Things Tourists Should Never Do In Sri Lanka Ever

Similar to many other countries in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is a conservative country that prides itself on its traditional values. To make your stay on this beautiful island safe, memorable, and trouble-free, take note of this list of things to avoid.

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Don’t disrespect religion

It is especially ill-advised to touch a monk, particularly on their head, and women are not allowed to touch monks at all. Also, don’t forget to take your shoes off when visiting a temple.

Don’t turn your back on a Buddha statue

Don’t compare Sri Lanka to India

In conversations with locals, avoid comparing Sri Lanka to India. They are two different countries, with two unique cultures.

Don’t get carried away in public

Public displays of affection are not socially acceptable. However, if you must steal a quick kiss, be like the locals and take an umbrella. If you stroll on Galle Face Green or cross the bridge to Lover’s Island in the middle of Beira Lake, you will spot courting couples hidden from prying eyes behind a brolly!

Don’t take snaps without asking first

Before you take a photo, make sure that you check that it is okay to do so. Some places, such as museums, sometimes require you to buy a permit. It is best to ask before taking photos of soldiers or police officers.

Don’t try to check into a hotel with no beds

Don’t expect to find beds in all ‘hotels’. Confusingly for tourists, many small Sri Lankan restaurants are called ‘hotels’, a tradition which dates back to the time when the best place to get something decent to eat was in an actual hotel.

Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer

Don’t assume that a Sri Lankan person is saying ‘no’ when they are shaking their head from side to side. The Sri Lankan head waggle actually means ‘yes’ or ‘okay’.

Don’t drink the tap water

Avoid drinking water from the tap. Just don’t – even to brush your teeth. It is unsafe. Not only will your digestive system not be used to the micro-organisms, but experts also believe that industry, agricultural waste and fertilisers are contaminating the water supply, causing the growing number of water-related health problems in the country.

Don’t eat with your left hand

Sri Lankans do not use cutlery (although most establishments will oblige if you need them) and eat with their right hand. The left hand is considered ‘unclean’.

Don’t get taken for a ride

When you get in a ‘three-wheeler’ (aka tuk tuk), don’t forget to ask if they have a meter and check that it is on and running. You can negotiate the price if you know the usual cost. In Colombo, it is LKR 50 per kilometre.

Don’t think people will drive as they do back home

Road deaths in Sri Lanka are at record highs, mainly due to reckless driving. Buses running red lights, motorcycles cutting up on the pavement, tuk tuks on the wrong side of the road on a blind bend – these are all common sights, so please take extra care!

Don’t forget the mozzie spray

Be certain to pack plenty of DEET-based mosquito repellent, as such products are difficult to find in Sri Lanka. Although the island is malaria free, there are frequent outbreaks of dengue fever, which can be pretty nasty.

Don’t miss out on local delicacies

Don’t leave the country without trying local delicacies such as spicy Sri Lankan coconut sambol, a sweet cup of milk tea, or fresh cinnamon. And pack plenty of smiles and Sri Lankan hospitality in your luggage!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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