How to ethically photograph the Polonnaruwa toque macaques without feeding them

You will see them very easily; the troops are habituated and roam freely through the ruins. Hot spots: the Quadrangle, around the Royal Palace, and on the boulder fields near Gal Vihara. Best times: early morning (6:30-9am) when troops are active before the heat sends them into shade, and late afternoon. ETHICAL RULES: (1) Never feed them, not even leftover banana - it changes their behaviour and damages their digestive health. (2) Keep at least 5m distance; never get between a mother and infant or between two troops. (3) Do not hold a banana, mango or any food visibly - they will charge you. (4) No flash photography (genuinely stresses them). PHOTOGRAPHY tips: (1) A 100-300mm zoom lens captures expression without crowding them. (2) Sit still on a wall for 10-15 minutes; the troop will come to you naturally. (3) Best behavioural shots: grooming chains, juvenile play, mother-infant carries, the alpha males "dominance walk". If a male shows teeth or stares, look down and back away calmly.