A quick guide to visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples respectfully.
Sri Lanka's Buddhist and Hindu temples are living places of worship, and behaving well within them is one of the small ways a traveler shows respect for the country. The etiquette is simple, and locals are almost always gracious with visitors who make the effort.
Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women; a folded sarong or scarf in your day-bag makes this effortless. Shoes and hats are removed before entering the shrine areas. In some larger sacred sites — Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, Anuradhapura — there are staff to look after them.
Do not turn your back on a Buddha image for a photograph. It is considered deeply disrespectful, and no image of yourself in front of, sitting on, or otherwise disrespecting a Buddha figure should ever be taken. Locals will politely intervene if it happens, and rightly so. When taking photos of monks or worshippers, always ask first with a small smile; permission is usually granted.
Donations at temples are welcome but never demanded. A modest note in the offerings box is the customary gesture. And if you visit during a full-moon (poya) day, the atmosphere is heightened and beautiful — but the crowds are large and the etiquette even more important. Our guides brief travelers gently before every temple visit; nothing here is difficult, but a small amount of preparation makes the whole experience richer.
