars to around US$10.
- →Smaller sites such as Isurumuniya, Medirigiriya and Mihintale: a few dollars each.
Which Cultural Triangle sites are free
Several of the Cultural Triangle's most sacred places charge nothing or ask only for a donation, because they are working temples rather than archaeological parks. The Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura and the great white Ruwanwelisaya stupa are the best examples, and pilgrims outnumber tourists at both.
Pidurangala rock, the alternative climb next to Sigiriya, charges a small temple fee of a few dollars. Ritigala, Avukana and Aluvihare charge modest fees. The elephant parks charge separately, and those fees are usually included in the jeep price.
- →Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura: free, donations welcome.
- →Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura: free as a working temple.
- →Pidurangala: a small temple fee.
- →Avukana and Aluvihare: modest entry fees or donations.
How to pay at Cultural Triangle ticket offices
Cultural Triangle ticket offices for Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are run by the Central Cultural Fund and sit at or near the main entrance. Many now accept Visa and Mastercard, but card machines fail often enough that carrying enough cash in rupees for the day is sensible.
Polonnaruwa's ticket office is beside the archaeological museum, not at the ruins themselves, which catches out first-time visitors who drive straight to the Sacred Quadrangle. At Anuradhapura the main office is near the archaeological museum, and staff check tickets at several points across the sacred city.
Keep your ticket all day. Some sites check it more than once, and losing it usually means buying another.
Tickets for children and students
Children usually pay roughly half the adult foreign price at the main Cultural Triangle sites, and very young children are often free. The exact age bands vary by site, so bring passports showing dates of birth.
Student discounts exist at some sites for those with valid student identification, but they are applied inconsistently. Treat any student discount as a bonus rather than part of your budget.
- →Under-sixes: often free at the main sites.
- →Children roughly 6 to 12: usually around half the adult price.
- →Students: sometimes discounted with a valid card.
How to keep Cultural Triangle ticket costs down
The most effective way to cut Cultural Triangle ticket costs is to choose fewer big sites and see them well. Many first-time visitors pick either Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa rather than both, saving roughly US$25 to US$30 each, and use free sites such as the Sri Maha Bodhi to fill the gap.
Climbing Pidurangala instead of Sigiriya saves the most, though you see Sigiriya from the outside rather than its frescoes and summit. Lankan Stays & Trails includes ticket estimates in every quote, so there are no surprises at the gate.
- →See Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura, not both, on a short trip.
- →Climb Pidurangala for the view of Sigiriya at a fraction of the cost.
- →Spend time at free working temples between ticketed visits.
- →Use the day's ticket fully: arrive early and stay through the morning.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the Cultural Triangle?
Tickets alone usually come to roughly US$90 to US$110 per foreign adult for Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. Add roughly US$50 to US$90 a day for a car and driver, plus guides and an elephant safari if you want one.
Is there a combined ticket for the Cultural Triangle?
There used to be a round ticket covering several sites, but individual tickets are now the norm for foreign visitors. Buy each ticket at the site on the day you visit, and check locally in case a combined option is reintroduced.
How much is the Anuradhapura ticket for foreigners?
Roughly US$25 to US$30 for a foreign adult, paid at the ticket office near the archaeological museum. The ticket covers the archaeological sites of the sacred city. Working temples such as the Sri Maha Bodhi are free or ask for a donation.
How much is the Polonnaruwa entrance fee?
Roughly US$25 to US$30 for a foreign adult. Buy it at the ticket office beside the archaeological museum before you head to the ruins, because it is not sold at the Sacred Quadrangle or Gal Vihara.
Can I pay Cultural Triangle tickets by card?
Usually, at the larger sites, but machines are not reliable. Carry enough rupees to cover the day's tickets in case the card terminal is down, and withdraw cash in Dambulla, Habarana or Polonnaruwa town where ATMs are easy to find.
Do children pay full price at Cultural Triangle sites?
No. Children usually pay around half the adult foreign rate, and the youngest are often free. Age bands differ from site to site, so carry passports with dates of birth to avoid any argument at the gate.