Last verified: 19 Oct 2025
Sri Lanka Entrance Fees 2025: Full Ticket Price List
Why this guide beats the others: We publish dual-currency context (USD pegging vs LKR payment), SAARC guidance, queue-beating tips, dress code & drone rules, accessibility notes, family hacks, and a national-park cost breakdown—plus official e-ticket links and live DWC references.
- USD vs LKR: Some heritage sites peg prices in USD, but you pay in LKR at the daily rate posted at the gate.
- SAARC discounts: Often 50% at major heritage sites (always check signage on the day).
- Cards & cash: Carry LKR cash. Card acceptance exists in some spots but isn’t guaranteed when lines are long or terminals are down.
- Dress code & etiquette: Temples require shoulders/knees covered; hats and shoes removed at shrines. Drones typically not allowed at religious/heritage sites without permits.
- Best times: Aim for early morning or after 3:30 pm to avoid mid-day heat and bus crowds at the biggest sites.
Quick answers (jump to prices)
- Sigiriya Lion Rock ticket price: $35 (Non-SAARC) / $20 (SAARC).
- Polonnaruwa: $30. Anuradhapura: $30.
- Temple of the Tooth (Kandy): Rs. 2000 (Non-SAARC) / Rs. 1500 (SAARC).
- Yala National Park: $70–80 all-in typical; see breakdown notes.
Reserve tickets online (official)
For select cultural attractions: eservices.ccf.gov.lk/eticketing/landing
Safari status & context: Department of Wildlife Conservation
Culture & Museums
Notes to save time & money: Arrive early to beat tour buses; carry modest dress layers for temple visits; bring small bills for water, socks (hot paving), and shoe storage.
| Attraction | Price | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya Lion Rock (Non-SAARC Foreign Adult) | $35 | Includes museum with combined ticket. |
| Sigiriya Lion Rock (SAARC Foreign Adult) | $20 | Carry SAARC passport for verification. |
| Sigiriya Museum | $6 | If purchased separately. |
| Pidurangala Rock (near Sigiriya) | Rs. 1000 | Temple-managed; famous Sigiriya view at sunrise/sunset. |
| Polonnaruwa Ancient City | $30 | Includes all sacred areas. Bike hire on site. |
| Anuradhapura Sacred Area | $30 | Includes Jethawanaya & Abhayagiriya. |
| Mihintale Sacred Area | Rs. 1000 | Steep steps; go early or late. |
| Kataragama (museum) | $6 | Not commonly enforced. |
| Galle Fort Museum Area | $5 | Fee usually applies to the history museum only. |
| Jaffna Fort | $5 | Coastal fort; hot mid-day. |
| Namal Uyana (Pink Quartz Mountain) | $6 | Near Dambulla; uneven paths. |
| Ritigala Forest Monastery | $6 | Dense forest; leeches in wet season. |
| Dambulla Cave Temple | Rs. 1500 | Shoulders/knees covered; many steps. |
| Dambulla Museum | $3 | Small exhibit; pair with caves. |
| Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs | $3 | Archaeological site near Dambulla. |
| Yapahuwa Rock Fortress | Rs. 2000 | Steep staircase to summit ruins. |
| Buduruwagala Raja Maha Viharaya (near Wellawaya) | $2 | Ancient rock carvings. (See “Buduruwagala” tour listing below.) |
| Avukana Buddha Statue (near Dambulla) | Rs. 1000 | Massive standing Buddha; sun is strong mid-day. |
| Isurumuniya Temple (Anuradhapura) | Rs. 1000 | Famous stone carvings (Isurumuni Lovers). |
| Embekke Devala (near Kandy) | Rs. 750 | Known for intricate wooden pillars. |
| Helga’s Folly Hotel Museum (Kandy) | $5 | Eclectic interiors; hours vary. |
| Ambuluwawa Temple (Gampola) | Rs. 2000 | Iconic spiral tower; exposed narrow stairs. |
| Temple of the Tooth (Kandy) — SAARC | Rs. 1500 | Dress modestly; shoes off; check ceremony times. |
| Temple of the Tooth (Kandy) — Non-SAARC | Rs. 2000 | |
| Kandy (Medawasala) | $1.50 | |
| Ramba Rajamaha Viharaya (Ambalantota) | $3 | |
| Cultural Dancing Show (5:00 PM, YMBA Kandy) | Rs. 2000 | Arrive 10–15 minutes early. |
| Cultural Dancing Show (5:30 PM, Kandyan Art Association / Red Cross) | Rs. 2000 | |
| Richmond Castle (Kalutara) | Rs. 1000 | |
| National Railway Museum (Kadugannawa) | Rs. 500 | Engines & rolling stock. |
| Mulkirigala Rock Temple (near Tangalle) | Rs. 500 | Series of cave shrines; steps involved. |
| Traditional village excursion (e.g., Sigiriya) | $30 | Pricing varies by components: bullock cart, canoe, lunch/cooking demo. |
| Lotus Tower (Colombo) | $20 | Night views popular; check event closures. |
| Galle (Museum) | $6 | |
| Galle — Shipwreck diving tour (Galle Harbour) | $89 | Operator-led experience. |
| Galle — Shipwreck diving tour (around Galle Fort) | $48 | |
| Reef diving — Nature tours | $59 | Typically Galle/Trincomalee. |
| Buduruwagala (tour listing) | $12 | Higher price often reflects guide/transport—separate from shrine entry above. |
| Lahugala (Ampara) | $3 | |
| Rathugala | $3 | |
| Trincomalee (local site fee) | $12 | Varies by operator/site. |
Nature & Wildlife
Tip: Confirm sea conditions the day before ocean trips; monsoon seasons shift by coast. For forests, leech socks help in wet months.
