Fair price guide
Do you know what Sigiriya costs to climb?
A fifth-century palace on a rock, a tooth in a golden casket, a cave full of Buddhas. The island’s great sights charge visitors more than locals, and that part is official.
The fair price
US$35 per adult
official foreign visitor price for Sigiriya
Major sites charge foreign visitors a separate, much higher price than locals. That is official policy, not a scam. What you need to watch is anyone adding a margin on top, and out-of-date prices in older guides.
What you should pay
| What | Fair price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya Rock Fortress, adult | US$35 | Children about US$20 |
| Sigiriya, SAARC passport holders | US$15–20 | Sources disagree, bring your passport |
| Temple of the Tooth, Kandy | LKR 3,000 | Rose from LKR 2,000 on 1 July 2026 |
| Dambulla Cave Temple | LKR 2,000–3,000 | Reports vary |
| Polonnaruwa Ancient City | about US$30–35 | Not confirmed against an official list |
How to pay the fair price
- Buy at the official counter or the site's own online portal, never from someone in the car park.
- Counters usually take rupees. Carry enough cash in case the card machine is down.
- SAARC nationals get reduced prices at Cultural Triangle sites. You need the physical passport.
- Pidurangala Rock, opposite Sigiriya, gives the famous view of the rock for a fraction of the price.
Red flags
- A guide who insists you need them to enter. Guides are optional at almost every site.
- A package price that is much more than the entrance fee plus transport.
- Any blog price older than a year. Fees changed in 2026.
See what the whole trip should cost
Choose your dates and what you love. The planner draws the route, counts the hours on the road and prices it fairly.