Sri Lanka entry ticket prices

How much does it cost to visit Sri Lanka's sites?

Quick answer: Sigiriya is the most expensive site in Sri Lanka at USD 35 for a full ticket, then Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura at USD 30 each, on the official Central Cultural Fund (CCF) list last updated 14 October 2026. Prices are set in dollars but you pay in rupees. SAARC citizens get 50% off. The three big Cultural Triangle sites come to USD 95 (LKR 31,920) if you buy them one by one.

How much are Sri Lanka's heritage site tickets?

This table shows the full ticket for a foreign adult. The CCF sets the rupee price from the dollar price at its own daily rate, which was LKR 336.00 on the list we checked.

The CCF list also gives a half ticket for most sites, for example USD 20 at Sigiriya and USD 15 at Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. The list does not say who qualifies for a half ticket, so ask at the counter if you are travelling with children.

Who gets a discount?

The CCF tickets page says SAARC citizens get a 50% discount. SAARC is the South Asian group of countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistan. Show your passport when you buy.

The CBSL daily rate table we used does not include the Indian rupee, so we have not given INR prices here. If you are coming from India, use the rupee (LKR) column and halve it for the SAARC rate, then check your card's rate for LKR.

What does the Cultural Triangle round ticket include?

The CCF tickets page lists a Cultural Triangle round ticket that covers:

• Sigiriya
• Anuradhapura
• Polonnaruwa
• all archaeological museums

It is valid for 2 months from first use, gives one entry per site, and must be used within 3 months of purchase. Photography permission is included. On 24 October 2026 the page did not show a price for the round ticket, so we cannot tell you if it saves money. Buying the three main sites separately costs USD 95. Ask at the first counter and compare.

The round ticket does not list the Dambulla Cave Temple or the Temple of the Tooth. Both sell their own tickets.

What about the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth?

The CCF tickets page lists both as open from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm, but neither has a price on the CCF price list. Sri Lanka Tourism lists a USD 10 entrance fee for foreign visitors at the Dambulla Cave Temple. The Temple of the Tooth's official website did not load on 24 October 2026, so we have not given a price for it. Check at the temple office in Kandy.

The Kandy (Medawasala) line on the CCF list, USD 1.50, is a separate CCF site. The CCF tickets page says the Kandy Museum needs a separate ticket.

How much is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

Pinnawala is run by the Department of National Zoological Gardens, not the CCF. Its official page, checked 24 October 2026, lists these prices, payable in rupees:

Extra activities have their own prices: a fruit basket to feed the elephants is Rs 590, a 10 minute bathing pass is Rs 885, and a 10 minute elephant walk is Rs 1,180. The page says the main herd goes down to the Ma Oya river at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. It also warns about unauthorised guides, so buy at the official counter. See our day trips from Colombo guide for getting there.

What are the opening hours?

Pinnawala's own page gives two closing times: one section says the orphanage closes at 6.00 pm, and the footer says it is open 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Plan to be in by 4.00 pm.

How much will tickets cost on a first trip?

A typical first route takes in Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Kandy. Here is what the tickets alone come to for one foreign adult, from the prices above:

These totals leave out the Temple of the Tooth, national park fees and guides. For the rest of your budget, see our Sri Lanka trip cost guide. If you are choosing between the two ancient capitals, our Anuradhapura vs Polonnaruwa guide compares them.

Can I book tickets online?

Yes. The CCF tickets page says you can book through its eTicketing system, that orders are valid for 90 days from purchase, and that you show your booking receipt at the site counter to collect paper tickets. For help, the CCF lists +94 11 250 7089 and +94 11 250 8960.

What else should I know?

• Drones: the CCF says professional filming and drone use need its written approval first.
• Nature reserves: heritage tickets do not include strict nature reserves.
• Sacred sites: dress modestly and follow the rules at each temple. Our guide to visiting sacred sites explains what to wear.
• Cash: you pay in rupees. Our money and ATMs guide covers getting cash.
• National parks such as Yala, Udawalawe and Minneriya are run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and their fees are not on these lists. See our national parks comparison.

UNESCO lists eight World Heritage properties in Sri Lanka, and six of them appear on the CCF tickets page: Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, the Dambulla Cave Temple, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and Galle Fort. For which places to choose, see our top 10 places in Sri Lanka.