10 best places to shop in Sri Lanka

A trip to Sri Lanka is not complete without a shopping experience. The artisans are famous for their first-class production of conventional souvenirs and contemporary-style variations. The quantity, quality and choice of attractive things to take back home are unparalleled. The country is a paradise for a shopper. Numerous shops sell local handicrafts, beautiful gems, ayurvedic products and tea. You are certain to find something no matter what you are looking for.

Arcade Independence Square - Colombo

This shopping mall is situated inside a colonial building that has been restored. The place has numerous international brands to look around, alongside a good theatre on the topmost floor. You can shop here to your heart’s content due to its vast range of expensive brands. The place also has some eateries and a lounge for the visitors to relax at, following a hectic day shopping.

Opening hours – 10 am to 11 pm

Barefoot - Colombo

If you are a fan of handmade artifacts, astonishing handicrafts and conventional paintings, you should probably make a visit to this place when you are in Colombo. The souvenirs that you can get here make for excellent gifts for your family and friends. The place also has a stunning cafe where one can treat yourself to good coffee, tea and scrumptious food.

Opening hours – Sat - 10 am to 7 pm; Sun – 11 am to 5 pm

Kandy City Center - Kandy

This is the only shopping centre that you will find in Kandy. It is a five-storied shopping centre that is situated within a short walking distance from the Temple of Tooth and the Kandy Lake. The place boasts of a number of popular local and global brands and also has a wide range of accessories, electronics, clothing and entertainment choices available.

Opening hours – 9 am to 9 pm

Paradise Road - Colombo

Located in an old house, Paradise road houses some of the best locally sourced handicrafts, crockery, artifacts, homeware, handicrafts and various kinds of souvenirs and antiques. The black and white plates that are hand-painted are very famous here and it is something that you simply cannot resist buying. You can access the place using local transport.

Opening hours – 10 am to 7 pm

Odel Departmental Store - Colombo

This popular retail brand in Sri Lanka has its individual departmental store in Colombo that is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. Situated within a wonderful colonial building, the place accommodates products of its own brand in company with those from major global brands. You can find popular brands from Adidas to Nike besides local brands, which makes it a good mix of luxury and budget shopping. The indoor section is hoarded with shops that sell accessories, clothes, perfumes, shoes, luggage, books and souvenirs.

Opening hours – 10 am to 8 pm

Pettah Floating Market

This floating market is a good shopping hub that is constructed over wooden bridges on a water body. It is a good place to get your shopping done as you stroll around the area lazily. There are restaurants that offer delicious food as well.

Opening hours – 8 am to 10 pm

Jewel Arena - Colombo

The country is blessed with astonishing gem mines and so whenever you happen to visit Sri Lanka, you should make it a priority to buy some valuable gems. Whilst you can stumble on some good jewelry stores all over the nation, this place offers a number of the most excellent quality gems with great craftsmanship. Situated within a short walk from Viharamahadevi Park, the jewellery store sells intricate and gorgeous gem pieces at an affordable price.

Opening hours – Sat – 10 am to 7.30 pm; Sun – 10 am to 5 pm

Mlesna Tea Centre - Colombo

If you are a big tea lover, this is one place that you should definitely not miss during your trip to Sri Lanka. With numerous unique flavours to try such as rose, jasmine, mint, etc, the store is a heaven that you must explore. Two more stores are located in Bandarawela and Crescat Boulevard mall as well.

Opening hours – 9 am to 6.30 pm

Dutch Gallery - Galle

This is yet another great place to shop around in Sri Lanka that hosts an assortment of antiques that characterize a distinct style. You can find various objects of great value due to their historical significance. If you have plans to travel around Galle then you should definitely add this beautiful gallery to your itinerary.

Opening hours – 10 am to 7 pm

Franciscan Sister’s Jam Room – Nuwara Eliya

This beautiful small shop in Numara Eliya has some of the best pickles, jams and chutneys. The delicious handmade items are made with pure love using materials that are produced locally such as strawberries that grow in the backyard of homes. The place also has a good selection of wines – ginger, beetroot strawberry, just to name a few.

Opening hours – 8.30 am to 6 pm

Sri Lanka has numerous beautiful souvenirs in various price ranges that you can bring home. Plan your trip to Sri Lanka with the help of Pickyourtrail. Their experts will recommend the best Sri Lanka tour packages that best suit your requirements.