Sri Lanka, a country nestled in Asia is a popular travel destination that keeps on giving. From lush green mountains and rainforests to eye-catching beaches and shopping places, this is a country that has it all. In fact, shopping in Sri Lanka means a whole lot more than buying usual items and exploring marketplaces.
From jewelry and batiks to paintings and vibrant saris, shopping in this part of Asia is itself a treat. So, do you want to indulge in a shopping trail in the heart of Sri Lanka? Well, we have compiled a detailed list of some of the top shopping places to visit and things to buy in Sri Lanka today.
Best Shopping Places In Sri Lanka
Shopping in Sri Lanka is a delight for travelers and shoppers can find themselves spoilt for choices here. Let's take a look at some top shopping places to visit in the country.
1. Paradise Road
Located in an old mansion and offering a fine experience of shopping in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Paradise Road is where one can shop for the best of locally sourced crockery, souvenirs, handicrafts, artifacts, and so much more. It is one of those places to visit in Sri Lanka where hand-painted black and white plates are particularly famous. In fact, these plates are so attractive that travelers wouldn't resist buying them here.
Likewise, Paradise Road is where all sorts of antiques are available for sale. Although one can find such antiques in other parts of the country too, shopping for them here is a whole new experience. Besides, since the Paradise Road is located in close proximity to the Gangaramaya temple in the heart of Sri Lanka, reaching here isn't a big concern and one can and one can hire any local transport to come here for shopping. So, what's the delay? Come visit Paradise Road and enjoy shopping for the best of items here.
Location - 213 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Timings - 10 AM to 7 PM
2. Saturday Good Market Event
There are many local markets and shops in Sri Lanka that present opportunities to shop for the best of products. However, when it comes to the Saturday Good Market Event, one can find so many things to do in Sri Lanka than mere exploration and shopping. This is a street market that is a big hit amongst the locals and is set up at the Colombo Racecourse every Saturday.
Today, the market features about 70 to 90 pre-approved vendors who sell a number of items to visitors. From fresh organic vegetables and fruits to the best of ethnic wear, snacks, toys, housewares, and so much more, this is a market that has it all.
In fact, visitors coming to this market can not only enjoy shopping but can also indulge in massage and spa services offered here. Likewise, the Saturday Good Market Event also features a number of street music performances and authentic massage services. While adults can enjoy shopping, kids get a chance to play some games on site.
Location - Colombo Racecourse Mall, Nuga Tree Car Park, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Timings - 9 AM to 5 PM
3. Pettah Floating Market
Although there are a number of places to visit in Asia where floating markets are highly popular, the Pettah Floating Market is definitely worth a visit. One of the most popular shopping places in Sri Lanka, the market offers a wide variety of things to buy like shoes, clothes, footwear, bags, accessories, and much more.
Travelers coming here are treated with a completely new experience of shopping on a floating market. Interestingly, the Pettah Floating Market is set above the Beira Lake and has everything one can possibly ask for.
One can not only enjoy shopping here but can also savor some fine delicacies at the restaurants that are part of the floating market. This is a place where travelers can lazily stroll around while enjoying the cool breeze blowing above the Beira Lake.
Location - W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
Timings - 8 AM to 10:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
4. Galle Face Green Night Market
One of the most popular markets to visit in Sri Lanka today, the Galle Face Green Night Market is another fine place for foodies. The market is located a mere 37. 4 KM away from Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka which makes it easily commutable for travelers. One can experience tasting the most in-demand street food here while the market has an altogether different feel about it when the sun goes down.
For travelers, shopping in Sri Lanka isn't complete if one doesn't explore this marketplace. From the best of cuttlefish Kottu and mutton Kottu (popular Sri Lankan street food) to mouthwatering desserts, and so much more, this is a market that has it all. Although visitors can come here during the morning time also, exploring the market in the evening still has to be one of the top priorities.
In fact, travelers can even visit the market during mornings and savor a nice breakfast here. So, what's making you wait? If food is on your mind, Galle Face Green Night Market is the place that awaits you.
Location - Nanas, Galle Face Dr, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Timings - The market remains all 24 hours
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Top Things To Buy In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country that offers a number of things to buy to travelers. From the best of tea and traditional masks to kitchen utensils and so much more, there's a lot that travelers can buy in this part of the world.
