The Cultural Triangle at a glance
The Cultural Triangle is the heartland of Sri Lanka's ancient kingdoms. Its main stops are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, with Sigiriya and the Dambulla cave temple in between. Most are World Heritage Sites. The Central Cultural Fund sells the tickets for the large ruins, but this site is an independent guide and is not connected to that fund.
Sigiriya makes a natural base. From there you can reach the other sites as day trips or on a loop that ends in Kandy. Each site is big, so give the large ones half a day or more and do not try to fit them all into one day.
Prices below are for foreign adults in 2026. Foreign children under 6 enter free with proof of age, and children aged 6 to 12 pay a reduced rate. The same reduced rate is listed for SAARC passport holders and valid ISIC holders.
The main sites compared
Foreign adult prices and hours as listed for 2026.
| Site | Full ticket | Half ticket | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polonnaruwa | $30 | $15 | 07:00–17:00, museum 08:00–17:00 included |
| Anuradhapura | $30 | $15 | 07:00–17:00 |
| Sigiriya | $35 | $20 | Site 06:30–17:30, ticket counter 07:00–17:00 |
| Dambulla Cave Temple | About $10, or LKR 1,500 to LKR 2,500 | – | 07:00–17:00 |
| Temple of the Tooth, Kandy | LKR 3,000, or LKR 2,500 for SAARC, Thailand and Myanmar | – | 05:30–20:00 |
Prices are shown as of the 2026 lists, and the dollar tickets are paid in rupees at the day's rate. A tourist round ticket for the triangle is advertised with two months of use from first entry, so ask at a ticket office about the current price before you plan around a saving. Tickets for some temples within the sites may be collected separately from the main ticket.
Our picks: Cultural Triangle tours
Cycling through Polonnaruwa, a private day tour and a day trip from Colombo.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided cycling tour in ancient Polonnaruwa
A tuk-tuk transfer from your hotel, an English-speaking guide and the bike ride through the ancient city, with taxes included. Entry and tips are extra.
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Private day tour of Sigiriya and Dambulla
A driver-guide, hotel pick-up and return, water and Wi-Fi in the vehicle. The listing does not say whether sight entry is included.
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Sigiriya and Dambulla day trip from Colombo
Hotel pick-up, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking driver and guide help at the rock, plus a coconut and water. Entry and the optional jeep safari are included only in the all-inclusive option.
Check availability →Cultural Triangle tours and day trips
Guided days to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Kandy by car, tuk-tuk or bicycle, with live prices and availability. Check which tours include entry tickets.
The sites in detail
What each stop offers.
Polonnaruwa
The second capital after Anuradhapura, with Chola-era buildings and the ruins of a garden city shaped by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. It has been World Heritage since 1982. The site is spread out, and some tours cover it by bicycle. The museum is included in the ticket.
Anuradhapura
The earlier capital, a religious and political center with monasteries, palaces and monuments. The holy city is tied to a Bodhi tree cutting that tradition says arrived in the 3rd century BC. A ticket from the Central Cultural Fund may not cover every shrine, so expect small extra fees or rules at some temples. Dress modestly.
Sigiriya
The Lion Rock is the centerpiece of the region, a World Heritage Site since 1982. The climb is covered in the climbing guide, tickets on the tickets page, and the view of the rock from Pidurangala suits a sunrise.
Dambulla
Five cave shrines with painted ceilings and many statues, about 20 km from Sigiriya. Cover shoulders and knees. See the Dambulla guide for ticket details and etiquette.
Minneriya and nearby parks
An elephant safari fits an afternoon between the sites in the dry months. See Minneriya safari for seasons, costs and park choice.
Kandy
Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth. It is a common end of the loop and a starting point for day trips to Sigiriya.
Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
Sri Dalada Maligawa is a working temple with its own rules and rituals. It is open daily from 05:30 to 20:00. Foreign visitors pay LKR 3,000, or LKR 2,500 for SAARC, Thai and Myanmar passports. The ticket covers the temple and several museums, including the Dalada Museum and the World Buddhist Museum. Ask at the entrance about children. Older guides may quote a lower figure, so carry enough rupees.
Ritual times, called thewawa, are 05:30–07:00, 09:30–11:00 and 18:30–20:00. They are services, not viewing slots, and a view of the casket is not guaranteed. Dress with covered shoulders and legs. Shorts, sleeveless tops and revealing clothes are not allowed. Shoes are left at the entrance, and bags and belongings are checked.
Planning the loop
Time, travel and where to sleep.
Kandy to Sigiriya by car takes about 2 to 3 hours, and Colombo to Sigiriya 4 to 5 hours. These are planning values and depend on traffic. A common plan is Sigiriya and Dambulla on one day, Polonnaruwa on another, then Anuradhapura and Kandy on later days. Read getting to Sigiriya for routes, and where to stay for areas. Habarana and Dambulla are also useful bases for the other sites. Yala and the south are covered on their own site and are not part of this loop.
Cultural Triangle: frequently asked questions
What is the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka?
It is the region of the ancient capitals and holy sites in the center of the island. The main stops are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, with Sigiriya and Dambulla in between.
How many days do I need?
Each of the large sites deserves half a day or more, so a loop of several days works better than a rushed one. Day trips from a Sigiriya base are possible but long.
How much do Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura cost?
In 2026 the full ticket for foreign adults is $30 for each site and the half ticket is $15. Foreign children under 6 enter free with proof of age.
Is there a combined ticket?
A round ticket with two months of use is advertised, but no current price is listed. Ask at a ticket office before you rely on it.
What should I wear at the temples?
Cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes and headwear, and avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. The Temple of the Tooth has these rules in writing.
Is Kandy part of the Cultural Triangle?
Yes, Kandy is the third corner, home to the Temple of the Tooth. It is also the usual starting point for day trips to Sigiriya.