What are the reasons to visit a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka?

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What are the reasons to visit a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka?

Travelers in Sri Lanka are attracted to Buddhist temples for several reasons. Firstly, some of the religious sites, such as the tooth relic temple and Dambulla golden temple, are internationally recognized and have been designated as UNESCO world heritage sites. Secondly, many ancient Buddhist temples showcase remarkable architecture, such as the Pidurangala Cave temple. Additionally, some temples are linked to significant historical events or individuals. Lastly, the spiritual aspect of visiting Sri Lankan Buddhist temples is also appealing to many, as it provides a sense of inner peace.

What is the attire requirement for the Sri Lanka Buddhist temple?

  • Trousers, pants, skirts, or any other garment that extends below the knee
  • A garment, such as a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, or any other type of attire, should fully cover the shoulders.
  • Hats and head coverings are not allowed.
  • Footwear such as shoes, sandals, or slippers is not allowed.

What are the 13 guidelines to adhere to when visiting Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka?

  • Ensure appropriate attire – Keep your shoulders covered. Sri Lanka experiences high temperatures during the summer season, and it is common for visitors to neglect covering their shoulders and legs when visiting religious sites. An effective strategy for preparing for the future is to wear clothing in many layers and carry a scarf or shawl with you, regardless of your destination. When visiting temples, it is advisable to wear capri pants or long skirts instead of shorts. However, males may occasionally be able to wear long shorts without any issues.
  • Please remove your shoes and head covers (such as headwear, burqa, niqab, Chador, and hijab) at the gate. Take off your shoes and head covers before entering. At the entrance of the sacred site, there is a notice indicating that visitors are not allowed to enter the restricted area wearing shoes and headgear. The numerous clusters of visitors’ shoes will alert you.
  • Seek consent before to capturing photographs – Request permission before taking images. Restrictions may be imposed on camera usage in some locations due to the potential for the camera’s lights to do harm to the work. Prior to taking images, it is advisable to ascertain whether it is permissible to do so. If you choose to capture photographs, it is considerate to make a voluntary contribution.
  • Avoid facing away from the statues while capturing photographs. Avoid turning your back towards the Buddha sculptures. It is possible to observe individuals retreating from the Buddha by strolling in the opposite direction. Imitate their actions, making sure to change direction only when you are a short distance from the monument.
  • Refrain from physical contact with statues and paintings, particularly Buddha sculptures and paintings. Visitors are prohibited from touching artworks and Buddha statues due to the potential for discoloration.
  • Refrain from shaking hands with Buddhist monks, particularly if you are female. Employ the customary indigenous salutation.
  • When monks or nuns enter, stand up. It is usual to show reverence towards the monks and nuns in the temple. All guests are required to adhere to this guideline and make an effort to stand up when a monk or nun enters the room.
  • Maintain silent
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Refrain from inhaling the scent of flowers (Offerings)
  • ·Refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking cigarettes within the temple premises.
  • Buddha tattoos are prohibited
  • ·Refrain from providing food to monkeys.

This 10-day exclusive Colombo package offers visits to 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Golden Temple of Dambulla, Galle Fort, and Temple of the tooth relic. Additionally, it includes stays at luxurious mountain resorts in Sri Lanka, exploration of southern national parks, and relaxation at beach resorts in the western and southern regions.

1. one-day excursion to Kandy, Sri Lanka.

2. One-day excursion to Sigiriya

3. 2-day trip of Sri Lanka, seeing the renowned Kataragama temple, as well as exploring the captivating Galle and Yala national parks.

4 Day heritage excursion to Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka.

5. 3-day Sri Lanka culture triangle trip covers the whole circuit of the Sri Lanka cultural triangle, including Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Dambulla.

6. 3-day Sri Lanka Heritage Tour that includes visits to Kandy and the upcountry region

7. 4-day Sri Lanka Heritage Tour exploring the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka

8. 6-day cultural trip of Sri Lanka, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, and Colombo.

