Silent meditation rules at the Temple of the Tooth
5 Answers from travellers
Yes, tourists are welcome to meditate. However, do NOT sit in the main shrine room on the ground floor; it is too chaotic and guards will ask you to keep moving. The best spot is upstairs in the quieter halls, or outside in the temple courtyards. Always sit cross-legged or kneel so the soles of your feet NEVER point toward a Buddha statue or a monk.
Closing your eyes for meditation is perfectly fine and understood by the guards. Just maintain a respectful posture.
Make sure your shoulders and knees are completely covered, otherwise they will not even let you through the security gate.
Go early in the morning, around 5:30 AM. It is incredibly serene before the massive tour buses arrive at 8 AM.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Staying in Kandy - best area to stay and what to actually do in the city itself?2 answers
- Finding the hidden Nalanda Gedige stone temple near Kandy3 answers
- Temple of the Tooth crowds during Vesak festival weekend4 answers
- How to visit the Lankatilaka Viharaya temple near Kandy.3 answers
- Hanthana range and Udawattakele forest near Kandy good hikes straight from the city and are they safe and worth it6 answers
- Tuktuk drivers in Kandy quoting crazy prices for temple tours6 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture