🇱🇰 A Traveler's Guide to Sri Lanka

Modesty

Swimwear is for the beach only. Please wrap a towel or put on a T-shirt before leaving the sand or entering shops and streets.

Sunbathing

Public nudity or topless sunbathing is not permitted and can be legally problematic.

Wildlife

Please never disturb sea turtles or any other marine life you encounter.

Safety

Always pay attention to warning flags on the beach regarding swimming conditions.

General Dress Code

For all places of worship, please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. A light shawl is a great item to carry with you.

Buddhist & Hindu Temples

• •Footwear: Remove shoes and hats at the entrance. You may wear socks if the ground is hot.
• •Buddha Statues: Never turn your back to a Buddha statue for a photo (no selfies with your back to it). Do not touch or climb on statues.
• •Tattoos: If you have a religious tattoo (especially of Buddha), please keep it fully covered by clothing.
• •Hindu Kovils: In certain traditional Hindu temples, men may be kindly requested to remove their shirts before entering the inner sanctum.

Mosques

• •Head Covering: Women are usually requested to cover their hair with a scarf.
• •Separate Spaces: Please be mindful of designated areas for men and women, as they often have separate entrances or prayer halls.
• •Prayer Times: It is best to avoid visiting during prayer times, especially during Friday noon prayers.
• •Footwear: Please remove your shoes before entering.

Churches

• •Hats: Men are expected to remove their hats inside.
• •Ongoing Services: If a mass is in progress, please stay at the back and refrain from taking photos until it concludes.