9. 6-day cultural cocktail trip of Sri Lanka

10. Experience of 8-day Sri Heritage

Which are the top 7 temples in Sri Lanka?

If you are embarking on a round-trip vacation to Sri Lanka, it is highly recommended that you pay a visit to several temples. For instance, the following locations are often featured in the majority of Sri Lanka tours, and they are quite popular among tourists in Sri Lanka. The number of temples you visit depends on the tour schedule you have.

1. Colombo: Gangarama temple

Gangarama is indisputably the preeminent Buddhist temple in Colombo. If you are planning to go on a Colombo city tour, you will definitely see this renowned temple since it is part of nearly every sightseeing trip in Colombo. This exquisite temple is located in the bustling heart of Colombo, adjacent to Beira Lake. To obtain further details on Gangarama temple, I recommend perusing my essay titled “Beautiful Temple in Colombo-Gangarama.”.

2. Dambulla is a renowned temple known as the Golden Cave Temple.

The Dambulla temple has been accessible to tourists for more than 22 centuries. This Buddhist temple, dating back to the 3rd century BC, is well renowned as one of the most frequented Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The Golden Cave Temple is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is included in every Sri Lankan itinerary. Alternatively, for travelers who are unable to set aside many days, there is the option of a one-day excursion to Dambulla Temple. To obtain further details on the Dambulla Cave Temple, please refer to my post titled “Dambulla Cave Temple.”.

When is the optimal time to visit Dambulla Temple?

The temple operates from sunrise to sunset, similar to the majority of Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple draws a substantial influx of international tourists who visit during daylight hours. The temple experiences significant congestion when a considerable number of travelers arrive; however, it is hard to anticipate the specific moment when this occurs. The temple comprises five caverns, which house antique statues and artwork. Avoid attending the temple during the designated “Puja time” for offerings. There are three daily pujas conducted in the morning, shortly before noon, and in the evening. The duration of each Puja is around 15 minutes. Visitors are prohibited from entering the caverns during Puja time.

3. Anuradhapura: Sri Maha Bodhi

This location is designated as another UNESCO world heritage site, with several ancient structures and temples. Anuradhapura is a very significant city with a rich historical background, originating from the 3rd century BC. If you are curious about the key destinations to explore in Anuradhapura, please refer to my post titled “7 PLACES TO VISIT ANURADHAPURA SRI LANKA“.

4. Polonnaruwa: Gal Viharaya

Sri Lanka’s second oldest city boasts several temples, most of which were constructed by Sri Lankans in ancient times. If you are curious about the significant attractions in Polonnaruwa, please refer to my post titled “20 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN Polonnaruwa.“

5. Sigiriya: Pidurangala temple

Situated in close proximity to the iconic Sigiriya rock, this ancient Buddhist temple held the esteemed position of being the primary religious center of the Sigiriya kingdom. Despite the Sigiriya rock stronghold being well renowned among tourists, this cave temple fails to attract their attention and is consequently overlooked. As a result, most travelers neglect to make the short journey of a few hundred kilometers from the rock to visit this ancient temple. To access further information on the Pidurangala temple, kindly click on the following link: “PIDURANGALA TEMPLE WITH SIGIRIYA ROCK“.

6. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic.

The island is home to the most frequent Buddhist monasteries, attracting a multitude of visitors on a daily basis. Typically, it is a part of any Sri Lanka itinerary. To obtain further details on the Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy, please refer to the source titled “TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE”.

What is the optimal time to visit the tooth relic temple?

When you go to the tooth relic temple in Kandy, make an effort to attend the ritual held at the temple. The ritual occurs three times daily, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. Each ceremony has a duration of only one hour. At the ritual, observers may witness the drummers and flautists performing, while worshippers congregate at the temple to present floral and culinary gifts to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Worshippers congregate on the higher level of the temple, where the sacred tooth relic is securely stored. The inner chamber, housing the tooth relic, is accessible just during the ritual. Devotees are permitted to observe the chamber from outside, but they will only view the external surface of the container that holds the tooth relic.

