Central Cultural Fund ticket prices updated — effective . Sigiriya $35 · Polonnaruwa & Anuradhapura $30 · 18% VAT included.

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Pricing Guide · Updated October 2026

Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Ticket Prices 2026 New Central Cultural Fund Rates Explained

25 Jun 2026 Effective Date
18% VAT Included
USD / LKR Dual Currency
22 Sites Listed

Effective 25 June 2026, the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) of Sri Lanka has revised the entrance ticket prices for all archaeological sites of the island managed under its authority. The revision reflects updated foreign exchange rates and applies to both Full Tickets and Half Tickets, with rates published in US Dollars (USD) and Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), inclusive of 18% VAT.

This guide — prepared by the Sri Lanka travel experts at Rediscover Journeys — gives you the complete, updated pricing table for 2026, along with practical information on how these tickets work, what's included, and how to build cultural sites into a bespoke Sri Lanka travel itinerary.

If you're planning a Cultural Triangle tour in 2026, this is the essential pricing reference.

Quick Answer: What Are the New Sri Lanka Cultural Site Ticket Prices for 2026?

Effective 25 June 2026, the new Central Cultural Fund ticket prices (in USD, including 18% VAT) are:

Site Full Ticket (USD) Half Ticket (USD)
Sigiriya (Rock Fortress) $35.00 $20.00
Polonnaruwa $30.00 $15.00
Anuradhapura $30.00 $15.00
Trincomalee $12.00 $6.00
Buduruwagala Boat $12.00 Free
Galle (Museum) $6.00 $3.00
Katharagama (Museum) $6.00 $3.00
Sigiriya (Museum) $6.00 $3.00
Dambulla (Museum) $3.00 —
Ritigala $6.00 $3.00
Namal Uyana $6.00 $3.00
Jaffna $5.00 $2.50
Kandy (Medawasala) $1.50 $1.50
Ramba Viharaya $3.00 $1.50
Buduruwagala $3.00 $1.50
Ibbankatuwa $3.00 $1.50
Lahugala (Ampara) $3.00 $1.50
Rathugala $3.00 $1.50
Galle Shipwreck Diving — Galle Harbour $89.00 —
Galle Shipwreck Diving — Galle Harbour (Deep) $60.00 —
Galle Shipwreck Diving — Around Galle Fort $48.00 —
Reef Diving — Nature Tours $59.00 —

Galle Shipwreck Diving & Reef Diving Tours have special rates that apply separately — see the full table above.

Official Central Cultural Fund Notice (25 June 2026)

The official notice from the Central Cultural Fund states:

"Please be kindly informed that the prices of the tickets for Archaeological sites of the Island, managed by the Central Cultural Fund have been revised according to the prevailing exchange rates. Revised ticket prices are appended below. Effective date for the new prices is 25.06.2026."

Issued by:
Dr. Nilan Cooray
Director General
For Director General — Central Cultural Fund

Key Changes

Six things to know about the 2026 revision.

1. Sigiriya remains the priciest site

Sigiriya Rock Fortress continues to be Sri Lanka's most expensive cultural site, at USD 35 (Full Ticket) and USD 20 (Half Ticket) — including 18% VAT. This reflects its UNESCO status and its standing as the country's most iconic attraction.

2. Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura tie for second

Both ancient capitals — Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura — are priced identically at USD 30 (Full) and USD 15 (Half). Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and part of the Cultural Triangle.

3. Museum tickets are cheaper

Museum tickets — including Galle Museum, Katharagama Museum and Sigiriya Museum — cost only USD 6 (Full) or USD 3 (Half).

4. Dambulla Museum is a single-tier ticket

Dambulla Museum is USD 3.00 for a Full ticket, with no Half ticket available. It remains one of the most affordable add-ons on the CCF list. Note: the Dambulla Golden Temple itself has separate pricing.

5. New rates reflect exchange rate adjustments

Prices have been revised to reflect current exchange rates — this means the USD prices are stable, but the LKR equivalent has shifted with currency movement.

6. Galle shipwreck diving is premium

Galle's shipwreck diving tours range from USD 48 to USD 89 — reflecting the specialised nature of these experiences.

Ticket Types

What are Full vs Half tickets?

Full Ticket

  • Standard adult ticket for foreign visitors
  • Applies to adults without SAARC or resident status
  • Includes 18% VAT
  • Used for main attractions like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura

Half Ticket

  • Discounted ticket — typically for children (usually ages 6–12)
  • Also applies to SAARC nationals in some cases
  • Approximately 50–60% of the full ticket price
  • Available at most sites

Note: Children under a certain age (usually 6) often enter free. Confirm current age thresholds at the site. Some sites — like Dambulla Museum — do not offer a Half ticket at all.

Plan Your Visit

How to visit the Cultural Triangle in 2026.

What is the Cultural Triangle?

Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle is a region in the north-central part of the island encompassing three ancient capitals:

  • Anuradhapura — Sri Lanka's first great civilisation
  • Polonnaruwa — medieval capital with stunning ruins
  • Kandy — the last royal capital, home to the Temple of the Tooth
  • Sigiriya — the iconic rock fortress
  • Dambulla — cave temple complex

Explore our Cultural Triangle journeys →

Typical ticket combinations

Option 1: Classic Cultural Triangle

  • Sigiriya — $35
  • Polonnaruwa — $30
  • Anuradhapura — $30
  • Total: $95 per person

Option 2: Sigiriya + Polonnaruwa + Dambulla

  • Sigiriya — $35
  • Polonnaruwa — $30
  • Dambulla Museum — $3.00
  • Total: $68.00 per person

Option 3: Sigiriya Only

  • Sigiriya — $35
  • Total: $35 per person

Suggested 4-day Cultural Triangle itinerary

Day Cultural Site Entrance Ticket (USD)
Day 1 Dambulla Museum $3.00
Day 2 Sigiriya Rock Fortress $35.00
Day 3 Polonnaruwa Ancient City $30.00
Day 4 Anuradhapura Sacred City $30.00
Total per person $98.00

Where to stay in the Cultural Triangle

Luxury stays in and around the Cultural Triangle — all bookable through Rediscover Journeys:

Near Sigiriya

Near Dambulla

Near Anuradhapura

Near Kandy

Buying Tickets

How to buy Cultural Triangle tickets.

Option 1: At the site

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of each site. This is the simplest option if you're travelling independently.

Option 2: Through your tour operator

If you book a Cultural Triangle tour with Rediscover Journeys, we handle all tickets on your behalf — so you skip queues and avoid confusion.

Option 3: Combined tickets

Some sites offer combined tickets — for example, a single ticket covering multiple monuments within Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura. Ask at the ticket counter.

Payment methods

  • USD cash — accepted at most major sites
  • LKR cash — always accepted
  • Credit cards — accepted at major sites but not all
  • Local currency equivalent — widely accepted

Recommendation: Carry cash in both USD and LKR.

Keep Exploring

Related guides.

About the author

Rediscover Journeys is a boutique DMC Sri Lanka and a team of Sri Lanka travel experts crafting bespoke Sri Lanka travel for over a decade. We arrange all Cultural Triangle site tickets as part of custom journeys. Learn more →

Last updated: October 2026
Source: Official Central Cultural Fund notice, effective 25.06.2026.

Frequently Asked

Your Journey's Explained

What are the new Sri Lanka cultural site ticket prices for 2026?

The new Central Cultural Fund ticket prices are effective from 25 June 2026. Sigiriya costs $35 (Full) or $20 (Half); Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura cost $30 (Full) or $15 (Half). All prices include 18% VAT.

Why have the ticket prices changed?

The prices have been revised according to prevailing exchange rates — reflecting shifts in the USD/LKR relationship.

When do the new ticket prices take effect?

The new prices take effect on 25 June 2026.

Does the price include VAT?

Yes — all quoted prices (in both USD and LKR) include 18% VAT.

What is the difference between Full and Half tickets?

Full Tickets are the standard adult rate for foreign visitors. Half Tickets are discounted rates — typically for children (usually ages 6–12) and, in some cases, SAARC nationals. Some sites (like Dambulla Museum) do not offer a Half ticket.

Which Sri Lanka cultural site is the most expensive?

Sigiriya is the most expensive cultural site at $35 (Full) and $20 (Half). The most expensive item on the full CCF list is the Galle Harbour shipwreck diving tour at $89.

How much does it cost to visit the Cultural Triangle?

For a classic Cultural Triangle tour covering Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, expect to pay approximately $95 per person for full tickets. Adding Dambulla Museum brings it to about $98.

Are there combined tickets for multiple sites?

Some sites offer combined tickets for monuments within their complex. There is no single ticket for the entire Cultural Triangle.

Can I pay in Sri Lankan Rupees?

Yes — all sites accept LKR cash. The Rupee equivalent is published in the official price list.

Can I pay by credit card?

Credit cards are accepted at major sites like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, but not all. Carry cash as a backup.

What are the Galle shipwreck diving tour prices?

Galle shipwreck diving tours cost between $48 and $89 depending on the tour, including 18% VAT. Reef diving nature tours are $59.

Are children free?

Children under a certain age (usually 6) often enter free. Confirm current age thresholds at the site. Note that Buduruwagala Boat charges $0.00 for Half tickets — effectively free for qualifying children.

Do I need to book Cultural Triangle tickets in advance?

For most sites, tickets can be purchased on arrival. However, during peak season, we recommend booking through a tour operator to skip queues.

Is the Sigiriya Museum worth visiting?

Yes — the Sigiriya Museum costs only $6 (Full) or $3 (Half) and provides valuable context about the site s history and frescoes.

How much is the Dambulla Museum ticket?

Dambulla Museum is $3.00 for a Full ticket. It does not offer a Half ticket. This is separate from the Dambulla Golden Temple entry.

Can I combine ticket purchases with a tour package?

Yes — Rediscover Journeys arranges all cultural site tickets as part of a bespoke Sri Lanka travel itinerary.

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