Are local experts for sites like Sigiriya covered in the booking fee?

Site-specific local experts like the specialised archaeological guides around Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa are usually not folded into the normal booking fees. In practice, you will need to hire these freelance site guides and pay them directly at the entrance; most times no one else handles that.

Even if you are moving with a licensed chauffeur-guide, local rules at some heritage locations often ask for or strongly suggest a resident guide who is actually based there. Your driver can give wider historical context, but a real site expert tends to add very granular architectural cues. It is best to ask your agency in advance whether those exact payments are included in your cultural triangle itinerary.