7. Bentota: Kande Vihara

One of the highly renowned Buddhist temples located on the western coast of Sri Lanka. This Buddhist temple is conveniently located and easily accessible from beach resorts on the south and west coasts. The temple is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site that draws a multitude of local devotees on a daily basis. The temple is a significant historical landmark that has several Buddha sculptures and artworks. The temple’s freshly constructed colossal Samadhi Buddha statue is a prominent attraction for the majority of visitors

8. Kelaniya temple

Presumably, the oldest temple in Colombo is also one of the most popular temples in the city. According to historical records, the ancient temple has a history that spans thousands of years. Devout Buddhists in Sri Lanka highly revere the temple because it is believed that Buddha visited it in the sixth century BC. The Kelaniya temple is located 30 kilometers south of the Katunayake international airport, in close proximity to Colombo. The temple is notable for its Buddhist paintings, which the internationally renowned artist George Keyt created, in addition to its historical significance. On weekends and every full moon day of the month, one may observe substantial congregations of Buddhist enthusiasts.

What is the best time to visit the Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka?

The most optimal day of the month to visit a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka is the day when the moon is at its fullest. In Sri Lanka, every full moon day is designated as a holiday to accommodate Buddhist devotees who wish to attend the temple and participate in other religious activities associated with Buddhism. By visiting the temple on a full moon day, visitors may observe the religious practices of the people of Sri Lanka. The visitors see a multitude of devotees adorned in white garments, parading towards the temple with offerings of flowers, incense sticks, oil lamps, and several other items to engage in acts of merit-making. On a full moon day, certain followers dedicate an entire day at the temple, engaging in meditation and attentively listening to Buddhist discourses.
This 8-day private tour offers a luxurious experience in Sri Lanka, seeing key tourist destinations including Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla golden temple, the tooth relic temple of Kandy, and the Udawalawe national park. At the conclusion of the journey, you will be mooring your vessel on the uninhabited shores of Mirissa.

Essential information for visiting Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka

Exploring temples is a ubiquitous pastime that is often included in practically every road trip in Sri Lanka. Exploring Sri Lanka’s Buddhist temples is crucial for gaining insight into the primary religion of the country, Buddhism. Religion holds significant importance in Sri Lankan society, with nearly every individual actively participating in some form of religious practice.
Since Buddhism has a significant influence on the Sinhalese people, who make up the majority of Sri Lanka’s population, visiting a temple in Sri Lanka is a convenient way to learn about their culture and way of life.

Comparison between Sri Lankan Buddhist temple and Thai temples

Visiting a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple would immediately strike you with a noticeable contrast if you have previously gone to a Buddhist temple in another country like Thailand or Singapore. Sri Lankan Buddhist temples differ from temples in Thailand or Cambodia in many respects.
Buddha statues and dagobas in fancy forms, such as gold-plated statues, are exceedingly rare in the nation, only a few temples have gold-plated Buddha statues, such as Dambulla golden Cave Temple. Most temples belong to the Theravada school of Buddhism but most Southeast Asian countries embrace Mahayana Buddhism. There are major contrasts between these two kinds of Buddhism.

Sri Lanka temple etiquette

Sri Lanka temple etiquette is a complicated issue for most visitors, who are visiting the nation for the first time. Therefore, we thought of creating a note on this issue in detail for visitors who are going to visit the island in the future.
There are various temple norms to examine and respect before visiting Sri Lanka Buddhist temples in order to explore the temple without offending the devotees. The guidelines described above should be properly considered, especially when visiting holy locations in archeological sites.
It is necessary to pay attention to these etiquettes and standards since Buddhist temples are locations of tremendous cultural and historical worth. You may discover cops or moderators at the door of a few temples urging you to have acceptable dress. But at most temples, there are no moderators; therefore, be your own moderator and follow the criteria below.