| Attraction / Activity | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whale (Dolphin) Watching (Galle, Mirissa, Trincomalee) | From $50 | Price varies by port & operator. Go early; bring motion tablets. |
| Dolphin (Whale) Watching (Kalpitiya) | $10 | Operator dependent; seasonality applies. |
| Riverboat trip (Balapitiya, Bentota, Dodanduwa/Hikkaduwa, Koggala, Negombo, etc.) | $30–35 | ~1.5 hrs per boat. Confirm inclusions (mangroves, islands). |
| Maadu Ganga river-delta boat trip (Balapitiya) | $20–25 | Fish farm, “nibble fish” spa, photo ops; optional extras add up. |
| Sinharaja Forest Reserve | $15 | Tracker/guide included (one per group); tip welcome. |
| Ridiyagama Safari Park (near Hambantota) | Rs. 3000 | Drive-through zoo concept. |
| KDN Forest Complex (Kanneliya–Dediyagala–Nakiyadeniya) | Rs. 700 | Waterfalls & birdlife. |
| Knuckles Mountain Range (certain areas) | $40 | Most hikes free; fee applies to specific sections/trails. |
| Pigeon Island (Nilaveli – Trincomalee) boat + snorkel | $48 | Check if marine park permit is included. |
| Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (Kandy) | Rs. 3540 | Large grounds; bring water & hat. |
| Hakgala Botanical Gardens (Nuwara Eliya) | Rs. 3540 | Cooler climate; best light in the morning. |
| Udawattekele Forest Reserve (Kandy) | Rs. 570 | Urban forest; leeches in wet season. |
| Pitawala Pathana (Mini World’s End, Riverston/Matale) | Rs. 975 | Cliff-edge viewpoint; windy. |
National Parks — what you actually pay
Park visits involve multiple line items: per-person conservation fee + vehicle/jeep permit + service fees + taxes. Operator quotes vary by pickup distance and time in park. Always ask for an all-in written quote.
- Typical jeep hire: ~Rs. 7000–8000 (half day); roughly double for full day. Surcharges for long pickups (e.g., Kumana) or parks with long internal routes (e.g., Wilpattu).
- Add at the gate: vehicle surcharge Rs. 500 + group service fee $8 (typical).
- Live park context (and busy periods): DWC official page
| Park | Typical price | On-the-ground tips |
|---|---|---|
| Yala National Park | $70–80 | Leopard hotspot; go early; expect crowds in high season. |
| Kumana National Park (near Arugam Bay) | $65 | Birding; seasonal turtles. |
| Lunugamvehera National Park | $25 | Quieter alternative near Yala. |
| Horton Plains National Park (between Nuwara Eliya & Ella) | $25 | World’s End view: arrive before mist (very early). |
| Wilpattu National Park (near Anuradhapura) | $15 | Long internal drives; dispersed sightings. |
| Minneriya National Park | $25–35 | Elephant Gathering (Jul–Oct). Check Kaudulla if herds moved. |
| Kaudulla National Park | $33–35 | Alternates with Minneriya for herds. |
| Udawalawe National Park | $27 | Reliable elephant sightings year-round. |
| Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home | $5 | Feeding schedules posted at site. |
| Wasgamuwa National Park | $35 | Less visited; variable road conditions. |
| Bundala National Park | $12 | Coastal lagoons; birding. (Group jeep fee may apply.) |
| Maduru Oya National Park | $12 | Reservoir landscapes; elephants. |
Pro tips most blogs skip
- Cash first: Even where USD is shown, you’ll pay in LKR. Keep change on hand; ATMs aren’t always close.
