Photography rules for ancient temple ruins culture
8 Answers from travellers
The most important cultural rule in Sri Lanka is that you must NEVER take a photo posing with your back turned to a Buddha statue, even if it is a ruin. This is considered deeply disrespectful. You must stand sideways or face the statue. Also, remove your hat and shoes when standing on the sandy compounds, and turn off your camera flash.
Yes, as long as it is a standard tripod and you do not block the path of pilgrims.
Great list. No backward selfies, no drones, thick socks.
Also, no drones are allowed over the cultural triangle sites without military clearance.
The guards are super strict. I saw someone forced to delete selfies because their back was to the statue at Gal Vihara.
Do not climb onto the ruined brick walls to get a better angle either. That is highly illegal.
Bring thick socks! That sand gets boiling hot by noon when you have to take your shoes off.
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