Visiting Sri Lanka Buddhist temples is part of every journey

Visiting Sri Lanka Buddhist temples is a vital element of any Sri Lanka tour. If you have also arranged a vacation to Sri Lanka, I’m very sure you are visiting a few Sri Lanka Buddhist temples.
Every visitor to a Buddhist temple should follow some principles, If you are a foreigner, you may not know about the temple regulations, but here are the rules that you should consider when you visit a Buddhist temple. At the same time, I make a note of the Sri Lanka dress code and the Temple of the Tooth dress code and feel it is going to aid you.

  • Shoulders should be appropriately covered with the dress
  • The dress should be long enough to cover the knee
  • Enter the temple without shoes, slippers and sandals
  • Hats, hats or other sorts of head cover is not authorized

Sri Lanka is an island in the tropics, The island is modest in area but has a population of 21 million people. The island has been the focus of tourist attractions in southern Asia for many decades. Attributed to its rich historical history, culture, awe-inspiring ancient man-made monuments, wide-open beaches, and exquisite seafood, the island is on the radar of every tourist.
When you plan a Sri Lanka vacation and beach break, there are various things that you fundamentally need to consider, such as visiting the cultural triangle, visiting Sri Lanka Buddhist temples, enjoying traditional Sri Lankan food, and resting on the palm-fringed beautiful Sri Lankan beaches.
Buddhist temple dress code

What is the dress code at the Temple of the Tooth?

  • Shoulders should be appropriately covered with the dress
  • The dress should be long enough to cover the knee
  • Enter the temple without shoes, slippers and sandals
  • Hats, hats or other sorts of head cover is not authorized

What is the temple of the tooth dress code ?

This is the first question that comes into one’s head even at the stage of organizing a Sri Lanka visit. Because there is no Sri Lanka trip package complete without a visit to this hugely important holy place.
I notably highlight the shrine of the Tooth dress code because the Temple of the Tooth is the most revered Buddhist shrine and it is on the bucket list of every visitor. Whether you are on a round trip or guests on Sri Lanka temple tours, seeing the temple of the tooth relic is included in your journey because it is one of the most popular and famous tourist sites.
You should follow the dress code because the tooth relic temple is a popular tourist destination that draws thousands of visitors from abroad as well as locals. Unlike most other temples on the island, the temple watches of the tooth relic temple do not entertain any flexibility with regard to the norms of the temple clothing.

Can I wear socks to a Buddhist temple?

YES! You can wear socks in the Sri Lankan Buddhist temples; it is just the shoes, sandals and slippers you have to leave at the door. In fact, it is encouraged to wear socks when you visit a temple. The surrounding area of certain temples is paved with granite stones and those stones grow heated, making it difficult to walk barefoot; hence, it is advisable to have socks. Ruwanweli Dagoba (pagoda) at Anuradhapura is one such temple that is included in most cultural triangle excursions.
On this 7-day Sri Lanka private trip, you will be visiting ancient monuments in the cultural triangle, tea country, Spice and herbal garden, wildlife reserve, botanic gardens, Idyllic west coast beaches, enjoy a breath-taking view on the hill country rail journey from Peradeniya to Nanuoya, learn to cook a Sri Lanka meal and much more. Towards the end of the tour, you will have time to rest on the magnificent beaches of Sri Lanka’s west coast.

Buddhism: An art of Living

Sri Lanka’s story is given with an explanation of the teachings of Buddha. Buddhism is one fundamental component of Sri Lankan life and it is the cornerstone of Sri Lankan culture and heritage. The island features a Buddhist-dominated Sinhalese culture in most sections; however, Hinduism prevails in the northern half of the island.
Religion is quite present in everyday life, possibly even more than in other Asian nations. Sri Lankans are a bit rigorous with laws when visiting Buddhist temples and Hindu temples, even if they are wrecked in historical areas such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Awe-inspiring historical monuments

The awe-inspiring huge temple with dagobas, palaces, parks and reservoirs of world heritage sites on the island display fragments of evidence of a sophisticated, advanced culture that reigned in the past. The intensive use of agriculture and the devotion of rulers to the development of the country opened the path to the genesis of an advanced agricultural-based society on the island.
The island is a country with a rich historical past that is contemporary today. You will feel it in the congested streets of Colombo. Or maybe you sense it when you are present at the Dalada ritual commonly known as the Esala ceremony in Kandy.
The island has had a gloomy past on many times owing to foreign invasions and colonial control. But the country has demonstrated resilience to all these difficulties and produced outstanding improvement after every disastrous consequence. Today, this little island has become one of the most popular spots for holidays in the globe. The island draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and tourism has become one of the main foreign exchange earners for the country.

