Culture and etiquette in Sri Lanka
The rules at sacred places, the reasons behind them, and the everyday customs that make a visit go well.
Read the temple etiquette guide first; most of the rest builds on it.
Temple etiquette in Sri Lanka: the rules and the reasons behind them
Shoes and hat off, shoulders and knees covered, never pose with your back to a Buddha. Sri Lanka's temple rules, and why each one matters (October 2026).
What to wear at the Temple of the Tooth, and why
Cover shoulders and legs, no shorts or sleeveless tops, hat off, shoes left at the booth. The Temple of the Tooth dress code, explained (October 2026).
What to wear and pack for Sri Lanka
What to wear in Sri Lanka: light clothes that cover shoulders and knees, a warm layer for the hills, a Type G adapter and repellent (checked Oct 2026).
Buddha images in Sri Lanka: photos, tattoos, souvenirs and the law
Cover any Buddha tattoo before you land. Never pose with your back to, or beside, a Buddha statue. Avoid Buddha prints; check before exporting a statue.
Sri Lankan food: what to order, and what it is
Start with rice and curry at lunch, then hoppers or kottu in the evening. What each Sri Lankan dish is, how hot it is, and what to ask before you order.
Twenty Sinhala and Tamil phrases worth learning
Ayubowan, sthuthiyi, Vanakkam, nandri: twenty phrases, most in both Sinhala and Tamil, for greetings, prices, food and directions, with pronunciation.
The Kandy Esala Perahera: what it is and how to watch it
A ten-night procession in July or August for the Tooth Relic and four gods. In 2026 it ran 18 to 28 August; 2027 dates are not out yet. How to watch it.
The Dambulla cave temple: what the five caves hold
Five cave shrines with 157 statues and about 2,100 m² of paintings, used for over 2,000 years. What each cave holds, and how to visit (Oct 2026).