Three Cultural Triangle days with a hired car and driver — still worth it vs Habarana buses?

Buses work if you enjoy the puzzle and travel light. Habarana–Dambulla–Sigiriya hops are doable, but Polonnaruwa plus a second site in one day on public transport often means standing, missed connections, and a late return in the dark. A hired car is not luxury for its own sake — it is timing: dawn at the rock, shade at midday, hotel drop when you are done. Agree a daily rate in writing, sites included, no surprise gem-shop or spice-garden detours. If budget is tight, do Sigiriya + Dambulla by tuk/bus and keep the driver for the Polonnaruwa day only. Check current entrance practice at each site desk — I will not invent foreigner ticket prices here.