Sri Lanka cultural triangle tour (2 days)

Buddhism is the predominant religion in Sri Lanka

There are a huge number of religious places distributed around the island and most of them are Buddhist temples (click here to see the most sacred Buddhist temple known as the tooth relic temple, Pinnawala elephant orphanage and tea estates on our Kandy-Nuwara Eliya 2-day trip). Therefore, finding a travel package without a Buddhist temple is inconceivable. Most of these Sri Lanka Buddhist temples are regarded important locations because they possess tremendous cultural and historical importance, notably the Buddhist temples in the cultural triangle.
Every day, hundreds of devotees visit well-known Buddhist temples like the temple of the tooth relic and Sri Maha Bodhi. Therefore, visiting such areas without upsetting the local people is the obligation of every international traveler.

Religious Harmony in Sri Lanka

On this 7-day Sri Lanka private trip, you will be visiting ancient monuments in the cultural triangle, tea country, spice and herbal garden, wildlife reserve, botanic gardens, Idyllic west coast beaches, enjoy a breath-taking view on the hill country rail journey from Peradeniya to Nanuoya, learn to cook a Sri Lanka meal and much more. Towards the end of the tour, you will have time to rest on the magnificent beaches of Sri Lanka’s west coast.
The island is a multi-religious country; you will encounter some form of religious place in every corner of the island. Mainly, you will meet Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Mosques and churches, as they are the most generally practiced religions on the island. By far, Buddhism is the most common religion in Sri Lanka, claiming 69% of the population of the nation.

What are the key components of Sri Lankan Buddhist temples?

1. Stupa or Dagoba
2. Bo tree / Bodhiogara (Ficus religiosa)
3. Image house
4. Living quarters of the resident monks at Sri Lanka Buddhist temple

Every Buddhist temple has the above-stated 4 primary elements and the temple is delimited by a wall or a fence from the outside world. A Buddhist temple is a public location, and any visitor regardless of religion, race or any other criterion is permitted to enter the temple.
Usually, tourists and devotees can see all locations except the dwelling quarters of the monks. Normally, tourists and devotees are not permitted to enter the residence where the monks dwell without an invitation from the monks. Make sure you remove the shoes and take off the headgear before entering the Image House, Stupa area and Bodhigara.
Apart from the aforementioned 4 basic elements of Buddhist temples, some temples are provided with meditation cottages and libraries. The guests are strictly barred from entering the meditation area since it might distract the monks, making it difficult to focus. Some temples maintain museums, childcare facilities, schools, communication hubs, etc. within the temple as a community service.

Sri Lanka temple dress code and other restrictions

Being a tropical nation, it is quite warm and humid and it is very pleasant to wear a hat. The necessity for shoes is especially considerable due to the paved grounds in Buddhist temples.
But, as a rule, you are not permitted to have both headgear and shoes while visiting a Buddhist temple. Every guest must remove their shoes and headgear before entering Buddhist sacred locations. Typically, the temple designates a person to guard the visitors’ shoes and provides them with a permanent hut at the temple entrance. The tourists need to pay for safeguarding their shoes; it is normally 25Rs Rs per person.
It could be difficult to walk barefoot in some sections of the temple, especially in the Buddhist temples in the cultural triangle, owing to the heat. In certain sections, the garden is paved with stone slabs or sand and the temperature may be particularly hot during the day. For instance, Ruwanweliseya Dagoba in Anuradhapura is one of the most prominent ancient Buddhist temples, with a garden of stone slabs.
Visiting the temples during the day barefoot will be quite tough; believe me, your feet will burn. One might visit such areas early in the morning or evening to escape the heat. Otherwise, take a pair of socks with you all the time and wear them as you enter the temple. The visitors are permitted to keep socks, and therefore they may decrease the effect of the excessive heat of the stone slabs.

