Sri Lanka is one of the only two Theravada Buddhist nations in the country, and its cultural heritage is steeped in religious faith and customs. Lined with ancient temples and newly constructed places of worship, some of the island's top tourist attractions include its historic sacred spaces. Whether you are visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy or dropping by a small shrine in Colombo, here are some behavioural tips to follow.

How to behave in a Temple - Photo by Heshan Weeramanthri on Unsplash

Those who intend to visit a Buddhist temple during a tour of heritage hubs such as Kandy or Anuradhapura must first ensure they are dressed appropriately. Sri Lanka is a very warm and humid country and while it may be tempting to wear halter tops and less restrictive clothing, dressing conservatively is a must for any temple tour. Make sure your attire is in a light shade or colour and covers the knees, shoulders and back areas. Do not wear transparent materials or clothing that is ripped or features apertures in various sections. Shorts are also not permissible so wearing long skirts or pants is best when visiting a temple. Those who are based at Earl's Regency Kandy or any similar places to stay in Kandy in the hill capital may also want to wear white when visiting the Temple of the Tooth.

When entering any place of worship, removing footwear is crucial before walking inside a temple. Most Sri Lankan temples will have a shoe stand or a designated area to leave one's footwear although some tourists may find it easier to leave their shoes in the vehicle and walk to the temple barefoot. Hats, sunglasses and head coverings including Hijabs and Burqas must also be removed.

Once you are inside the temple, it is crucial not to stand with your back to statues and sculptures. Local pilgrims will often walk backwards in order to avoid turning their backs on the Buddha statues due to this reason. Touching statues and murals is strictly prohibited even if one is not exploring a UNESCO Heritage Site such as the Dambulla Cave Temple. This is both to prevent discolouration and damage to the sculptures and paintings as well as a sign of respect.

While it is perfectly acceptable to take photographs of temple landscapes, you should always ask permission before taking photographs of the interior of heritage sites. Some murals may get damaged by flash photography so if there are signs asking tourists not to use cameras inside, adhere to these rules without question. Photographing monks and other pilgrims should also be avoided as it is a violation of their right to privacy in a sacred location. There is nothing wrong with having your photo taken at a temple although one must be careful not to turn their back on statues, stupas and temple structures.

If Buddhist monks enter the temple or pass by, it is customary to stand and bow your head as a sign of respect. If you happen to be seated inside the temple, it is necessary to stand and step aside for the monks to make their way as they are revered beings and representatives of the Buddha's way of life. Maintaining silence and speaking at a low volume is also crucial during temple visits as temples are holy venues where one cannot shout, yell or behave in unseemly ways. Smoking, eating and drinking inside the temple grounds are also strictly prohibited. Most Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka are home to a monkey population and it is best to refrain from feeding the creatures as it can cause unwanted complications.