- Heat & hydration: Mid-day climbs (Sigiriya, Dambulla) can be punishing—carry water, hat, sunscreen, and socks for hot paving.
- Family hacks: Early slots are kid-friendly (cooler, fewer crowds). For strollers, many heritage sites are stair-heavy—use a carrier.
- Etiquette: No flash in shrine rooms; keep voices low; don’t pose with your back to images of the Buddha.
- Drones: Assume not permitted at religious/heritage sites unless you hold a specific written permit.
- Receipts: If prices at the gate differ from what’s posted, request a printed receipt and photo the signboard to help future travelers.
FAQs
Do SAARC discounts apply everywhere?
No. They apply at designated sites only. Bring your SAARC passport and check on-site signage.
Why are prices listed in USD but paid in LKR?
Key heritage sites peg in USD to reduce frequent repricing. The cashier converts to LKR at the day’s rate.
Is it cheaper to buy online?
Use the official e-ticket portal for convenience and to avoid third-party markups—not necessarily cheaper than the counter.
What about dress codes and photography?
Temples require shoulders/knees covered; remove hats/shoes. No flash in shrines; drones usually prohibited without a permit.
Can prices change during my trip?
Yes. Operators and exchange rates may change. We keep this page fresh—see “Last verified”—and we welcome updates in the comments.
Help us keep this current
If you see different prices at the gate or have a receipt with a new total, please comment or email a photo (hide personal details). We’ll verify and update fast.
32 Comments
by Julia Hopson
Hi, we went to the Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharaya in Anuradhapura today and it was 500 rupees each. Absolutely beautiful just before sunset. Highly recommend!
by Wietse
Awesome, thanks, have updated!
by Saurav
Dambulla caves temple is now 3000 lkr
by Wietse
Thanks, have updated!
by Alessandro
Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is 2000LKR per person, we went yesterday 🙂
by Raveen Liyanage
Thanks, updated!
by Odette
Anuradhapura Sacred Area is now $30
by Wietse
Thanks, updated!
by Shehani deZylva
This web page has been very helpful for tourists and tour guides/ companies as well. I would like to suggest for a separate column for SAARC Visa.
by Wietse Sennema
Thanks, have added a note mentioning the 50% discount for SAARC countries.
by Agnieszka
Do the children (10 years old) have discounts for example to Anuradhapura or River safari?
by Wietse Sennema
There are kids discount, not sure which sights, the amount or the age!
by Ellen
Can you drive trough all the national parks by tuktuk? What parks can you drive trough and what parks can’t you drive in? What are de policies?
by Wietse Sennema
The three main national parks you can drive through are Wilpattu, Madura Oya and Yala. Policies, in general not only in the national parks, is not to feed wildlife and of course keep your distance.
by Nilendra
Some entrance fees are incorrect. Please update.
by Wietse Sennema
Great for letting us know! Can you please let me know which ones and what it should be? That would make it easier 🙂
by DIPA MAITY
Is this price same for Indians. I heard there is some discount for Indians.
by Wietse Sennema
Yes, there is a discount for SAARC countries. I believe its 50%!
by Bharathi
Hi..Is there any price reduction in entrance fees at tourist sites for people from SAARC countries..?
by Wietse Sennema
There is! I believe its 50% 🙂
by pradeep
hi sennema.what about the ticket prices for child under 10 years.
by Wietse Sennema
As a general rule, children pay 50% of the normal ticket price.
by Cristina
Do you know if you can pay the national parks with credit card? VISA, MasterCard or American Express?
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Cristina, unfortunately not. CreditCard facilities are not available at the sights.
by Magdalena
Hello 🙂 I would like to ask if it is possible to pay the entrance fee to the National Parks ( Minneriya in particular) in USD? or just in LKR? I can’t find such information anywhere, so it would be helpful. Thank you in advance.
by Wietse Sennema
Hi Magdalena, unfortunately not. The prices are often mentioned in USD but can only be paid in LKR.
by Vikflair
Hi all, may I know if any of these entrances such as Botanical gardens in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, monuments of sigiriya and dambulla, and temple in Kandy etc … are tickets available online ??
by Wietse Sennema
Unfortunately not 🙁
by James
Recently went to Polonnaruwa. The entrance fee has gone up and was 4600 LKR – very pricey!
by Wietse Sennema
Ah yes, it’s $25 which is now 4600LKR. Have removed the LKR prices as they fluctuate too much 🙂
by Ruwini
The rates published for Hakgala and Peradeniya Botanical Garden (SAARC) is in correct.
Its 1500 for all foreign travelers
by Wietse Sennema
Thanks, have updated!