This 5-day Sri Lanka tour covers numerous popular tourist destinations, such as the Sigiriya rock castle, Dambulla golden temple, and tooth relic temple. This 5-day private trip also brings you to the stunning beauty of Sri Lanka’s hilly area. The travelers will be able to discover Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife on a safari also.

Visiting ancient temples on Sri Lanka temple tours

There are a significant number of historic places in the country and most of them are major tourist attractions. Most of these sites contain historical Buddhist temples. Maybe these Buddhist temples are not working as regularly but they are also considered hallowed locations and Sri Lankans are mindful to act in such places with great respect.
There are cops at ancient places monitoring badly behaving individuals and tourists who are in violation of the Sri Lanka temple dress code are not permitted to access such temples. An appropriate Sri Lanka temple dress code enables you to hang around key sites without any hassles and encourages you to enjoy your trip.
Modest apparel is the greatest temple of the tooth dress code and the same notion may be applied to any other Buddhist temples as well. While visiting the tooth relic temple or any other Sri Lanka Buddhist temple, tight clothes for both men and women is not an acceptable temple dress code.
The Buddhists are particularly concerned with the dress code, especially the temple dress code and they wear white-coloured attire when visiting a Buddhist temple. The white color is regarded as the colour of purity. The most acceptable temple of the tooth dress code should require covering the body at least up to the knee, while the top section of the dress should cover the shoulders.

I do not have an appropriate dress code; what should I do?

In certain areas, visitors may be permitted to access the site with a more open dress, while in some places and prominent Buddhist temples, the moderator sticks to the right temple dress code. In places like the tooth relic temple and the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, a particular dress code is necessary.
There are a large number of people who find it difficult to enter the temple owing to the unsuitable temple dress code, most of them being international visitors. This arises mostly due to a lack of awareness of the temple dress code.
Most travelers from foreign nations like Thailand, Myanmar, Japan and India know the dress code for Buddhist temples, so they dress in an acceptable manner while visiting a Buddhist temple.
However, if you do not have an appropriate outfit, you may hire a suitable dress, which costs just a few dollars. There are people who lend proper garments to guests at the entrance of the temples. The temple of the tooth relic is one Buddhist temple that offers access to this feature to frequent foreign visitors. If you wearing a short or have a dress with exposed shoulders, do not forget to take a scarf with you. You can cover the legs and shoulders when you enter the temple and then take it off.
None of the headcovers used by Muslim women, such as the Burqa, Niqab, Chador, and Hijab, is allowed in the Buddhist temple

Making pictures on your Sri Lanka temple trips

The visitors are permitted to snap pictures in Buddhist sacred spots on the island. Photography and videography are free of charge in most Buddhist temples. But tourists should never take pictures while standing back to Buddha sculptures. If you prefer to snap a photo of the Buddha statue, stand sideways in front of the statue. In some historical areas, the spotlight should be switched off when it hurts the colours of the artworks.
Commercial filmmaking and photography need specific clearance from governmental agencies such as the Film Corporation, the defense ministry, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Do not touch sculptures and paintings

It is not authorized to touch the sculptures and artwork at Buddhist temples. Some individuals even tap on the sculptures to see what material is utilized to make the figurines. The major reason for prohibiting people from touching the sculptures and artworks is to stop the discoloration. Especially in ancient areas such as Dambulla golden cave temple (1st century BC), the paintings are highly delicate and shatter with the touch.
The sitting Buddha statue is found in the Dambulla golden temple.

Keep the stillness in the temple

It is necessary to preserve stillness at every Buddhist temple. Devotees are involved in meditation and chanting religious words; hence, they prefer to have peace of mind to continue with their activities. If you happen to go to a Buddhist temple with children, attempt to keep the noise as low as possible. Usually, the regulation is applied to all Buddhist temples, whether they are historical landmarks or new temples.

