Entrance Fees in Sri Lanka 2025 – Updated Prices for All Major Attractions

The lush tea plantations, herds of gentle elephants, elusive leopards basking in the sun, cascading waterfalls, and mesmerizing historical sites like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa—all come together in perfect harmony to create the holiday of a lifetime. Can it get any better than this? Well, yes! Imagine enjoying all of this without spending a fortune.

This week’s Travellers Isle article is all about helping you make your dream holiday in Sri Lanka not just unforgettable—but also wonderfully affordable. Understanding entrance fees in Sri Lanka is one of the best ways to plan your budget wisely. Knowing what each site or national park costs in advance allows you to prioritize experiences that truly matter to you while keeping your expenses in check.

As an inbound tour company based right here in Sri Lanka, we have the inside scoop on the latest rates—drawn from our daily experience organizing tailor-made trips around the island. This list has been fully updated for 2025, and we’ll continue to refresh it whenever entrance or excursion fees change.

A Few Notes Before We Dive In

Before you start listing your must-see attractions and budgeting for your trip, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Currency: While most attractions require payments in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), several major sites—such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya—now also accept payments in USD and by card.

• Jeep Safari Costs: The jeep safari prices listed are approximate and meant to give you a general idea. The actual rate may vary depending on the number of travelers sharing the jeep. Typically, the per-person cost decreases as the group size increases.

• Children’s Discounts: Most excursions are free of charge for children under 5 years old.

• SAARC Country Discounts: Visitors from SAARC countries (including India, Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal) enjoy 50% reduced rates at major attractions such as the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa ancient cities, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and Pinnawala Zoo.

• Optional Site Guides: You can hire professional site guides at several attractions to gain a richer understanding of their history and cultural significance. Below are the approximate guide fees per visit:

  • Anuradhapura Ancient City – USD 20

  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City – USD 20

  • Ritigala Forest Monastery – USD 10

  • Dambulla Cave Temple – USD 10

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress – USD 20

  • Temple of the Tooth – USD 10

• Sinharaja Rain Forest: Hiring a guide is mandatory for exploring the Sinharaja Rain Forest. The total cost—including guide fees and tuk-tuk transport to the entrance—usually ranges from USD 10 to 15 per person.

• Train Journeys: You can now book train rides directly through the Sri Lanka Railway Department. Seat prices range between USD 10 and 20, depending on the class and the route. The Kandy to Ella train ride, one of the most scenic in Asia, falls within this price range.

Tips to manage entrance fee costs in Sri Lanka (from our field experience)

1. Take advantage of SAARC resident discounts

If you’re from a SAARC country, don’t forget to carry your passport when visiting attractions like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Tooth, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and Pinnawala Zoo. Showing your passport at the ticket counter will qualify you for the 50% SAARC resident discount — a great way to stretch your budget a little further.

2. Opt for unreserved train tickets

If you don’t mind skipping reserved seating, you can buy unreserved class train tickets directly at the station on the day of travel. These are much cheaper than reserved seats, and while you may not get a guaranteed spot by the window, you’ll often find that the experience is every bit as authentic and fun — especially for shorter journeys.

3. Travel with a trusted tour operator

This might sound like a shameless plug, but booking through a reliable tour operator really does help. Not only can they ensure that you’re not overcharged at attractions, but they’ll also handle all ticketing and permits on your behalf — leaving you free to simply enjoy your holiday without worrying about the small details.

4. Prioritize your excursions wisely to save on entrance fees in Sri Lanka

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, it’s worth looking at where you can swap or skip certain excursions. For instance, if you’re visiting Minneriya National Park, you can comfortably skip Udawalawe National Park since both offer similar opportunities to see wild elephants. Likewise, if you’re not too keen on historical ruins, climbing Pidurangala Rock can be a great alternative to the iconic (and more expensive) Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You’ll be surprised how much these small adjustments can save — without missing out on the essence of Sri Lanka.

Conclusion: Entrance Fees in Sri Lanka

As you plan your Sri Lankan holiday, keeping an eye on entrance fees in Sri Lanka will help you make the most of your budget while enjoying the island to the fullest. While some sites are free to visit, many come with their own ticket prices—sometimes with discounts for children or SAARC nationals—so doing a little homework in advance can make a big difference.

When choosing your destinations, think about how much time you have, the travel season (the south coast is best from November to April, and the east coast from May to October), and the kind of experiences that excite you the most. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to pick the right mix of attractions without any unexpected surprises along the way.

We hope this updated guide helps you plan your dream trip. If you couldn’t find the entrance fee for a site you’re interested in, feel free to leave a comment below—we’ll make sure to include it in our next update.