Quick answer
In Kandy, wear light, loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, which is required at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and expected at every shrine. Long trousers or a skirt below the knee and a top with sleeves suit both men and women. White or pale colours are traditional for temples. Choose shoes that slip off easily and carry socks, since you will walk barefoot on stone. Add a light layer for evenings at 18 to 21°C and a compact umbrella.
Key takeaways
- The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic requires shoulders and knees to be covered for all visitors, men and women.
- Shoes and hats must be removed at Buddhist temples and devales, and socks are permitted.
- Clothing or tattoos showing the image of the Buddha are considered offensive in Sri Lanka and have led to deportations.
- Evening temperatures in Kandy are typically 18 to 21°C, about ten degrees cooler than midday.
- White is the customary colour for temple visits in Sri Lanka, especially on poya days.
The temple dress code
The dress code at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is enforced at the entrance. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Sleeveless tops, vests, shorts, short skirts and transparent fabrics are refused, and leggings worn as trousers may be questioned.
Visitors who arrive at the temple unsuitably dressed are not turned away for long. Sarongs and shawls are sold and sometimes lent near the gate. It is easier, though, to leave your hotel already dressed for it, since the same rule applies at the devales, monasteries and outlying temples.
- →Covered shoulders: sleeves to at least the upper arm.
- →Covered knees: trousers, a long skirt or a sarong.
- →No hats or caps inside.
- →No clothing printed with Buddha images.
Dressing for Kandy's climate
Kandy's climate calls for breathable fabrics. Days are warm at 26 to 31°C and humid, so cotton and linen are more comfortable than synthetics. Loose trousers and long skirts are cooler than they sound and protect against sun and mosquitoes.
Evenings in Kandy are noticeably cooler than the coast or the Cultural Triangle. A light cardigan, shirt or shawl is welcome after dark, at the dawn puja and in hill hotels, where nights can drop to 16°C in December and January.
- →Day: cotton or linen trousers or skirt, short-sleeved top.
- →Evening: add a light long-sleeved layer.
- →Rain: compact umbrella or packable jacket.
- →Sun: hat and sunglasses for the gardens and viewpoints.
Footwear
Footwear in Kandy has to cope with frequent removal. At the temple you leave shoes at a counter for a small fee and collect them afterwards. Slip-on sandals or shoes without laces save time and trouble.
Bare feet on stone are the less-mentioned part of temple visits in Kandy. Courtyards are hot at midday and cold and wet at dawn. A pair of socks in your bag solves both. For Udawattakele, Hantana and other walks, bring closed shoes with grip.
- →Town and temples: sandals or slip-on shoes, plus socks.
- →Forest and hill walks: trail shoes; leech socks in wet months.
- →Evenings out: smart sandals or flats are sufficient anywhere.
Colours, white and poya days
White is the colour of religious observance in Sri Lanka. On poya days nearly every pilgrim at the temple wears it, and visitors who do the same are warmly noticed. Pale shades of cream, grey or blue are equally acceptable.
Colours to avoid at temples in Kandy are few. Black is associated with mourning and protest, and very bright or revealing outfits look out of place. There is no rule against colour on ordinary days, and many local women wear vivid saris.
Notes for women and for men
Women in Kandy will feel most comfortable in clothing similar to what local women wear: loose trousers or a skirt to the calf, and a top that covers shoulders and chest. A large scarf is the most useful single item, serving as a shawl, a head covering against sun and a cover-up.
Men in Kandy are bound by the same temple rules, which catches some out. Shorts above the knee and sleeveless vests are not admitted. Lightweight long trousers and a short-sleeved shirt or T-shirt are ideal. Lankan Stays & Trails drivers carry spare sarongs for guests who forget.
- →Women: maxi skirt or loose trousers, T-shirt or blouse, scarf.
- →Men: long lightweight trousers, shirt or T-shirt with sleeves.
- →Children: the same coverage applies once they are of school age.
What not to wear
What not to wear in Kandy goes beyond the temple. Swimwear, crop tops and very short shorts are for hotel pools only. Walking through town in beachwear draws stares and occasional comments.
The strictest rule in Kandy concerns images of the Buddha. T-shirts, jewellery or visible tattoos depicting the Buddha are regarded as disrespectful, and visitors have been refused entry to the country or deported over them. Cover any such tattoo completely for the whole of your stay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dress code for the Temple of the Tooth?
The dress code for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic requires shoulders and knees to be covered for men and women. Shoes and hats are removed before entry. Sleeveless tops, shorts and short skirts are not accepted, and white or pale clothing is preferred.
Can I wear shorts in Kandy?
You can wear knee-length shorts around Kandy's streets and hotels, although long trousers attract less attention. Shorts are not accepted at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or other shrines unless they fully cover the knee, so carry a sarong.
Do I have to wear white to the temple in Kandy?
Wearing white to the temple in Kandy is not compulsory for visitors. It is the traditional colour for worship, especially on poya days, and is appreciated. Any modest clothing in light or neutral colours is acceptable.
Can I wear socks in Sri Lankan temples?
Socks are allowed in Sri Lankan temples, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. They protect your feet from hot stone in the afternoon and cold, wet floors in the early morning. Only shoes, sandals and hats must be removed.
Can I rent or buy a sarong near the Temple of the Tooth?
Sarongs and shawls are sold by vendors and shops near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic for a few dollars, and are sometimes available to borrow at the entrance. Buying one early in your trip is practical, since you will need it at other temples.
Is Kandy cold enough to need a jacket?
Kandy does not need a heavy jacket. Evenings are 18 to 21°C, so a light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt is enough. Bring something warmer only if you are continuing to Nuwara Eliya, where nights can fall below 10°C.