Can I smoke at Sri Lankan Buddhist temples?

No, smoking is not allowed in Sri Lankan Buddhist temples. Whether you notice a nonsmoking sign or not, individuals are not permitted to smoke in Buddhist temples. Smoking in public locations such as Buddhist temples is a grave crime and can lead to an expensive fine and a prison term. Sri Lanka has some tough restrictions so don’t discard waste outside the specified locations and refrain from smoking not just in temples but also in other public places.

Do not shake hands with monks

Devotees give respect to Buddhist monks and always keep some space from them. Normally, the welcome to Buddhist monks is distinct from conventional approaches such as shaking hands. You have to keep the hands together in front of the chest and pronounce “Sadu” while maintaining the body on your knees.

Do not sniff flowers that live on the temple altar

The devotees bring flowers when they visit a Buddhist temple. The flowers in the temple were meant for offerings. The devotees bring fragrant flowers and it may be tempting to sniff them. But as a rule, you are not permitted to smell the offerings.

Do not consume alcohol and visit Sri Lanka Buddhist temples

Consumption of alcohol is against the teaching of Buddha and Buddhists are meant to keep strong liquor away from their beverages; thus, visitors are not permitted to enter the temple if they are under the influence of alcohol at the time they visit the temple. You can’t get away with carrying bottles of wine or beer to a Buddhist temple. Especially in sites like as the temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Not only the temple of the tooth clothing code but also other Buddhist temple laws are carefully maintained here. And don’t try to visit a Buddhist temple after ingesting alcohol. Moderators at the entry may inspect you and if they find that you have drunk alcohol, you don’t obtain admittance to the temple.

Buddha tattoos are not allowed

Mistreatment of Buddha’s image is a crime and is handled with a penalty. Showcasing a Buddha tattoo is not permitted in Sri Lanka and is considered maltreatment of the Buddha image. It is regarded disrespectful for the Buddha and is considered an act of hurting Buddhist sensitivities. There have been several incidents in the past in which some foreigners were deported from the island owing to sporting a Buddha tattoo. If you have a Buddha tattoo, conceal it so as to avoid unwanted difficulties.

Don’t feed monkeys wandering in the temples

Spotting the animals in Sri Lanka Buddhist temples is not a surprise; cats, dogs and monkeys are the most prevalent animals in Sri Lanka Buddhist temples. Usually, dogs and cats are fed by Buddhist monks and guests. But tourists are not supposed to feed monkeys. Because they start to make it a habit to linger around the temple when they obtain food from guests. There had been several cases in which humans were suffering issues owing to wild monkeys.
There is a huge concentration of monkeys in the arid zone of Sri Lanka; consequently, most historical locations, such as Sigiriya and Dambulla, have the presence of monkeys. Please do bear in mind that the regulations we stated here are relevant for all Sri Lankan temples, regardless of their situation (ruined or new). Whether the Buddhist temple is in a modern metropolis or a less populated historical area, tourists are required to obey the above-discussed guidelines.

What are the 7 finest temples in Sri Lanka?

1. Gangaram Buddhist Temple, Colombo (Western Province)
2. Kande Vihara Shrine, Bentota (Western province)
3. Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy (central province)
4. Srimaha bodhi Anuradhapura (Central province)
5. Pidurangala temple, Sigiriya (central province)
6. Veherahena temple, Matara (southern province)
7. Somawathiya Polonnaruwa (East coast)

Wish to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka with its historic temples?

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When you buy a trip with us, you directly book the tour with the local firm, which means there are no intermediaries and therefore you can ensure the cheapest pricing. Simply get in contact with us and let us know when you travel and what you want to visit.

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Our team prepares a personalized programme for you, which you may adjust until you discover the optimum package for you. You may also explore our previous trip packages for ideas; all our ready-made tour packages are adjustable and can be adjusted to fit all your requirements. Write to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, tel. 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp 0094440977

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