1. Tea
Here's a thing, Sri Lanka is one of the most popular tea producing nations in the world. The country's climatic conditions provide perfect conditions for the production of high quality tea. One can buy Ceylon tea anywhere in the country today. Every supermarket and store offers visitors a chance to buy the country's tea. In fact, towns like Nuwara Eliya or Kandy are home to some of the finest tea estates in Sri Lanka.
So, what's the delay? If you're in the country and thinking about some things to buy in Sri Lanka, well, Ceylon Tea is something you would definitely want to buy. However, in order to verify the authenticity of the tea, travelers are advised to pay attention to the logo. An original Ceylon Tea packet will always have a lion Ceylon Tea logo on it. One can even buy the tea packets and gift them to loved ones.
Where To Buy - Kandy, Ella, Haputale, and Nuwara Eliya
2. Spices
If Sri Lanka comes to your mind when you think of spices, well, you're not wrong. During the country's long history, Sri Lanka has been a major hub for spices. It is one of the main reasons why the country has been a major trade route in the past. Today, there are many spice gardens around the country where travelers love to visit. In fact, if you're looking for some spice shops in Sri Lanka, there's a big chance you would find plenty of shops in every nook and corner of the country.
As for the most popular, travelers can shop for Ceylon Cinnamon, curry leaves, and even dried goraka fruit which is an essential ingredient of seafood dishes in Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the spices in Sri Lanka are widely popular for recreating their own distinct taste and flavor. So, if there's something you're looking to buy in Sri Lanka on a holiday, it might as well be a popular spice.
Where To Buy - Travelers can buy spices directly from spice gardens in Sri Lanka. There are many gardens all around the country that offer the best of authentic spices.
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3. Batik Items
Having originated in Indonesia, Batik is a technique of dying fabrics with the help of ink and wax. Today, Batik items like wall hangings and pieces of clothes are highly popular in Sri Lanka. Hence, as far as things to buy in Sri Lanka are concerned, one can surely think of Batik items.
Interestingly, Batik was first introduced in Sri Lanka in the 19th century and became widely popular. Today, travelers opting to buy Batik items can not find many shops but can also watch live workshops on how the items are made from scratch.
Where To Buy - Although there are many shops to buy the best of Batik items, travelers can visit workshops like Henry Batiks in Dambulla.
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4. Coconut Shell Kitchen Utensils
Coconut has been a pivotal part of Sri Lankan cuisine since long but do you know that you can even buy kitchen utensils made of coconut shells? Well, one of the most fascinating things to buy yet so cheap in the country are kitchen utensils made of coconuts shells. Visitors can find spoons, cups, bowls, and even ladles which are very popular amongst shoppers. So, if you're looking biy something that will truly remind you of Sri Lanka, well, this may well be that.
Where To Buy - Kitchen utensils made from coconut shells are available in just about every market in Sri Lanka, travelers can go to a local market and buy these utensils with ease.
A country that welcomes travelers with open arms, Sri Lanka is more than a travel destination today. It is an experience of a lifetime, a feeling you would never want to give away. As for shoppers? Shopping in Sri Lanka means a day filled with fun, exploration and excitement. One can buy the rarest of souvenirs or shop for some cool things like kitchen utensils made of coconut shells.
So, what's making you wait. Unleash the shopper in you. Book flights to Sri Lanka and come explore the unique marketplaces of the country.
FAQs
Travelers can look to spend a minimum of 7-10 days in Sri Lanka as there are so many places to visit and things to experience in the country.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and mid-April. This is the time when the country experiences its peak season in terms of travel.
Located in an old mansion and offering a fine experience of shopping in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Paradise Road is the best marketplace in Sri Lanka and a place where one can shop for the best of locally sourced crockery, souvenirs, handicrafts, artifacts, and so much more.
Sri Lanka is one of the most popular tea producing nations in the world. The country's climatic conditions provide perfect conditions for the production of high quality tea. Hence, Ceylon Tea is the best thing to buy in Sri Lanka today.
Yes, Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in the world and a popular travel destination. Travelers can come here, spend their vacation and not worry any security concerns.
One of the most popular shopping places in Sri Lanka, the Pettah Floating Market offers a wide variety of things to buy like shoes, clothes, footwear, bags, accessories, and much more.
Yes, one of the most fascinating things to buy yet so cheap in the country are kitchen utensils made of coconuts shells. These utensils are available in just about every local marketplace in the country today.
There are many places to visit in Sri Lanka that fascinate travelers today. Here are some top places to explore - Sigiriya, World's End Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle Face Green, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, St Anthony's Church, Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
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