Exploring markets in Sri Lanka is one such activity that any travel enthusiast should not miss. No matter whether you love checking out stores or not, you are surely going to purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. This beautiful teardrop-shaped island nation is home to multiple bustling markets and modern malls, allowing you to shop for your favorites that fit in your budget. In addition to that, local shopkeepers are very friendly, enhancing your shopping experience.
Pettah Market in Colombo, Galle Fort Shopping Street, Ella Village Shopping Center, and Kandy Market are some of the heavily crowded yet best places for shopping in Sri Lanka. Shopping at both sites offers unique experiences in terms of traditional handicrafts or contemporary fashion. These include handmade jewelry, clothes, teas, handicrafts, and many more, reflecting the spirit of this island paradise.
Best Shopping Sites in Sri Lanka
Shopping in Sri Lanka is rather a sensory experience. You can visit local markets to find made-in-India fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs. One will also find the world-renowned Ceylon tea in specialty tea stores. Get Shopping in Sri Lanka and make it the best visit. Carry away some of its beauty, take your shopping bags, and get ready to have a retail therapy experience.
Pettah Market
Pettah Market is a loud, open-air market located in central Colombo, known for its lively atmosphere and reasonable rates. You can buy clothes, shoes, electronic items, bags, as well as spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, and local snacks from here. It is busy, hectic, and lively- just what a shopping lover looks for. However, despite being a chaotic place, it is an interesting site to watch the daily life of a Sri Lankan and to get good bargains.
Note: Take care of valuables, wear comfortable footwear, and walk with an exploration mindset.
Barefoot
Barefoot is a premium boutique brand renowned for its colorful handloom products and with home decor, and ethically produced fashion. Barefoot is a company founded by artist Barbara Sansoni and has a unique and exclusive collection of handmade items by rural artisans. Every single item is colorful, modern, and thoroughly connected to the Sri Lankan heritage, including a cushion cover, tote bag, sarong, and tablecloth. The main store in Colombo has got a beautiful cafe and art gallery. The other outlet is within the Galle Fort. Barefoot is a little more costly; however, it promises quality, inventiveness, and fair-trade philosophy. It is ideal for eco-friendly customers and artisan design enthusiasts.
Kandy City Centre (Kandy)
Kandy City Centre (KCC) is a contemporary shopping mall situated beside the wonderful Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth. It presents a blend of local and global brands of fashion, electronics, books, beauty, and food. The interiors are air-conditioned with elevators, an ATM, and hygienic facilities, which is an enjoyable shopping experience in the cultural capital. This is not an ideal place to shop for traditional souvenirs, but an excellent place to get some of the daily needs, fashionable clothes, mobile phones, and accessories, or gifts. KCC also has a multiplex cinema and food court, which makes it a favorite hangout spot for both tourists and locals visiting central Sri Lanka.
Mackwoods Tea Centre (Nuwara Eliya)
Set in the scenic beauty of the Nuwara Eliya Hills, Mackwoods Tea Centre provides a different dimension of shopping cum learning experience. Visitors have access to guided tours around the tea plantation and factory to observe the cultivation and the manufacturing process of the world-renowned Ceylon tea. The tour is complemented by the on-site tea boutique where visitors can buy a variety of high-quality tea: black tea, green tea, flavored tea, and herbal tea. The packaging is classy and presentable as a gift. There is also a tea cafe with a view of the green plantation, which is a great place to stop and get some retail therapy. It is natural, fresh, and real Sri Lankan.
Best Things to Buy from Sri Lanka
1- Batik and Handloom clothes
One can find batik sarongs, dresses, scarves, and woven cotton fabrics in almost every local market. Every item is called one-of-a-kind, usually crafted by hand with ancient dyes.
Best shops: barefoot, LUV SL, and in the streets of Colombo, Galle, and Kandy.
2- Spices
Sri Lankan spices are sweet and pleasantly aromatic. Purchase cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, turmeric, and curry powder sold in large quantities or as expertly chosen gift baskets.
Perfectly suited to: Foodies and people who would like to carry the taste of the Sri Lankan food home.
Where to buy: Spice gardens, supermarkets, or the Pettah Market in Colombo.
3- Ayurvedic Products
Ayurveda is a significant part of Sri Lanka’s health. Herbal oils, balms, shampoos, incense, and skincare products manufactured using natural ingredients are all available to purchase.
Note: Search for brands, such as Spa Ceylon and Siddhalepa, that offer luxury and therapeutic products.
4- Paintings and Antiques
Antique furniture pieces, Sri Lankan folk art, and the temple-style paintings are ideal to either collect or use to decorate their homes with an island touch.
Availability- Galle Fort, Colombo galleries, and tourist art shops.
Tip: Before purchasing antiques, look up on the laws and shipping regulations.
5- Authentic Candy and Biscuits
Kavum, kokis, thala guli (sesame balls), and dried fruits like mango and banana chips are special and tasty. They are frequently sold in gift wrappings.
Availability: local bakeries, supermarkets, and traditional food shops.
Some Very Useful Shopping Tips
- Don’t forget to take a receipt for every purchased item, especially for jewelry and other expensive valuables.
- I would personally suggest not buying bulky items like stone carvings, else you will have to pay extra baggage charges at the airport.
- State valuables on customs, especially when you are likely to resell them.
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