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Photography rules for visiting ancient temple ruins

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S
Sophia M.•7705 rep•2

I am visiting Polonnaruwa tomorrow. What are the cultural rules for photographing ancient ruins and statues so I do not offend anyone.

32
culturephotographytemples

8 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

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 to protect ancient pigments.

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B
Bhante S.•17665 rep•2

Can we use a tripod at the ruins.

45
S
Sophia M.•7705 rep•2

Yes, as long as it is a standard tripod and you do not block the path of pilgrims.

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B
Bhante S.•17665 rep•2

Bring thick socks! That sand gets boiling hot by noon when you have to take your shoes off.

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O
Oliver B.•16125 rep•2

Do not climb onto the ruined brick walls to get a better angle either. That is highly illegal.

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D
Dr. Nimal.•7280 rep•2

Also, no drones are allowed over the cultural triangle sites without military clearance.

12
D
Dr. Nimal.•7280 rep•2

Great list. No backward selfies, no drones, thick socks.

10
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Sophia M.•7705 rep•2

The guards are super strict. I saw someone forced to delete selfies because their back was to the statue at Gal Vihara.

3
O
Oliver B.•16125 rep•2

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