Who it is for

You land soon and want the first days to go smoothly: the airport, money, a SIM, the first train.
You want the rules for temples and prices on one page each, to read on your phone.
You want a guide that is useful on its own, not a teaser.

What is inside

1 Landing at BIA: the first hour
2 The first night
3 Money and fair prices
4 Temple rules in one page
5 Getting around in week one
6 Food you can order on day one
7 Ten phrases
8 The week-one route
9 If something goes wrong
10 What Before You Land covers next

Read a sample

From section 4: Temple rules in one page

Inside

Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Many Sri Lankans find this very

disrespectful. Sri Lanka Tourism asks visitors not to be photographed in front of or beside any statue or mural at all. Photograph the statue on its own.

Do not touch, climb or sit on Buddha statues, dagobas or any sacred structure. This

includes the old stones at the ancient cities. Disrespect to Buddhist images is a serious offence in Sri Lanka and can lead to arrest.

Keep a dagoba on your right. A dagoba (also called a stupa) is a domed shrine that

holds relics. The Buddhist custom is to walk around it clockwise, with the dagoba on your right. Not everyone does this, but it is the respectful choice.

Tuck your feet away. When you sit, do not point your feet at a Buddha statue or at a monk.

Sit with your feet to the side.

Photographs. Many temples do not allow photos inside the shrine room. Look for signs, or

ask. Never use flash near old paintings. Ask before you take a photo of a person.

Be quiet. Speak softly, and keep your phone on silent.

Your First Week in Sri Lanka

Who it is for

What is inside

Read a sample

Inside