Kathiresan Kovil

• Cover shoulders and knees. Bring a sarong or scarf; some sites lend or rent a wrap at the entrance.
• Take shoes and hats off before entering. Stone can be scorching by midday — a pair of socks saves your feet at big sites like Anuradhapura.
• Be quiet and unhurried, give way to worshippers, and skip public displays of affection.
• A small donation to the offering box is appreciated but never required.

At a Hindu kovil

• Some kovils ask men to remove their shirt before entering the inner shrine; follow the signs and the lead of worshippers.
• Leather items (belts, bags) are discouraged inside some shrines. Walk clockwise around the sanctum.
• Ask before photographing the inner sanctum or a priest; many shrines do not allow it.

Based on Sri Lanka Tourism visitor guidance and travel-advisory norms. Disrespecting an image of the Buddha is an offence under Sri Lankan law.