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Temple of the Tooth evening Pooja crowd safety and shoe theft

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E
Ethan J.•5875 rep•2

I am visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy for the evening ceremony. I heard the crowds are intense. Is it safe, and how do I prevent my expensive hiking boots from being stolen outside.

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kandyhikingbudget-travelsafetytemples

5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The evening Pooja is very safe, but incredibly crowded with worshippers. Pickpocketing is rare inside the shrine but can happen in the tight shoulder-to-shoulder queues. For your shoes, there is an official, secure shoe counter right before the main entrance. You pay 100 LKR, and they give you a metal token. It is 100% safe. Do not just leave them under a tree.

38
K
Kamal P.•5430 rep•1

I just brought a plastic bag and carried my flip-flops in my backpack. Much easier.

44
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Mia S.•5630 rep•2

Good tip about the official shoe counter. I will look for it.

38
E
Ethan J.•5875 rep•2

Also, keep your wallet in your front pocket. The drum area gets wild.

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M
Mia S.•5630 rep•2

Be careful on the stairs near the drummers, the floor gets slippery from spilled coconut oil.

4
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Amali D.•3620 rep•1

Scam Watch: kandy

Gem Museum Commission ScamVerified

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.

👍 38•by virajperera
Unofficial Temple Guide ScamVerified

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).

👍 34•by virajperera
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