Located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a unique country with gorgeous landscapes and a culture and history that matches that of India. It is also a country of anthropological importance as there is evidence of prehistoric human settlements dating back more than 125,000 years in the country’s 3000 years of documented history. Being located on the Maritime Silk Road has helped it to flourish over the years, enjoying success from its deep ports as a result of its geographical location. Dating back to 29 BC, the Pali Canon – Sri Lanka’s oldest known Buddhist works – has made it a culturally significant country. With all these traditions and cultural practices, they are special about some What not to do in Sri Lanka? As a traveller.
12 things not to do in Sri Lanka
Although there is a lot to discover and do in Sri Lanka, it is always good to be cautious and well aware of the taboos and etiquette of a country. Learn things to keep in mind when visiting a place in a certain time period or during a particular climate, etc. Following is a list of Do’s and Don’ts in Sri Lanka While traveling in Sri Lanka.
1. Always eat with your right hand
Sri Lanka has some delicious dishes. Their seafood is to die for. But no matter how much your mouth waters, never eat with your left hand, no matter how difficult it may be to eat with your right hand if you are left-handed. The reason behind this etiquette is that the left hand is considered impure in their culture. The same applies to activities like giving or receiving something and, of course, shaking someone’s hand. Take this as a general rule when traveling in Sri Lanka and don’t forget it at any cost otherwise you risk offending some superstitious person.
2. Leave the romance for the bedroom
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Public displays of affection are strictly unacceptable anywhere in Sri Lanka. They do not consider it good for people in Sri Lanka, especially foreigners, to be in contact with each other or be friendly. If you do display some affection in public, good luck avoiding the aggressive glances of some locals, who can be quite conservative in such matters. When it comes to public displays of affection the furthest couples can go is holding hands in public, that’s all. If you can’t control your impulses, one trick you can try from the locals is to cover yourself with an umbrella. Maybe you can even avoid a tan.
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3. Don’t take pictures of locals without asking them
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If you want to take photos of police officers or military soldiers, it is best to ask their permission, they usually refuse if you ask them kindly. The same applies if you photograph artworks in excellent museums as you will need to purchase a permit to capture attractive photographs of those exhibits. The same applies to taking photographs in temples. Make sure the officers know you are taking photographs or confirm first if they agree to photographs being taken within your premises.
4. Always face Buddha statues
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Never walk with your back turned towards Buddha statues. Even while taking photographs, ensure that other visitors to the temple have their backs to the other side and not in the direction of the idol. Turning one’s back towards the statue is considered a sign of disrespect and when people turn their backs it is considered by the locals to be a mockery of Buddhism and its principles. This rule applies not only to Buddha statues, but also to religious statues in general. Also avoid wearing shirts or clothes with images of deities like Buddha. The Buddha is an admired figure in the Sri Lankan community and locals dislike foreigners who wear shirts bearing his image. cristiano played
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5. Follow and respect tradition
When entering a temple, always take off your shoes, don’t even think of touching a monk’s head or any other part of their body. Women in particular are not allowed to touch monks. This is one of the few traditions that the people of Sri Lanka are very particular about and follow strictly.
6. Avoid comparison between Sri Lanka and India
Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit?, Absolutely! Both Sri Lanka and India are culturally rich and diverse in their own unique ways. They both have similar cultures and follow some of the same traditions and practice the same religion, speak some of the same languages, like Tamil, etc. Just as India is home to many different communities, so is Sri Lanka, there are Sinhalese, Malays, Tamils, Chinese, Berbers, Veddas, Moors etc. Therefore, despite some similarities, there are also wide differences, which make each country unique. Therefore, comparison between the two will be met with resentment and contempt from the local people. Therefore avoid doing this.
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7. Don’t be confused when they nod their head as an answer
An action unique to Sri Lanka, nodding is a typical form of affirmation. When saying ‘Okay’ or ‘Yes’, Sri Lankans usually shake their head from side to side rather than nodding like most Westerners. So don’t mistake their head shaking for ‘no’, disapproval or negation, it often means positive, unless the locals are being sarcastic or sarcastic with you.
8. Do not be careless while crossing busy roads
The trend of reckless driving has increased so much that it seems as if it is a craze that will never end. The number of road deaths due to careless driving as a result of carelessness while driving on the road is at an all-time high in the country. Some examples include jumping public transport red lights, driving tuk-tuks or metered taxis on the wrong side of the road for convenience, or driving motorcycles and other two-wheelers on footpaths to avoid traffic. So be careful while driving through the streets of Sri Lankan cities.
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9. Don’t get confused between restaurants and hotels
In the past, the best places for locals to find great food were not restaurants but hotels. As a result, many small restaurants began calling themselves hotels rather than restaurants as this would attract more customers, and as a result, generate more revenue. So do not go to any hotel and ask for a room or bed from them, because chances are that you will be turned away.
10. Don’t be fooled by tuk tuk drivers
Tuk-tuks are basically Sri Lankan rickshaws that will give you a lift at a fixed fare. The distance can range from a few to more than a hundred kilometers. Be sure to ask the rate before going in a tuk-tuk. Ask around the city what the rates for this tuk-tuk usually are, so you have an idea and don’t get fooled when a driver charges you a much higher rate than the locals. DC. United Also, when in Colombo city, make sure to check that the rickshaws are metered and working properly. Only after that hire a tuk-tuk.
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11. Avoid drinking tap water
This is one of the most common Things to avoid in Sri Lanka, Apart from washing your face and hands after a tiring day full of travelling, avoid drinking tap water or even brushing or washing your utensils with tap water. Sri Lanka is a developing country and some of the problems it has still not got rid of are health problems arising from contaminated water. Robert Lewandowski Waste from various industries such as agriculture, and waste from homes often get into the water and although they have filtration systems, they are not very advanced.
12. Beware of mosquitoes
Like any other destination in the world, there are some good things about Sri Lanka bad things about sri lanka, Its rawness and non-urban charm also comes with some drawbacks. For example, the problem of mosquitoes and other insects. When traveling to Sri Lanka, especially in more remote areas of the country, don’t forget to carry mosquito repellent spray or cream with you. Outbreaks of dengue fever have occurred several times in the past, and so have other diseases such as malaria. Therefore, cleanliness is of utmost importance.
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Although some of these precautionary measures may seem a little scary, they are probably worst-case scenarios. Sri Lanka is a place of countless adventures, wonders and unique beauty and culture. You will definitely meet some extremely kind and polite locals who will introduce you to their culture if you in return also show them the respect they deserve. If you ever plan a trip to Sri Lanka, you are on your way to a wonderful vacation, if you haven’t already done so.
